By Lindsey Guallpa
This season of winter has thus far been a cold one. A fun cold-weather activity one may want to embark on is ice skating. There are many ice rinks in New York stretching throughout the boroughs. Depending on where you live there are many rinks you may prefer. Here are a few popluar ice rinks in three of our boroughs.
Manhattan Rinks
Bryant Park
There is the Bryant Park Rink where admission is free, however, the price of skating rentals are $20. If you already own ice skates are planning to purchase to practice the sport than Bryant Park is suitable. But during winter breaks it may be crowded and have long lines so prepare yourself. Plus, there are bag checks small $12 and $15 for a large bag.
The Rink at Rockefeller Center
The rink goes on the basis of first come first basis as there is a limit to the number of people in the rink; therfore, lines are more common. Admission for adults can cost up to $25- $33 depending on the time of season while ice skates can be rented for $12.50 with a 90 minute session. The prices are high due to the view with the beautiful architecture and view of the famous Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. It’s not the best for a weekly occurence to learn how to skate but instead for a beautiful expeprience once in awhile.
Riverbank State Park Ice Skating Rink
This ice rink is indoors on the upper west side (Harlem). The prices are very low with admission adults for $5 and skate rental is $6.
Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers
The rink is indoors, and the cost is $13 for admission for all ages and $7 skate rental. General skating is offered every day in the afternoon, except Wednesdays so plan accordingly.
Wollman Rink in Central Park
Located in Central Park the rink offers a beautiful view of the park as well as the skyline of Manhattan. Admission depends on the day, as it costs $12 Monday-Thursday and $19 Friday-Sunday.
Laker Rink
This rink is also located in Central Park, and is one of the largest in Manhattan. The admission for adults are $9, and skate rentals are $8
The Rink at Brookfield Place
This rink offers a beautiful view, with sights such as the Statue of Liberty and the New York Harbor. The rink can accomodate 250 skaters for each of its sessions. A “session” lasts for 90 minutes, and one session costs $15 with a $5 skate rental.
Brooklyn Rinks
Ice–skating at the LeFrak Center
The ice rink in Prospect Park is very unique as it is a two-in-one rink. Therfore, it can be classified as both an indoor and ourdoor rink. Admission is the same for all ages but it varies on the weekdays and weekends. It cost $7 on the weekday and $10 on weekends. Skate rental is $7.
Abe Stark Rink
This is an indoor rink located at Coney Island. The rink is only open on weeekends, so it can get quite crowded. Admission costs $10 for all ages, and skate rental is $5.
Floyd Bennett Field, Aviator Sports and Events Center
This ice rink in Brooklyn is year-round and is very large—with two NHL-sized rinks. Skating for adult non-members cost $12 while skate rentals cost $6.
Queens Rinks
World Ice Arena
This is a year-round indoor rink located in Flushing Meadows Park. The rink is very spacious and crowds aren’t large. Admission varies for all ages. It costs $7 on weekdays. Weekends and holidays cost $10 and skate rental is $6.
City Ice Pavilion
The rink is indoors as well as year-round. It is located in Sunnyside, Queens. Admission is the same for all ages: costing $7 on weekdays, $10 on weekends and holidays. Renting skates cost $6.