Ice Skating in Central Park (EVERYTHING You Need to Know)

Ice skating in Central Park is a blissful, memorable experience regardless of The city skyline serves as a magnificent backdrop to a cherished holiday tradition unlike any other. Thankfully, the rink is open for five months, so there’s plenty of time to enjoy the experience after the holiday crowds depart. Let’s cover everything you need to know!

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Ice Skating in Central Park

Where is Wollman Rink Located?

Located in the southeast corner of the park, Wollman Rink is situated near the Central Park Zoo and Gapstow Bridge. If the street grid extended into the park it’d be around 63rd Street on the east side of the park.

If you’re visiting the park with the sole purpose of ice skating I suggest coming through the Grand Army Plaza entrance on Fifth Avenue and 59th Street.

What keeps me coming back is something genuinely special about Where is Wollman Rink Located?. It’s one of those places in Central Park (Everything You Need to Know) that I find myself recommending over and over again, not because it’s the most obvious choice. But because it delivers an experience that stays with you. The kind of place where you look up from whatever you’re doing and think, ‘I’m really glad I came here.’ Give yourself enough time to explore without rushing. the best details reveal themselves slowly. If you’re visiting Central Park (Everything You Need to Know) for the first time, put this near the top of your list.

Quick Summary

What this guide covers. 3 personally vetted recommendations for ice skating central park (everything you need to know) in Central Park (Everything You Need to Know), based on repeated visits and genuine local knowledge. Last updated. 2026. Who it’s for. Anyone who wants to skip the tourist traps and experience Central Park (Everything You Need to Know) the way it deserves to be experienced.

When can you ice skate in Central Park?

Wollman Rink operates year-round (last summer it was a pickle ball court!), but the popular ice skating rink is open from October through March. The rink is open daily (including holidays) from 10am to 8pm.

I suggest visiting in early November so you can enjoy it surrounded by beautiful fall foliage. If your schedule is flexible, visit during a weekday to avoid mind-boggling crowds.

How much does it cost to ice skate in Central Park?

Prices vary depending on days and times, weekends are more expensive than weekdays.

Here is the current pricing for the 2025 season.

Adults. $15 (Mon.-Thurs.) | $27 (Fri.-Sun.) | $37 (holidays).
Seniors (60 & older)— $10.00
Children (11 & under) $10.00
Skate Rental. $11
Lock Rental. $7

If you’re a resident, it pays to know about the Wollman Rink Access Program (WRAP), which gives locals with NYC IDs (or New York Public Library Cards) to get discounted tickets in person.

There are also discounted rates available for parties of 10 or more, and if you’re going in it with more than 50 folks, reach out to the rink for special pricing.

Note — Wollman Rink is CASH-ONLY if you buy tickets in person (ATM onsite). I suggest booking online with a credit-card to skip the line.

What should you wear while it?

it is a cliche for a reason. the cold air, the city lights, the imperfect grace of it all. Some experiences earn their reputation.

New York is chilly during the winter months, so you’ll want to bundle up properly while it. Make sure your ears and hands are covered. If you’re anything like me (you have two left feet) you should prioritize gloves since you’ll be touching the ice when you get back up.

I suggest reading.What to Wear in New York City in the Winter (+Packing List)

Local tip. Central Park ice skating at Wollman Rink is a classic experience, but the secret is going during the first session of the day (usually 10 AM). The ice is freshly resurfaced, the crowds haven’t arrived, and you’ll get the best photos with the skyline backdrop.

Can kids go ice skating in Central Park?

Absolutely! In fact, it’s encouraged. Ice skating in Central Park with kids is a great time, they’re bound to have a fun time (and priceless photos to last a lifetime). Wollman Rink also offers ice skating aids (similar to walkers) to help your kiddos keep their balance. Unfortunately for us amateurs, parents must resort to clutching the sides of the rink for balance.

Best ice skating rinks New York City
ice skating in Central Park

Tips for visiting Wollman Rink

Bring cash.As I mentioned earlier, Wollman Rink is cash-only if you’re buying tickets in person. Bring cash for tickets and skate rentals. Locker fees are paid by card.
Dress warm.Getting some of these bad boys won’t hurt (I never leave the house without them when I know I’ll be ice skating in Central Park).
Go ice skating towards the end of your trip. One of the most common reasons folks end up in the Emergency Room during their trip to NYC is due to ice skating accidents. I wish I was joking but I’ve seen it happen from first-hand experience! For the best chances of a successful trip to New York, try to plan ice skating one of your last days in the city.
Slow and steady wins the race.The beauty of ice skating in Central Park is that thisn’t the Olympics. There is no competition going on during public skating hours so feel free to take your time. No one is judging, skate at a pace you’re comfortable with to avoid injuries.
Pack extra socks.Trust me on this one and learn from my mistakes. Ice skates hurt if you’re not used to them, so I highly recommend wearing a pair of thicker socks. Not to mention, if you’re renting skates you’ll probably want a fresh pair of socks after you’re all done.
Avoid weekends. Not only are the fees more expensive on the weekend, the crowds are way worse. You’ll be elbowing folks left and right, sympathizing with sardines in no time. Avoid the headache (and heartache) and try to limit your Central Park ice skating sessions to weekdays only.

And there you have it! I hope you found this quick guide helpful. Don’t hesitate to reach out with questions.

Cheers (and good luck)!

If You Liked This. You might also enjoy my guide to 11 Impressive Ice Skating Rinks in New York City. it’s one of my most popular posts and pairs perfectly with this one.

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Have you been? Have you been ice skating in Central Park? It’s a quintessential NYC experience. Share how it went. and whether the cold was worth it!

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Before You Go

If there’s one thing I want you to take away from this guide, it’s that Central Park (Everything You Need to Know) deserves more than a surface-level visit. Slow down, talk to the people who live here, and let yourself wander without a plan for at least one afternoon. The best memories I have from this place are the ones I didn’t schedule. I’ll keep this guide updated as things change. and they always do.

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