CitiPond at Bryant Park Offers Affordable Family Fun for Murray Hill Residents

While the Murray Hill neighborhood of Manhattan is known for an excellent public elementary school, a convenient central location and easy access to the FDR Highway, it is no different than the rest of New York City in that it can be a very expensive and demanding place to raise a family. As a father of three with a stay-at-home wife, we watch our expenses each month very carefully, but are always looking for enriching and memorable expenses for our kids.

Fortunately, for families living in Murray Hill, there are is an increasing number of budget friendly activities available. The neighborhood Borders bookstore on Second Avenue, for example, offers a free-of-charge arts and crafts group every Saturday morning. St. Varten's playground, also on Second Avenue, offers city sponsored athletic leagues and free of charge basketball and handball courts.

Of course, during the winter months, families in the city are faced with the challenge of finding fun things to do outside. While Murray Hill, and New York City in general, is never at a loss for fun indoor activities, as every parent knows, eventually you have to get the kids outside for their physical health (and your mental health).

One of the best affordable family activities for families in Murray Hill during the winter months is CitiPond at Byrant Park, which offers free ice skating in a breathtaking setting. My wife and I took our three kids to skat there and had a memorable time and spent only a few dollars (on hot chocolate, of course).

Technically, Bryant Park is just adjacent Murray Hill, though it is easily accessible on foot from any spot in the neighborhood. While Bryant Park is not nearly as famous or large as Central Park, it is arguably the best kept park in the city and not as overrun by tourists.

CitiPond at Bryant Park offers a skating rink measuring 170' x 100'. It is located directly behind the New York Public Library with all of its stunning architecture. The skyline around the park includes old school Manhattan residences to the South and towering midtown skyscrapers, including the recently opened Bank of American building, to the west and north.

In addition to free public skating, CitiPond at Bryant Park offers free skating shows and special events. There are free lockers for skaters and skate rentals and skating lessons are available at reasonable rates. It is open from mid-December through late February each year.

Overlooking the rink is a temporary restaurant called Celsius, which is a perfect place for a little post skate meal or cocktail.

So if you live in the Murray Hill section of Manhattan and are looking for a fun filled and affordable outdoor activity, check out CitiPond at Bryant Park.

CitiPond at Bryant Park Website:
http://www.bryantpark.org/things-to-do/pond.html