Magical outdoor skating experiences

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7 magical outdoor skating experiences this winter

The holidays are one of the most magical times of the year, so why not enjoy the magic on the ice? This winter season, get your skates on and visit the city’s many outdoor skating rinks. With breathtaking views and delectable treats and sweets, families can enjoy the fun and interactive experience of ice skating.

Psst… Check it out Midwinter holiday activities in NYC and surrounding areas 2024

Riverbank State Park

Opening date: October 25
Location: Bryant Park, Manhattan
Costs: €5 for adults, €3 for children

Riverbank State Park, now renamed Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park, has beautiful views. Glide over thin ice as you enjoy views of the Hudson River and the greenery that Upper Manhattan has to offer. Skate rentals start at just $6, so if you don’t have one, you’re in the right place.

WWII Veterans War Memorial Ice Rink

Bank of America Winter Village in Bryant Park

Opening date: October 25
Location: Bryant Park, Manhattan
Cost: FREE (tickets required)

Families will love that Bank of America Winter Village in Bryant Park features an extensive free ice skating rink, an unparalleled holiday market and a festive bar and dining room. The Rink is the largest free skating rink in New York City.

The Rink and The Lodge are open daily from October 25, 2024 through March 2, 2025. Skate time and rentals can be reserved in advance online. New skating reservation dates will be released throughout the season.

Visit here for more information.

Wollman Rink NYC

Opening Date: Currently open
Location: Central Park, Manhattan
Cost: Starting at $15 for adults, $10 for children ages 4-12 and seniors

Wollman Rink is now open for the season through March 15, 2025. Public skating tickets can be purchased herealong with additional information about booking skating lessons, upcoming experiences and more.

General admission will range from $15 to $37 for adults, depending on date of entry, and $10 for children and seniors throughout the season. All skate rentals are $11, and admission for a non-skating accompanying adult is free with the purchase of a child ticket.

Season passes remain valid this year at $275 for adults and $100 for seniors and children, with no blackout dates.

Visit here for more information.

The ice skating rink at Rockefeller Center

Opening Date: Currently open through December 31st
Location: The Rink at Rockefeller Center, 30 Rockefeller Plaza, Manhattan
Cost: Tickets start at $21 per person, not including skate rental

The Rockefeller Center ice rink returns for its 87the season! Families will love getting into the holiday spirit early and hitting the ice starting October 21st.

Between November 4 and January 14, visitors and skaters can warm up in Rockefeller Center’s cozy skate chalets on the South Esplanade, in collaboration with Balsam Hill.

This year marks the first time that guests can enjoy alcoholic drinks in the chalets, with a soon-to-be-announced drinks menu from Other Half Brewery, served alongside a warming menu of après-skate bites from 21 Greenpoint.

Tickets for The Rink at Rockefeller Center and reservations for the Après Skate Chalets Presented by Balsam Hill are now available.

Visit here for more information.

Brooklyn by the lake

Opening date: November 2024
Location: Lakeside in Prospect Park, Brooklyn
Costs: to be determined

Centrally located in the heart of Brooklyn in Prospect Park, Lakeside offers children and adults winter skating on two ice rinks, one of which is partially covered. Families will love that it’s fun and festive with beautiful views of the park, and everyone is sure to have an unforgettable experience.

Visit here for more information.

Rudolph’s Rink in Luna Park

Opening date: November 23
Location: Luna Park on Coney Island, Brooklyn
Costs: to be determined

Rudolph’s Rink in Luna Park opens on November 23 as part of their second annual Frost Fest. Glide through NYC’s most iconic destination for fun at Rudolph’s Rink, Luna Park at Coney Island’s newest outdoor skating rink! Without the use of water and energy, Rudolph’s Rink offers an eco-friendly skating experience that is both fun and sustainable.

Visit here for more information.

The ice rink at Brookfield Place

Opening date: November 2024
Location: Brookfield Place, Manhattan
Cost: Starting at $15 for skates and $5 for skate rental

From Friday, November 24 through March 2024, guests will be welcomed to a festive winter oasis, featuring family-friendly programming, free seasonal events, great holiday shopping and much more.

Free activities include performances of The Nutcracker by the New York Theater Ballet, photo opportunities with Santa, holiday music pop-ups, larger-than-life photo booth-worthy displays in partnership with TheSkimm, as well as the return of BFPL holiday favorites, The Rink and Luminaries!

Families will enjoy breathtaking views of the cityscape and Hudson River while skating on the 7,350-square-foot outdoor rink.

Those new to skating can also sign up for private and semi-private lessons led by U.S. Olympians Melissa Gregory and Denis Petukhov. Hours vary and depend on the weather.

Visit here for more information.

Psst… Look 10 Best Indoor Activities for Families This Winter!

Jana Beauchamp