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Best Indoor Ice Skating Rinks in NYC

1. City Ice Pavilion – Long Island City, Queens

Why families love it: This Long Island City indoor ice skating rink is very popular with Queens residents as well as those living in Manhattan because it's only a short subway ride.
Best for: All-ages friendly
Lessons available: Yes, group classes as well as private lessons are available.
Skate rentals: Yes, skate rentals are available for $8.
Good to know: Open year-round. There is a FREE parking garage right next to the main entrance, which is first-come, first-served. Helmets are no longer available, so make sure to bring your own.

2. Abe Stark Rink – Coney Island, Brooklyn

Why families love it: You can go ice skating on the Coney Island boardwalk this winter at this decades-old indoor ice skating rink.
Best for: All-ages friendly
Lessons available: Yes, private and public skating classes are available.
Skate rentals: Yes, skate rentals are $7.
Good to know: Open Saturdays and Sundays (and some holidays) only. The rink does get crowded. The Greater New York City Ice Hockey League has its home here.

The Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers is a popular destination no matter the season.

3. Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers – Chelsea

Why families love it: The Chelsea sports complex boasts two indoor ice skating rinks that are open year-round and offer drop-in ice skating nearly every afternoon.
Best for: All-ages friendly
Lessons available: Yes, programming includes figure skating lessons, ice skating school, and youth hockey leagues.
Skate rentals: Yes, skate rentals are $10.
Good to know: The Sky Rink is open year-round. It's best to reserve space online for public skating. Check the calendar before heading out because public skating is only available for certain hours of each day.

The Staten Island Skating Pavilion offers all-ages fun.

4. Staten Island Skating Pavilion – Charleston, Staten Island

Why families love it: The only indoor ice skating rink on Staten Island, it attracts skaters of all ages and abilities.
Best for: All-ages friendly
Lessons available: Yes. There is lots for skaters here, including hockey league play and learn-to-skate instruction for tots and older kids.
Skate rentals: Yes, skate rentals are $8.
Good to know: Open year-round. This busy indoor ice skating rink offers public ice skating on weekends. The weekdays are taken up with ice skating lessons, events, and hockey games.

Take a spin—or a lesson—at World Ice Arena.

5. World Ice Arena – Flushing, Queens

Why families love it: Located on the northeastern edge of Flushing Meadows Corona Park, World Ice Arena offers more public ice skating sessions than any rink on this list, along with ice skating lessons, parties, and hockey leagues. World Ice Arena is a sister ice skating rink to the City Ice Pavilion.
Best for: All-ages friendly
Lessons available: Yes
Skate rentals: Yes, skate rentals are $7.
Good to know: The rink is open year-round.

6. Aviator Sports and Events Center Ice Skating Rink – Marine Park, Brooklyn

Why families love it: The ice rink at this mega sports center recently re-opened, however, it is only offering classes and lessons. Currently, there are no public skating times.
Best for: Ages 4-13
Lessons available: Learn to skate and learn to play hockey lessons are currently being offered.
Skate rentals: Yes
Good to know: Many Aviator spaces are closed or open with limited activities when compared to past seasons. Confirm offerings before you venture out.

Tips for Ice Skating Indoors with Kids in NYC

• What to wear: Dress in stretchy, flexible pants like leggings or athletic pants and long-sleeved tops with sweaters and coats on top. Don't forget warm accessories like hats, scarves, and definitely mittens and gloves. Make sure to wear warm, tall socks because feet do get cold.
• Best ages to start skating: Between 3 to 5 years of age is an ideal age to start ice skating when kids are old enough to follow instructions and their muscles have sufficiently developed.
• Helmet and safety tips: Helmets are important for beginner skaters, and some parents might want to invest in crash pads for their kids' knees and elbows, as well as wrist guards. You should go in the same direction as all the other skaters and make sure there's enough room between you and other skaters to avoid any collisions.
• When to go for fewer crowds: If possible, go on a weekday. On a weekend, try to go at the beginning of the skate sessions or toward the end. Also, try to avoid holiday weekends as they tend to be very busy.

FAQs for Indoor Ice Skating Rinks in NYC

Are there indoor ice skating rinks in NYC open year-round?
Yes, several indoor rinks operate year-round and offer public skating, lessons, and camps.

Which indoor ice skating rinks in NYC are best for kids?
Family-friendly rinks typically offer learn-to-skate programs, rentals, and less crowded sessions.

Do NYC indoor ice skating rinks offer skate rentals?
Most indoor rinks offer on-site skate rentals, often included with admission or for an additional fee.

What age can kids start ice skating in NYC?
Many programs accept children as young as 3 or 4, depending on the rink and class structure.

Is indoor ice skating less crowded than outdoor rinks in NYC?
Indoor rinks are often less tourist-heavy and more predictable, especially on weekdays.

This post, originally published in December 2010, is updated annually.

Photos courtesy of the rinks