Whether you're racing down hills or gliding through snow, the right sled or tube makes all the difference in winter fun!
Winter brings cozy moments, from sipping hot cocoa to building backyard igloos, making snow angels, and of course, sledding. It's a tradition that brings families together, with everyone from kids to adults enjoying the thrill of racing down snowy hills.
Looking for the perfect holiday gift? A snow sled is a timeless choice that not only gets kids active but creates lasting memories they’ll cherish for years to come.
What to Consider When Choosing a Sled
Not all snow sleds are made equal, and not every sled is designed with kids in mind. Some may be too large, too fast, or difficult to control. That's why we’ve selected sleds of various sizes and speeds to ensure fun for everyone.
When shopping for a sled for children, focus on three key factors: size, durability, and safety. Look for sleds with sturdy handles, the right size for the child’s age, and materials built to last. While many sleds are made from vinyl or hard plastic, be cautious of cheaper models with thin plastic that may break after just a few uses.
A broken sled can quickly turn into a safety hazard, especially if it breaks during use. To keep little ones safe, we’ve recommended wooden sleds with side rails and cushions for the youngest riders.
Consider these three main factors when choosing a sled:
- Number of Riders : For beginners, a tandem sled or double sled is a great option. An older, more experienced rider can help guide and teach the younger one, making the experience safer and more enjoyable.
- Materials : Wooden sleds with rails tend to last the longest and are often passed down as family heirlooms. However, they can be pricier and require a bit more skill to steer. Other materials, like hard plastic or vinyl, may be cheaper but are generally less durable.
- Age of the Rider : Some sled styles, like scooters or snowmobiles, are meant for older kids or adults. For younger children, smaller tubes, discs, or toboggans are ideal, as are tandem sleds that allow for a more controlled ride.
It's also a good idea to have your child wear a helmet while sledding, as doctors have recommended in recent years. The snow might feel soft, but those falls can be harder than they seem, and protecting your child’s head is essential.
Whether you're looking for a high-speed sled, a fun and whimsical tube, or a traditional wooden toboggan, there’s a perfect sled out there for everyone. Grab your family or friends, head outdoors, and make the most of winter’s fun with one of these top sleds and tubes!
1. 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.
2. Steering Snow Sled
If your child is a bit of a daredevil and wears a helmet, this sled is a fun, wild ride. It rides like a combination of snowmobile and bicycle, with brakes, steering and all. It positively flies down the hill, and thanks to the tether, it's easy to bring back up.
3. Barbie™ Snowmobile Sled
Would it even be a 2023 list without a Barbie sled? I don't think so. Thankfully, Funboy makes high-quality sleds, so this toboggan/snowmobile-style sled is well-made and a pleasure to ride. You can fit two people, even two adults on this sled, though the handles are a bit soft for my taste.
4. Baby Sled Deluxe with Weather Shield
If you've ever been out sledding when the wind picks up or the snow really starts coming down and you've got a long way back, you know how babies can get irritated quickly, and who could blame them? This is a baby/toddler sled that comes with a weather shield that folds up and stores easily. It snaps on the sled easily and quickly.
5. 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 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.
6. 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. It’s durable, fun, and kids will clamor for a chance to ride.
7. Baby Pull Sled
Have a baby? You can pull them around for hours easily on this sled. You could easily pull a 13-month-old on this sled all day long and you'll both have a fun time in the snow.
8. 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.
9. 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, that it can double as a lake or pool float in the warmer seasons. At under less price, it's one of the most affordable tandem/side-by-side sleds available.
And yes, it's a sibling-bonding-and-fighting event waiting to happen. We love that for you.
10. Striped Toboggan Sled
Flying over crunchy snow, slush, and icy patches has never been more comfortable than is when you’re riding this sled from Funboy. It’s an inflatable that feels as much like an air mattress as it does a sled. It has both handles and a traditional toboggan pull rope at the top, giving kids options for how they want to ride.
11. Paricon 626 Round Flying Saucer Disc
This flexible plastic saucer will not only glide quickly across the snow but 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. This is what you think of when you think of a disk-style sled, and it performs.
12. Polar Bear Snow Sled
Playing in the snow all day is fun, and this thick vinyl bear makes it adorably entertaining. 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.
13. Torpedo Sled
If your tween is looking for an easy-to-ride and easy-to-store sled, the Torpedo might be their best bet. It's made to sit and hold onto with their feet on one portion and their booty on the other. It's pretty fast, but it's not impossible to steer like some other faster sleds.
14. Snow Runner for Kids
The Step2 sled is a top pick because of how many modes of riding there are. Your toddler can stand in the back and hold on as you push or they go over gentle slopes. Your child can also ride in front as they do, as there are two sets of handles. There are no sharp edges, and it's light but incredibly durable. This is a sled you could potentially pass on to their kids — it is just that strong.
15. 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 will be precious to you for the rest of your days.
This isn't just a sled -- it's a way to make memories. The quality of this sled and cushion is so well-engineered, that 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.
