Frozen assets

Ice dreams Learn some cool tricks at Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers

Photograph: Scott McDermott

Surveying the skaters at one of the big Manhattan rinks—Rockefeller Center, Central Park’s Wollman Rink, the “pond” at Bryant Park—is a seasonal New York tradition. But frankly, even the idea of sharing the ice with hordes of tourists makes us glaze over. (Get it?) So when your family is ready to get in on the action, head to a lower-profile frosty facility. No crowds, no multibody pileups, no problems. Just don’t call them rinky-dink.

1 Riverbank State Park

Located about 85 blocks north of the midtown mayhem, the covered rink here—part of a 28-acre recreational facility—provides some of the least-crowded weekend skating in upper Manhattan. Little ones can get their skate on in public sessions, ice-dancing lessons and youth hockey games (for children ages seven to 14). Families celebrating birthdays can reserve tables for after-skate cake and ice cream. And thanks to the local kids who frequent Riverbank, the rink has a true community feel—something you won’t find at Bryant Park. 679 Riverside Dr at 145th St (212-694-3642, nysparks.state.ny.us/parks). $5, children under 11 $3. Fri 6–9pm; Sat, Sun noon–3pm, 4–7pm.

2 Lasker Rink

Central Park’s other outdoor rink is about the same size as attention-hogging Wollman, without the long lines. Lasker’s space is divided into two sections, one for public skating and one for hockey; kids as young as three can sign up for competitive team play. Adults will enjoy the picturesque view of the park’s nearby pond. For an après glacé treat, head up to Harlem’s yummy dessert café Make My Cake (121 St. Nicholas Ave at 116th St). Midpark between 106th and 108th Sts (917-492-3857, wollmanskatingrink.com/main_lasker.htm). $4.50, seniors and children $2.25. Mon, Wed, Thu 10am–3:45pm; Tue 8–10pm; Fri 10am–10pm; Sat 1–10pm; Sun 12:30–4:30pm.

3 Kate Wollman Rink

We bet you didn’t know New York City has a second Wollman Rink. Located next to the lake in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park, the facility has 26,600 square feet of ice, which means it’s one of the most spacious skating spots in the city. After a long day on the ice, kids can chow down on casual fare—hot chocolate, hot dogs, pizza—from Kate’s Corner, a snack bar conveniently located next to the rink. Prospect Park, enter park from Ocean Ave at Parkside Ave, Brooklyn (718-287-6431, prospectpark.org ). $5, seniors and children $3. Mon 8:30am–2pm; Tue 8:30am–5pm; Wed 8:30am–3pm; Thu 8:30am–6pm; Fri 8:30am–9pm; Sat 10am–1pm, 2–6pm, 7–10pm; Sun 10am–1pm, 2–6pm.

4 Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers

At the indoor Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers, you’ll find the city’s best-kept ice conditions (good work, Zamboni guys!). The glassy surface makes this an ideal spot for budding Tara Lipinskis and Brian Boitanos to test out their skills. While the rink does have open skate times, it’s best known for its stellar schedule of classes. Kids ages three and up can enroll in the Sky Rink Tot School and learn basic moves from the rink’s skating instructors. Advanced skaters can practice half-flip jumps and lutzes. Pier 61, Hudson River between 17th and 23rd Sts (212-336-6100, chelseapiers.com). $11.50, children $9. Mon, Fri 1:30–5:20pm; Tue, Thu 1:30–4:50pm; Wed 1:30–3:50pm; Sat, Sun 1–3:50pm.

5 Abe Stark Rink

This jumbo indoor rink near the Coney Island boardwalk is out of the way for most New Yorkers. But its size—about four acres—makes the long trip on the F train worth it. Mini-Gretzkys must have a consent form signed by their parents before stepping onto the ice—which tends to keep spoilsports away. Besides hosting open skate sessions on the weekends, Abe Stark offers weekly youth hockey games. Keep in mind that this beach nabe can be a tad desolate in the winter, so consider brown-bagging lunch. And make sure your kid bundles up against the bone-chilling ocean wind. Surf Ave at 19th St, Coney Island, Brooklyn (718-946-6536, nycgovparks.org). $8. Sat, Sun 1:30–4pm.