Citi Pond at Bryant Park
Sixth Avenue and West 42nd Street, 212-661-6640, Midtown West
Ice-skating is one of New York City's most cherished cold-weather traditions—and the perfect prelude to a piping-hot mug of cocoa. Citi Pond at Bryant Park offers free admission (you can bring your own skates or rent a pair for a fee). After you've taken a spin around the frozen premises, the adjacent lounge Celsius rewards you with a view of the rink, tasty food and some very welcome heat lamps. Even if it's scorching outside, you can hit the ice indoors at Chelsea Piers, Aviator Sports & Events Center and Flushing Meadows–Corona Park's World Ice Arena. In fact, what better way is there to beat the heat than spending the afternoon in an arena-size refrigerator?