15 Sleds and Tubes Perfect for Winter Fun

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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.

What better holiday gift than a sled? It is not only great for getting kids active, but the memories made cannot be overstated. It's something they'll always remember.

Best Snow Sleds and Tubes

• Best Overall: LL Bean Sled

• Best Standing Model: LED Ski Scooter

• Best Two-Toddler Sled: Step2 Sled

• For Daredevils: Frost Rush Sled

• Best Easy and Small Sled: Avalanche Torpedo

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. You need to think about three main things: number of riders, materials, and age of the rider.

• Number of Riders: When kids are first learning to ride, a tandem — or double sled — is a great option. That way, an older, more experienced rider can join them, helping them learn to steer and how to stop. You can get a tandem traditional sled or a tube.

• Materials: Wooden slides with rails last the longest, but they're also the most expensive. Also, there is a learning curve with a wooden sled on skis that isn't there for other styles of sled. These do have the tendency to become heirlooms, so you should consider that as well.

• Age of the Rider: There are several styles of sleds that are really for older kids only, like the scooter style and the snowmobile style. Smaller tubes, discs, and toboggan styles are great for younger riders, as are tandem sleds.

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.

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

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.

Snow Runner for Kids

The Step2 sled is one of my new favorites 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's no sharp edges, and it's really light, but incredibly durable. This is a sled you could potentially pass on to their kids — it is just that strong.

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.

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.

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.

Baby Pull Sled. Toddler Boggan. Sleigh for Kids

Have a baby? You can pull them around for hours easily on this sled. I know this because I have done it. I pulled a 13-month old on this sled all day long, and it was as easy as it could be pulling a 30-pound toddler, and he had a heckuva time.

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 in a moment!

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.

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.

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.

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. At under $30, 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.

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.

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. This is what you think of when you think of a disk-style sled, and it really performs.

More: These Are the Best Skis for the Winter Season

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.

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