If you live in Minnesota, chances are you’ve dreamed about stepping out your back door and skating on your own rink. Backyard ice rinks are a winter tradition across the state, giving families a place to skate, play hockey, and spend more time outside during the cold months.
But one of the most common questions homeowners ask is:
How much does a backyard ice rink actually cost?
The answer depends on the size of the rink, the materials used, and whether you build it yourself or hire a company. In this guide, we’ll break down the real costs of backyard ice rinks in Minnesota so you can decide what option is right for you.
Cost of Building a DIY Backyard Rink
Many Minnesota families build their own backyard rinks using wood boards and a liner. While this can be affordable, there are still several materials required.
Typical DIY Rink Costs
Liner:
$100 – $300 depending on size
Lumber or boards:
$200 – $800
Brackets and fasteners:
$50 – $200
Water usage:
$20 – $100
Total DIY cost:
$400 – $1,400+
However, DIY rinks require:
Several hours (or days) of setup
Leveling the yard
Managing flooding and ice maintenance
Spring teardown and storage
For many families, the time commitment becomes the biggest challenge.
Cost of a Backyard Ice Rink Kit
Rink kits are a popular middle-ground option. These kits include pre-built brackets, boards, and liners designed specifically for backyard rinks.
Typical costs:
Small rink (20x40): $1,500 – $2,500
Medium rink (30x60): $2,500 – $4,000
Large rink (40x80): $4,000 – $6,000+
The advantage is a cleaner look and easier installation, but you still need to handle setup and maintenance yourself.
Cost of a Professionally Installed Backyard Rink
Professional installation saves you the work of choosing equipment, planning the layout, and setting up your rink. When comparing prices, check whether the quote covers equipment purchase or seasonal rental, and which services are included.
At Polar Bear Rinks, our rental packages include rink equipment, board installation, liner installation and initial fill assistance, spring removal, and seasonal storage. Homeowners handle routine snow removal and ice resurfacing, with guidance from our team.
For a breakdown of the process, read Backyard Ice Rink Rentals: How They Work.
Renting a Backyard Ice Rink
Renting gives your family a backyard rink without having to install, remove, or store the equipment yourself.
Polar Bear Rinks’ standard packages start at $5,200 for the first season, with larger packages priced at $6,200 and $7,200. Returning-season prices are $2,600, $3,200, and $3,500, respectively, because we store and reuse your rink equipment.
Every package includes rink equipment, board installation, liner installation and initial fill assistance, spring removal, and seasonal storage. Routine snow removal and ice resurfacing are handled by the homeowner.
Compare our backyard ice rink rental packages for current pricing, size options, and available upgrades.
Factors That Affect Backyard Rink Cost
Several factors influence how much your rink will cost.
1. Rink Size
Bigger rinks require more boards, larger liners, and more water.
Common backyard sizes include:
20×40
30×60
40×80
2. Yard Slope
Yard slope affects how much water your rink needs, the board height required, and whether the location is suitable for installation. A yard that looks flat can still have a significant elevation difference, so measuring it before installation is essential.
Learn what makes a yard suitable in our guide: Can You Build a Backyard Ice Rink in Any Yard?
3. Board Height
Higher boards are better for hockey but cost more.
4. Lighting
Adding lights can extend skating time during Minnesota’s long winter nights.
5. Maintenance
Keeping the ice smooth requires occasional flooding and snow removal.
Is a Backyard Ice Rink Worth It?
For many Minnesota families, a backyard rink becomes the center of winter life.
Instead of spending evenings indoors, kids can:
Practice hockey
Skate with friends
Play pickup games
Get outside every day
Many parents say their backyard rink becomes the most used “toy” they’ve ever purchased.
A Simpler Option for Minnesota Families
Want a backyard rink without handling installation, spring removal, or summer equipment storage? Polar Bear Rinks offers complete backyard ice rink rental packages in Minnesota.
We handle board installation, liner installation and initial fill assistance, spring removal, and seasonal storage. You handle routine snow removal and ice resurfacing, with guidance from our team.
Explore our backyard ice rink rental packages to compare sizes, current pricing, and what’s included.
Final Thoughts
Backyard ice rinks in Minnesota can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, depending on how you build them.
But regardless of the setup, one thing stays the same:
A backyard rink turns winter into something kids look forward to.
And in a place like Minnesota, that’s hard to put a price on.