Ice skating at Wollman Rink in New York City’s Central Park is a popular winter activity. Tickets start at $16 per person, with potential additional fees for prime times. Timed-entry tickets are required, and children under 3 can enter for free but can’t skate. Rentals like skates, lockers, and skating aids are available for extra fees. While it’s best to book ahead due to crowds, the rink offers a classic, picturesque experience in the heart of the city. There’s more to know about making the most of your visit.
Key Points
- Tickets for the Wollman Rink in Central Park start at $16 per person, with a 25% service fee for prime tickets and non-refundable policies.
- Timed-entry tickets are required for rink access, and children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
- Skate rentals, lockers, and skating aids are available for additional fees, and the on-site Wollman Cafe offers food and drinks.
- The rink operates from late October to early April, with periodic closures for ice resurfacing, and has an overall rating of 3.2 out of 5 based on 28 reviews.
- Direct booking on-site provides better clarity on availability and pricing compared to the booking process, and visitors are advised to plan ahead and arrive early.
Ticket Information and Pricing
Tickets to the Wollman Ice Skating Rink in Central Park start from $16.00 per person.
Tickets to the Wollman Ice Skating Rink in Central Park start from $16.00 per person.
Prime tickets include a 25% service fee, and a booking fee also applies. The tickets are non-refundable, and cancellations don’t receive refunds.
Guests can book timed-entry tickets to access the rink.
Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult, with each child ticket including admission for one non-skating adult chaperone.
Children 0-3 can enter for free but can’t skate.
All guests must sign a waiver upon arrival at the rink.
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Facilities and Services
Skate rentals are available for $12 plus tax.
For secure storage, lockers can be rented for $8.
Skate aids, such as skating frames, are available to rent for $25 for children 12 and under, and those under 4 feet tall.
The Wollman Cafe offers food and drink items for purchase on-site.
The rink operates from late October to early April, with periodic closures for ice resurfacing – every 3 hours on weekdays and every 2 hours on weekends.
Guests can expect a fun skating experience at this iconic Central Park venue.
Entry Guidelines and Restrictions
Upon booking, guests receive a confirmation for their timed entry tickets to Wollman Ice Skating Rink.
Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult, with each child ticket including admission for one non-skating chaperone. Guests must sign a waiver onsite, and only trained or licensed service animals are permitted.
The rink isn’t wheelchair accessible, though it’s located near public transportation. Guests are advised to arrive up to 30 minutes prior to their scheduled entry time to ensure a smooth experience.
Visitor Experiences and Reviews
Overall, reviews for the Central Park ice skating experience at the Wollman Rink have been mixed.
While some guests highlight the fun atmosphere and easy admission process, others report confusion over additional costs, overcrowding, and service issues. Many have expressed dissatisfaction with the ticketing system, particularly during peak times when long wait times are common.
The rink maintains an overall rating of 3.2 out of 5 based on 28 reviews. Visitors are advised to plan ahead, arrive early, and be prepared for busy conditions, especially during the holiday season.
Booking and Ticketing Processes
Visitors can purchase timed entry tickets to the Wollman Ice Skating Rink in Central Park. Prices start at $16 per person, with a 25% service fee for prime tickets. Booking fees also apply, and cancellations are non-refundable.
Timed entry tickets to the Wollman Ice Skating Rink start at $16 per person, with a 25% service fee for prime tickets. Booking fees and non-refundable cancellations apply.
Skate rentals, lockers, and skating aids are available for additional costs. When booking, guests receive a confirmation and must sign a waiver on-site.
Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Visitors should arrive up to 30 minutes early and consider bringing personal skates to avoid rental fees.
Booking directly on-site can provide better clarity on availability and pricing.
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Timing and Scheduling Considerations
The rink operates on a timed entry system, so visitors should plan to arrive up to 30 minutes prior to their scheduled entry time. This allows time to check-in, sign waivers, and rent equipment if needed.
Due to regular resurfacing, the rink closes every 2-3 hours, so visitors should plan their time accordingly. While there may be long wait times during peak periods, arriving early and preparing ahead of time can help minimize disruptions.
Skaters should also be mindful of the rink’s schedule and exit before the next group is allowed entry to avoid overcrowding.
Amenities and Rental Options
Skaters have access to a variety of amenities and rental options at the Wollman Ice Skating Rink.
Skate rentals are available for $12 plus tax. Lockers can be rented for $8. Skate aids, such as walkers, are available for $25 for children 12 and under, and under 4 ft tall.
Skate rentals are $12 plus tax, lockers can be rented for $8, and skate aids for children under 12 and 4 ft cost $25.
The Wollman Cafe offers food and drink items for purchase.
The rink operates from late October to early April, but is closed periodically for resurfacing every 3 hours on weekdays and every 2 hours on weekends.
Tips and Recommendations
To make the most of your Central Park ice skating experience, arrive up to 30 minutes prior to your scheduled entry time. This allows for smooth check-in and gear-up before hitting the ice.
Consider bringing your own skates to avoid the $12 rental fee. When booking, visit the rink’s website directly for the clearest pricing and availability details, as third-party sites may have additional costs.
Expect crowds, especially during peak times like holidays. Planning ahead and adjusting your expectations can help ensure an enjoyable outing on the iconic Wollman Rink.
The Sum Up
Wollman Rink in Central Park offers a unique ice skating experience for visitors. Tickets start at $16, with timed-entry required and free admission for children under 3. Skate rentals, lockers, and skating aids are available for additional fees. Advance booking is recommended to avoid overcrowding and long wait times, especially during peak periods. Overall, Wollman Rink provides a fun and convenient winter activity in the heart of New York City.
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