Wollman Ice Skating rink located in the southern tip of Central Park is a hidden gem for locals or visitors to Manhattan. It is much less crowded and costly than skating at Rockefeller Center, yet it delivers amazing views and a great facility for skaters of all abilities. This winter we signed our 5 and 3 year old up for weekly lessons and have been happy with the results. The staff is great with children and really create drills that keep their attention and teach them skills in ways I didn’t think possible. With the three year old class, the children accompanied by a parent do drills where they pick up small stuffed farm animals and deliver them back to a drawing on the ice of a barn. The kids learn balance as they make their way between the two destinations and need to crouch down and back up to collect the animals. There are lessons for older children, budding hockey players, as well as, adults with or without any Dorothy Hamill-like skills. Visit the official website for find out more about lesson descriptions and pricing.
The best way to enter the rink is via Central Park South (59th Street) and 6th Avenue. Wollman Rink is a two minute walk into Central Park from this entrance. Follow the footpath signs directly into the park. Via subway take the A, B, C, D, 1, 9 to 59th Street, the N, R to 5th Ave or the B, Q to 57th Street.
Open skate holiday rates for adults are $16, kids are $6 and skate rentals cost $6.75. According to the rink, this week’s hours are:
Tuesday, December 27: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Wednesday, December 28: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Thursday, December 29: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Friday, December 30: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Saturday, New Year’s Eve: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday, New Year’s Day: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
– Jill
