Built in 1950, Wollman Rink is a popular New York City ice skating destination. Steeped in history, this iconic rink is a must-visit spot if you happen to be in Manhattan during the winter months. Besides skating along the smooth surface and soaking up views of the city skyline, visitors can play ice hockey, take skating lessons and warm up with hot cocoa at the snack bar. It also transforms into a children’s amusement park in the summer months.
Wollman Rink History
Although Wollman Park was built in 1950, people had been skating in this area since 1858 when a man-made lake was opened to the public. The rink replaced the lake and a nearby pond as a public ice skating spot. Philanthropist Kate Wollman donated $600,000 for the rink to be constructed, and so the park was named after her family. In 2003, a children’s amusement park called Victorian Gardens opened on the site of the rink for the summer months and it still operates today.
Where is Wollman Rink?
Wollman Rink is located at 59th Street and 6th Avenue in the southeast corner of Central Park. From the entrance, it is about a two minute walk into the park. There is no parking at the rink or at the park, so the best way to get here is via the subway. You can get off at Columbus Circle, 57th Street or 59th Street.
What Can You Do at Wollman Rink?
Ice skating is the main activity at Wollman Rink. Visitors can bring their own skates or rent skates for $10. The rink also offers ice dance and figure skating classes on weekday mornings, youth hockey classes once a week, and private ice hockey and skating instruction. Adults can play ice hockey every Tuesday and Thursday evening.
From spring to fall, the rink transforms into Victorian Gardens, an amusement park for children. The theme park features about a dozen rides as well as fun activities for little ones like face painting, live shows, clowns and balloon sculpting sessions.
When is Wollman Rink Open?
The rink usually opens in late October and closes in early April. The daily hours are Monday to Tuesday 10am to 2:30pm, Wednesday to Thursday 10am to 10pm, Friday to Saturday 10am to 11pm and Sunday 10am to 9pm.
How Much Does it Cost to Skate at Wollman Rink?
From Monday to Thursday, public ice skating sessions are $12 for adults, $5 for seniors, and $6 for children 11 years old and younger. From Friday to Sunday and on public holidays the rates go up to $19 per adult, $9 for seniors and $6 for children.
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