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Where to Ice Skate Around New York City

By Irene Plagianos | December 27, 2012 9:24am

NEW YORK — Winter has arrived in New York City, and for many, that means it's time to lace up those skates and hit the ice.

For those eager to take a twirl while temperatures are frosty, DNAinfo.com New York has compiled a list of skating destinations in all five boroughs, including two brand-new rinks: the Bronx's much-anticipated first public ice rink which opened in Van Cortlandt Park in November — and the Liberty View Ice Rink in Battery Park City's Wagner Park.

“Ice skating is one of the quintessential joys of winter, and we are delighted to open this rink in Van Cortlandt Park and bring ice skating back to The Bronx," Parks Commissioner Veronica White said in a statement.

MANHATTAN

The Rink at Rockefeller Center

Rockefeller Plaza between 49th and 50th streets
Admission: Prices vary depending on day and time.
Skate rentals: $10.

Brave the crowds for a classic holiday skating experience as you twirl under the world-famous 80-foot Rockefeller Center Christmas tree at The Rink.

Trump Wollman Rink, Central Park

Enter at 59th Street and Sixth Avenue.
Admission: Monday to Thursday, $11, children under 12, $6; Friday to Sunday, $17, children under 12, $6
Skate rentals: $7
Spectator fee: $5

Take a spin right in the middle of beautiful Central Park, amid the trees and the high-rises. The iconic rink also boasts a heated tent.

Trump Lasker Ice Rink, Central Park

Enter just south of 110th Street and Lenox Avenue.
Admission: $7; children under 12, $4; seniors $2.25
Skate rentals: $6

This uptown spot is less packed than the more touristy Manhattan rinks but still has picturesque views of Central Park. They also offer ice skating and hockey lessons, as well as private parties.

Liberty View Ice Rink, Robert F. Wagner Park

Battery Park City at Battery Place
Admission: Monday to Thursday, $10, Friday to Saturday, $15; children, $7.

Located right on the Hudson River, the city's newest rink offers impressive views of the Statue of Liberty, as well as the Lower Manhattan skyline.

Battery Park City was hit hard by Hurricane Sandy, but organizers say they're hoping for some wintry cheer with the addition of the rink.

"This rink will be an iconic amenity for enjoyment of New Yorkers of all ages, much anticipated in Lower Manhattan," Battery Park City Parks Conservancy Chairman and CEO Dennis Mehiel said. "This source of much-needed recreation comes at the right time after the difficulties experienced by so many in our region."

Citi Pond at Bryant Park

West 40th Street between Fifth and Sixth avenues
Admission: Free
Skate rentals: $14.

The large rink turns the Midtown park into a holiday oasis every year.

Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers

Chelsea Piers (Pier 61), 23rd Street at Hudson River
Admission: $10
Skate rentals: $5.

This huge indoor complex offers public skating year-round, as well as a variety of skating and hockey lessons.

Riverbank State Park

Riverside Drive at 145th Street
Admission: $5, children under 11, $3
Skate rentals: $6.

Far north of the Midtown holiday crowds, this outdoor, covered rink offers idyllic views of the Hudson River and the George Washington Bridge in the midst of a lovely 28-acre park.

BROOKLYN

Abe Stark Rink

Coney Island Boardwalk at West 19th Street, Coney Island
Admission: $8
Skate rentals: $5.

The 40-year-old Coney Island rink, once home to a salt-water swimming pool, is open from 1 to 4 p.m. daily. Get there early to beat the crowds.

Aviator Sports

Floyd Bennett Field, 3159 Flatbush Ave., south of the Belt Parkway
Admission $9, children 12 and under, $7
Skate rentals: $5

This indoor, year-round complex offers two NHL regulation-sized rinks, as well as plenty of skating programs and hockey leagues for adults and children.

QUEENS

City Ice Pavillion

47-32 32nd Place between 47th and 48th avenues
Admission: Weekdays, $5, Saturday, Sunday and holidays, $8
Skate rentals: $5

This NHL-sized rink in Long Island City is covered by a massive weatherproof air dome and has numerous leagues, classes and private party options, as well as open skating time.

World Ice Arena, Flushing Meadows Corona Park

Van Wyck Expressway at Avery Avenue, Flushing
Admission: Weekdays, $5; weekends and holidays, $8

The indoor rink offers plenty of free skating time for walk-ins, as well as birthday parties and lessons.

THE BRONX

Van Cortlandt Park Ice Skating Rink
Broadway at 242nd Street
Admission: Weekdays, $5; weekends, $8
Skate rentals: $5

Situated in a 1,000-acre park, this Bronx skating oasis opened in November 2012.  

STATEN ISLAND

War Memorial Ice Skating Rink, Clove Lake Park
Victory Boulevard, west of Clove Road
Admission $8
Skate rentals: $5

Verdant Clove Lake Park, known for its unique ecology, including some of the city's only wetlands, is home to this large, outdoor rink.

Staten Island Skating Pavilion 

3080 Arthur Kill Road, between Clay Pit Road and Shore Street
Admission: $11; children 12 and under, $10
Skate rentals: $5

The only year-round rink in the borough, this pavilion offers skating lessons and hockey leagues for children and adults.