So, which scenario sounds more fun: being indoors and avoiding the winter cold or being indoors and still feeling a little chilly? If you went with the second option, chances are you’re into ice skating. Admittedly, ice skating may not be for everybody, since there’s usually a good deal of falling involved for those who are new to it.
Nonetheless, the thrill of finally circling the rink without having to clutch the wall or hold a stronger skater’s hand can feel very rewarding. Long Island has plenty of places that offer ice skating and other fun activities, so start trying on skates and remember: if you fall, dust yourself off and get back up. It’s part of the fun.
Iceland
No, not the country; this one’s much closer. Iceland, located at 3345 Hillside Ave. in New Hyde Park, offers group ice skating sessions for children and adults, as well as group or private lessons for skaters who are looking to improve. Iceland also has a house hockey league and is home to the oldest figure skating club on Long Island, the Metropolitan Figure Skating Club.
For more information on sign-ups, visit www.icelandlongisland.com.
Port Washington Skating Center
The Port Washington Skating Center is an excellent place to go for ice skating and hockey, but it also offers visitors the opportunity to rent the ice for up to an hour and a half. Ice rentals for work groups are a nice way for coworkers to bond and rentals can also be used for fundraisers, school reunions and hockey teams. The rink offers discounts for ice rentals later than 10:30 p.m. or for morning hours on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Visit www.pwskating.com to find out more.
Town of Oyster Bay Ice Skating Rink
Located at 1001 Stewart Ave. in Bethpage, this rink balances a variety of skill levels, with programs designed to support beginners and more experienced skaters that are divided by age group rather than skating experience. Participants will have the opportunity to develop skills in figure skating or ice hockey. For those interested in more casual visits, the rink offers general admission skating throughout the winter.
Call 516-433-7465 for further information.
Ice Works
Famous for being the official practice facility of the New York Islanders, Ice Works in Syosset is also a great place for beginners, particularly kids, to take skating lessons. There is a youth program for 2- to 5-year-olds and a group program for ages 6 to adult. Skaters who already know the ropes can participate in freestyle classes in which they can develop figure skating routines.
For information on how to sign up, visit www.islanders.ice.nhl.com.
Christopher Morley Park
Not all ice skating rinks are indoors. Christopher Morley Park in Roslyn offers an outdoor rink that is host to various local hockey teams and enjoyed by recreational skaters around Long Island. The rink, around since 1966, also allows for ice rental, private parties and group skating lessons. The skating season begins the Saturday following Thanksgiving and wraps up in March, weather permitting. Ice times vary by day.
Visit www.nassaucountyny.gov/2794/Christopher-Morley-Park for further information.
Tanger Ice Rink
Tanger Ice Rink is located at 455 Commack Rd. in Deer Park and is another outdoor rink. In addition to offering ice skating lessons, the rink offers a deal on ice rentals for large groups. Groups of 12 or more people can call in advance and get a discount on their skate rentals. Admission is $10 with an additional $4 for skate rentals. Tanger club members can rent skates for free. The rink opens on Nov. 20.
For information on scheduling or group ice rentals, visit www.tangericerink.com.
