There's nothing like gliding gracefully across the ice with the wind in your hair and the New York City skyline as your backdrop. Ice skating is fun, it's good exercise, and it makes for a very romantic winter date night. Manhattan boasts several great ice skating rinks -- from the old landmarks like Rockefeller Center to a brand-new rink in Bryant Park.
1. The Pond at Bryant Park
It's free to skate at New York City's newest ice-skating rink in Bryant Park. The Pond at Bryant Park is a 170' x 100' state-of-the-art skating rink. Ice skate rentals are $12 and skating lessons are also available. Nearby, you can stop for a hot toddy at the Ice Cafe or do some holiday shopping at the Holiday Shops at Bryant Park outdoor holiday market.
Where: Bryant Park, between 40th and 42nd St. & 5th and 6th Ave.
When: October 25, 2008 through January 25, 2009. Open Monday through Thursday from 8:00am until 10:00pm and on Saturdays and Sundays from 8:00am until midnight.
Where: Bryant Park, between 40th and 42nd St. & 5th and 6th Ave.
When: October 25, 2008 through January 25, 2009. Open Monday through Thursday from 8:00am until 10:00pm and on Saturdays and Sundays from 8:00am until midnight.
2. Rockefeller Center Ice-Skating Rink
Ice skating at Rockefeller Center is an essential New York City winter experience. Since 1936, millions of New Yorkers have skated here in the shadow of the city's most famous Christmas tree. Admission prices vary by time of year, day of the week, and time of day. During peak times, it will cost you $19 per adult and $12.50 per child. You can always get the latest info on hours of operation and admission prices by calling 212-332-7654.
Where: Rockefeller Center between 47th and 50th St. & 5th and 7th Ave., lower concourse.
When: October 11, 2008 through January 9, 2009. Hours and admission prices.
Where: Rockefeller Center between 47th and 50th St. & 5th and 7th Ave., lower concourse.
When: October 11, 2008 through January 9, 2009. Hours and admission prices.
3. Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers
The Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers offers ice skating in New York City year-round. The rink welcomes skaters of all ages and ability levels for general skating, figure skating, hockey training and league play, and more. For more information, call 212-336-6100 or visit the Chelsea Piers Sky Rink web siteWhere: Chelsea Piers, Pier 61, 23rd Street & the Hudson River
When: The rink is open year-round and open to the public for general skating as follows:
- Mondays and Fridays -- 1:30-5:20PM
- Tuesdays and Thursdays -- 1:30-4:50PM
- Wednesdays -- 1:30-3:50PM
- Saturdays and Sundays -- 1:00-3:50PM
4. Wollman Rink in Central Park
There's nothing more picturesque than skating in Central Park. The Trump Wollman Rink is located near the east side of the Park, just steps away from the Central Park Zoo and The Plaza Hotel. The rink offers ice hockey, a skating school, and party facilities. For more information, call (212) 439-6900Where: Central Park near entrance at Central Park South (59th St.) and 6th Ave.
When: Open October 23, 2008 through April 5, 2009 during the following hours:
- Mondays and Tuesdays -- 10:00AM-2:30PM
- Wednesdays and Thursdays -- 10:00AM-10:00PM
- Fridays and Saturdays -- 10:00AM-11:00PM
- Sundays -- 10:00AM-9:00PM
5. Lasker Rink in Central Park
The Lasker Pool & Rink in Central Park converts from a swimming pool in the summer to an ice-skating rink during the winter months. Lasker hosts skating, adult and youth hockey, and lessons for all ages and abilities. For more information, call 917-492-3856Where: Central Park, mid-Park between 106th and 108th Streets
When: Open to the public during the following hours:
- Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays -- 10:00AM-3:45PM
- Tuesdays -- 10:00AM-3:30PM, 8:00-10:00PM
- Fridays -- 10:00AM-3:45PM, 7:00-11:00PM
- Saturdays -- 1:00-11:00PM
- Sundays -- 12:30-4:30PM
6. Polar Rink at the American Museum of Natural History
This year, you can go ice skating at the American Museum of Natural History. The brand new Polar Rink is located on the Arthur Ross Terrace, with views of the glowing Rose Center for Earth and Space and a twinkling 17-foot-tall polar bear as a centerpiece. Tickets will be $10 for adults, $9 for students and seniors, and $8 for children 3-12 years old, and include skate rental. For more information, call 212-769-5200.Where: 79th Street and Central Park West
When: Open November 22, 2009 through March 1, 2009 during the following hours:
- Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays -- 12:00-8:00PM
- Fridays -- 12:00-11:00PM
- Saturdays and holidays -- 11:00AM-11:00PM
- Sundays -- 11:00AM-8:00PM
7. Seaport Ice
There's another new ice skating rink in town at the South Street Seaport. Seaport Ice is an 8,000-square-foot outdoor rink with riverfront views. Live music will be provided on evenings and weekends by live bands, guest DJs, and The Big Apple Chorus. Admission is just $5 and skate rentals are $7.Where: Pier 17, South Street and Fulton Street in lower Manhattan
When: November 28, 2008 through February 28, 2009. From 10:00AM-10:00PM every day.
