The William Vale hotel in Williamsburg just debuted a rooftop skating rink with million-dollar views of the Manhattan skyline.
The Vale Rink sits on the 23rd floor of the hotel, and could be considered one of the best spots for ice skating NYC kids and families love. Admission to the rink (including skate and locker rentals) costs $20 for adults, $12 for children 12 and under—another upside to the new spot.
But take note: This isn't an ice rink. The Vale Rink is a Glice rink with an ice-like synthetic surface developed in Switzerland. Glice has an icy shine that looks wintery, but the plastic doesn't melt—there's no puddling in the midday sun. More importantly, there won't be any wet pants or sopping socks on your little skaters.
The William Vale Hotel set up tent lounge next to the rink where parents can relax with a grown-up drink, and where kids can go for an aprés-skate hot chocolate. It is open from 2–10pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays; 2pm–midnight on Fridays; noon–midnight on Saturdays; and noon–10pm on Sundays. Note that children 6 and under must have accompaniment on the ice and those 13 and under must have a guardian present; the smallest skate size 11 girls/9 boys.
Photograph: Courtesy The William Vale
Check out our favorite places in NYC where you can sign up for ice skating lessons for kids, in the event your little ones want to perfect their moves before showing up. (Psst: We also heard that you can email valerink@thewilliamvale.com with party inquiries, if you have a winter birthday coming up in the family!)
If your kiddos are hesitant about skating, try driving (yes, really!). Ice bumper cars have made their debut at Aviator Sports in Brooklyn and will return to Bryant Park in Manhattan later this month.
Get ready to hit the ice/Glice!
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