Would you rather be indoors, avoiding the winter cold or be indoors and still feel a little chilly? If you went with the second option, chances are you’re into ice skating and with the 2018 Winter Olympics taking place in PyeongChang, South Korea this February, you’re going to see quite a bit of blades on the ice.
Admittedly, ice skating may not be for everyone, 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 lace up and remember: if you fall, dust the ice off and get back up. It’s part of the fun.
Iceland
3345 Hillside Avenue, New Hyde Park, NY 11040
No, not the country; this one’s much closer. Iceland, located 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
70 Seaview Blvd., Port Washington, NY 11050
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 Center
1001 Stewart Ave., Bethpage, NY 11714
This Bethpage 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
175 Underhill Blvd., Syosset, NY 11791
Famous for being an 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.nhl.com/islanders/iceworks.
Christopher Morley Park
500 Searingtown Rd. N, Roslyn, NY 11576
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.
Northwell Health Ice Center
200 Merrick Ave., East Meadow, NY 11554
This ice rink in the middle of Eisenhower Park in East Meadow is an official practice facility for the New York Islanders and home to a hockey academy, skating school, several hockey teams, the Jr. Islanders and several youth tournaments. The venue also offers public skating sessions during select hours.
Visit www.nhl.com/islanders/northwell for further information.
Tanger Ice Rink
455 Commack Rd., Deer Park, NY 11729
The Tanger Ice Rink is conveniently located inside the Tanger Outlets at The Arches complex in Deer Park. It offers private ice skating lessons by appointment and can accommodate large groups who call in advance to book private ice time. The Tanger rink is also ideal for fundraising and birthday parties.
Weekly specials include Cheap Skate Mondays, from 6-9 p.m., including free skate rental; Tuesdays School Days, from 6-9 p.m., including free skate rental with student ID; and Friday Night Live, from 6-9 p.m., featuring a DJ.
For complete hours and pricing, visit www.tangericerink.com.
—Additional information by Kimberly Dijkstra
