The Shops at the Oculus Winter Whirl Roller Rink
We had a wonderful time roller skating in the warm and stunning Winter Whirl Roller Rink! It is located in The Shops at the Oculus, part of the Westfield World Trade Center Mall. All the details are below including family friendly hotels!
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Prices & Hours at the Oculus WTC Roller Rink
Hours:
- Open from Thanksgiving to New Years. Will update when I hear 2024 dates.
- Open Wednesday to Sunday - 11 AM to 10 PM. (Last admission at 9 PM)
- December 24 and 31 & January 1 - 11 AM to 6 PM (Last admission 5 PM)
- Closed Mondays and Tuesdays and December 25.
Tickets
- Book online here!
- Minors are $25 and Adults are $30 for 45 minutes of skating which starts on the hour. Skates are included and there's a nice changing area to change out of your shoes.
- From the website: "Minors are welcome to skate, although the recommended minimum age is 8. We suggest bringing skates for those aged 8 and under, only limited sizes are available for hire. Our smallest available skate size is US size 4. Minors under the age of 13 must be supervised by a parent or legal guardian at all times. All minors under the age of 18 require a parent or legal guardian to sign the release."
How to Get to the Oculus World Trade Center Roller Rink:
- Subway: We took the subway from midtown and didn't even need to go outside! Multiple subway lines stop at the World Trade Center station, including the E, R, W lines (at the WTC Cortlandt station) and the A, C, J, Z, 2, 3, 4, and 5 lines (at the Fulton Street station nearby). The PATH trains from New Jersey also stop directly at the World Trade Center station.
- Bus: Several New York City bus lines serve the area around the Oculus, including the M20 and M55.
- Ferry: If you're coming from New Jersey, Staten Island, or other parts of New York, ferries can be a scenic way to travel. You can disembark at the Battery Park City Ferry Terminal or the South Street Seaport and walk a short distance to the Oculus.
- Car: If you're driving, there are parking garages in the vicinity, but keep in mind that traffic can be heavy, and parking can be expensive. My in-laws use ParkWhiz to reserve a garage ahead of time.
- Bicycle: Bike lanes and Citi Bike stations are available in the area for those who prefer to cycle.
- Walking: The Oculus is located in a pedestrian-friendly area of Lower Manhattan and can be reached easily on foot from surrounding neighborhoods like Tribeca, the Financial District, and Battery Park City.
Tips for Your Visit to the Oculus WTC Winter Whirl!
- Go on a weekday if you can. When we went during the week, the rink was quiet and uncrowded, which made it much easier for the kids to enjoy themselves. Weekends and evenings can draw bigger crowds, so a weekday visit is a nice way to avoid the rush.
- Dress in layers. Even though you’re skating, the rink can feel warm once you’re moving around. Layers make it easy to adjust so you’re comfortable the whole time.
- Explore the shops at Westfield Mall. After skating, take a little time to browse the unique and varied shops inside the mall—it’s a great way to warm up and enjoy some extra fun. You can check out the shop directory here.
- Plan for late afternoon. We visited around 4 PM, which turned out to be the perfect time. As the sun set, the Oculus lit up beautifully, creating a magical backdrop for skating and photos.
Family-Friendly Hotels Near the Oculus New York City
If you want to stay right in the middle of the action, there are several great family-friendly hotels within walking distance of the Oculus and Westfield World Trade Center. These hotels make it easy to enjoy Lower Manhattan’s sights like One World Observatory, the 9/11 Memorial, and the waterfront while keeping travel time with kids to a minimum.
- Marriott Downtown (World Trade Center Area) – Spacious rooms and suites make this a good pick for families. Its location just steps from Battery Park and the Statue of Liberty ferries is a bonus.
- Conrad New York Downtown – This all-suite hotel offers plenty of space for families, with living areas and a stylish modern design. It’s close to Brookfield Place, which has shopping, dining, and a lovely waterfront promenade.
- Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown – If you’re looking to splurge, this luxury hotel is both kid-friendly and elegant. They offer cribs, kids’ menus, and even babysitting services, all within a block of the Oculus.
- Club Quarters Hotel World Trade Center – A more budget-conscious option, this hotel has comfortable rooms and rooftop views, plus quick access to subways that make exploring the city with kids easy.
Tip: Many of these hotels are within walking distance of multiple subway lines, so you can easily reach Midtown attractions (like Times Square and Central Park) after exploring Lower Manhattan.
