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On the Ice => Rink Roundups => Topic started by: Christy on July 30, 2014, 09:16:32 PM

Title: Public Skating in NYC
Post by: Christy on July 30, 2014, 09:16:32 PM
It looks like we may be taking a trip to NYC in the Fall and I'll have a few hours to fill, so I'm planning to take my skates along (it should be cheaper than Bloomingdales  ;) )
I think we'll be in the Times Square area, so I'm looking for recommendations on the best rinks that may have public sessions during the day (I'm not a member of a US skating club). All information greatly appreciated.
Title: Re: Public Skating in NYC
Post by: rd350 on July 31, 2014, 12:29:44 AM
Christy, in October in NYC SkyRink at Chelsea Piers should be great before 3pm.  Session starts at 1pm I think?  That would be the best time to get there, before the kids get out of school.  I'm not sure if any of the outdoor rinks are open by October.  Maybe if it's the last week.

http://www.chelseapiers.com

You don't have to be a skating club member to skate Freestyle sessions there if you wanted to.
Title: Re: Public Skating in NYC
Post by: Christy on July 31, 2014, 02:43:44 PM
Thanks for that information. Do I need to be registered with ISI or USFSA to skate Freestyle? (I am registered with Skate Canada)
Title: Re: Public Skating in NYC
Post by: fsk8r on July 31, 2014, 03:11:10 PM
Thanks for that information. Do I need to be registered with ISI or USFSA to skate Freestyle? (I am registered with Skate Canada)

I used to skate freestyle in Texas and was never a USFSA member. I think it depends on whether it's rink or club run. The clubs may have their own rules.
Title: Re: Public Skating in NYC
Post by: alejeather on July 31, 2014, 03:51:35 PM
I skated as a guest once at Chelsea Piers. I just paid my money at the desk and got on the freestyle. I am a USFS member, but it was never checked.

I asked a similar question a few years ago when I was planning a trip to New York, and you may find some info here:
http://skatingforums.com/index.php?topic=4142
It focuses mostly on outdoor skating, but Kitten23 gave some info on indoor rinks as well.

I never ended up making that trip, as it was the weekend after Hurricane Irene. I went later for a conference in summertime and that's when I skated at Chelsea Piers.
Title: Re: Public Skating in NYC
Post by: AgnesNitt on July 31, 2014, 04:35:49 PM
I usually go on the rink page and look for 'Freestyle Sessions' and check to see what the restrictions are. I've heard of a rink where you must be taking lessons from a coach accredited there, but I've never seen it in practice. I show up, pay up, skate up. Nobody's kicked me off yet!
Title: Re: Public Skating in NYC
Post by: icedancer on July 31, 2014, 04:43:18 PM
The only places that ever ask for that type of identification are club-owned rinks - and there are very few of those in this country (USA) - Detroit Skating Club for sure will ask for some membership identification (I am guessing Skate Canada would be fine with them since they border Canada) and maybe the Philadelphia Skating Club and Humane Society... otherwise... it is probably not a big deal - but it is smart to ask first!
Title: Re: Public Skating in NYC
Post by: Christy on July 31, 2014, 09:59:47 PM
Great - Thanks so much for the information. Sounds like there's a chance that one or more of the outdoor rinks may be open ;D
Would I be better using my pond skates at the outdoor rinks?
Title: Re: Public Skating in NYC
Post by: rd350 on July 31, 2014, 11:39:04 PM
Christy, no you don't need anything.  They do have a few different levels of freestyle sessions though so you may want to ask which would be appropriate for your level.

But again, if you go at 1pm you'll have good ice and it shouldn't be crowded!
Title: Re: Public Skating in NYC
Post by: Meli on August 01, 2014, 12:24:08 AM
So glad you asked about this... the hubby and I are probably heading to NYC in October, and I need a place to skate in between hitting up the spandex shops for fabric!
Title: Re: Public Skating in NYC
Post by: rd350 on August 01, 2014, 12:33:06 AM
SkyRink isn't too far from the garment district Meli!
Title: Re: Public Skating in NYC
Post by: littlerain on August 01, 2014, 01:07:34 AM

It looks like we may be taking a trip to NYC in the Fall and I'll have a few hours to fill, so I'm planning to take my skates along (it should be cheaper than Bloomingdales  ;) )

That is my entire reasoning for bringing mine with me on my work trip. Aside from the trip being 3 months haha, but the last two years, I spent far to much money shopping, and skating is a much better activity in more ways than one!

I believe the rink at Chelsea piers has a daytime public? Hope you have fun!
Title: Re: Public Skating in NYC
Post by: littlerain on August 01, 2014, 01:11:59 AM
Doh, I just read the rest of the thread and saw that everyone mentioned Chelsea piers already.

I think the outdoor rinks open in November if I remember correctly, but you can check on their sites in October. Typically dates/estimates would be posted by then. I don't think pond skates are necessary, I'm pretty sure the ice at Rockefeller and Central Park is the similar or the same as what they put in rinks
Title: Re: Public Skating in NYC
Post by: twinskaters on August 01, 2014, 07:51:28 AM
They definitely maintain the ice at the outdoor rinks just like an indoor rink. And it looks like Wollman rink in Central Park opened 10/26 last year, so you might be in luck! Rock Center says it opens mid-October, too.


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Title: Re: Public Skating in NYC
Post by: rd350 on August 01, 2014, 11:32:40 AM
Wollman won't let you skate inside the cones, even if it's empty (lessons only??) so it might depend on what you want to do.  Rock + Wollman are the most expensive public sessions and Rock is pretty short and a fairly small rink but nice NYC atmosphere.

Bryant Park is FREE (I haven't skated there) and then you have some off the beaten path rinks like South Street Seaport and even more so, styvesant Town (might need to be a resident guest for that one).  Looks like these all open in November but wanted to mention them for the next time or others looking.

I used to have an ice skating at my building when I lived on 34th street!  It's why I moved there.  Tiny rink but I could run down to the laundry room and see when it was empty and skate every day for hours!  It doesn't exist anymore sadly.
Title: Re: Public Skating in NYC
Post by: Willowway on August 01, 2014, 12:48:57 PM
Bryant Park is just lovely but tiny and almost invariably crowded but so darn pretty that you might want to try it. Rock Center is also beautiful (iconic really) but also small and the ice gets chewed up pretty fast; in my view though if you're in NYC you want to have skated there at least once just to 'feel' it - it is unique. If you're really trying to practice seriously go to Chelsea Piers. If you want some lovely photos of yourself on a wonderful city rink try the others. Different rinks for different intentions. I have skated on them all and they are just for varying experiences. I'm not a big Wollman fan - quality of the ice (usually an inconsistent mess in my experience) but that too is amazing as an experience - on ice looking up at towers lining Central Park South, pretty special.

Added - JoJo Starbuck teaches (she has in prior seasons - no reason to think it won't happen in the upcoming season) a very early weekday adult class on uncrowded ice at Rockefeller Center. The class has a wonderful reputation. If you call ahead perhaps you can take the class for a day or two.

Further added after reading rd350 and thinking on it - NYC is NYC and for good and bad, isn't like any other place. If I were coming here for a holiday I would first try those rinks which you can only experience here - Rockefeller Center, Wollman, Bryant Park. You can practice on an inside rink at home and everywhere else (including Chelsea Piers) but heck, bring home a genuine New York experience. Since you'll be on holiday, early hours when the ice is less crowded or not crowded might work beautifully and then you'll be able to point at all sorts of scenes in all sorts of movies and say "I skated there." It's fun.
Title: Re: Public Skating in NYC
Post by: rd350 on August 01, 2014, 01:52:44 PM
Great advice!  Truly Wollman and Rockefeller are an "experience" and gorgeous, high energy I'm in the heart of NYC skating rinks!  Agreed about the ice at Wollman.  I went there my first time back on the ice after ?12 years?.  It was fine for that but I wouldn't skate there regularly.

I am going to check out Styvesant Town and Seaport for a season pass just because they are both pretty close to me.  @Willowway, have you skated at either?
Title: Re: Public Skating in NYC
Post by: Willowway on August 01, 2014, 02:04:17 PM
No I haven't skated at either place but am always open to trying something new, even if it's for a one-time experience.
Title: Public Skating in NYC
Post by: littlerain on August 01, 2014, 03:35:51 PM
One of my college dorms was right outside the seaport on water street. And I lived very close to Stuyvesant one year. Never knew they did rinks at either place. Too bad I wasn't skating then! Lol

The few times I've skated at Bryant park it was very crowded and the ice was pretty chopped up because of it. Imagine wollman/rock would be too, given they are very popular tourist destinations ☺️
Title: Re: Public Skating in NYC
Post by: Christy on August 01, 2014, 03:55:01 PM
They definitely maintain the ice at the outdoor rinks just like an indoor rink. And it looks like Wollman rink in Central Park opened 10/26 last year, so you might be in luck! Rock Center says it opens mid-October, too.


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Ohhh - that sounds good. I'm used to the outdoor rinks here for which maintenance is pretty much non-existent (maybe a man with a shovel!).

I skated at the Rock in April 2000 but hadn't expected to do so and ended up with rental skates  :o
Title: Re: Public Skating in NYC
Post by: twinskaters on August 01, 2014, 05:11:10 PM

Ohhh - that sounds good. I'm used to the outdoor rinks here for which maintenance is pretty much non-existent (maybe a man with a shovel!).

I skated at the Rock in April 2000 but hadn't expected to do so and ended up with rental skates  :o

The worst experience of my kids' skating life was going to skate this Christmas at Olympic park in Atlanta. We were visiting my MIL and didn't bring skates because my husband said we wouldn't have time. Christmas Day SIL and my niece (lives in Miami, also 8 years old, not a skater) were gung-ho to try skating, and my girls were all psyched to show off, and are picturing a regular rink like they're used to, and at least crappy figure skate rentals. I was at least picturing wollman or rock center quality. Nope. It was a tiny, crowded shoveled-off oval, the rentals were those ski-boot-hockey-skate hybrids, and their mortification was complete because in addition to not being able to do any tricks, they were overtired and became completely emotionally unhinged and acted like crazy people. I wasn't skating and was glad I had decided not to, because it was such a cluster#*?! 

My niece, on the other hand, is extremely athletic and had never experienced ice before, so she thought the whole thing was awesome and ended up having an ice skating birthday party in Miami a few months later.


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Title: Re: Public Skating in NYC
Post by: Meli on August 06, 2014, 11:16:26 PM
Looks like Bryant Park is slated to open on October 21st... just in time for my trip!
Title: Re: Public Skating in NYC
Post by: littlerain on August 07, 2014, 12:43:28 AM

Looks like Bryant Park is slated to open on October 21st... just in time for my trip!
Nice! I hope it is early enough to beat the crowds!
Title: Re: Public Skating in NYC
Post by: twinskaters on October 13, 2014, 04:34:30 PM
Rock center opened today, apparently! http://www.newtonshows.com/userfiles/file/10_10HUNTINGTON.pdf

Now I'm tempted to do an early-season trip there just for the girls to get the experience. Except 84 bucks for the four of us to skate, plus dragging four pairs of skates on the train...that's putting a damper on the idea!
Title: Re: Public Skating in NYC
Post by: rd350 on October 13, 2014, 07:09:22 PM
Rock Center is SOOOO expensive!  And such a tiny rink with short sessions.  I think kids skated free this morning after Merryl & Charlie skated.  Something to keep in mind for next year's opening.
Title: Re: Public Skating in NYC
Post by: twinskaters on October 13, 2014, 07:47:23 PM
Yeah, if I had known that I might've gone! Well, actually not, since one of my kids barfed all over the bathroom at around 11:45 last night (though she was fine today). I will keep an ear out next year. And I just realized the link I put up there has nothing to do with skating. Cut/paste error. See 11:45 PM for explanation. :'(

Maybe we'll do Wollman sometime. That's the first place my Florida-raised husband ever skated, on a date with me sometime in Y2K. We are both better now!
Title: Re: Public Skating in NYC
Post by: Kitten23 on October 13, 2014, 09:03:58 PM
If you want to skate at Wollman, I suggest the early morning freestyle sessions.  You can look on the website for the times, but it opens once the sun comes up.  Keep in mind, you can enter Central Park at 63rd Street and then just walk down the path, past the dog park, but you must enter Central Park.  If you are easily frightened, this may not be the place for you.  And don't even think about Lasker Rink on 110th Street if you're nervous about the subways.

There is always Chelsea Piers.  When you're tired of skating, you can walk around the piers and watch the boats.

As a native New Yorker who still lives in NY, I find the linked Youtube video very funny.  Others might not, but watch it anyway.  It's kinda cute. I can't make it click-able, but....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LmPBPWHJu4


Title: Re: Public Skating in NYC
Post by: rd350 on October 13, 2014, 10:12:32 PM
Oh yeah, love that video! Haha!

Central Park at dawn sounds lovely sans the waking up at dawn part.  Wollman has got to be better for freestyles.  The guards on publics are on your back all the time.
Title: Re: Public Skating in NYC
Post by: sarahspins on October 14, 2014, 03:28:48 PM
As a native New Yorker who still lives in NY, I find the linked Youtube video very funny.  Others might not, but watch it anyway.  It's kinda cute. I can't make it click-able, but....

I've never been, but that was pretty darn funny :)  And I've just wasted another 43 minutes of my life watching related videos.  Thank you  :nvm:
Title: Re: Public Skating in NYC
Post by: twinskaters on October 14, 2014, 06:03:25 PM
I love that video. I haven't lived in the city for 9 years, but at least I still know how to blend when I go. :)
Title: Re: Public Skating in NYC
Post by: Kitten23 on October 15, 2014, 11:36:53 PM
I've never been, but that was pretty darn funny :)  And I've just wasted another 43 minutes of my life watching related videos.  Thank you  :nvm:

Oops...  :blush:  Sorry.... ;D
Title: Re: Public Skating in NYC
Post by: Meli on October 19, 2014, 11:12:37 PM
I just choked when I saw the prices for Rockefeller.  I was going to go and have the hubby take a pic, but... um... that is quite the expensive picture.  Bryant Park is going to be around the corner from our hotel, so I'll just take my skates and skate there for FREE.  (I just need to remember to bring a lock for the lockers.)  As a bonus, one of the holiday kiosks will allegedly be selling hot cider and cider donuts, and I've been dying for some cider donuts!  I'll just take the money I save and spend it on fried deliciousness.  That works, right?
Title: Re: Public Skating in NYC
Post by: rd350 on October 20, 2014, 01:09:06 AM
Smart!  I heard Bryant Park is emptier during work hours.
Title: Re: Public Skating in NYC
Post by: lutefisk on October 20, 2014, 08:48:46 AM
I just choked when I saw the prices for Rockefeller.  I was going to go and have the hubby take a pic, but... um... that is quite the expensive picture.  Bryant Park is going to be around the corner from our hotel, so I'll just take my skates and skate there for FREE.  (I just need to remember to bring a lock for the lockers.)  As a bonus, one of the holiday kiosks will allegedly be selling hot cider and cider donuts, and I've been dying for some cider donuts!  I'll just take the money I save and spend it on fried deliciousness.  That works, right?

Wait 'til you're a "senior" for that Rockefeller photo op and the price drops to what most rinks charge for an hour of freestyle ice!  (Bet Meryl and Charlie got a "discount" last week...)
Title: Re: Public Skating in NYC
Post by: rd350 on October 20, 2014, 10:13:51 PM
Haha, yeah discount as in they got paid!
Title: Re: Public Skating in NYC
Post by: nieves on October 21, 2014, 08:41:57 PM
Bryant park is great in the during the weekday before 1! Totally empty.
Title: Re: Public Skating in NYC
Post by: Christy on October 21, 2014, 09:41:41 PM
Well sadly our trip had to be cancelled but now I've read about all of the great options I need to find another excuse for a trip another time  ;)
Title: Re: Public Skating in NYC
Post by: Meli on October 21, 2014, 10:50:19 PM
Bryant park is great in the during the weekday before 1! Totally empty.

Fabulous!  I'm aiming for hitting the ice at 8am while the hubby sleeps in.  Then off to the fabric stores for more spandex than I truly need in life.
Title: Re: Public Skating in NYC
Post by: twinskaters on October 22, 2014, 09:33:27 AM
Well sadly our trip had to be cancelled but now I've read about all of the great options I need to find another excuse for a trip another time  ;)

Oh, that stinks! But hopefully you'll get another chance soon.
Title: Re: Public Skating in NYC
Post by: Meli on October 25, 2014, 12:41:49 AM
Skated Bryant Park at 8 this morning with a lovely group of adult skaters.  The ice felt more like hockey ice, but it was a great venue.  I was surprised at the number of people that skate on their way to work... Even in shirts and ties!
Title: Re: Public Skating in NYC
Post by: robinsnest on October 28, 2014, 04:14:00 PM
Thanks for all the tips on NYC skating in this thread... we were up for the weekend and I hit Bryant Park around 10:30-12:15.  Hard to beat skating around outside on a beautiful day under blue skies.  It was empty enough I got to practice pretty much everything I am working on now too.  Meli, it sounds like we just missed each other!
Title: Re: Public Skating in NYC
Post by: rd350 on October 28, 2014, 07:08:13 PM
I was there yesterday at that time!  We should've done a meetup.

I live here and have never skated there.  Now I know why.  The ice was hard, hard, hard!  My back actually hurt when I got off and I never really have back issues.

Of course it is also possible to was the new Transpack I bought which is terrible for ergonomics.  I don't think I can return it now that I've used it.  $50 down the drain.

Title: Public Skating in NYC
Post by: littlerain on October 28, 2014, 11:46:44 PM
I was there yesterday at that time!  We should've done a meetup.

I live here and have never skated there.  Now I know why.  The ice was hard, hard, hard!  My back actually hurt when I got off and I never really have back issues.

Of course it is also possible to was the new Transpack I bought which is terrible for ergonomics.  I don't think I can return it now that I've used it.  $50 down the drain.

Aww wish I was there! Next time I visit friends in nyc, I'll be sure to let you guys know if it is winter time. I skated at Bryant park once or twice in college 5+ years ago and it was fun. :)

How did you like the transpack, otherwise? I'm not supposed to be buying things right now but if you're not in a hurry, I would totally buy it off you eventually! (What color/size is it?)
Title: Re: Public Skating in NYC
Post by: Meli on October 29, 2014, 11:46:14 AM
I live here and have never skated there.  Now I know why.  The ice was hard, hard, hard!  My back actually hurt when I got off and I never really have back issues.

My hips were sore after my time there.  That hard ice was making me work!
Title: Re: Public Skating in NYC
Post by: rd350 on October 29, 2014, 07:31:49 PM
@littlerain I don't know.  It seems awkward to me.  I wish there were more compartments on the middle inside part but it does the trick I guess.

Here's a photo.  It's black with purple and Hawaiian flower pattern very mellow just a lighter purple.
Title: Re: Public Skating in NYC
Post by: Abbyar on November 16, 2014, 10:47:34 AM
We skated at Rock Center this week. It was very expensive - not just for the skating but also for parking nearby (my dad was in town for business and I drove the kids in from NJ). For a senior with rentals (senior is same price as child) and 2 children (no rentals - kids have their own of course) it was $57 for a 90 minute session. It was relatively quiet though - early in the season and 10:30 am during the week, so only tourists on the ice, mostly learning. The middle of the ice was empty so dd got to show off her scratch spin, which she's starting to speed up on (yay). Definitely iconic and a must-do for every skater visiting NYC. Plus we got some great photos in front of the statue.
Title: Re: Public Skating in NYC
Post by: rd350 on November 22, 2014, 12:10:40 AM
Wow, yeah crazy expensive there but glad everyone had fun and you went at a good time!

I went to the rink at the Seaport yesterday and boy was it TINY!  1/4 stroke width and about a 2 stroke length with super hard ice and crowded.  Also no lockers.  $8 just to check your bag.  $10 for skating.  So much for that one.  I hope Sty Town turns out to be better.  Hoping to check it out soon.

Title: Re: Public Skating in NYC
Post by: Kitten23 on November 23, 2014, 11:04:25 PM
I say hit that #7 train and head to City Ice (stop: 33rd Rawson) or World Ice (stop: Willet's Point) and skate those sessions.  MUCH CHEAPER!!!!  Go on the website for both rinks to find out the times. 

Title: Re: Public Skating in NYC
Post by: rd350 on November 24, 2014, 03:23:25 AM
@kitten23 I haven't been to City Ice (although it's closer to me) but I do go to World Ice.  It's good if I can get there early, before school lets out.  City Ice doesn't have many public sessions, so strange.  I do need to check it out though.
Title: Re: Public Skating in NYC
Post by: dlbritton on March 09, 2016, 12:53:05 PM
I am going to the Javits Center  for a software conference in July and was thinking about skating at Chelsea Piers.
Not sure where I will be staying but I am may be able to duck out of the conference some during the day or go early morning/ late afternoon going to/from conference.

How crowded are the public sessions and what about the low freestyle sessions?

Is walking the High Line from the Javits Center to the rink a good option? There is a bus that runs straight down 11th Ave but I have to check the bus schedule vs ice times.
I will either be walking or using public transport.

I will be driving from NC to NY and parking my car somewhere long term. I will have luggage for a week and may drag along my skates.
Is parking at/near Newark airport (8 year old Subaru so maybe it isn't a thief magnet) and taking a limo in a good idea?
Title: Re: Public Skating in NYC
Post by: skategeek on March 09, 2016, 02:45:55 PM
There are certainly plenty of long-term lots around the airport, so that might be a good option (I use The Parking Spot on Haynes Ave when I fly out of EWR).  I don't know much about transportation from there into the city, though.  Depending on the timing of your trip, you could think about bookending it with a stop at Floyd Hall Arena in Montclair/Little Falls- daily adult public sessions that are lightly attended.  You could drive from Newark or take the train from the city (Montclair-Boonton line).
Title: Re: Public Skating in NYC
Post by: rd350 on March 09, 2016, 07:49:31 PM
Summer at Chelsea Piers is tricky because of camps - lots of camps.  Publics in the summer are better earlier in the session, unless there's a large group.  I hit a public that had 200 kids that never skated before on it last summer!  Waste of a lesson but the kids were new to the country and mesmerized by the ice so it was hard to be too mad.  I would call ahead about large groups.  That would be your best bet.

If you're there on the weekend and have time on a Saturday you might try and drop in on a Black Diamond class.  It's off ice followed by a group lesson on full private ice (group can be tiny or ?10/12 people tops I think?), then you get 30 minutes 1/2 ice to practice and then you switch rinks for I think it's another 90 minutes of private ice (for the class participants).  $50 and worth it.

I think the earlier the better for general freestyles.  No coffee club in the summer.

Location wise though, very easy from Javits.  Easy walk or bus.
Title: Re: Public Skating in NYC
Post by: celia on March 09, 2016, 09:02:43 PM
Walking the highline from the javits to Chelsea piers can be really nice - depending on the time of day.  The highline in the upper 20s is very narrow and pedestrian traffic can slow to a crawl.  But beautiful if you have the time.
Title: Re: Public Skating in NYC
Post by: skategeek on March 09, 2016, 09:03:41 PM
Oh, good point about the camps.  I didn't catch that the trip is in July.  No adult public session at Floyd (sniff)… camp takes over.
Title: Re: Public Skating in NYC
Post by: dlbritton on March 10, 2016, 11:59:38 AM

If you're there on the weekend and have time on a Saturday you might try and drop in on a Black Diamond class.  It's off ice followed by a group lesson on full private ice (group can be tiny or ?10/12 people tops I think?), then you get 30 minutes 1/2 ice to practice and then you switch rinks for I think it's another 90 minutes of private ice (for the class participants).  $50 and worth it.

I think the earlier the better for general freestyles.  No coffee club in the summer.

Location wise though, very easy from Javits.  Easy walk or bus.

I saw the description of the Black Diamond class and it looks interesting but I will probably arrive on Saturday (conference starts on Sunday afternoon) and leave the following Saturday

Walking the highline from the javits to Chelsea piers can be really nice - depending on the time of day.  The highline in the upper 20s is very narrow and pedestrian traffic can slow to a crawl.  But beautiful if you have the time.

Even if I don't get a chance to skate I will probably walk down the High Line just to look at the rink.

Thanks for all of the feedback.
Title: Re: Public Skating in NYC
Post by: alan on May 21, 2016, 04:34:33 PM
OK, Bryant park is a huge rink, but always crowded on weekends and evenings as it is totally free if you bring your own skates (outdoor seasonal rink). If you don't mind traveling to Queens, the World Ice Arena in Corona Park is really nice and reasonably priced. It's also indoors and year round. You can go by train and a two block walk.
Anyone who is an ice skating enthusiast and  travels to NYC must skate at Radio City at least once. Just remember you are paying tourist prices.
Title: Re: Public Skating in NYC
Post by: Christy on January 06, 2018, 08:35:50 PM
Well it looks like I may finally get to visit NYC and do some skating. From searching it looks like Bryant Park will close at the beginning of March, but I'm just wondering when the other tourist rinks (Rockefeller and Wollman) are likely to close. Looking at the calendar it looks like Rockefeller closes at the end of Feb but I can't find anything that specifies a closing date so just want to be sure, and I can't find anything on Wollman.
Title: Re: Public Skating in NYC
Post by: Isk8NYC on January 07, 2018, 03:55:16 PM
Bryant park closes in February because the site becomes a venue for NYC's Fashion Week events.
http://bryant-park.com/ice-skating/

Rock center usually closes in April.  Eta: that what their site says, too.
https://therinkatrockcenter.com/ckfinder/userfiles/files/Mid_Dec_GABrochure(1).pdf

Lasker rink used to have a tennis bubble over it but No more.  They don't hold up well against nor'easters. Lasker closes iMarch, usually.  The exact date depends on weather - they opened in November 2017 instead of October for that reason.   
http://www.laskerrink.com/Default.aspx?p=DynamicModule&pageid=335492&ssid=233584&vnf=1

Wollman rink is usually closes  a week or so after Lasker, so late March/early April.
http://www.wollmanskatingrink.com/Default.aspx?p=DynamicModule&pageid=360149&ssid=268650&vnf=1

Check before you go becaause weather is a big factor.  They've closed due to the brutal cold snap this week, for example.
Title: Re: Public Skating in NYC
Post by: skategeek on January 07, 2018, 05:28:44 PM
If you can get over the river there are several year-round rinks in northern NJ.
Title: Re: Public Skating in NYC
Post by: Christy on January 07, 2018, 07:57:17 PM
I was just re-reading the thread. What's the story with Chelsea Piers rink please? I assume I could do the general skating sessions there? I'll probably stay near Central Park so would I be able to walk via the High Line (as that's something else I really want to do)?
The weather is giving me some cause for concern. We can visit any time of the year, and of course the outdoor rinks have limited opening, but OH wants me to do the tourist stuff as a special treat.
Title: Re: Public Skating in NYC
Post by: rd350 on January 08, 2018, 06:53:46 PM
What do you mean about Chelsea Piers?  They have 2 rinks, a lot of hockey time but also a lot of freestyles.  Publics are generally crowded but if you go at 1:30 to the days that have that start time for a public the session could start out not too crowded unless there's a group which is really hit or (totally) miss as they can be large.

Not sure who said Bryant Park is huge - it is very crowded and very small and they generally don't let you do any figure skating but that could depend on the staff that day.  They're not supposed to let you go backwards (same with Wollman).  They might have meant Wollman, which is very big but oddly shaped (more like a baseball diamond).  They have morning freestyles though and some adult classes some mornings that should be good.

I thought Wollman and Rock Center were open until first week of April but I could be wrong.  I don't skate at either.  Rock Center is crowded and not too big.  Hit or miss but I think you can go really late at night and usually looks empty uber late (when the news cuts to it).

There are a bunch of other really small rinks in the city, probably not worth it.

If you want to journey out of the city, Prospect Park for outdoors is supposed to be decent and not crowded during the day during the week.  They have a couple of restyles too.  Easy subway ride outside the city to Brooklyn and in Prospect Park.
Title: Re: Public Skating in NYC
Post by: Christy on January 09, 2018, 09:49:51 PM
Thanks for the info on Chelsea Piers. It sounds like the public sessions can get really busy, and there's no way of knowing what to expect?
We're only there for a few days so not sure I'd want to head out of the city, but plans can change  ;)
Title: Re: Public Skating in NYC
Post by: rd350 on January 11, 2018, 04:03:03 PM
If you call Chelsea Piers the day before you should be able to find out if there's a big group and if not the 1:30 start (Monday's and Fridays??) should be pretty good.
Title: Re: Public Skating in NYC
Post by: Christy on January 13, 2018, 10:59:41 PM
Thanks for the info. It's now looking like the visit may be May / June time so no opportunity to visit the outdoor rinks, but more time for sightseeing (and hopefully less chance of travel plans being disrupted by the weather)
Title: Re: Public Skating in NYC
Post by: axelwylie on August 28, 2018, 09:10:41 PM
Just got back from a weekend trip to NYC and got to skate at Chelsea Piers. The ice is smaller (NHL size I think) and is well maintained. I believe it is a concrete base as the ice is hard. They Zam every hour. I was there from 7:00-7:50 am and the ice cost $28.50 as a non-member.

There are two rinks but one was being used for skating camp. There are also locker rooms for members who pay the annual fee to rent a locker to store their equipment.

It wasn’t crowded at all, but we were there fairly early for the summertime.