NYC ice skating rinks
Citi Pond at Bryant Park is surrounded by the offices of midtown and the New York Public Library. (Jan. 2, 2013) Credit: Charles Eckert
While the rink at Rockefeller Center is the go-to spot for tourists and native New Yorkers alike, there are plenty of other places to lace up and get your ice skating fix.
MANHATTAN
WOLLMAN RINK AT CENTRAL PARK Easy to find in the southeast corner of Central Park, Wollman is the city's largest rink, perfect for first-timers.
WHERE Enter park at Sixth Avenue and 59th Street
COST Adults $17 ($11 Monday-Thursday), youth $6, seniors $5 (cash only), spectator fee $5, rental $7.
INFO 212-439-6900, wollmanskatingrink.com
NEARBY Stop by Sarabeth's Central Park South (40 Central Park S.) for afternoon tea.
LASKER RINK AT CENTRAL PARK The park's second rink, though not as scenic as Wollman, is less crowded and more economical.
WHERE 110 Malcolm X Blvd.
COST Adults $7, children $4, seniors $2.25, rental $6
INFO 917-492-3856, laskerrink.com
NEARBY Amy Ruth's (113 W. 116th St.) is a down-home comfort zone: Collards, chicken and waffles are the thing.
CITI POND AT BRYANT PARK Surrounded by the offices of midtown and the New York Public Library.
WHERE Sixth Avenue at 41st Street
COST Free, rental $14
INFO 212-661-6640, citipondatbryantpark.com
NEARBY You can't be this near the New York Public Library (Fifth Avenue at 42nd Street) without stopping for a visit. The majestic building is steeped in history, and there's even a cafe in the lobby if you need a warm-up.
RIVERBANK STATE PARK ICE RINK This covered outdoor rink boasts spectacular views of the Hudson River and the Jersey Palisades. It's divided into two sections, for skaters of different skills.
WHERE 679 Riverside Dr., near 145th Street
COST Adults $5, children $3, rental $6
INFO 212-694-3642, nysparks.com/parks/93
NEARBY This is Washington Heights, after all, so stop into Caridad Restaurant (3533 Broadway, 212-862-4053), just a few steps from the rink, for authentic Dominican food.
THE STANDARD ICE RINK AT THE HIGH LINE Like everything related to the High Line, this small rink is picturesque. The annual "What the Puck?!" hockey tournament starts Jan. 15.
WHERE 848 Washington St. at West 13th Street
COST Adults $12, children $6, skate rental $3
INFO 212-500-6035, standardculture.com
NEARBY Biergarten (in the Standard Hotel, 848 Washington St.) is a great spot for a beer, sausage and pretzels.
BROOKLYN
AVIATOR SPORTS & EVENTS CENTER This year-round indoor rink in a former airplane hangar at Floyd Bennett Field offers skating on NHL regulation ice.
WHERE 3159 Flatbush Ave.
COST Adults $9, youth $7, rental $5
INFO 718-758-7500, aviatorsports.com
NEARBY For seafood with a view, hit up Nick's Lobster (2777 Flatbush Ave.), a community staple since 1955.
