Families can enjoy ice skating without the cold at NYSCI’s SciSkate from now until February 23.
Flickr/New York Hall of Science
Families in Queens can trade in the cold outdoors for a relaxing indoor skiing experience New York Hall of Science (NYSCI) this winter.
The museum’s famous indoor ice rink, SciSkatenow open for its third season, offering a mix of science, fun and festive activities for visitors of all ages.
The ice rink is located at 47-01 111th Street in Corona and is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through February 23. Unlike traditional ice rinks, SciSkate has a unique twist that goes with NYSCI’s innovative and environmentally friendly approach.
The rink is made entirely of glice, an environmentally friendly plastic polymer designed to mimic the feel of ice without the frigid temperatures. “The great thing about ice is that it’s not quite as slippery as ice, so if someone is here for the first time … it’s going to be a lot less stress because it doesn’t feel as slippery as you do on ice,” Leanne J. Pauley said. , Director of Public Programs and Partnerships at NYSCI.
To ensure comfort and confidence, the rink provides special shoes for first-time skaters of all ages to navigate the ice with ease.
The rink isn’t just about skating, it’s a complete winter-themed experience rooted in NYSCI’s “Design, Make, Play” philosophy. The space features colorful interactive wallpaper for kids, decorative lights, and live nitrogen ice cream demonstrations presented in partnership with Alchemy Ice Cream. These activities combine winter fun with educational opportunities, with an emphasis on creativity and exploration.
With SciSkate’s inviting atmosphere and innovative design, visitors can enjoy a cozy, science-filled winter wonderland while honing their skating skills and participating in hands-on activities.
“It’s about bringing expertise to Queens and our community at the highest level… You don’t have to come all the way to Manhattan or Brooklyn to get something like this. We also want to be a science center in New York City,” J. Pauli said.
NYSCI also hosts several programs to engage with local schools in District 24 and beyond through partnerships with after-school programs. These programs help students learn about the skating rink and other educational services at the museum.
Jane, a local mother, said she and her 7-year-old daughter Claire have been coming to skate since the rink opened in 2021. “It was a great introduction to ice skating before she got to skate on real ice. “She’s been out on real ice recently…and she’s been very used to it, and I think this is a nice introduction because it’s not that cold either,” she said.
Access to an indoor rink is important for young families, Jin said. “If it’s not beautiful outside…it’s great, it’s like it’s snowing with all the light effects,” she said. Claire told QNS that she likes to go fast on the “glice”. “I like to go fast…I like going here to train,” she said.
acceptance The cost of skiing at NYSCI is $10 per person for regular admission, $8 for most membership levels, and free with a rocket level membership.
SciSkate is also included in the NYSCI Plus ticket package, which costs $33 for adults and $30 for children.
SciSkate is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 5pm through February 23 and every day from December 23 to January 2 during the New York City public school winter break. SciSkate is first come first served, but tickets will be timed in half-hour intervals during busy periods as needed.
Special operating hours:
Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Monday, January 20, 2025
Lunar New Year, Wednesday, January 29, 2025
February 14-23 for New York City Public Schools winter break
