This weekend, the boyfriend and I attempted to go ice skating again. After a disappointing time at the Natural History Museum’s ice rink, we were determined to find the perfect ice skating rink in NYC. Since we were in the Bryant Park area, we checked out the Pond. Now the Pond boasts that it has free admission, but it makes money off of skate rental (12 bucks) and locks for locker rental. When we saw the long line of tourists, we decided we’d rather travel up to Harlem to Lasker Rink. We figured tourists wouldn’t dare step above 96th street and it wouldn’t be as much money.
Apparently, third time is a charm. There are two outdoor rinks around 106th-108th street and Lenox Avenue in Central Park, easily accessible by the 2 or 3. For adults, it is $6 to skate and $5.25 for skate rentals. If you want to store your belongings, you can rent a locker for $3.25 + a $4 deposit that you get back. The locker area was clean and had a concession stand incase you wanted to warm up with a hot chocolate.
We were lucky to get on the ice right after the zamboni, and unlike the Natural History Museum, this rink 
had real ice. To me there was an average number of people on the rink on a Saturday afternoon, but the boyfriend wished the rink was a little less crowded so he could display his Apolo Ohno speed skating skills. Pop hits are played in the background and you’re surrounded by the beautiful park scenery, ultimately creating a great ice skating experience. There’s no limit to how long you can be on the ice, so we skated for more than 40 minutes before we decided to head out.
If you are looking to ice skate in the city, don’t waste your time or money anywhere else. I’d definitely advise heading to Lasker Rink.
The Basics Name: Trump Lasker Skating Rink Location: 106th-108th Street, Central Park Who to take: Date Price: Typical NYC - $$ Overall: Make it part of the rotation. 4 Stars.
Very helpful - thanks for doing the legwork for us. I’ll check it out soon.
Thanks, Zanz. This is some great info. After the scarring experience of going to Wollman rink at the age of 7 and having my father break his ankle before the eyes of myself and hundreds of other people, Harlem sounds like heaven.
I have to disagree with you, Laura. I happened to enjoy my time ice skating at Bryant Park last weekend and have no interest in trying any place else. While you are correct to say it costs $12 for skate rentals, you can come prepared with your own lock and not pay anything (purchased one for $2 on my way there). Bags can also be purchased for $7 bucks that easily hold 4-5 pairs of shoes so this can be another way to cut costs if you are not there on a wild date. There is also REAL ice at The Pond and there is a HUGE Christmas tree overlooking the rink. Is there anything that gets you in the holiday spirit more than that?
I am also disappointed that you only spent 40 minutes skating since I enjoyed three hours of playful skating. Who got the best deal here?
Laura’s lack of response explains it all Tim - you did. I see a Hudsonandbroke.com in your future.