Best Ice Skating Spots in New York

A review of the best ice skating spots in New York almost always begins or ends with a look at skating at Rockefeller Plaza in New York City. It is a location that seems filled with romance whether you see it in person or in one of many movies or television shows that pictures New York City in the winter. As much as skating at the Plaza can be great fun, don't miss out on some of the other indoor and outdoor ice skating spots that can be included among the best ice skating spots in the State of New York.

Rockefeller Plaza , NYC, NY You can't skate at any spot better known to the public than the world renown ice rink at Rockefeller Plaza on 5th Avenue between 49th and 50th St's. As great as it looks, you can only imagine what it feels like to be one of those special people who everyone is watching as you glide around the rink . What is amazing to many is that this extraordinary spot is still open to public skating.

What is even more amazing is that the cost for a skating session at Rockefeller Plaza is not really exorbitant at $10 for adults and $7 for children under 11 years old for seniors . These prices are asked Mon- Thurs. and are bumped up on the weekend to $14 and $8.50 per person. Skate rental for a session is $8. As it is unlikely that you will be carrying your skates with you in downtown NYC the price does take that extra bump. Still when you consider the experience it is quite a bargain.

Skating hours begin as early as 8:30 a.m. and often don't end until midnight for a full and updated schedule of hours it is always wise to call ahead 212-332-7654. Believe it or not there are also skating lessons that you can arrange at Rockefeller Plaza for an additional fee. From January 7- April 13 Rockefeller Plaza is definitely one of the best ice skating spots in New York.

Central Park, NY . Wollman Rink in Central Park New York gives outdoor ice skating a whole different atmosphere from what skating at the Rock offers. You are in New York City but you feel very much removed as the rink is in a much less confined setting . At Wollman rink you will have plenty of company but the feeling still is that you are in a more remote location than the middle of New York City. Of course at the same time you can also look up and see the majestic skyscrapers close by.

Hours for public skating here are on Mon - Tues 10 a.m.- 2:30 p.m. ; Wed -Thurs 10 a.m.- 10:00 p.m. ; Fri- Sat 10 a.m.- 11 p.m and Sun. 10 a.m- 9 p.m.
The rates during the week are $9.50 for adults and $4.75 for children and seniors . The rates are slightly elevated to $12 and $5 on weekends. Again, when you consider where you are and what you can see, the cost seems quite reasonable.

Olympic Speed Skating Oval, Lake Placid, NY . Not all the best skating spots in New York are located in the city of New York as the Olympics of 1980 proved . Sites used during those events are still in service today and thrilling people with the chance to enjoy winter sports on surfaces used by international sports stars.

Lake Placid is home to the Olympic Speed Skating Oval which today is more than just a stop on a local sightseeing tour. The Oval is opened from December to early march and offers lots of public skating times at reasonable rates. You can skate on ice made famous by Olympians for only $7 for adults and $5 for children and seniors . There are skate rentals available for an additional $3. Regular skating times for public skating are set at Mon., Wed and Thurs. 7- 9 p.m. but speed skating hours are available at other times during the day. Public skating on the weekends and holiday periods are offered at 1-3 p.m. and 7-9 p.m.

Lake Placid has lots to offer for winter vacationers and not the least is one of the best ice skating spots in New York.

Rotary Rink, Buffalo, New York. Not all of the best ice skating spots are located on the eastern side of the state. Out on the western border the City of Buffalo can lay claim to one of the best ice skating spots in New York at its Rotary Rink, now celebrating 10 years in operation. Named for the Rotary Club which donated generously to the production of this city recreation site, the Rotary Rink offers outdoor skating in downtown Buffalo amidst some of the cities best known architectural sites.

As nice as the ambiance may be, what really turns people on to the Rotary Rink in Buffalo, NY is the fact that from the beginning the plan was and continues to be, to offer skating here entirely FREE of charge. Can that be? Yes it can, thanks to city sponsorship and community involvement. The city events management group, called Buffalo Place, Inc has stepped up to add concessions to the setting and a skate rental facility.

Want to skate in a downtown setting but can't make it to Rockefeller Plaza? Don't fret just check out one of the best ice skating spots in New York in Buffalo, NY.