The Rink at Brooklyn Commons is a small rink, with real ice, skate rentals, and lights for the evening. Its in front of the NYU library building. Tickets can be purchased online or you can walk in. At opening on a Saturday, it was just three families with small ones learning to skate, with plenty of room for all. The smallest skate size they had is a toddler size 8 and they offer skate aids (the plastic supports) for $20 to help the small ones stay upright. They also have helmets. If you email them, they can set up lessons or a private event.
Pros: Cute rink that's not too crowded that is welcoming of beginners. Low crowds make getting in and out a breeze. Skates are brand new!
Cons:
- The rink per the employees today opens at 11 am, not 10am like the website says. Whining ensued.
- No place to go warm up. You could go in and sit with the rental skates, but not too encouraged given :gestures to the inescapable pandemic infused wasteland: A wind barrier would be helpful? We did not last through our whole session in spite of the many layers we wore.
- Pricing. Admission of $15 an hour is all right, then $5 skate rental, sure. $20 for a skate aid? That just tipped this into ridiculous. I know that's optional but holy cow.
- Broken benches and gaps in the mats around the rink. It's hard enough staying alive in a pandemic, but also be wary of caught fingers and rolled ankles! read more