Love getting two for one? Then Prospect Park’s long awaited, brand new ice skating complex is for you. The just-opened LeFrak Center at Lakeside packs in double the fun with not one, but two outdoor ice skating rinks for practicing your figure eights – one covered and one uncovered where you can feel the warmth of the sun. Read on to learn all about Brooklyn’s coolest new destination for outdoor winter play.

The Rinks & Facility

Lace up your skates! Here, you’ll find more than 32,000 square feet of ice skating surface split between two rinks, one covered and one completely open. The covered rink’s canopy is designed with a constellation pattern painted on it that makes the space feel magical. Kids will love that you can skate from one rink to the next, using both if weather permits.

If all those jumps and turns, err falls, leave your family with rumbling tummies, you have two options for food. Sit down at Bluestone, the more high-end cafe featuring local specialty menu items. Want something quicker? Grab a burger, salad or smoothie from the Ice Bites concession.

Other neat things to note about Lakeside: The project has restored the lakeshore area to the vision of park designers Olmsted and Vaux including a waterfront esplanade and a bird habitat Music Island. And, the skating center’s roof is a green roof that blends with the park and offers a unique view of the surrounding landscape.

The Classes & Sports

Skate School: The center offers an 8-week learn to skate program that will teach kids of all ages the basics plus some special skills.

Private Lessons: Whether you want to sign your child up for a single lesson to brush up on skills, regular sessions, or even walk-in for extra help, private lessons are available for $30-$55 per 30 minute session depending on the group size.

Figure Skating: Got a talented little skater? Freestyle figure skating sessions are also available for 3 skaters on the ice at a time for 45 minute sessions at just $12 a pop.

Hockey: The covered rink at Lakeside is equipped for hockey, complete with faceoff spots, goal lines and nets. The rink will be designated for hockey before and after ice skating hours. Drop-in hockey is available for adults 18 years and older, but Stick & Puck is an open age time for shooting practice. Players must come with their own equipment – skates, helmet and stick. Youth hockey leagues for three levels will also be offered along with an 8-week basic skills hockey school program for children of all ages.

Call 718-462-0010 for more information and to sign up.

Birthday Parties

If you have a winter-born babe, then ice skating is a great birthday party idea. You can celebrate at the new rinks with special all-inclusive packages that make planning the bash easy. You’ll get skate and helmet rentals for party goers, time on the ice, drinks and snacks, a party coordinator and one of three party rooms. You can also add on to packages to give parties a theme with extra decor, goody bag items and more. Ice princess or slap shooters anyone? Skate coaches, cake and additional food can also pump up your party. Email parties@lakesideprospectpark.com for more info.

Coming this Summer

Beyond an ice skating complex, LeFrak Center at Lakeside offers summer activities, too. Once it’s too warm for ice, one of the rinks will be transformed into a roller rink, while the other becomes what is sure to be one of the city’s best splash pads for beat-the-heat water play.

Plus, don’t forget Prospect Park Lake. You’ll be able to rent boats and go on electric boat tours. There are also picnic tables and lawns to enjoy, and you can gaze at Music Island in the Lake, which has been turned into a bird habitat.

LeFrak Center at Lakeside Prospect Park
171 East Drive, Brooklyn
Near the southeastern side near the Parkside/Ocean Avenue or Lincoln Road/Ocean Avenue entrances
718-462-0010

Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Fri. & Sat., 9 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Sun. 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Cost: $6/person on weekdays and $8/person on weekends and holidays, free for kids 12 and under on Mondays (except holidays). $5 skate rentals, $5 helmet rentals. Lockers ($5-12), skate sharpening ($12) and bag check services ($5-10) are also available. Family season passes can be purchased for $300 for family of 4, $75 for each additional member, which includes unlimited admission and skate rentals, discounts on classes and food, and more.

What’s your favorite city spot for ice skating?

–Julie Seguss

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