We know, we know. New York City isn't the first place you think of when you think of ice skating. But believe us, the views are unparalleled, and you're guaranteed to have an incredible time twirling on the ice right here in the Big Apple.
Here are some of our favorite venues:
Central Park's Wollman Rink has been featured in dozens of films...there's nothing better than being surrounded by the beautiful park when you get your skate on. There are lessons along with skate rentals, plus a riverside café helmed by Melba's, Harlem's iconic soul food joint, that features mac 'n cheese, an eggnog waffle sandwich, brown butter ice cream and more. Just head to the southeast corner of Central Park (59th St. and 6th Ave.). Prices start at $15 for adults, $10 for kids and seniors. Skate rental will run you 10 bucks.
Winter Village at Bryant Park sports a 17,000 square-foot rink, and admission is free! (But don't forget to make a reservation.) Rentals range from $15 to $50 depending on the time and date. The on-site market boasts of plenty of food (and shopping!) choices, plus a lodge with post-skate hot cocoa!
Governors Island has also come out with its own Winter Village, just a short ferry ride from Manhattan. You can expect fire pits, interactive games like cornhole and Jenga, along with the 7,500-square-foot rink. Skate rentals will run you $9, and admission to the rink is $12 for weekdays and $13 on the weekends, but Thursdays are free!
And, of course, we can't forget the grandaddy of them all, Rockefeller Center. There's usually a wait to skate here, so be sure to skip the line and order tickets in advance. Tix start at $11 for five and under and $21 for everyone else, and skate rentals range from $11 to $25.
Image via aluxum/iStock
