If there’s one winter pastime that has a special place in everyone’s heart, it’s sledding. Sledding is a relatively simple and thus inexpensive winter activity when compared to skiing, snowboarding, and skating — and it’s a lot of fun, too!
We’ve chosen and reviewed the best snow sleds to help you find the one that’s right for your kids.
- Key Considerations When Buying a Snow Sled
- Top 10 Best Snow Sleds for Kids 2023
- 1. Overall Best Sled: Flexible Flyer Saucer Sled
- 2. Best Budget Sled: Airhead Classic Snow Sled
- 3. Best Looking: GoFloats Snow Tube
- 4. Best Scooter: Airhead Snow Scooter
- 5. Best Value: Flexible Flyer Snow Saucer 3-Pack
- 6. Largest Snow Tube: QPAU Snow Tube
- 7. Most Controllable Sled: RYDR Snow Runner Bike Sled
- 8. Best Premium Sled: Toobski 109 Spider Snow Tube
- 9. Best Inflatable Option for Small Children: Arctic Trails Snow Sled
- 10. Best 2-Seater Option: Flexible Flyer Snow Sled
- Guide to Buying the Best Snow Sleds for Kids
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Final Thoughts
Key Considerations When Buying a Snow Sled
We considered the following factors while building our list of the best snow sleds for kids.
Type and Materials
There are a handful of different snow sleds you can choose from: Tubes, saucers, toboggans, snow racers, snow scooters, etc.
Each one of these sleds offers a slightly different experience, which we’ll discuss in the reviews.
To find out more about them and how to pinpoint which one is best for your family, take a look at the different types of snow sleds and materials in our full guide, where we discuss the pros and cons of each.
Age
As we go through our top picks for this festive season, we’ll let you know which sleds are appropriate for which age groups. Some of the snow sleds on our list can accommodate children of all ages, while others are geared toward tweens.
If you’re looking for a sled for a child under the age of five, we recommend buying a large sled that can fit both you and your child, as it can be unsafe to let a young child sled on their own.
Weight Limit
Another thing to consider is the weight limit of each sled. Your child’s weight is an important thing to contemplate when making your pick, since overloading a sled can cause it to crack or break.
You’ll also want to consider whether you’ll be riding along with your children, too. If you plan on sharing a sled with your kid, take both of your weights into account.
Capacity
Some sleds offer a single seat while others are molded to fit two people at the same time. As we review the snow sleds on our list, we’ll let you know how many people can use them at once.
Size and Weight
You’ll also want to consider the size and weight of each snow sled. Make sure that the sled is light enough for your child to carry or pull. You’ll also want to make sure that the sled is small enough to fit in the trunk.
Storage
Some snow sleds are thin and light enough to hang off a hook in the garage or shed, while others are very bulky and require a large storage area. If you don’t have a lot of room to spare, we recommend getting an inflatable snow tube for easy storage and transportation.
Sledding Location
Are you buying a sled that your child can use on a small hill at the park? Or are you going tubing at a ski resort? These are important questions to ask yourself before making your final pick.
The bigger the hill you plan to sled down, the more safety and luxury features you may want to splurge for. You may also want to consider how often your kids will be using their sleds. If they plan on sledding every week, you may want to purchase a high-quality sled so that it lasts you for more than just one season.
Safety Features
It’s no secret that snow sleds don’t have an abundance of safety features, which is why selecting a safe spot for this winter activity is key. Although some snow sleds do come with steering wheels and brakes, these features aren’t exactly necessary.
What’s most important is that the snow sled has handles for your child to grip onto. To find out how to select a safe sledding location, take a look at our full guide.
Now, the snow is layered thick on the hill (but not too thick!) and is ready and waiting to be carved up by the perfect sled. Let’s get right into it.
Top 10 Best Snow Sleds for Kids 2023
1. Overall Best Sled: Flexible Flyer Saucer Sled
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Age: 5 years old and up
- Type: Saucer
- Material: Bethlehem steel
- Size: 26”
The Flexible Flyer Saucer Sled weighs about 6 pounds and is small enough to fit in the trunk of your car. It doesn’t take up much room either so you can store it in your garage or shed over the summer. It’s small enough to hold a 5-year old but big and strong enough to support an adult. Although, we wouldn’t recommend using it if you weigh over 200 pounds.
The Flexible Flyer Saucer Sled has two rope handles that your kids can grip onto. These types of sleds are known for spinning around while descending hills, which can be a lot of fun for kids who aren’t prone to motion sickness.
We love how durable and fast the Flexible Flyer Saucer Sled is. It’s made out of steel and is strong enough to meet bumps and rocks head-on without cracking. It’s truly perfect for avid sledders and can be used in the summer to sled down sand dunes, too.
It’s important to note that although it won’t crack or break, it may get dented should it come into contact with a large rock or bump. This is to be expected and does not render the saucer useless, as it functions just fine even if it takes minor damage.
The Flexible Flyer Saucer Sled only comes in the color red, which can make it difficult to differentiate between sleds — especially if you have multiple children. However, you can easily fix this problem by adding some stickers to its surface. If you’re looking for a set of plastic saucers that come in different colors, check out the Flexible Flyer Snow Saucer – 3-Pack.
Pros
- Very durable
- Can be used on sand and snow
- Easy to store and transport
- Very fast
- Has handles
Cons
- Prone to denting
2. Best Budget Sled: Airhead Classic Snow Sled
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Age: 1 to 10 years old
- Type: Toboggan
- Material: Plastic
- Size: 35” x 17” x 5”
The Airhead Classic is a simple and affordable plastic toboggan that has steerable handles and a pull string. It’s light and thin, making it easy to store in your garage or load up into your trunk. It glides down hills very quickly and is a lot of fun to ride. If you’re taking your young child sledding for the very first time, this little sled will get the job done.
If you’re looking for a snow sled that can accommodate two young children at once, the 35” blue sled will have ample room. However, if you’re looking for a toboggan that can fit a small to medium-sized adult and a child, the 48” red toboggan is the way to go.
The Airhead Classic Snow Sled is made with high impact plastic, which stops it from cracking in freezing temperatures. But even then, the plastic may still crack if it comes into contact with large bumps or hidden rocks in the snow. For this reason, we wouldn’t recommend this snow sled to families with older kids planning a weekend getaway at a ski resort — you’ll need something more durable for that.
The Airhead Classic Snow Sled is perfect for families with young children who plan on sledding occasionally or using them as a winter wagon while out for walks. If you’re looking for a durable sled that your kids can use on larger hills, check out the Toobski 109 Spider Snow Tube.
Pros
- Fits 1-2 young children
- Very fast
- Has steerable handles and a pull string
- Simple and affordable
Cons
- Plastic isn’t hard enough to prevent cracks
3. Best Looking: GoFloats Snow Tube
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Age: 5 years old and up
- Type: Tube
- Material: Vinyl
- Size: 45”
The GoFloats Snow Tubes come in a handful of fun designs that both adults and children will love. You’re sure to get a laugh out of people when you ride down a snowy hill on the back of a flamingo, penguin, ice dragon, polar bear, or unicorn.
The GoFloats Snow Tube is very durable and can hold up to 2 full-sized adults at once. A weight limit hasn’t been specified but it’s graded to support 300 pounds at once without popping. The GoFloats Snow Tube is made with thick raft-grade vinyl so it’s built to last. But, just in case it does rip, it comes with a sealable patch.
The GoFloats Snow Tube has a closed bottom so smaller children won’t fall through. It also has two sturdy handles on each side of it. These handles will come in handy since the tube is known for flying down hills at a dramatic pace. Due to its speed, we recommend that young children always ride with their parents or guardians.
GoFloats Snow Tube is a fantastic option whether you plan on hitting the slopes or tubing down a small hill at the park. You really can’t go wrong with it. However, keep in mind that you will need an electric air pump to inflate it since the large nozzle is very awkward to blow into with your mouth. If you like snow tubes but are looking for a plain one, check out the QPAU Snow Tube instead.
Pros
- A large tube that can fit 1-2 people
- Has a closed bottom
- Very fast
- Durable but comes with a patch just in case
Cons
- May require the use of an electric air pump to blow it up
4. Best Scooter: Airhead Snow Scooter
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Age: 5 years old and up
- Type: Scooter
- Material: Molded polymer
- Size: 38” x 9” x 4”
The Airhead Snow Scooter may not be your traditionally snow sled, but it’s quickly becoming a popular alternative. This sturdy little scooter teaches balance, which is why many young kids use it before attempting to snowboard. Despite its small size, it’s sturdy enough to be used by shorter adults. If you’re looking for a similar product but want one that comes in a larger size, check out the Porpora Ski Scooter — it’s available in 3 different colors, too.
The Airhead Snow Scooter is very easy to store and transport since it can be folded in half. It’s lightweight, too, so younger children will have no problem running it back up the hill. Younger children may have to master their balance before hopping aboard, and so you can expect there to be a learning curve. However, once they’re comfortable riding it, you’ll have a hard time getting them to stop!
The Airhead Scooter is versatile and can also be used on flat and snowy grounds. It’s super fast and fun to ride — but it can be a little dangerous, too, as more balancing is required and there is less to break your fall if you crash. For this reason, we recommend wearing a helmet when going down large hills.
Fortunately, the Airhead Scooter does have a handle that can be slightly steered. If you’re looking for a super safe snow sled that has an actual steering wheel, check out the RYDR Snow Runner Bike Sled instead.
Pros
- Very fast and maneuverable
- Great practice for snowboarding
- Big enough for small adults
Cons
- There’s a bit of a learning curve
5. Best Value: Flexible Flyer Snow Saucer 3-Pack
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Age: 4 years old and up
- Type: Saucer
- Material: Paricon plastic and polyethylene
- Size: 26”
The Flexible Flyer Snow Saucers come in a pack of three — perfect for families with multiple children. The saucers are on the small side but can accommodate a small adult if need be.
The Flexible Flyer Snow Saucers have built-in handles for added support. They don’t come with a tow rope but can easily be carried since they weigh under 2 pounds each. It’s easy to store them, too, thanks to their stackable design.
Although the picture showcases three differently colored saucers, you may receive three of the same color. To be sure this doesn’t happen, send them a message and ask for the colors you want. If you have three children and need help differentiating between the saucers, you can always add stickers to them.
The Flexible Flyer Snow Saucers are made of plastic and can be a little flimsy. Your backside may feel a little bruised should you encounter a lot of bumps along the way. These plastic saucers are also prone to cracking when exposed to super cold temperatures. For this reason, we don’t recommend using them when it’s below 12°F (-11°C).
If you’re looking for a saucer that can withstand cold temperatures without cracking, check out the Flexible Flyer Saucer Sled. This saucer is made out of steel and built to last for more than one winter.
Pros
- Very fast saucers that spin
- Can be used by kids and small adults
- Great value pack
- Can be stacked for easy storage
Cons
- You may receive 3 of the same colors if you don't specify your preferences
- Prone to cracking in super cold temperatures
6. Largest Snow Tube: QPAU Snow Tube
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Age: 5 years old and up
- Type: Tube
- Material: Synthetic vinyl
- Size: 50”
The QPAU is a heavy-duty snow tube that can hold up to 500 pounds at once. It has a closed bottom that stops smaller riders from falling through it and two strong handles that are large enough to be held by gloved hands. The QPAU Snow Tube offers fantastic quality for its price range. It’s the perfect tube for parents with children under 5 years old, as it allows them to ride together comfortably.
This snow tube is a joy to ride and is suitably fast and comfortable. It’s also very easy and quick to inflate and deflate due to its speed valve. Despite its heavy-duty nature, the QPAU Snow Tube is quite light. It can be pulled uphill by young children thanks to its handy tow rope.
The QPAU Snow Tube may be durable, but it’s also prone to encountering some deflation problems over time. The more you jump on it, the more it will begin to deflate on its own. This may result in you needing to inflate it every few hours or so. Also, if you plan on riding the QPAU Snow Tube on your belly, you may find that the handles are spread too far apart to offer you any grip.
If you’re looking for a similar product that’s slightly more affordable, check out the Jasonwell Snow Tube instead. However, keep in mind that this tube is slightly smaller than the QPAU. Or, if you’re looking for an inflatable sled that your kids can sled on their bellies with, check out the Arctic Trails Snow Tube instead.
Pros
- Large snow tube that can hold up to 500 pounds
- Comes with a detachable tow rope
- Has a speed valve for quick inflation and deflation
- Very durable and fun to ride
Cons
- May begin to deflate on its own
- Handles are too far apart to use when sliding on your belly
7. Most Controllable Sled: RYDR Snow Runner Bike Sled
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Age: 6 to 12 years old
- Type: Snow racer
- Material: Plastic and steel
- Size: 43.3” x 18.9” x 16.1”
Snow racers are luxurious sleds that allow you to safely take on large hills. They’re a lot of fun to ride and offer a very different experience than plastic and inflatable sleds do.
The RYDR Snow Runner Bike Sled has a steering wheel and brakes, making it very safe to ride. However, caution must be exercised when going down large and steep hills, as braking too abruptly or taking a sharp turn can cause the snow racer to flip. For this reason, we recommend that young children wear helmets on larger hills and that the rider has some sledding experience and wherewithal.
The RYDR Snow Runner Bike Sled is sturdy and safe but it does require proper assembly. It’s made out of thick plastic and steel and has an adjustable seat for maximum comfort. It’s lightweight and can easily be pulled uphill. However, adding a tow rope to it will be necessary as it may be too heavy for small children to carry.
This snow racer can be used by children of all ages as long as they weigh under 90 pounds. If you’d like to order a larger snow racer that can hold more weight or two people at once, we recommend looking into the PHAT Snow Racer or the Goplus Snow Racer instead.
Pros
- Has a steering wheel and breaks
- Seat is adjustable
- The feeling of control makes it more fun to ride
- Durable and well made
Cons
- Taking turns at full-speed can be dangerous
- Has a weight limit of 90 pounds
- Can be tricky to put together
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Age: 5 years old and up
- Type: Inflatable tube
- Material: Vinyl, butyl rubber, and polyester
- Size: 48”
This heavy-duty snow tube can withstand years of wear and tear. It comes with a luxurious cover that has four strong handles, and its underbelly is made of ultra-low friction vinyl, allowing it to power through harsh temperatures and bumpy snow trails.
When inflated, the Toobski 109 Spider weighs about 10 pounds. It comes with a 6-foot tow strap making it easy to carry it back up the hill. It may be a little too heavy for smaller children to carry, but the Toobski 109 Spiders can be connected to other tubes, allowing parents or guardians to take on the load with ease.
You can also connect Toobski 109 Spiders and sled as a family or group, making for some fun times. But despite their supreme durability, these tubes cannot be pulled by a snowmobile.
The Toobski 109 Spider comes with a storage bag and a valve tool for easy deflation. It can also fit into a large trunk while inflated. It can accommodate adults too, so children can continue to use them as they grow and so it works as a long term sledding solution.
If you’re looking for a snow tube but don’t need something as heavy-duty as the Toobski 109 Spider, we highly recommended checking out the QPAU Snow Tube instead.
Pros
- Can be connected to other Toobski tubes
- Easy to deflate and store
- A high-quality tube that comes with a heavy-duty cover
- The cover has 4 handles and a 6-foot tow strap
Cons
- Can’t be pulled behind a snowmobile
- Is expensive compared to comparable options
- Heavy for children to pull
9. Best Inflatable Option for Small Children: Arctic Trails Snow Sled
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Age: 3 to 6 years old
- Type: Inflatable toboggan
- Material: Synthetic vinyl
- Size: 35”
The Arctic Trails Snow Sled is a small inflated sled that measures 35” in length. It’s a great option for children under the age of six. It has two strong handles on either side of it and is easy to grip onto even with large gloves on.
What’s great about this inflatable sled is that children can use it sitting down or lying down on their bellies. It can also be used at the beach in the summertime as it resembles a skimboard. The Arctic Trails Snow Sled is easy to inflate. It’s so small you don’t need an air pump to fill it up as you can fill it up using your windpipes.
The Arctic Trails Snow Sled is made out of thin synthetic vinyl. It isn’t strong enough to support a lot of weight and may pop under pressure. For this reason, we don’t recommend this sled for kids aged 7 and older. However, it’s a great option for young children who are learning to sled on small hills.
The Arctic Trails Snow Sled is only available as a one-seater. If you’re looking for a plastic toboggan that can be used by two small kids at the same time, we recommend checking out the Airhead Classic Snow Sled instead. However, if you would rather use a tube, take a look at the Flexible Flyer Snow Sled.
Pros
- Easy to inflate
- Has strong handles
- Can be used for snow and water sports
Cons
- Not strong enough to hold a lot of weight
- Plastic isn’t very thick
10. Best 2-Seater Option: Flexible Flyer Snow Sled
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Age: 5 years old and up
- Type: Tube
- Material: Synthetic vinyl
- Size: 57” x 33” x 12”
The Flexible Flyer Snow Sled is an affordable two-seater tube that glides down snowy hills effortlessly. It’s a great option for families who have two young children. However, it can also be used by a single adult as long as their weight doesn’t exceed 200 pounds.
If the weight limit is respected, the Flexible Flyer Snow Sled should last for a handful of winters. However, if too much force or weight is applied, it may begin to leak air and pop over time. To extend its lifespan, you’ll want to refrain from using it when there is minimal snow, as the vinyl that makes up its underbelly isn’t very thick and can tear when it comes into contact with a rock.
If you’re looking for an inflatable tube that won’t leak air over time, check out the Toobski 109 Spider Snow Tube. This luxurious tube may be on the expensive side, but it’s tough as nails and should last you for many years. Plus, the tubes can be tied together, allowing the entire family can ride as a team.
Pros
- Fits two small kids or one adult
- Has 2 sets of handles
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Prone to air leaks
- Vinyl isn’t thick enough
Guide to Buying the Best Snow Sleds for Kids
If there’s one winter activity that all kids can get on board with, it’s sledding. But to have a good experience, you need to purchase a quality sled that is both durable and safe. In this guide, we give tips on how to select a safe sledding location while revealing what kind of attire children should wear on the slopes. First, let’s go through the different types of sleds and their materials to help you select the best ones for your family.
Different Types of Snow Sleds and Materials
Snow sleds come in many different shapes and sizes. Below, you’ll find the most popular types of snow sleds as well as the materials they come in:
Saucers
A saucer is a circular, concave sled that is made out of hard plastic or steel. These classic sleds are popular because they promote a quick descent and may even spin on their way down. They’re a great option for young children who are learning to sled on small hills. However, since they cannot be steered and are known for their speediness, they aren’t typically used on large or steep hills.
You’ll find two saucer sleds on our list: The Flexible Flyer Saucer Sled, which is made out of steel, and the Flexible Flyer Snow Saucer 3-Pack, which is made out of plastic. The steel saucers may get dented over time, but they won’t crack or break like most plastic saucers will.
Inflatable Tubes
Inflatable snow tubes usually come in the shape of a donut. However, some may also be shaped like toboggans or combined to form two-seaters.
Inflatable tubes are made out of durable vinyl and rubber. Larger tubes may require the use of a hand pump or an electric air pump. These snow sleds are practical because they don’t take up a lot of room. They also offer an added sense of comfort.
Toboggans
Toboggans are old school sleds that have a flat base and a curved front. They are traditionally made out of wood but are also available in plastic or inflatable vinyl. Classic wood toboggans are becoming less popular as the years go by. However, many parents still use tiny wooden toboggans to pull their babies around in the wintertime.
Our favorite plastic toboggan is the Airhead Classic Snow Sled. If you would rather side with an inflatable toboggan, we highly recommend the FUNBOY Toboggan.
Snow Scooters
A snow scooter resembles a scooter without wheels. These sleds are a lot of fun to ride because they allow you to descend hills while standing up. They’re a little difficult to master because you need to have proper balance to ride them.
Snow scooters are a great way to introduce snowboarding to children and adults alike. They have a handle, allowing you to get comfortable on the board before switching to a snowboard.
Snow scooters are made out of plastic or molded polymer and are known for their speed. They aren’t exactly steerable, but they do offer more steerability than regular sleds and saucers. Our favorite snow scooter is the Airhead Snow Scooter.
Snow Racers
A snow racer is a drivable sled that has a steering wheel, a seat, and brakes. Instead of wheels, the snow racer stands on three skis that help it glide down snowy hills. Snow racers are often referred to as the safest types of snow sleds. However, you still need to exercise caution while riding one because they can flip over if you take a sharp turn too quickly.
Snow Racers are made out of plastic and steel. They are sturdy and built to last for many, many winters. We only have one snow racer on our list, so check out the RYDR Snow Runner Bike Sled to find out more about it.
How to Pick a Safe Hill to Sled On
Sledding is a lot of fun, but it can be dangerous if a few precautions aren’t followed. In this section, we give you tips on how to select a safe sledding location to prevent unnecessary injuries.
- Select a hill that flattens out at the bottom, giving kids the chance to glide to a halt.
- Select a hill that isn’t too steep so that children won’t descend it too quickly.
- Select a hill that doesn’t have a lot of trees, ponds, bushes, or poles around its base.
- Select a hill that doesn’t lead into a street or parking lot.
- Select a hill that doesn’t have any jumps on it.
- Select a hill that is snowy, not icy.
How to Avoid Injuries While Sledding
Children under the age of 5 should never sled on their own. It’s also crucial that a parent or guardian always be on the scene in case of injury. To prevent injuries, talk to your kids about how to safely sled down a hill.
Below are some useful tips and tricks on how to stay safe while sledding:
- Instruct children to roll off their sleds if they are about to come into contact with an obstacle.
- Prevent children from standing up on their sleds unless they are riding a snow scooter.
- Inform your children to hold onto the sled’s handles at all times.
- Prevent children from sledding down hills at the same time unless their sleds are connected to one another. This can stop the sleds from colliding with each other.
- Make sure that your children are facing forward so that they can see where they’re going.
- Teach them to remove themselves from the sledding path as soon as their sled comes to a halt.
- Remind them to walk up the side of the hill to prevent themselves from getting hit by incoming sledders.
- Use a neck warmer instead of a scarf. This is crucial since a scarf can cause strangulation should it get caught in something.
- Ensure that your child’s hair is pulled back into a ponytail and covered by their hat to prevent strands from getting pulled.
- Avoid sledding at night unless you are at an established sledding location that has sufficient outdoor lighting.
What Should Children Wear While Sledding?
To ensure that children remain safe, warm, and dry throughout their sledding adventures, they need to wear the proper gear.
- A warm hat that covers their ears.
- Waterproof winter gloves or mittens.
- A pair of snow pants over a pair of warm pants.
- A winter jacket and a warm sweater.
- Snow boots and warm socks.
- A neck warmer.
- A snowboarding helmet may be required when using a snow scooter or snow racer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Is the Best Snow Sled for Kids?
A good snow sled for kids will offer a comfortable, smooth, and fast ride. It will also be made with durable materials, preventing your little one from encountering a broken sled mid-way through their sledding adventure.
For these reasons, we believe the Flexible Flyer Saucer Sled to be the best snow sled for young children. This sled is made of steel, can be used on both snow and sand, and has handles for extra safety.
If you prefer a snow tube over a saucer, however, we would highly suggest the Toobski 109 Spider Snow Tube. This heavy-duty snow tube is comfortable, durable, and large enough for your child to continue using it winter after winter, despite encountering growth spurts.
What Is the Safest Snow Sled?
Snow racers like the RYDR Snow Runner Bike are commonly referred to as the safest sleds on the market. This is because they are steerable and come with breaks. They’re also designed not to spin around, preventing you from descending hills backyards.
What Is the Best Snow Sled for Adults?
Adults can benefit from using snow tubes because they are cushioned, preventing them from straining their backs should they encounter bumps in the road. Our favorite snow tube for adults is the GoFloats Snow Tube. These large snow tubes are durable and come in fun designs that both kids and adults are sure to love.
Final Thoughts
When shopping around for a snow sled for your kids, it’s important to consider everything from comfort and style to safety and durability. Take your child’s age, weight, preferences, and experience into consideration before making your final pick. Doing so will ensure that you select a snow sled that your kid will love and appreciate.
We hope our guide has helped you find the best snow sleds for your family and that you enjoy having fun on the snowy slopes. If you haven’t found the sled you’re looking for here, we have a longer list with the best sleds for you to take a look at.