Helpful Hints

1. When is Citi Pond open?
 
The 2012-2013 ice skating season runs from October 26, 2012 – March 3rd, 2013.

The general operating hours are:
Sunday - Thursday: 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Friday - Saturday: 8:00 a.m. to Midnight
 
2. How do I get to Citi Pond?
 
Citi Pond is located at Bryant Park between 40th and 42nd Streets and Fifth and Sixth Avenues. Click here for directions. The Skating Pavilion entrance is located on the 40th Street side of the park.
 
3. Will Citi Pond close due to rain/snow, or other inclement weather?
 
Safety is our top priority at Citi Pond. To ensure a safe skating environment, we constantly monitor ice conditions during inclement weather. If conditions become unsafe due to rain or snow, we may need to close the ice skating rink. Any such closure will be announced on our homepage.
 
4. How much does it cost to skate at Citi Pond?
 
We are proud to be New York City’s only free admission ice skating rink, thanks to Citi® and our other partners. For skate rentals and other pricing information, click here.
 
 
5. Can I rent skates? And what sizes do you have?
 

Skate rentals are available for $14.00 per pair. Skate sizes range from child size 9 to adult size 13. Our adult sizes are U.S. men’s shoe sizes, so subtract 2 to 3 sizes for women’s sizes. Half-sizes are not available.
 
 
6. How long is the line to get in? And can I make a reservation?
 
We strive to move the line as quickly as possible. The line tends to be shortest on weekday mornings and longer on evenings, weekends and holidays. Whether you are a single skater or part of a large group, you can skip the line by making an Advance Reservation using our Online Reservation System.
 
 
7. How long are your skating sessions?
 
Citi Pond does not operate skating sessions; you’re welcome to skate as long as you like. We do, however, kindly request all of our skaters to limit skating time to 1½ hours, as a courtesy to others. Please note that once you exit the Skating Pavilion, there is no re-entry.
 
8. What if I don’t know how to skate?
 
Don’t worry, you won't be left in the cold! Many of our guests are first time skaters. We have a staff of professional skating coaches available for lessons. Click here for further information and pricing.
 
9. What do I do with my stuff while I’m at Citi Pond?

 
Our bag check service provides secure storage of your personal items during your visit at Citi Pond. We offer the use of a large weatherproof bag to hold your items. Generally 1 small bag ($7 per bag) accommodates up to 5 guests’ items. Lockers are available, free of charge, on a first-come, first-serve basis. Lockers are approximately 1’x1’x1’ in size, which will accommodate 1-2 guests' shoes and personal items. You can bring your own lock or purchase one for $9 on-site.
 
10. Can I bring food into the Skating Pavilion?

 
We offer a variety of food and drink options from Ice Bites, Celsius and select Holiday Shops vendors. Therefore we do not allow any outside food or beverage to be brought into the Skating Pavilion area.
 
11. Can I have a party at Citi Pond?
 
We would love to help you celebrate your special occasion at Citi Pond. We’ve created custom party packages to accommodate groups of all sizes, and events of all types. Click here to see party packages.
 
12. Do you have a Lost and Found?
 
Yes. If you think you’ve left something at Citi Pond, please submit an inquiry via our Contact Us page with a short description of the item(s) and the date that the item(s) went missing.
 
12. What events are happening at Citi Pond?

 
There are a variety of free public performances and events each season at Citi Pond. Make sure to check our events calendar to see if your visit coincides with one of our free events.