BEST FOR WEEKDAYS
Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park
42nd St. at Sixth Ave.; 212-661-6640
Open: Daily, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.; fifteen-minute Zamboni breaks as needed
Price: Free admission, $20 for skate rental, $10–$12 for bag check, $10 for lock rental, $6 for helmet rental; $28–$35 for Express Skate that includes skate rental and no waiting in line
As the city’s only free rink, this popular spot still sees long lines and congested skating on weekends. Head there on a weekday, however, and you’ll find that the 17,000 square feet of ice feel practically roomy, and there’s a lot of open seating on the sidelines.
BEST FOR EVENINGS
Wollman Rink
Central Park S., enter at 59th St. at Sixth Ave. (follow the footpath); 212-439-6900
Open: M and Tu, 10 a.m to 2:30 p.m.; W and Th, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; F and S, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Su, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Zamboni breaks vary
Price: $12–$19 for adults, $6 for children under 11, $5–$9 for seniors, $5 for spectators, $9 for skate rental, $5 (plus $6 refundable deposit) for lock rental
There’s no time when you won’t find dizzying crowds here, but if you bring your own skates to avoid the crazed skate-rental process, its sheer size (30,800 square feet) more than makes up for any hassles. Though it’s busier, night is still the best time to go because the setting is so spectacular.
BEST FOR OUT-OF-TOWN GUESTS
The Rink at Rockefeller Center
Fifth Ave. at 50th St.; 212-332-7654
Open: Daily, 8:30 a.m. to midnight (Rink may be closed periodically for private events, check website in advance.); 30-minute Zamboni breaks every 90 minutes
Price: $27–$32 for adults, $15 for seniors and children under 11, $12 for skate rental. Advance reservations available online for $60-$150
The world’s most famous skating rink draws huge crowds (wait times can exceed an hour) and commands the city’s highest prices. Still, the setting is iconic and it’s kind of a must for holiday visitors. The rink is tiny compared to others in midtown, but the number of skaters is limited to 150, so it’s a surprisingly pleasant experience once you’re on the ice.
BEST FOR BEGINNERS
Lasker Rink
Central Park N., Lenox Ave. and 110th St. entrance; 917-492-3856
Open: M through Th, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; F, 10 a.m. to 4:50 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.; S, 1 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Su, 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Price: $8 for adults, $4 for children, $2.25 for seniors, $7 for skate rental, $3.25 (plus $4 refundable deposit) for lock rental, $2.25–$8 for spectators
Central Park is also home to these two smallish oval rinks, split between hockey players and skaters. It’s not the most exciting pick, and the music is grating, but it’s a good experience for anyone with crowded-rink phobia.
BEST FOR KIDS’ PARTIES
Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers
Pier 61, 21st St. at the Hudson River; 212-336-6100
Open: Public hours vary, call or check website for schedule.
Price: $10 for adults, children, and seniors, $5 for skate rental, $4.25 for helmet rental
Its indoor setting lacks the charm of the city’s more majestic outdoor options, but it’s much easier to wrangle a big group of kids here than it is anywhere else. And for parents who aren’t skaters themselves, there’s plenty of rink-side seating and the temperature is comfortably warm.
BEST IN QUEENS
City Ice Pavilion
47-32 32nd Pl., nr. 47th Ave., Long Island City; 718-706-6667
Open: Public hours vary, call or check website for schedule.
Price: $6–$9, $5.50 for skate rental, $.75 coin-operated lockers available
Sure, it’s another indoor rink that lacks some charm, but it’s convenient for drivers and riders of the 7 train. And unlike the World Ice Arena in Corona Park, this one’s topped off with a white bubble dome that makes skating here more aesthetically pleasing than at most indoor options.