While the past few months of holiday festivities have come to an end, New York City’s winter activities are still in full swing. Instead of rushing around to buy presents or watching the ball drop in Times Square, University students can now enjoy more relaxing winter festivities around the city such as ice skating. While the rink at Rockefeller Center is one of the most traditional places to ice skate, there is an even wider selection of ice rinks throughout Manhattan and the outer-boroughs.
- The Rink at Bryant Park – Manhattan
The Rink at Bryant Park sits in the center of the Bank of America Winter Village, and it is the perfect place to skate around with friends. Surrounded by hot chocolate, small boutiques, and delicious food stands, there is much to see while circling around the outdoor rink. Better yet, there is plenty to do off the ice. The Rink is open daily from 8am-10pm, and the Winter Village is open between these times as well. University students can enjoy The Rink at Bryant Park all the way until March 3. Skate rentals cost $20, but admission to skate is completely free.
- Winterland Rink on Pier 17 – Manhattan
If University students want to find a rink closer to campus, look no further than the Winterland Rink on Pier 17. This outdoor rink provides rooftop ice skating right on the South Street Seaport. While skating, University students can take in the breathtaking views of Lower Manhattan, East River, and Brooklyn Bridge. Daily rink admission costs $14, and admission with the skate rental costs $22. This hidden gem will remain open just a short walk away from the University through March 17.
- Lefrak Center at Lakeside Prospect Park – Brooklyn
The Lefrak Center rink is an outdoor rink in Brooklyn and it will feel like a mini-escape from the hustle-and-bustle of the city. It is a peaceful atmosphere and the rink provides plenty of room to skate. If University students are looking for a less populated rink away from the crowds, Lefrak Center should be taken into consideration. Weekday admission costs $7.25, weekend admission costs $10, and skate rentals cost $7. The rink will be open for skate until March 24. While Lefrak Center is in Brooklyn, the subway ride to the rink from the University is under 30 minutes.
- WWII Veterans Memorial Ice Skating Rink – Staten Island
This outdoor ice rink on Staten Island is a winter festivity New Yorkers look forward to every year. Located on Victory Blvd & west of Clove Rd, this rink is perfect for friends and family outings. Compared to other rinks throughout the city, the cost is hard to beat as admission to skate is $10 and skate rentals are only $5. The rink is open only on the weekends, which makes for a great winter activity during the time off from class. The rink will remain open through March 10.
- Sky Rink- Manhattan
Chelsea Piers is an athletic center that also offers indoor ice skating year-round. Sky Rink is place to go when all of the outdoor rinks close for the season or when the weather is not suitable for outdoor activities. Located on Pier 61, Sky Rink is open for general skating on most weekdays and weekends for scheduled periods of time recorded on their calendar. When Sky Rink is not available for general skating, it is used for figure skating, ice hockey, league play, and birthday parties. Admission for general skating costs $13 and skate rental costs $7.
Before the craziness of the semester sets in, spend a day ice skating in the city. In this case, there is no wrong answer for where you choose to ice skate because each rink has incredible and unique traits to offer. University students are encouraged to take advantage of these rinks while they remain open for the next couple of months and continue to partake in the winter festivities we all love.
