The Wilde family in Helena Valley built a free backyard ice rink for kids, drawing thousands and going viral on Instagram.

In Helena Valley, the Wilde family has turned their backyard into a free community ice rink each winter, offering local children a safe, accessible place to skate. Inspired by Jeremy Wilde’s childhood memories, the rink is built with wooden frames, a plastic liner, and snow-clearing efforts to maintain smooth ice, especially during the unusually warm winter of 2025–2026. The rink has become a popular gathering spot for kids and families, reducing the need for long drives to distant arenas. The family shares updates on Instagram, where a single post has drawn over 7 million views. Jeremy, a youth hockey coach, and his wife Brittany, who organizes snacks, say the joy on children’s faces makes the work worthwhile. Plans are underway to build a warming hut next year to replace their dining room as a makeshift locker room.