For some, winter wouldn't be complete without a trip to the local ice skating rink. A number of indoor and outdoor rinks on Long Island and in Manhattan offer public skating sessions, and some, such as Cantiague Park in Hicksville, the former training facility for the Islanders in the 1980s, offer speedskating sessions, host league hockey games and have theme nights for teens and expanded holiday hours.
Other rinks are nestled into picturesque park settings in residential areas. The rink in Christopher Morley Park in Roslyn- North Hills, for example, is popular with a group of seniors who call themselves the "Frisky Prunes" and hit the ice on weekday mornings, older teens who prefer the evening sessions, and families who like to go there on weekends. The rink is used for hockey games Monday and Wednesday nights and Sunday mornings, and also can be rented for parties. The "hearth room" skate building is a popular hangout on cold days, where skaters can warm themselves in front of a toasty fire.
The rinks draw a mix of local residents - hockey players scouting for a quick pickup game, speed skaters sharpening their skills, novices and winter-lovers who can't get enough time on the ice. Most charge $3-$5 to rent a pair of skates and less than $10 if you want to take to the ice during a public skating session. Many also offer private skating lessons for different ages and skill levels.
We've included what some of the rinks offer on Long Island and in Manhattan. A word to the wise: Schedule changes do occur, so call the rink or check its Web site before you go.
NASSAU COUNTY
Cantiague Park
West John Street, Hicksville, 516-571-7056
Admission: $3 to $12, depending on age, residency and Leisure Passport
Skate rental: $4
One of Long Island's busiest indoor ice skating rinks and the former practice center for the New York Islanders, Nassau County's Cantiague Park offers Friday "theme nights" from 9-11 p.m. through the end of December. Teen skaters are invited to dress in a costume appropriate to the theme and music. Friday, Dec. 14's theme is "School Pride" (Pop); Dec. 21, is "Holiday" (holiday music); and Dec. 28 is "Rave" (techno). Two-hour public sessions in December are held Friday at 1 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 9 p.m.; Saturday at 1 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Open 1 p.m.-3 p.m. on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, closed on Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
Christopher Morley Park
Searingtown Road, off Exit 36N of the Long Island Expressway in Roslyn-North Hills, 516-571-8123 or
nassaucountyny.gov/parks.
Admission: $3 to $12, depending on age, residency and Leisure Passport
Skate rental: $4
This outdoor ice-skating rink is framed by trees, landscaped hills and a small boat basin. It's open seven days a week with two-hour sessions starting at 10:30 a.m., 1:15 p.m. and 4 p.m. Evening sessions Thursday at 6:45 p.m.; Friday and Saturday at 8:30 p.m. Patrons can "Skate with Santa" Saturday, Dec. 15 from 1:15 p.m.-3:15 p.m.
Doors open 15 minutes before each session. Concessions are available on Friday evenings and weekends.
Grant Park
Near Broadway and Sheridan avenues, Hewlett, 516-571-7821 or
nassaucountyny.gov/parks
Admission: $3 to $12, depending on age, residency and Leisure Passport
Skate rental: $4
