Wollman Rink: “Skate” of the Art, or Skating on Thin Ice?
For New York City hopefuls, gliding across Wollman Rink in Central Park is a bucket list item. But is it worth the hype? Things we liked about Wollman Rink Include location, location, location. You can’t get much better than this ice-skating rink’s stunning view of the park’s greenery against the sky-high city backdrop. It feels like stepping into a real-life snow globe.
It’s a short walk from the subway. Enter at 59th St and Sixth Ave. This rink is much bigger than some of the other top rinks in New York City (including outside the Rockefeller Center and Bryant Park). Skating at Wollman Rink feels like you are living a classic movie moment, as the rink appeared in the movie “Serendipity” (2001), “Night at the Museum” (2006), “Mr. Popper's Penguins” (2011), and “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York” (1992).
When it’s time to take off your skates, you are perfectly located in Central Park for a stroll. You can skate at this rink as a once-off at a public session or become a student at the skating school to boost your skills. Skilled skaters can even join in on ice hockey. Party facilities are also available.
There are things we didn’t like about Wollman Rink. The queues are long and chaotic (reportedly more than two hours on weekends, even for those who bought tickets online), with some deep ruts on the ice. The rental skates are from Jackson, a quality brand, but are past their expiry. Many online have criticized the new management’s disorganization.
There is a cafe, but the food items are quite pricey for what they have. Although there is a coffee shop right above the rink and many vendors, cafes, and restaurants nearby, you cannot return once you exit the rink. I’d recommend fueling up beforehand.
Off peak prices are $15 for adults, increasing to $26 during peak hours and $37 during prime hours. For children, the price to skate is $10 regardless of the timeslot. Bring your own skates or rent them at the rink for $11. Locker rental is also offered for $7. It’s definitely not a cheap skate, but it’s what you’d expect in New York. If you are planning to go on a Monday or Tuesday, keep in mind that the rink closes early those days, at 2.30 PM.
Public session hours:
Mondays & Tuesdays: 10:00 AM to 2:30 PM
Wednesdays & Thursdays: 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Fridays & Saturdays: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Sundays: 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
I personally enjoyed skating at Wollman rink during an off-peak time slot, but keep in mind that this experience will feel more chaotic during peak and prime times. So, are the chills and thrills of this bucket list item worth the downfalls?
Image credits:
Central Park
Wollman Rink NYC
On The Set of New York
Article by Richelle Hodson, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
Tearsheets by Alexa Dyer, Graphic Designer, PhotoBook Magazine
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