By: Lyla of Globetrotting Mommy

Ice skating in New York City is one of those classic experiences that never gets old. If you’re heading to NYC for the holidays, pack the scarfs, mittens and skates and head out to one of these six family-friendly ice skating rinks. Check out this list of the best spots to ice skate in New York City:

The Best Spots to Ice Skate in New York City

ICE SKATING DOWNTOWN

The Rink at Brookfield Place is one of the city’s most family-friendly ice rinks. This outdoor rink is steps away from the New York Harbor allowing skaters to spot the Statue of Liberty as they circle the ice (so cool). The rink offers parent-child lessons and hockey classes for kids. Best of all, when you get cold, head inside to Brookfield Place and grab a snack at the awesome food court. Admission is $15 for a 90-minute session with a $5 skate rental. Skate aid rentals are available for $15 per 30 minutes.

After a fun-filled debut last season, Pier 17 Winterland Rink is back, serving up spectacular views of the East River, the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan’s skyline. As New York City’s only rooftop ice rink, the views are stunning so bring your camera. Pier 17 offers a variety of restaurants perfect for apres-skating. Special holiday programming is offered so check the website before you go. Pricing is $18 for an open skate session and $26 for skating and skate rental.

CHELSEA ICE SKATING

If you prefer indoor skating, Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers is your best bet. This twin-rink option offers general skating sessions every afternoon. You’ll find professionals and novices here so bring the whole clan. Pricing is family-friendly at $13 per person with $7 skate rentals and $5 helmet rentals. After skating, be sure to check out the many other Chelsea Piers activities like rock climbing, bowling and more.

MIDTOWN ICE SKATING

The Rink at Rockefeller Center is the classic ice skating pick with the best holiday vibes in town. If you’re looking to skate on an iconic rink with a fabulous view of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, this is the place. Sessions run for 90 minutes and lines are infamous so go in the morning if you can (ideally, early in the season). General admission costs $25 – $35 for adults, depending on dates. Children under 11 and seniors cost $17 and skates can be rented for $18. Several VIP packages can be reserved online for families who want to skip the lines.

The Rink at the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park. This free (yay!) option offers families so much more than a 17,000 square-foot rink. Surrounded by food and craft vendors and shops selling holiday-themed items, you’ll want to spend a few hours exploring Bryant Park. While admission is free, skate rentals range from $18-$33 depending on the date. Photo-worthy penguin skate aids can be rented for $22 an hour. This is one of the city’s most popular rinks, drawing large crowds on weekends and during school breaks. Off-peak times, weekdays and advance reservations are the way to go here.

Wollman Rink in Central Park is surrounded by gorgeous views of the park and New York City skyline. This is a great choice for fun-filled day in Manhattan with the Central Park Zoo nearby. Admission for adults is $12 Monday-Thursday (seniors $5) and $19 Friday-Sunday (seniors $9). Admission for kids 11 and younger is just $6. Skate rentals cost $10 and spectators pay a $5 fee.