The Polar Rink

Ice skating is a quintessential New York winter pastime; the Central Park and Rockefeller Center rinks are so popular that at peak times one does considerably more ice standing than ice skating. This year, the American Museum of Natural History has joined the seasonal festivities for the first time in its 140-year history. And though the museum is an old institution, its rink is decidedly innovative--a completely ice-free synthetic surface made from recyclable materials and requiring no cooling. How does that eco-friendliness affect the skating experience? Well, if we were capable of skating more than 10 feet without looking like we were trying to shake frightened weasels out of our pant legs, we'd tell you. As it is, all we can say is that it's definitely slick.