Can I add lights to my YardRink?

Yes—you can absolutely add lights to your YardRink, and many customers do! Lighting is a great way to extend skating into the evening and create that classic backyard rink feel.

We recommend using outdoor-rated, weatherproof lighting, such as:

• LED string lights (outdoor rated)
• Battery-powered puck lights
• Solar-powered yard lights
• Clip-on or stake-style landscape lights

There are also a few popular lighting approaches depending on the look you want:

Above-Rink Lighting (Most Common)

LED string lights can be installed above the rink along fence lines, posts, trees, or the top edge of the rink panels. This is the easiest and most flexible option for general visibility and ambiance.

Under-Glow Lighting

For a more dramatic look, some customers place LED string lights beneath the tarp before setup. This creates a soft glow effect under the ice once frozen. If you choose this option, make sure lights are:

• Rated for outdoor use
• Fully sealed and waterproof
• Evenly distributed to avoid bright hotspots or uneven illumination

When adding lights to your YardRink, keep these guidelines in mind:

• Attach lights to the outside of the panels only unless installing under the tarp before setup
• Do not drill, screw, or permanently modify any rink components
• Avoid placing electrical cords on the ice surface
• If using plug-in lights, use outdoor-rated extension cords and a GFCI-protected outlet
• Secure all cords and strands so they do not interfere with skating or maintenance

For the best look and visibility:

• Run lights along the top edge of the rink panels
• Add corner lighting for a more defined rink shape
• Use overhead string lights for a “rink glow” effect
• Combine overhead lighting with under-ice glow for a layered, premium look

• Submerging any lights or cords in water after setup
• Attaching heavy fixtures that could stress the panels or tarp
• Using indoor-only lighting outdoors

Soft, warm LED lighting tends to create the best skating atmosphere—bright enough for visibility, but still cozy and inviting for nighttime skating sessions.