First we’re talking Bryant Park, now this is one I will hit up multiple times! There is something almost addicting about the atmosphere, the rink, the tree, all the festive shops! Its just magical! This is the only free rink in the city you only have to pay to rent skates, so its a pretty popular spot. Another big plus is its a great one stop shop, you can go there have a meal, pick up a souvenir or Christmas gift, go skating, and have a festive drink, all in one place! The only con I would have about this rink would be that they don’t allow purses on the ice, I am a bit weird about going anywhere without it so it is a bit of a struggle personally. But, that is a small thing and the overall experience is worth it!
The tree at Rockefeller Center, is a must see I always make it a point to stop by and see the light show across the street, watch the skaters circle around the rink, take bets on which couples might get engaged (oh yea it happens that much, you will likely see at least one, I have actually seen three in one visit). I don’t actually skate at this rink, since I prefer Bryant or Central Park. But, it’s definitely a must see! And if you have never skated there before it is iconic and definitely something you must do at least once!
Skating in Central Park, now I realize this may be a touchy one for some based on the owner for political reasons, but it is a New York staple and is the most beautiful rink in the city so to leave it off the list, just doesn’t make sense. The Wollman rink is gorgeous, there is no denying it, it is surrounded by trees giving you this feeling of being away from the city while at the same time you can see the city skyline poking out above them, providing such a unique view. Now, I have said it is beautiful, but I don’t advise this rink for inexperienced skaters. Every time I have gone the skaters that work the rink have danced around the rink and caused may people to fall around them, also they gave my boyfriend skates that had never been sharpened. So, it’s beautiful but you have also been warned.
Then there is the Standard Ice Rink and the Rink at Brookfield Place, I am covering these two together because they are similar in size, both are a bit small but these are the two rinks located downtown and seem to be very popular for young kids. They both are surrounded by classic New York architecture, but I have a slight preference for the standard strictly due to its proximity to Chelsea Market.. yumm!
The last rink in Manhattan, I am going to discuss is the Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers. I have somewhat of an attachment to this one, since I went to skating camp here as a kid. This is the perfect spot to go to if you are looking for a fun activity on a rainy day. This rink is located in doors, there is a bit of a view due to it being on the water and on the top floor of the building. It is definitely not the most scenic but can still be a really fun day and is a bit cheaper then some of the others since people tend to want to the outdoor rinks. But, this can be a good choice if you are not a fan of the cold! Plus there is an amazing bowling alley in the complex, with great burgers if you want to make a whole day of it!
The final rink is in Brooklyn and it is Lakeside in Prospect Park! This one has recently been updated and is two rinks attached, one of them has an awning so if you want to do an outside skate on a rainy day this is definitely your best option! It is so beautiful and the uncovered rink is surrounded by trees and nature giving you that skating on a lake feeling without the fall through the ice fears. It’s a great spot and if you make the trip I suggest stopping in Park Slope for dinner!