An Insider’s Guide to Ice Skating at Wollman Rink

When it comes to winter fun in NYC, ice skating at Wollman Rink in Central Park is a timeless classic. As soon as the seasons start to change, my kids can’t wait to conquer our winter fun list. Of course, many of these activities involve ice and snow, and if you know anything about the past few NYC winters; Mother Nature hasn’t exactly delivered.

The good news is Central Park’s iconic Wollman Rink—one of our favorite outdoor ice skating rinks in NYC—is available no matter what Mother Nature sends our way. Here, locals and tourists alike can go ice skating all winter long. A trip also puts visitors smack dab in the activity-packed Central Park, so a day of ice skating can turn into an entire afternoon of family fun.

Visiting Wollman Rink: The Basics

For more than 70 years, Wollman Rink has been one of the most famous outdoor ice skating rinks in the country. Alongside the Rink at Rockefeller Center, Wollman Rink remains one of the most well-known ice skating rinks in NYC.

The ice skating experience at Wollman Rink doesn’t disappoint. Wollman Rink offers a well-manicured skating surface in a picturesque setting. As you glide along the ice, take a moment to look up at the skyline dotted with iconic buildings, like The Plaza and Essex House, to remind you of how special an ice skating trip to Wollman Rink really is.

Since reopening under new management in 2021, Wollman Rink has undergone a renaissance of sorts, and its new owners have made great strides to ensure locals know this iconic ice skating rink isn’t just for the tourists. To that end, you’ll find discounted tickets for residents, special FREE admission days, and plenty of programming with community-based partners like Figure Skating in Harlem, The Boys’ Club of New York, The YMCA, Ice Hockey in Harlem, and more.

While ice skating at Wollman Rink can be a great adventure for the entire family, there are a few things to know before you go. These tips and tricks ensure that you and your family get the most out of your Central Park ice skating spectacular.

You will want to avoid driving to Wollman Rink, where parking nearby is scarce. I recommend taking the N/R/W line to 59th Street and Fifth Avenue, which puts you right near the entrance to Central Park. From there it’s a lovely, short walk to the rink.

While an outing won’t break the bank, be prepared to spend some money. The full entrance fee ranges from $15-37 for adults (depending on the date and time) and $10 for the kiddos. Add to that the cost for skate rentals, locker rentals, and skate aids (Their $25 fee really shocked us!), and it piles up quickly for a day of family fun. But once you are there, you are free to skate to your heart’s content.

Before staking out, remember to pack an extra set of clothes for the kids. The fact is, you’re probably all going to fall. Having a dry set of clothes to change into when you’re done ice skating is a lifesaver for the trip home or post-skating adventures.

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Skate buddies keep little ones upright on the ice, but they cost a pretty penny. Photo by the author

Eating at Wollman Rink

Unfortunately, there is no outside food allowed at Wollman Rink, so you’ll have to leave those packed lunches and snacks at home. However, it does make up for that with two great dining options. You can grab some great grab-and-go items at the Wollman Cafe, including options like a warm piece of pumpkin bread, red velvet muffins, and hot chocolates all around. It also carries some new vegan options and a do-it-yourself chili and sundae bar!

Wollman Rink is also home to an outpost of Harlem’s famous Melba’s restaurant, which offers some unique and mouthwatering dishes in case you are looking for something more substantial. Also, the price-to-portion ratio is really great. I recommend grabbing the Southern fried chicken and eggnog waffles plus an order of DiscOasis fries to share. 

Lessons and Programs at Wollman Rink

For those who want to step up their ice skating to the next level, Wollman Rink offers an array of programs and ice skating classes. It offers public youth skating skills lessons for kids 4 ages and up. It also offers boys- and teen-specific ice skating lessons as well.

Wollman Rink is also home to youth hockey, figure skating, and synchronized skating programs for more advanced skaters. Adults can enjoy classes from beginner lessons and pond hockey sessions to iceflow frozen yoga. Private lessons are available if your child prefers learning one-on-one. All of the prices and dates for these classes vary and are available on the Wollman Rink website.

Visiting Wollman Rink and Wollman Rink Tickets

Wolman Rink is located near the southeast corner of Central Park and the closest entrance is at 59th Street and Sixth Avenue.

Adult ticket prices vary by date. Save money by visiting during non-peak times, like weekdays, or taking advantage of special NYC-resident discounts, including the Wollman Rink Access Program, which offers $15 tickets to NYC library card and IDNYC holders. These $15 tickets include admission, skate rental, and hot cocoa, but can only be purchased at the admission kiosk. New Yorkers can also take advantage of the Culture Pass program to get completely FREE tickets, too.

Take note: Add-ons like lockers and skate buddies come at a premium price, however.

Every skater must have a signed waiver on file before you can hit the ice. Save time when you get there by filling out the waiver online in advance.

Wollman Rink is open seasonally for ice skating, usually from late October through mid-March, depending on the weather. Visit the website for current hours.

Keep an eye out for special summertime events at Wollman Rink. Past seasons have included a supersized pickleball installation and a Disco-fueled roller skating rink.