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Most of these ice skating rinks in NYC rent kid-sized ice skates, offer skating lessons, and some even host ice hockey leagues.

Remember to click through to each outdoor ice skating rink's website to confirm skating times and daily availability before heading out as schedules can change throughout the season, especially during the busy NYC holiday season. Closing dates listed are subject to weather; unseasonably warm temperatures may force seasons to end sooner than listed.

Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks in Manhattan

1. Bryant Park Ice Skating Rink – Bryant Park

Open through Sunday, March 5, 2023
FREE admission; skate rental and hours vary; skate reservations must be booked online in advance
If you own your skates, Bryant Park's ice skating rink is one of NYC's best deals—in fact, it's completely FREE. However, the skate rental fees are at least what you'll pay to skate and rent at other rinks in the city and even higher on peak dates. Skaters can check their shoes free of charge, but just like last year, there are no longer lockers available. Penguin- and snowman-shaped skate supports are available for skaters under 5-feet-tall who need extra help and are charged at an hourly rate. Book a morning session and use skate aids for FREE up until 11:30am. Advance online booking is required for all skaters.

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Hit the ice at the famed Rockefeller Center ice skating rink.

2. Ice Rink at Rockefeller Center – Midtown East

Open through March 2023
What's more magical than an ice skating outing at this iconic NYC rink? If you book after Wednesday, November 30, you can skate under the sparkling lights of the Rockefeller Christmas tree, albeit with some sold-out crowds. Plan to visit early in the season or post-holidays for the best availability and lightest crowds. Book your tickets and reservations online prior to visiting to ensure you're not turned away.

3. Governors Island Winter Village – Colonels Row

Thursday, November 17, 2022-TBD
We were thrilled to visit Governors Island's new Winter Village when it debuted in 2021 and are so excited to see it's coming back for a second go-round. Open Thursdays through Sundays, plus all DOE holidays, you can glide on the ice, or enjoy fun nearby. Blazing Saddles has you ready for any weather with bike rentals, and sled rentals. Little Eva's and a rotating array of food trucks keep you fueled.

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Spend a day in lovely Central Park and take a spin on the ice while you're there. Photo by Janet Bloom

4. Wollman Rink – Central Park

Open through Wednesday, March 15, 2023
We couldn't do this roundup without mentioning this iconic ice skating rink in NYC. Nestled in Central Park, Wollman Rink enters its second season under a new ownership group and has made great strides to become an affordable option for all New Yorkers. This year, Wollman Rink is partnering with Culture Pass to offer FREE admission tickets that can be booked with a library card. Its walk-up WRAP (Wollman Rink Access Program) tickets provide equity and access to more skaters throughout the city. Present your library or IDNYC card at the box office to nab a first-come, first-serve $14 ticket that includes entry, skate rental, and a cup of hot cocoa during any skate session. We advise arriving early in the day when it first opens or hitting the ice just after school to avoid the crowds. Online reservations are recommended. Season passes are also available.

5. Riverbank State Park – Harlem

Open through March 12, 2023
Riverbank State Park is a hidden gem in New York City. It's rarely crowded and one of the least expensive rinks for public skating. Riverbank also offers an inexpensive hockey program and skating lessons. After you skate, check out the park's other attractions, including an indoor pool, sports fields, and amazing views. There's a snack bar adjacent to the rink, as well as the restaurant Sofrito NY near the entrance of the park.

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The Rink at Brookfield Place is popular among neighborhood kids who fill the ice after school.

6. The Rink at Brookfield Place – Battery Park City

Open through Spring 2023
Enjoy stunning views of New York Harbor and the Statue of Liberty while skating around this rink, which returns for its seventh season. The ice is cleaned at the end of every 90-minute session, so don't dawdle getting out there. Visitors are admitted on a first-come, first-served basis. At 7,350 square feet, it beats the Rockefeller Center ice rink for space. Prices, however, are steeper than at some other rinks. Parent-and-child skate lessons and hockey classes are offered. Afterward, you'll find plenty more things to do in the family-friendly Battery Park City neighborhood. Adjacent Brookfield Place has hot cocoa, snacks, plenty of rotating art exhibits, and indoor fun.

7. The Rink at Manhattan West – Midtown West

Open through Spring 2023
This new rink was added to this list last year and is managed by the team behind Brookfield Place's popular ice rink. Programming is similar and the rink will be open for both weekday and weekend skating times. Lessons are available. All sessions and lessons should be booked online in advance. There's plenty more to do at this shopping and dining destination when you're ready to take the skates off.

8. Ice Rink at the Seaport – South Street Seaport

Tuesday, November 22-Monday, January 16, 2023
Rejoice: Ice skating returns at last to the South Street Seaport and even better news: This is a FREE admission rink. Skate rentals set you back a pretty penny, but it's worth it for the chance to skate on the waterfront under the twinkling lights of Aurora, a dazzling light show meant to evoke the Northern Lights, which seemingly floats in the sky above the rink. Find the Ice Rink at the Seaport nestled in Seaport Square, between Piers 16 and 17 and adjacent to the new Tin Building, where you're guaranteed to find some yummy apres skate treats courtesy of Jean-Georges' new culinary destination. Book your tickets in advance to ensure you can get on the ice.

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Glide your way across the Brooklyn Children's Museum's roof when its popular ArtRink returns. Photo by Winston Williams

Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks in Brooklyn

9. ArtRink at the Brooklyn Children's Museum – Crown Heights, Brooklyn

Open through March 2023
We were so excited when the Brooklyn Children's Museum debuted this rooftop rink last season, but that excitement pales in comparison to our happiness at its return. Pair your next visit to the Brooklyn Children's Museum with a trip to this synthetic Glice rink. Glide around in the open air while enjoying the view of several art installations surrounding the rink. Combo skate-and-play tickets include an hour of time on the rink, skate rentals, plus access to all of the fun museum exhibits inside. Enjoy this year's theme, "It Takes a Village," as kids explore the Winter Village and playhouses.

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The IC Ice Rink is but one of the family-friendly attractions in the Industry City shopping and entertainment complex.

10. IC Ice Rink – Sunset Park, Brooklyn

Open through Spring 2023
Industry City's open-air rink is open Fridays through Sundays and reservations can be booked online in advance, though they are not required. When you've had your fill of on-ice fun, explore the rest of the family-friendly amenities at this mixed-use development, or mosey up to the family-friendly outdoor bar for some hot cocoa and kid-friendly snacks.

11. Vale Rink – Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Open through Spring 2023
This charming rooftop rink at The William Vale features a synthetic surface instead of traditional ice, but it's a stunning location with sweeping skyline views. Vale Rink is accompanied by an outdoor, chalet-themed dining concept. If you're up with the sun, consider booking the Sunnyside Up and Skate Package, which includes brunch at the on-site restaurant and access to the rink before it opens.

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The LeFrak Center at Lakeside features both a covered and an open-air ice rink. Photo courtesy of the Prospect Park Alliance

12. LeFrak Center at Lakeside – Prospect Park, Brooklyn

Open through Spring 2023
Built on the old Wollman Rink site, this Prospect Park complex features 32,000 square feet of skating surface on two rinks: one open-air, the other covered. Advance reservations are not required but are recommended to avoid being turned away. Skating lessons for beginners and experienced skaters, hockey leagues for kids and adults, and birthday party packages are offered. Beginner skaters can get some help from a limited number of penguin-shaped ice skating supports (distributed on a first-come, first-served basis). The Bluestone Cafe on-site offers sandwiches, salads, and snacks as well as coffee and hot chocolate. In summer, the ice skating rinks transform into a roller rink and water play area. Read our full review of Lakeside.

More Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks in NYC

13. WWII Veterans War Memorial Ice Skating Rink – Staten Island

Open through Sunday, March 26, 2023
Located in the gorgeous Clove Lakes Park, this is the only outdoor ice skating rink on Staten Island, and it is very popular with borough families. Regular season hours are Friday evenings and weekend afternoons and evenings, though there are additional hours available on holidays and school breaks. An on-site snack bar keeps skaters fueled during their outings.

If you're looking to glide in northern Central Park, take note: Lasker Rink is closed for the foreseeable future as it undergoes a multi-year transformation to the Harlem Meer Center meant to blend more seamlessly into the park surroundings.

Unless otherwise noted, all photos courtesy of the venues.

This article, originally published in October 2011, is updated annually.