New York with kids

Ice Skating in New York with Kids: the Rinks Compared

Skating outdoors under the skyscrapers is a classic New York winter memory, and the city has rinks for every family: the famous one under the Rockefeller Center tree, a free one in Bryant Park, and big rinks in the parks.

By Play Your Trip · Updated · 3 min read

The pixel-art cover of a family's New York adventure book

Here's how they compare for kids, and a one-day plan. Dates and hours change each season, so check each official website and book ahead where you can.

A skating day in Midtown

The free rink in the morning, the famous one in the evening.

  1. Morning

    Bryant Park rink (opens Google Maps)

    The city's only free-admission rink, in the Winter Village (late October to the end of February). Skate rental is paid; bring your own skates to make it free.

    Official site

  2. Late morning

    Winter Village shops (opens Google Maps)

    Holiday market stalls, hot chocolate and snacks around the rink.

  3. Lunch · Lunch

    Lunch near Grand Central

    Warm up in the Grand Central food hall, a short walk east.

  4. Evening

    The Rink at Rockefeller Center (opens Google Maps)

    The most famous rink in the world, under Prometheus and (from early December) the Christmas tree. Small, pricey and busy: book a timed session online.

    Official site

The rinks compared

  • The Rink at Rockefeller Center: iconic, small and expensive; open October 10, 2026 to March 27, 2027. Best for one special skate.
  • Bryant Park: free admission (rental is paid), a big rink and the holiday market around it; open October 28, 2026 to February 28, 2027.
  • Central Park: a large rink with skyline views at the south end of the park. Check this season's name, dates and booking on the park's website.
  • Neighbourhood rinks: Brooklyn, Queens and Lower Manhattan have quieter rinks with shorter lines, good for beginners.

Tips for skating with kids

  • Book ahead: timed sessions sell out in December, especially at Rockefeller Center.
  • Go on weekday mornings: the quietest times at every rink.
  • Little beginners: many rinks rent skate aids (frames kids can hold); helmets for kids are a good idea.
  • Dress for it: gloves (rinks may require them), warm layers and thick socks.

Make it a game

A Play Your Trip book turns your winter trip into an adventure: every stop a quest with a coin to collect, every place one tap from the map. Play the demo.

Questions

Where can you ice skate for free in New York?

Bryant Park's rink in the Winter Village has free admission; you pay only for skate rental, or bring your own skates.

When is the Rockefeller Center rink open?

For the 2026–27 season, from October 10, 2026 to March 27, 2027. Book a timed session online, especially in December.

Which NYC rink is best for young kids?

Bryant Park or a quieter neighbourhood rink on a weekday morning: more space, shorter lines and skate aids for beginners.