As the weather starts to chill and we begin to think of what to do with all of the excess energy we build up during this gloomy weather, winter sports spring to mind, like skiing and snow tubing. But one of our favorites is ice skating, especially at one of the prettiest areas in Syracuse: Clinton Square. It’s a crowd favorite for good reason–a large rink in the middle of the square is surrounded by some of the most historic architecture in the city, making this skating rink in Syracuse, New York the perfect environment for a magical night in January.

For nearly 20 years, residents of Syracuse have flocked to Clinton Square during the winter months for some of the best ice skating in New York and one of the most fun seasonal activities in the city.

Wikimedia Commons/DASonnenfeld

Ice skating in this quintessential city center is not just a perfect family-friendly adventure in the middle of town; it’s also a great way to enjoy one of the most historic and beautiful town squares in the state.

Syracuse Parks and Rec FB Page

Enjoy a day of outdoor ice skating in New York surrounded by gorgeous landmarks like the Syracuse Savings Bank and Gridley Building.

Wikimedia Commons/Gavin Schaefer

The rink is usually open from the end of November until around mid-March and draws close to 20,000 skaters every year.

Syracuse Parks and Rec FB Page

The Clinton Square Ice Rink is open every day of the week except on holidays so there is always time to glide. The rink charges a small fee for skating and another to rent skates, but together both come out to around ten dollars (and less for children,) so it definitely an activity that gives you a lot of bang for your buck.

Flickr/John Hoey

One session will get you unlimited skating in one of the most scenic areas in town. The rink also offers a warming room and concessions to help you stay cozy during your time there.

Syracuse Parks and Rec FB Page

When you’re done skating, explore this charming area in the heart of Syracuse, or enjoy lunch at one of several local restaurants like Dinosaur Bar-B-Que and Wolff’s Biergarten.

Wikimedia Commons/XeresNelro

Have you been to this skating rink in Syracuse New York? We’d love to hear about your adventure in the comments! Do you have another winter favorite?

Wikimedia Commons/DASonnenfeld

Syracuse Parks and Rec FB Page

Wikimedia Commons/Gavin Schaefer

Flickr/John Hoey

Wikimedia Commons/XeresNelro

If you’re looking for some other outdoor activities for the family, you’ll love our list of outdoor winter activities in Syracuse. If you want to keep cozy during your outdoor adventure, then we recommend this hot chocolate hike in Buffalo.

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Address: 161 W Genesee St, Syracuse, NY 13202, USA

The OIYS Visitor Center

Winter Fun In New York State November 14, 2022 Sara Dager Where are the best Christmas lights in New York State?  We love all of the many beautiful Christmas lights displays in New York State, but there are some that definitely cannot be beat. The best Christmas lights in New York include the festive Parade of Lights in Corning where the lights come to you on massive floats, the Fairgrounds Festival of Lights in Hamburg, an entire fairground decked out for the holidays, and the Bronx Zoo Lights where you and your crew are met with dozens of life-sized animal lanterns. For even more holiday cheer get on the road for our New York Christmas lights road trip. What places are the best for winter sports in New York State? If you want to go skiing, snow tubing, ice skating, or snowshoeing, take a look at five of our favorite places for winter sports in New York City.

Snowshoeing at Natural Stone Bridge and Caves Park in Pottersville Ice skating at Rotary Rink in Buffalo Snow tubing at Hunter Mountain in the Catskills Skiing at Bristol Mountain And more skiing at Holiday Valley

  Are there any good winter hikes in New York state?  A good hike in the chilly air really gets the blood moving, and we have a few favorite winter hikes in New York state that will do just that.

Gorge Trail at Taughannock Falls State Park Kaaterskill Falls Trail in the Catskills Walkway Over the Hudson in Poughkeepsie Fillmore Glen State Park in Morovia

 

The OIYS Visitor Center

Winter Fun In New York State

November 14, 2022

Sara Dager

Where are the best Christmas lights in New York State?  We love all of the many beautiful Christmas lights displays in New York State, but there are some that definitely cannot be beat. The best Christmas lights in New York include the festive Parade of Lights in Corning where the lights come to you on massive floats, the Fairgrounds Festival of Lights in Hamburg, an entire fairground decked out for the holidays, and the Bronx Zoo Lights where you and your crew are met with dozens of life-sized animal lanterns. For even more holiday cheer get on the road for our New York Christmas lights road trip. What places are the best for winter sports in New York State? If you want to go skiing, snow tubing, ice skating, or snowshoeing, take a look at five of our favorite places for winter sports in New York City.

Snowshoeing at Natural Stone Bridge and Caves Park in Pottersville Ice skating at Rotary Rink in Buffalo Snow tubing at Hunter Mountain in the Catskills Skiing at Bristol Mountain And more skiing at Holiday Valley

  Are there any good winter hikes in New York state?  A good hike in the chilly air really gets the blood moving, and we have a few favorite winter hikes in New York state that will do just that.

Gorge Trail at Taughannock Falls State Park Kaaterskill Falls Trail in the Catskills Walkway Over the Hudson in Poughkeepsie Fillmore Glen State Park in Morovia

 

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

We love all of the many beautiful Christmas lights displays in New York State, but there are some that definitely cannot be beat. The best Christmas lights in New York include the festive Parade of Lights in Corning where the lights come to you on massive floats, the Fairgrounds Festival of Lights in Hamburg, an entire fairground decked out for the holidays, and the Bronx Zoo Lights where you and your crew are met with dozens of life-sized animal lanterns. For even more holiday cheer get on the road for our New York Christmas lights road trip.

What places are the best for winter sports in New York State?

If you want to go skiing, snow tubing, ice skating, or snowshoeing, take a look at five of our favorite places for winter sports in New York City.

  • Snowshoeing at Natural Stone Bridge and Caves Park in Pottersville
  • Ice skating at Rotary Rink in Buffalo
  • Snow tubing at Hunter Mountain in the Catskills
  • Skiing at Bristol Mountain
  • And more skiing at Holiday Valley

 

Are there any good winter hikes in New York state? 

A good hike in the chilly air really gets the blood moving, and we have a few favorite winter hikes in New York state that will do just that.

  • Gorge Trail at Taughannock Falls State Park
  • Kaaterskill Falls Trail in the Catskills
  • Walkway Over the Hudson in Poughkeepsie
  • Fillmore Glen State Park in Morovia