The Secret to Rockefeller Skating

Where has the year gone?

I was going to let you know of fun places in which to celebrate Halloween and where to go to a field filled with pumpkins to bring to your home.

However, I have just discovered the truth about something and I wanted to let you know, asap, so you can take advantage of it.

Oh, urgh. As I write that it feels spammny but it’s totally NOT!! I am excited to tell you about this adventure so, if you so desire, you can get yourselves there, as soon as you can.

What am I wittering on about?

Rockefeller Ice Rink.

YES!!

That very one. The one set in all the establishment shots of central Manhattan in the winter.

The one where goofballs and graceful ex-professional figure skaters go to shake off the summer cobwebs and g-l-i-d-e.

I wanted to let you know that, if you are cost and time efficient, NOW is the time to go!

I got an insider tip – once the tree is lit, as they supposedly say in New York but actually New Jersey –  fuggedaboutit.  The price can double and the wait can be 2-3 hours. The VIP line is even affordable at the moment, and the cost of that will almost triple on weekends. You do get immediate access and some snacks and hot chocolate, but what? They top it with gold leaf? No. It’s simple Keynsian physics New York City style.

Long and short, if you want to do this, go now. The lines are manageable – only to the top of the stairs when we were there – and the price is reasonable. If you bring your own skates, it’s even cheaper.

Need to Knows:

Location:  Rockefeller Center. Mid-town between 5ht & 6th Avenue, bet 49th & 50th Streets.

Nearest subway: B/D/F/M: 47-50th Rockefeller Center; E/M: 5th Ave, 53rd Street; N/Q/R: 49th street

Hours: 8.30am-12am

Cost: Right now it’s $25, ‘Holiday’ it’s $28 and ‘Peak Holiday’ $33. Seniors and under 11 is $15 and skate rental is $12.50. You can find the schedule here.

Food: There are tons of places to eat in the Rockefeller Center or in the environs. I recommend MakiMaki and Maison Kaiser on 6th Avenue between 54th and 55th

Information correct at time of writing. 

Top-Tip

The prices are cheaper and the lines shorter if you go in October.

There is a VIP line from inside the downstairs at Rockefeller Center.

If you go after the tree lighting, make a plan to check out the Holiday windows in the stores on 5th Avenue.

What is your favorite NYC park? Please tell us about it in the comments section.

If you go, can you take a photo and post on the CityKidAdventures facebook page? Here is the link. Would love to see them!

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