The Ice Skating World Outside of Rockefeller Center

The Brookfield Place seasonal ice skating rink. || Courtesy of Downtown Magazine NYC

The first snow of the year and hot chocolate in seasonal Starbucks cups are tell tale signs that ice skating season has arrived in New York City. The rink at Rockefeller Center, with the 100 foot tall Christmas tree, is the picturesque location depicted in almost every Christmas movie. Skating beneath the Rockefeller Christmas tree appears magical but will break an average college student’s bank account.

“Ice skating is a fun weekend activity or date night, especially if you already own skates! And you can pay for your ticket ahead of time so you don’t need to wait in the freezing, long, outside line,” said Paris Welker-Widell, a senior at King’s. 

For a full 90-minute session on the ice, admission during the off-season costs $30. Add the price of skate rentals and the total is nearly $40, a steep price for a 20 year old in college. New city-sleekers might not be aware of all the rink options to suffice the winter wonderland craving--at a price cheaper than the Rockefeller rink. All the rinks offer ice skate rentals, but if you already own a pair, you can skate for less money.

“I went to Bryant Park and that is actually the only place I have ever gone ice skating! It is free admission unless you do not own skates or don’t bring a lock. Renting skates is pretty cheap though,” Welker-Widell said. “I bought skates off of Amazon though for $29 so I can skate for free.” 

1. Bank of America Winter Village

Location: Bryant Park

Admission: Free

Rentals: $23

Ideally located in the midst of vendors, you can warm up with a hot drink, enjoy delicious food, and stroll through little shops. Next to the rink is the New York Public Library, so you can make a day of skating, eating and studying.

Bryant Park Winter Wonderland. || Photo credit to Elizabeth Shrier

2. Wollman Rink

Location: Central Park

Admission: $12 (Monday – Thursday), $19 (Friday – Sunday)

Ice skates rentals: $10

Skating in Central Park with the skyline and trees in the background is the perfect place for pictures with friends. Rink hours vary from day-to-day, so be sure to check their website before making the trip.

Wollman ice rink. || Photo credit to Tomas Fano

3. Lasker Rink

Location: Central Park

Admission: $9

Ice skates rentals: $8

Compared to Wollman, Lasker Rink is a lesser-known location in Central Park. Fewer people skate there, which means more space to land a triple axel or waddle around slowly in circles.

Lasker ice rink || Photo courtesy of Flickr

4. Winterland Rink

Location: Rooftop at Pier 17

Admission: $15 (Monday – Thursday), $18 (Friday – Sunday)

Ice skate rentals: $6

Opening on November 22, skating on the rooftop at Pier 17 is an opportunity you won’t want to miss. As you round the rink, you can expect spectacular views of the Brooklyn Bridge, East River and Manhattan skyline.

Winterland ice rink. || Photo courtesy of Seaport District NYC

5. The Rink at Brookfield Place

Location: Battery Park

Admission: $15 for 90 minutes

Ice skate rentals: $5

Ice skating in Battery Park offers a clear view of the Statue of Liberty. Keep in mind, it will be a chillier experience as the rink is on the New York Harbor, so be sure to bundle up.

Brookfield Place ice rink. || Photo courtesy of Downtown Magazine NYC