The best ice skating lessons for kids in NYC

Consider Brooklyn's communal backyard officially winterized! The ice rink is now open (as of Nov 20) to skaters who are looking for a fun seasonal activity or professionals in the making who want to hone their skills. Under the guidance of Olympians Melissa Gregory and Denis Petukhov, LeFrak Center at Lakeside operates a skate school with group and private lessons from Wednesday through Sunday. Group courses are five weeks long and divided into three sections: Dec 2–Jan 19, Jan 27–Mar 1 and Mar 2–Apr 5 ($175, $20 registration fee). All ages and skill levels are welcome to participate. Plus, if your skater is really good on his or her feet, check out options for hockey and curling as well! Rentals are $8. For more information, email skate@lakesidebrooklyn.com or visit the LeFrak Center at Lakeside website. 

One of NYC's premiere shopping destinations is also home to a fantastic ice rink come wintertime. Help your kids lace up for a group skating session for five ($275) or ease your lil' athletes into the sport with 15, 30 or 45-minute private lessons (you can select times and instructors online). If your whole family is up for a group outing, check out the season passes ($600 for families of three) and weekly free skate schedules. Rentals are $5. For more information, visit the rink's website. 

Every year, Bryant Park opens a no-charge 17,000-square-foot skating rink at the heart of Winter Village. Although admission is free, there is a heftier rental charge ($18–$33) than other locations (though you are welcome to bring BYO skates). Individual and group lessons can be made by emailing skateschool@bryantpark.org or booking online. After a skating session, find a comfort food cornucopia adjacent to the rink—it comes in handy for that inevitable moment when the kids need to warm up with hot chocolate and a yummy treat.

There is no shortage of offerings at World Ice Arena! From group lessons (ages 4 and up) to mommy and me sessions (ages 2–5), little skaters won't have trouble finding their perfect fit. If your youngsters are looking to achieve figure-skating status, look into the 2019–2020 skating academy that perfects particpants' moves through various seven-week sessions ($350, $20 registration fee). For more information, visit the World Ice Arena website. 

It's only fitting that Chelsea Piers, the most well-known sports center in the city, offers top-notch training for budding ice skaters. Since 1969, the school has welcomed visitors of all skill levels to glide across the rink. Learn to Skate ($440–$770, $7 skate rentals per day or $40 per semester) is open to those 3, and parents will be pleased to know that helmets are a requirement. Private lessons and hockey are offered as well. For more information, visit the Chelsea Piers website. 

Certified instructors can help your future Gracie Gold or Jason Brown develop into an accomplished skater through lessons and activities at this rink. There are private lessons ($70 for one-time lessons, packages from $305–$595) and group courses such as basic skills ($225–$510) and a skating academy camp ($95/day, $450/week) to consider when school is out for the winter holiday! For more information, call 917-492-3858 ext. 1017 or 1005 or visit the rink's website. 

This rooftop rink stretches an NHL-appropriate 85-by-200 feet under a weatherproof air dome. The rink is often devoted to lessons in United States Figure Skating Curriculum. Visitors can select from group sessions, private lessons (starting at $45/half hour) and school break camps. For more information, visit City Ice Pavailion's website. 

Arguably the most iconic ice skating rink in NYC, Rockefeller Center hosts tourists and natives all winter long. If your brood has its heart set on gliding beneath the Christmas tree, we recommend scheduling a private lesson ($50 for 30 minutes) by calling 212-332-97655. Chances are high that the rink will still be crowded, but at least you'll have your spot secure. For more information, visit the Rockefeller Center's rink website. 

Don't pass up the opportunity to visit Central Park: It's just as lovely in the winter as it is during the warm-weather months, and Wollman Rink is proof. The rink's Youth Skating School features a Beginners Program (ages 3–4, $600), accelerated programs ($300), private lessons and more offerings for all ages and skill levels. For more information, visit the rink online. 

No need to wait until wintertime: New York's largest sports and events venue keeps its ice rink open year-round. There are a plethora of lessons, including: group learn to skate sessions from Thursday through Sunday ($315, $35 registration fee) private lessons, a synchronized skating team and more! Plus, the coolest trend of the season—ice bumper cars—have made their way to Aviator Sports! For more information, visit the Aviator Sports website. 

The borough's only year-round ice rink is a skater's dream, offering figure-skating and hockey programs for kids and adults of all levels. Learn to Skate classes include 10-week sessions ($250 with skate rental, $230without, $25 registration fee) or let your tiny tots (under age 5) come for a trial lesson for just $30. Try out specialized programs like freestyle, elite and bridge training and hockey sessions, and catch the annual holiday show! For more information, visit the Pavilion's website. 

Located about 85 blocks north of the midtown mayhem, the covered rink here—part of a 28-acre recreational facility—provides some of the least-crowded weekend skating in Manhattan. Riverbank Park overlooks the Hudson, so your crew will have nice views of the river and the George Washington Bridge, too. The Little People's Skating Rink Program invites those ages 5–10 to take beginner Learn To Skate classes on Saturdays ($80) and the Youth Skating Rink Programs for ages 7–14 practice on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays ($92). Youth ice hockey and competitive figure skating club are also options. The New York Rangers even come by with their Try Hockey For Free program occasionally for complimentary youth lessons. For more information, visit the website.