In winter, there’s nothing more magical than going ice-skating. There’s just something about putting on your skates and taking a spin around the rink.
Fortunately, the New York metropolitan area has its share of great rinks. Sharpen those blades and get ready to glide.
1. LeFrak Center at Lakeside | Prospect Park, Brooklyn | 718-462-0010
A spectacularly visual rink, LeFrak Center at Lakeside in Prospect Park was rebuilt in 2013 as part of a $74 million restoration. It hosts two open-air rinks with views of the park and onsite dining at Bluestone Cafe.
How to get there: Take the Q, B, or S train to Prospect Park Station, the 2 or 3 train to Grand Army Plaza Station, or the F or G train to 7th Avenue Station.
2. Abe Stark Skating Arena | Brooklyn | 718-946-6536
Located on Coney Island, the Abe Stark Rink is one of Brooklyn’s oldest rinks. Not only is it named after one of Brooklyn’s most legendary businessmen, but it is also home to teen and adult divisions of the New York Stars Ice Hockey team. It’s known for being a great place to learn to ice-skate. Check the website for seasonal hours and info on lessons.
How to get there:
Take the D, F, N, or Q train to Coney Island-Stillwell Ave.
3. Aviator Sports and Events Center | 3159 Flatbush Ave. Brooklyn | 718-758-7500
Aviator Sports and Events Center is a multipurpose sports complex that houses two ice rinks and is open 365 days a year. After a skate, have lunch in the center’s food court or at Aces Sports Lounge.
How to get there:
Take the 2 or 5 train to the Flatbush Avenue/Brooklyn College station (last stop). Or take the Q35 bus one block from the train station at Flatbush Ave. between Nostrand Avenue and Avenue H. Request the bus to stop across from Aviator Sports and Recreation at Floyd Bennett Field. Aviator Sports and Events Center is in the hangars to the left of the Ryan Visitor Center.
4. World Ice Arena | Flushing, Queens | 718-760-9001
Open fall to spring, the World Ice Arena in Flushing Meadows Corona Park is another spectacular architectural edifice that was rebuilt in 2008. It makes for a great day out, offering up free style skating sessions, cheap rentals, and a full-service restaurant.
How to get there:
Take the 7 train to the Citi Field. The World Ice Arena is a 7 minute walk.
5. City Ice Pavilion | Long Island City, Queens | 718-706-6670
City Ice Pavilion is one of the only rinks around that offers the opportunity to ice skate on a rooftop. Open year-round, this unique facility is a great place to swirl and twirl or take a class with an expert.
How to get there:
Take the 7 train to 33rd St.-Rawson St. Station, just a short walk to the rink.
6. Port Washington Skating Center | Port Washington, Long Island | 516-484-6800
Port Washington Skating Center is an indoor rink on Long Island that’s a good day out for the whole family. Sundays are special at the rink, when they offer Family Skating Day, with discounts for families. The rink also offers extended hours on holidays and school vacations.
How to get there:
Get the LIRR from Penn Station to Port Jefferson. Then walk to Mineola Intermodal Center and get the N23 bus to the Roslyn Clock Tower.
7. Westchester Skating Academy | Elmsford | 914-347-8232
The Westchester Skating Academy offers two rinks and a slew of freestyle times throughout the week. They are known for their figure skating classes, which will turn any novice into a true skater, so sign up for a clinic if time permits.
How to get there:
From Grand Central, take a Metro-North train towards North White Plains. Walk 0.1 mile to White Plains Bus Terminal and catch the 0040 bus towards Westchester Medical Center. Get off at Grasslands Road and walk to the rink.
8. Playland Ice | Rye | 914-481-5941
Playland Ice, located in Rye, is a seasonal rink that was reconstructed after Hurricane Sandy. It hosts public skating hours with music and dance lighting. It also offers three rinks, a skating school, family skating nights, and a sports bar and cafe.
How to get there:
From Grand Central, take Metro-North towards Stamford and get off at Rye. At Purchase Street and Highland Road, get the 0061 bus to Theodore Fremd Ave at Locust Avenue and walk to Playla
nd Park at 1 Playland Parkway in Rye (please note this walk is more than a half-hour).
Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers In Manhattan
9. Wollman Rink in Central Park | NYC |212-439-6900
One of NYC’s oldest and most popular rinks, Wollman Rink in Central Park offers a unique ice-skating experience. Looking up at the scenery from the middle of the park is awe-inspiring. The rink is open daily from October through April.
How to get there:
Take the A, B, C, D, 1 trains to 59th Street and Columbus Circle, or the N, Q, R trains to 5th Avenue /59th Street, or the F train to 57th Street. You can also take the M1, M2, M3, or M4 bus to East 64th Street or the M5, M7, M10, or M104 to bus to Columbus Circle.
10. Bank of America Winter Village At Bryant Park Rink | NYC | 212-768-4242
With its grand views of midtown, a holiday market, Christmas tree, onsite dining and special events throughout the winter season, Bank of America Winter Village At Bryant Park Rink is a winner. Open through Sunday, March 4, 2018, the ample size encourages skaters to spin and twirl. Admission is free so bring your own skates or rent a pair for $20.
How to get there:
Bryant Park is situated behind the New York Public Library in Midtown Manhattan, between 40th and 42nd Streets & Fifth and Sixth Avenues. Take the B, D, F, or M train to 42nd Street/Bryant Park or the 7 train to 5th Avenue.
11. The Rink at Rockefeller Center | NYC | 212-332-7654
There’s just something about ice-skating in a sea of tourists, while overlooking one of NYC’s iconic landmarks at The Rink at Rockefeller Center.
Due to its small size, there is a limit of how many people can skate on the rink at once, so get there early to show your ice-skating skills off or make a VIP reservation in advance.
How to get there:
The Rink at Rockefeller Center is located on 5th Avenue between 49th and 50th Streets. Take the D and F trains at all times, and the B and M trains on weekdays.
12. Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers | NYC | 212-336-6100
Open year round, Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers offers views of the Hudson River and two ice rinks. You can rent ice skates and helmets, take lessons, and go for a good spin.
How to get there:
Chelsea Piers is located at Pier 61 on 23rd Street and the Hudson River. The M23 bus that crosses Manhattan and stops right in front of Chelsea Piers. The 7 train stops at 34th Street & 11th Avenue and is a brisk 15-minute walk to Chelsea Piers.
If you’re still working out and training for your first ice skating practice – we recommend getting your gear at Borntough.com. These will make sure you ice skate like a pro.
Photo credit: Sarah Richter
Holly Rosen Fink is a marketing consultant and culture and travel writer living in Larchmont, New York
Sarah Knapp is a Brooklyn based entrepreneur whose love for the outdoors and community building led her to the October 2013 creation of OutdoorFest. She has a BA in History, is a Wilderness First Responder and a NY state hiking, camp and boating guide. Her proudest achievement to date is reading the Aeneid in Latin. 
Allison was one of our first top writers and Chief Editor but is no longer working with offMetro. Allison is a native New Yorker, who has lived in Rome, Tuscany, Melbourne, Toronto and Los Angeles. She frequently contributed travel pieces to Family Travel Forum, using her own children as guinea pigs as they travel the globe. She never missed a chance to sample local delicacies, as her love for travel goes hand-in-hand with her love for food and wine. 
Josh Laskin is a freelance travel writer and photographer based in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. When he is not at work or on the road, you can find him in the mountains snowboarding, climbing, hiking, fly fishing, mountain biking, and eating bagel bites.
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