Once upon a time, you had to wait for ponds and lakes to freeze over to go ice-skating. Now, indoor rinks are open year-round. What better way to cool off on a hot, sultry New York summer afternoon than with a spin on the ice? Here are four ways to skate your way through the boroughs.
Where to Ice-Skate Year-Round in Manhattan
Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers (Chelsea Piers, Pier 61, 23rd Street & the Hudson River; tel. 212/336-6100; www.chelseapiers.com)
Adults: $13, Kids: $10; Skate Rental: $7.50 (Closed to the public on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays June 21-Sept. 3, 2010)
This rink, located right on the pier, has great views of the Hudson River. You can go for a twirl on the ice or take a lesson. Work up your strength with a slice from the on-premise Famous Famiglia's Pizza. There are also plenty of other sports activities at Chelsea Piers.
How to Get There: Bus #M23, heading west on 23rd St.; drop off at 11th Ave./pickup right in front of Chelsea Piers
Where to Ice-Skate Year-Round in Brooklyn
Aviator Sports and Recreation (Hanger 5, Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn; tel. 718/758-9800; www.aviatorsports.com)
Adults: $8, Kids: $6; Skate Rental: $5
If you and/or your kids are into sports, it's worth a trip to this athletic complex in renovated hangers at the historic Floyd Bennett Field (New York City's first municipal airport in the 1930s). For skaters, there are two NHL-size ice rinks. Other activities include rock climbing, euro bungee, and a flight simulator. Afterwards, relax in the sports lounge and grab a bite at the food court or the outdoor BBQ, Brooklyn Smoke House.
How to Get There: Subway #2 to Flatbush Avenue/Brooklyn College (last stop); then, Bus Q35 to Floyd Bennett Field.
Where to Ice-Skate Year-Round in Queens
World Ice Arena (Flushing Meadows Park, Queens; tel. 718/760-9001; www.worldice.com) Adults/Kids: $8, weekends; $5, weekdays; Skate Rental: $5
In Flushing Meadows Corona Park, near the Met's new Citi Field Stadium, there's an indoor sports complex with an NHL regulation-size ice rink. In fact, the New York Rangers are a rink sponsor. (The concession stand is open year-round). After a spin on the ice, take a dip in the Olympic-size, indoor swimming pool at the Aquatic Center.
How to Get There: Subway #7 to Willets Point
City Ice Pavilion (47-32 32nd Place, Long Island City; tel. 718/505-6230; www.cityicepavilion.com)
Adults/Kids: $8, weekends; $5, weekdays; Skate Rental: $5 (Closed in August)
In Long Island City, under a rooftop dome, this NHL-size ice rink also has the New York Rangers as a rink sponsor. Throughout the year, you can skate free-style or take figure-skating lessons. (The concession stand is open weekends in summer).
How to Get There: Subway #7 to 33rd St.
Talk with fellow Frommer's travelers on our New York Forum.
