Skate and Have Your Picture Taken with Players from the Adirondack Thunder Professional Hockey Team on Monday, February 21

Skating and Other Ice Rink Activities are Weather Dependent 

New York State Office of General Services Commissioner Jeanette M. Moy today announced a full schedule of family-friendly fun during Winter Break at the Plaza presented by MVP Health Care Monday, February 17 through Friday, February 21.

“If you are searching for fun and free things to do with the kids during winter break, come to the Empire State Plaza ice rink for some fresh air and lots of activities,” Commissioner Moy said. “I want to thank our generous sponsors at MVP Health Care for helping us keep people of all ages active and entertained while schools are on recess.”

“MVP Health Care is proud to partner with OGS to present The Empire Skate Plaza. This event offers families a fun, healthy, and safe activity to enjoy together during the school break,” said MVP Health Care’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Christopher Del Vecchio. “This week-long event is the perfect opportunity to get outdoors and celebrate this vibrant community in an active and healthy way. We look forward to seeing you there!”

Winter break activities, weather permitting, will include a meet and skate with hockey players from the Adirondack Thunder and ice sculpture demonstrations by Stan Kolonko, owner of The Ice Farm in Jordan, NY. There will also be interactive games for the whole family, hockey shoot challenges, appearances by your favorite PYX 106 & KISS FM radio personalities, and hula hooping by Hoops by JEM.

The week caps off with a Rock & Skate DJ Dance Party with Platinum Entertainment on Friday, February 25.

Take a break from skating and stop by the MVP Health Care booth to participate in family-friendly activities. Have questions about health insurance? MVP will be on-site answering your questions.

B-Rad’s Express, located next to the skate rental counter in the glass pavilion adjacent to the rink, will be open and selling refreshments from noon to 8 p.m. each day during winter break.

Skating is always free at the Empire “Skate” Plaza, and skate rentals are free each Saturday, courtesy of Hannaford Supermarkets.

The weather forecast for winter break calls for temperatures well above freezing, which can adversely affect ice conditions at the rink. Please visit @EmpireStatePlaza on Facebook, and @PlazaEvents on Twitter for the latest rink and winter break activity updates.

Winter Break Schedule of Events

Monday, February 21

12:00-4 p.m.  MVP Welcome Day, Presidents Day Trivia, Meet and Skate with the Adirondack Thunder at 3 p.m.

Tuesday, February 22

12:30-3:30 p.m.        Ice Sculpting Demonstration, Appearance by PYX 106’s Cantara

Wednesday, February 23

1:30-3:30 p.m.           Hoops by Jem, Hockey Shoot Challenge

Thursday, February 24

1:30-3:30 p.m.           Hockey Shoot Challenge

Friday, February 25

6:00-8:00 p.m.          Rock & Skate DJ Dance Party with Platinum Entertainment, appearances by the KISS FM Street Team

Winter Break Ice Rink Information

Rink Hours (Monday – Friday):

• Noon to 2 p.m.
• 3 to 5 p.m., and
• 6 to 8 p.m.

Cost to skate: Free

Skate Rentals: $4 for adults, $3 for children 12 and under. A photo ID is required to rent skates. Every Saturday is Hannaford Free Skate Rental Saturday.

Amenities: Lockers, skate rentals, and refreshments are available in the glass pavilion adjacent to the rink. Children’s helmets and ice walkers/trainers for beginning skaters are also available free of charge.

For rink status updates and additional information on Winter at the Plaza events and activities, visit empirestateplaza.ny.gov, @EmpireStatePlaza on Facebook, and @PlazaEvents on Twitter, or call (518) 474-4759.

For event information, including parking, directions, and ground rules, visit empirestateplaza.ny.gov.