While we adore the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree and can’t resist a loop around the Union Square Holiday Market, ice bumper cars have quickly risen to the top of New Yorkers’ winter bucket lists over the past several years, courtesy of their Bryant Park debut.
Fortunately, the tradition has become widespread. Now, they’re returning to Brooklyn’s Prospect Park for the start of the cold-weather season, and we can’t wait to hop in.
While the best ice skating rinks across the city are beginning to open up for the season — despite the unseasonably warm weather — we have some time before we can enjoy the amusement park staple on ice. Dates are TBD for the cars’ return, but the park promises we’ll be able to give ’em a spin in fall 2024. (We also appreciate that the green space has made this activity a seasonal happening by offering bumper cars on wheels during the warm weather.)
According to the park, the some of the rules for riding in the ice bumper cars are as follows:
- Be 7+ years old, at least 42 inches tall, and under 300 lbs
- Sign a waiver and release before riding; children under 18 require a parent or guardian’s signature
- Wear flat, closed-toe shoes
- Remain seated while inside the bumper car
- Secure any personal belongings inside the bumper car
- No more than one person per car
- No Children or objects on laps
- No phones permitted during the ride
We’ll be sure to keep you updated as more information is revealed. For more information, visit the Prospect Park website. In the meantime, you can lace up your skates for a lap around Wollman Rink and the rink at the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park.