Ice-Skating Rinks in New York City

We feel slightly silly posting about outdoor ice-skating rinks when it hasn't yet dipped below 60 degrees. But NYC's only free rink, the Pond at Bryant Park, opens this Thursday, Wollman and Rock Center are already open, and the rest of the outdoor rinks—including a brand-new one in the Bronx—will follow soon. (Believe it or not, at some point it will get so cold, you'll probably want to hit an indoor ice-skating rink.)

All of these outdoor ice-skating rinks offer skating lessons and birthday party packages, and many also have ice hockey. Always check the rinks' official websites before heading out to verify that public skating hours haven't changed.

Wollman Rink – Midtown West
Central Park, enter at Central Park South and Sixth Avenue
Open: Through April
Hours: Monday-Tuesday 10am-2:30pm; Wednesday-Thursday 10am-10pm; Friday-Saturday 10am-11pm; Sunday 10am-9pm 
Monday-Thursday: $10.75 for adults, $5.75 for children under 12; Friday-Sunday: $16 for adults, $6 for children under 12, skate rental costs $6.75
We couldn't do this roundup without mentioning this iconic NYC skating spot. But this rink is not only perpetually crowded, it even charges a spectator fee of $5! Of course every family should wait in line to ice-skate here at least once. Try to arrive at the start of the first session, or right after school to get a few spins in before the hordes arrive.

Ice Rink at Rockefeller Center – Midtown East
Fifth Avenue between 49th and 50th Streets
Open: Through April 2012
Hours vary. Visit the website for a complete schedule.
Prices vary. Again, visit the website for up-to-date info.
This legendary rink isn't always crowded with hour-long waits—that's just when the Christmas tree is lit. Skating early or late in the season is fun and easy. If you want a quickie skating session, try going during lunch. It's only $6 a pop (except during holiday season).

The Pond at Bryant Park – Midtown West
Bryant Park, 40th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues
Open: October 27-February 26, 2012
Hours: Sunday-Thursday 8am-10pm; Friday-Saturday 8am-midnight
FREE, skate rental costs $14
NYC's only no-cost rink isn't a secret anymore, and it regularly attracts large crowds. The best time to go is early in the season before Thanksgiving, when the weather is mild and the lines are short (or at least, shorter). Don’t even try to go during holiday break. Later in the season, stick to weekdays before 5pm, and weekend mornings. The Pond also features an indoor bar and cafe.

Lasker Rink – Harlem
Central Park, enter at 110th Street between Lenox and Fifth Avenues
Open: October 29-March 2012
Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 10am-3:45pm; Tuesday 10am-3:30pm and 8-10pm; Friday 10am-5:15pm and 7-10pm; Saturday 1-11pm; Sunday 12:30-4:30pm
$6.75 for adults, $3.75 for children under 18, skate rental costs $6.
This rink is my personal favorite. It's easy to get to, inexpensive and often empty. You'll find lots of school groups on weekdays, and locals in the evenings and on weekends. Ice hockey, skating lessons and parties are all available. Afterward, stick around and explore this lovely part of northern Central Park.

WWII Veterans War Memorial Ice Skating Rink – Staten Island
Clove Lakes Park, Victory Boulevard, west of Clove Road
Open: October 29-March, 2012
Hours: Friday 4-11pm; Saturday 12:30-4:30pm and 6:30-10pm; Sunday 12:30-4:30pm and 6-8pm
$8, skate rental costs $5
Located in SI's historic Cloves Lake Park, this is the only outdoor skating rink on Staten Island, and is therefore very popular with local families. Although the website says construction is affecting the rink's hours, the recorded message doesn't mention it. To be sure, you may want to call ahead: 718-720-1010.

Riverbank State Park – Harlem
145th Street and Riverside Drive
Opens in early November. Exact date and hours to be determined. Call 212-694-3642.
$5 for adults, $3 for children under 18; skate rental costs $6.
Most people don't even know about this covered outdoor ice-skating rink in the awesome Riverbank State Park, which is just one block away from the 145th Street 1 subway stop. It's rarely crowded, offers an inexpensive ice hockey program and ice-skating lessons, and you can buy a seasonal pass for $200 for adults, $150 for children under 18. After you skate, check out the park's other attractions, including an indoor swimming pool, sports fields and amazing views.

The Standard Ice Rink – Meatpacking District
848 Washington Street at 13th Street
Open: November 21-March, 2012
Hours: Monday-Thursday noon-midnight; Friday noon-1am; Saturday 9-1am; Sunday 9am-midnight
$12; skate rentals costs $3.
It's the second year for this offbeat 3,000 square-foot ice rink, which is located in the front plaza of swanky hotel The Standard. In addition to skating in this unique setting, families can grab high-end eats like crepes, hot seasonal drinks and soups. While the rink is open to all ages, the scene is differently more hipster than family.

The Bronx is still the only borough without an ice-skating rink but hopefully the Van Cortlandt Park rink, which was announced in 2011 but delayed will become a reality for the 2012-2013 winter season.

The following outdoor ice-skating rinks won't be open for the 2011-2012 season—or in some cases ever again.

Wollman Rink in Prospect Park (closed for construction)
Battery Park City Ice Rink (looks like this one is closed for good)
Aviator Queens Community Ice Rink (ditto)
And in case you're wondering, the American Museum of Natural History's Polar Rink and Seaport Ice are long gone.

Find out more information about ice-skating parties at these rinks. We've also got the scoop on New York City's indoor ice-skating rinks.

Find more seasonal fun in our Holiday Guide and find great gift ideas in our NYC Shopping Local Gift Guide.