Wintertime for many families means hot cocoa, igloos in the backyard, the crunching of snow as you make an army of snow angels, and of course, snow sleds and snow tubes. These days, the adults might have just as much fun as the kids do while sliding down a big hill.
Best Snow Sleds and Tubes
What to Consider
Not all snow sleds are designed with kids in mind: Some are simply too large or too fast. That's why we made sure to highlight snow sleds with several different sizes and speeds so that everyone can have a good time in the snow.
When you’re buying a sled for kids, you want to be on the lookout for a sled that has great handles, will fit your child for their age, and is durable. The materials they’re made of vary pretty widely — from wood to vinyl to hard plastic — and often, the super inexpensive slides are made with thin plastic that’s prone to breakage after just a use or two. A broken sled isn’t just a bummer; it can also be dangerous if it happens mid-ride. That’s why the sleds we chose for the youngest riders are made of wood, with both cushions and side rails.
Largely, the type of sled you choose for your child will depend upon their age and the type of sledding they’ll be doing. Little ones do best with a pull sled with higher sides that the parent can control. As they get a bit older, they gain more control, which opens up more options for them. If you’re looking for something that’s comfortable to ride over tricky terrain — or you want to include multiple riders — an inflatable is your best bet. They’re made far better now than they were in the ’80s and ’90s, so the risk of an immediate puncture is way lower. (Anyone who’s been on an exploding donut sled can tell you how unfortunate of an experience that can be.)
Disc sleds are designed to be fast and easy to maneuver. They take up little space, and they're super durable. Slalom or long sleds are great for multiple riders on predictable terrain who are looking for speed. They're easy to get, affordable, and fast, but they're slightly harder to control. After that, you have the more novel varieties, like the standing sleds or ultra-flexible models. These have their place, but they're never going to be as popular as the others.
Also consider having your child wear a helmet, as pediatricians have been urging in recent years. Anyone who's hit the snow will know how hard those hits can be, and protecting your child's developing brain is always a good idea.
You might prefer to whip around in pro sleds or toboggans designed for speed, or you might enjoy sitting on slippery saucers or fun, Instagram-worthy tubes with whimsical designs. Whatever your preference, gather the kids (or some friends), and get in on the winter fun with one of these snow sleds.
1
Best Overall
Kids' Pull Sled
There’s nothing like pulling your toddler through the snow on this classic wooden sled from L.L.Bean. The way your little one will giggle with delight and cheer you on to “Go faster!” will be precious to you for the rest of your days.
This isn't just a sled; it's making memories. And the quality of this sled and cushion is so high, your children's children will probably be pulled on the very same one.
The sled is made completely of durable hardwood, providing just enough give over the ruts of snow to keep the sled in great shape and the rider comfortable. The molded-wood skis on the bottom are fast enough for fun — but not as fast as steel rails — making this a safer option for the littlest riders.
More: Best Kids' Snow Boots for Serious Warmth
2
Best Upright Sled
Stratos
This sled absolutely flies, so make sure your little one has their noggin covered. It's like an inertia-powered polymer snowmobile, complete with steering.
While it's not great for younger kids, it's absolutely perfect for kids 10 and up, who want a little more get-up in their go.
3
Best Foam Sled
Snow Screamer 2-Person Snow Sled
We love the eye-catching design of this two-person snow screamer: It'll definitely make the other kids on the hill jealous.
This sled is constructed from tough and lightweight polyethylene foam, which makes it easy to carry while also increasing speed. It has two handles so your little snow demon will stay secure on the sled, and there's a slick bottom for less friction.
4
Funniest Style
Winter Flamingo Snow Tube
This durable vinyl flamingo is ready to take you out for the ride of your life on your favorite snowy hill. Wear your best snow goggles to go as a matching duo.
This sled is cold-weather-treated and made of a super thick vinyl, so it's going to be more durable than many of its competitors. At 48 inches across, it could easily fit two kids.
5
Great Handles
DONUT Snow Tube
Playing in the snow all day is fun, and this thick vinyl donut makes it even sweeter. Grab the handles and get a friend to give you a push.
This option is made with heavy-gauge PVC and anti-cold crack additives. Plus, with its extra tall handles designed for chunky mittens, this tube isn't just fun to look at: It's also a sturdy snow tube all on its own.
6
Easiest to Store
Flying Carpet Lightweight Roll Up Snow Sled
This roll-up sled is easy to carry, and even easier to store. We also like its soft foam material, which helps keep sledding safe for kids of all ages. (After all, there might just be fewer bumps involved.) It's super-slick, so be prepared for a fast ride.
7
Best Standing Model
Original LED Ski Skooter
The kids don't have to wait until summer to scoot around the neighborhood: They can weave through trees in backcountry powder with this steerable ski scooter.
It's designed to be extremely maneuverable, so riders can make sharp turns while heading down the hill. The LED lights increase visibility, too — just make sure to keep a helmet on your little one's head.
8
Fast and Affordable
Paricon 626-G
This flexible plastic saucer will not only glide quickly across the snow, it'll also endure a lifetime of tough winter conditions, thanks to the thickness and durability of the plastic. It has two handgrips, so you can hold on tightly while your kids tackle those tall hills.
More: These Are the Best Skis for the 2021 Winter Season
9
Best Bobsled Style
Lightning Snow Sleds for Kids & Adults
Is your family gearing up for some Olympic-level sledding this winter? This two-person bobsled can pick up some serious speed while gliding down a hill.
It weighs in at 8 pounds, so it's not too heavy to drag by the handle when you head back up the hill for round two. The rails provide a natural place to grip that's easy to maneuver and comfortable to steer.
10
Best Tube
Arctic Trails 2-Person Snow Tube
A tandem sledding adventure makes a snow day even more fun. This two-person tube absorbs bumps for a smooth ride down the hill, and the best part is, it can double as a lake or pool float in the warmer seasons.
And yes, it's a sibling-bonding-and-fighting event waiting to happen. We love that for you.
Cat Bowen
Parenting Editor
Cat Bowen is the parenting editor at BestProducts.com where she researches all of the best products for families from pre-conception through their teen years, focusing on matching scientific evidence with real-life needs.
Andrew Bettlach
Andrew has been contributing to the outdoors and fitness content on BestProducts.com since 2017; he's a nature lover, peak-bagger, skier, and general good-time haver who lives in Colorado, knows where all the fresh snow is, and what gear you should be wearing for staying warm or looking fresh.
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