Aviator Sports
These two NHL-regulation rinks— housed inside a former airplane hangar at Floyd Bennett Field—are open for public skating year-round. At least one open-skating session is held every day. Floyd Bennett Field, 3159 Flatbush Ave south of the Belt Pkwy, Marine Park, Brooklyn (718-758-7500, aviatorsports.com). $8, children 12 and under $6; skate rental $5.
Abe Stark Rink
This seaside rink keeps people flocking to the area even after the theme parks have closed. It’s open through March for weekend-only skating, but don’t lollygag: Saturday and Sunday sessions only last from 1 to 4pm. 1902 Surf Ave at 19th St, Coney Island, Brooklyn (718-946-6536, nycgovparks.org). $8; skate rental $4.50.
Bryant Park
It’s free and open late (Sun–Thu 8am–10pm; Fri, Sat 8am–midnight). Try visiting during off-hours if you want to practice your lutzs and axels on the 17,000-square-foot rink—then warm up at with comfort food at Celsius Restaurant, Lounge and Event Space. The season runs from October 28 to February 26. Sixth Ave between 40th and 42nd Sts (212-661-6640, citipondatbryantpark.com). Free; skate rental $14.
Chelsea Piers
There’s no need to wait until winter to glide across the two NHL-sized rinks here—they’re open year-round for general skating as well as hockey and figure skating. Chelsea Piers (Pier 61), W 23rd St at Hudson River (212-336-6100, chelseapiers.com). $13.50, seniors and children 12 under $11; skate rental $8.
Ice Pavilion
World Ice’s sister rink offers the same options, with the added benefit of having a second, smaller area for spillover. The additional rink—made of synthetic material—gives smelly adult leaguers a place to practice their hockey stops while you enjoy your leisurely laps. 47-32 32nd Pl between 47th and 48th Aves, Long Island City, Queens (718-706-6667, cityicepavilion.com). Mon–Fri $5; Sat, Sun $8; skate rental $5.
Lasker Rink
The second Donald-branded skating venue in Central Park opens for the season on October 29. It’s not quite as popular as Wollman Rink, which means you just might be able to hit your Apolo Ohno stride. Central Park, enter at W 110th St at Malcolm X Blvd (Lenox Ave) (917-492-3856, laskerrink.com). $6.50, children 12 and under $2.50, seniors $3.50; skate rental $5.50.
Pelham Civic Complex
This is home to the Pelham Ice Skating School, providing instruction for the beginning figure skater, hockey player or recreational skater, with classes for students of all ages and levels. Beginning levels of ice skating are taught through the guidelines of USFS (United States Figure Skating). Whether your interest lies in healthy competition or simply in recreation and exercise, the Pelham Skating School provides professional training. Group classes are offered on a 8 week schedule meeting once a week. New Classes start January 2, 2012 and run through February 25, 2012 for term 1. Call to sign up at (205) 620-6448
Rockefeller Center
Even if the sidewalks are overrun with tourists, you’ll have room to skate at the city’s most iconic rink; only 150 people are allowed on the ice at once. Unfortunately, that means you should prepare for long lines. Get there before November 3 to take advantage of the rink’s preholiday pricing, including a $6 midday deal (Mon–Thu 11:30am–1pm). 30 Rockefeller Plaza between 49th and 50th Sts (212-332-7654, therinkatrockcenter.com). Through Nov 3: $10–$14, seniors and children under 11 $8–$8.50; skate rental $8.
Skating Pavilion
This indoor ice arena is the only rink on Staten Island to stay open year-round. That said, public skating is only available on weekends. If you want to hit the Zamboni slick during the week, join a freestyle figure skating and open hockey session. 3080 Arthur Kill Rd between Clay Pit Rd and Shore St, Staten Island (718-948-4800, thepavilion.org). $9, children 12 and under $8; skate rental $5.
The Standard Hotel
It's in the Meatpacking District offers New Yorkers a beautiful ice skating rink in the Meatpacking District during the winter months. Admission is $12 per person and skate rental is $3. The outdoor Kaffeehaus serves hot drinks (spiked with a shot if you like) to keep you feeling toasty on the ice
Wollman Rink
This famed rink opens for the season on Monday 24. If you decide to check it out, be prepared for the hordes of children and slow-moving newbies. There won’t be room for speed skating or fancy tricks, but it’s worth it for the scenery. Central Park, enter at W 59th St at Sixth Ave (212-439-6900, wollmanskatingrink.com). $10.50–$15, seniors $4.75–$8.25, children 11 and under $5.50–$5.75; skate rental $6.25.
World Ice
Need some skating tips before you attempt to navigate Manhattan’s obstacle-laden ice? Head to this Queens arena, where dozens of weekly skating classes are available, as well as daily open sessions. Van Wyck Expwy
at Avery Ave, Flushing, Queens (718-760-9001, worldice.com). Mon–Fri $5; Sat, Sun $8; seniors $5; skate rental $5.