Eric Klamm, Illinois YardRink Owner Since 2022

For as long as I can remember, I've dreamed of having a backyard rink. So, when we moved to a home with a large yard, I was ecstatic at the thought of finally making that dream a reality. That excitement quickly turned into action when I found YardRink - an innovative way for my family to enjoy the winter months. Thanks to their easy-to-set-up rink, we've been able to create unforgettable memories and spend quality time together skating in our very own backyard.


An Easy Set Up

When I was ready to build a backyard rink, I initially thought about going the DIY route. Once I did the research on how to build it, I found the materials were expensive and making one from scratch seemed like a pain. After I got that idea out of my mind, I was set on finding a kit – which is where YardRink came into play. 


Setting up YardRink’s Starter Rink was a breeze. The instructions were so straightforward that I was able to assemble it on my own with some help from my seven-year-old. It took me only about two hours from start to finish. As I started putting the rink together, I realized how grateful I was to have chosen YardRink. Building a rink on my own would have been daunting, but this process was a cinch. To enhance the skating experience, we even added some lights on and around the rink which the kids adore for their vibrant colors and ability to skate at night. 


No Experience Required

We're not a hockey or skating family, nor are we really into sports. But, I grew up skating because my dad was a skater. When I was little, we couldn't afford to play organized hockey, so we skated in the park and we had a floor hockey rink in the basement. I always wanted my kids to learn to skate because it was something I loved and it was a great way to get them (and myself) outside during the colder months. 


Our family loves playing broomball on our rink. Since you don’t have to know how to skate to play, it has been a fun way to get family and friends out on the ice! All you have to do is put on your boots and let the fun begin! 


Winter Fun For All Ages

Winter gets a bad reputation compared to the other seasons, but I think that is because people haven’t found enjoyable activities to do outside. It’s understandable that nobody likes standing outside in the cold, but it’s an entirely different experience when you are out skating on the rink with your kids and having fun. Staying active during the winter can be challenging, but YardRink has solved that problem for our family. With this fun and easy-to-use rink, we're able to spend more quality time together outdoors, even during the colder months.


Despite this winter's unfavorable weather conditions, we were fortunate enough to enjoy a few days of skating on the ice. My wife teases me for loving the rink so much and thinks that I got it just for myself. While it's true that I wanted my kids to have a fun winter activity, I have to admit that the rink is definitely for me too! With YardRink's easy setup process, we were able to make the most of the chilly days and create lasting memories on the ice.

Written by YardRink

More stories

The Reason We — A Non-Hockey Family — Invested in a YardRink

Nigel & Cassie Smith, Massachusetts YardRink Owners Since 2018

One of the best family experiences we’ve created over the past five years is incorporating a YarkRink into our backyard.The opportunity for our kids to get outdoors to burn energy, be social with each other and friends, and learn to skate was very appealing. Investing in a YardRink feels like all the same reasons we invested in a trampoline for warmer-weather fun.

YardRink Provides Winter Fun for My Kids – and Myself!

James Fedie, Wisconsin YardRink Owner Since 2022

As a business owner, I wanted to support another small business when it came to adding a backyard rink to our house. After deciding that buying a YardRink was right for our family, I was excited about the memories that my family would make on the ice together.