Sunday, March 23, 2014

UPDATED: New York City Ice Rink Closing Dates 2013-2014 Season

I've updated this list to reflect the announced closing date of Riverbank State Park Ice Rink.

Since some of the rink websites don't list their closing dates, I've contacted them and compiled them here.  Dates are subject to change.

CLOSED - South Street Seaport Rink: Closing March 2, 2014

CLOSED - The Rink at Winter Village in Bryant Park: Closing March 2, 2014

CLOSED - Riverbank State Park Ice Skating Rink: March 16, 2014

CLOSED - Ice Skating Rink at Brookfield Place (World Financial Center): March 16, 2014

CLOSED - Lasker Rink in Central Park: Closing March 23, 2014

CLOSED - LeFrak Center at Lakeside in Prospect Park: Closing March 23, 2014

CLOSED - Wollman Rink in Central Park: Closing April 6, 2014

CLOSED - The Rink at Rockefeller Center: Closing April 20, 2014

Monday, March 3, 2014

Revised hours for The Rink at Brookfield Place (World Financial Center)

The Rink at Brookfield Place has announced it will close March 16.  For its final two weeks of operation, it will have shorter hours:

Monday-Friday: 2 - 8PM, weather permitting
Saturday: 10AM - 9:30PM
Sunday: 10AM - 7:30PM

Sunday, March 2, 2014

The Rink at Winter Village in Bryant Park


On the occasion of today's rink closing, here is my review.

Rink: The Rink at Winter Village in Bryant Park

Location: Bryant Park.  Entrance at the south end of the park (40th St.) near Sixth Ave.

When Visited: Many times this past winter. This has been my go-to place given the price and proximity to my office and home.



When to Go: Weekday mornings are the best time to visit, when the rink is practically empty.  Another great time to go: whenever the mercury falls (ie. during the Polar Vortex), keeping the tourists and novice skaters away. What they don't know is that once you get on the ice and start moving around, it doesn't feel that cold at all, except on your head (so wear a cap or hood). Busy times are during the holiday season (Thanksgiving-New Years), and on weekends and Valentine's Day (the worst), where there can be a 15+ min wait to get in and ice is gridlocked.

Price: Free admission (yay!). Skate rentals: $15-19.

Locker Room: Free lockers (bring a lock or buy one for $9).  The lockers are small - about 12" cube - so if you don't want to spend money to store your stuff, don't bring bulky items with you.  There is a bag check for $8-10.

The locker room