Backyard Ice Rink Rental FAQs

Polar Bear Rinks provides complete backyard ice rink rentals for families throughout Minnesota. From evaluating your yard to removing and storing the rink in spring, we handle the work that comes with creating a backyard rink.

What does Polar Bear Rinks provide?

We provide complete seasonal backyard ice rink rentals using premium NiceRink equipment. We help determine the best rink size and placement for your property, install the boards, return to install the liner and begin the fill, remove the rink in spring and store the equipment during the offseason.

How does the backyard rink rental process work?

The process begins with a yard consultation. We measure the available space, evaluate the slope and recommend the best size and placement.

Our crew installs the rink boards before winter. Once consistently cold weather arrives, we return to install the liner and begin filling the rink with water from your outdoor supply. After the ice has completely thawed in spring, we remove the equipment and store it until the following season.

What is included with a rink rental?

Every standard rental includes:

Rink boards, brackets, liner and necessary hardware
Yard measurement and placement planning
Delivery and professional board installation
Liner installation and initial fill assistance
Spring removal
Off-season equipment storage
Support throughout the season

Optional upgrades include rink lighting, hockey nets, backstop netting and 48-inch tall boards.

How much does a backyard ice rink rental cost?

Pricing depends primarily on the size of the rink, board configuration, yard conditions and selected upgrades. Polar Bear Rinks offers several packages ranging from compact family skating rinks to large backyard hockey rinks.

The first season costs more because it includes the initial equipment and setup requirements. Returning-season pricing is reduced because we store and reuse the equipment assigned to your rink. Visit our rental packages page for current sizes and pricing.

Why rent a backyard rink instead of buying one?

Renting allows your family to enjoy a premium backyard rink without purchasing, installing, removing or storing all the equipment yourself.

It also provides professional help with rink placement, slope considerations, setup and seasonal timing. When winter ends, the equipment leaves your property instead of taking up space in your garage or shed.

What type of yard do I need?

A flat or gently sloped yard is ideal, but a perfectly level yard is not required. During the yard consultation, we measure the grade and determine whether the property can accommodate a rink safely.

The amount of slope affects the required board height, water depth and installation plan. If additional leveling or site preparation is needed, we will discuss the available options before moving forward.

What rink sizes are available?

Our standard packages accommodate rinks ranging from compact backyard skating areas up to approximately 40 by 80 feet. Larger custom rinks may be available depending on the property, equipment inventory and installation requirements.

We recommend a size based on your available space, intended use and yard conditions.

When are backyard rinks installed?

Board installations generally take place in November before the ground freezes and snow accumulates. Liners cannot be installed too early, so we return to install the liner and begin filling once the forecast shows consistently cold temperatures.

The exact timing varies each year because outdoor rink construction depends on Minnesota weather.

Who supplies the water?

The homeowner provides access to a working outdoor water supply and garden hose. Polar Bear Rinks begins the initial fill and tells you when the water should be turned off.

Water usage varies according to the rink’s dimensions and the slope of the yard.

Does Polar Bear Rinks maintain the ice all winter?

Routine resurfacing, snow removal and day-to-day ice care are handled by the homeowner. We provide guidance to help you build and maintain a smooth skating surface, and we are available if you have questions or encounter a problem.

Is the length of the skating season guaranteed?

No outdoor rink company can guarantee a specific number of skating days because natural ice depends on temperature, sunlight, snow and changing weather conditions.

We use quality materials, proper installation methods and careful timing to give your rink the best opportunity for a successful Minnesota skating season.

What happens to the rink in spring?

Once the ice has completely melted, our crew returns to disassemble and remove the rink. We then store the reusable equipment during the offseason so it is ready for installation the following winter.

Where does Polar Bear Rinks provide rentals?

Polar Bear Rinks is based in Cokato and serves the western Twin Cities, west metro and surrounding central Minnesota communities. Service availability depends on location and installation scheduling.

How do I reserve a rink?

Start by requesting a yard consultation. We will review your property, discuss the available packages and upgrades, and recommend the best rink for your family.

Rental availability is limited by equipment inventory and the fall installation schedule, so reserving before the installation season is recommended.