Bring on Winter Fun With the 14 Best Sleds for Kids

Best Overall

L.L.Bean Sonic Snow Tube

$95 at L.L.Bean

Why We Like It

The Sonic Snow Tube is a popular classic sled thanks to the 600-denier polyester top fabric and the hard-shell bottom that makes this snow tube almost indestructible for kids. In fact, this snow tube was originally constructed for use in commercial tubing parks, so your neighborhood sled hill should be a breeze. We also appreciate that the heavy-duty construction of this tube allows for tandem sledding of an adult and child together, if needed.

The rigid base protects kids’ knees from any bumps they may hit while easily sliding downhill at high speeds, including the early-season crunchy snow with jagged pockets of ice. Two nylon webbing straps act as handles on either side of the tube and are easy enough to grab, but don’t expect any steering capabilities. A sturdy tow strap also comes with the sled for ease of carry.

But Take Note

The Sonic Snow Tube comes in two sizes: regular and extra-large. We recommend the regular size for younger children who sled alone and the extra-large size for teens or adults. 

The Details:

• Dimensions: 34 x 34 inches
• Weight: 10 pounds (regular size)
• Material: Polyester, rubber, and plastic
• Weight limit: Not listed
• Recommended age range: 5 years and older

Best for Toddlers

Flexible Flyer Baby Pull Sled

$36 $32 at Amazon $19 at Walmart $20 at Ace Hardware

Why We Like It

Searching for baby’s first sled? Look no further. This Flexible Flyer sled can be used with children under 3 since the extra-high back provides enough support to prevent little ones from toppling over. Having personally used this sled with all five of my children when they were babies and toddlers, I can attest that it's a great pick. Along with keeping little ones secure, the high seat and back also help prevent snow from flying in their faces.

Other baby-friendly features include a buckled waist belt to secure them and an extra-wide base for stability to prevent tipping. The extra-long lanyard is also a boon for parents everywhere: No more bending over to pull your child around the backyard.

But Take Note

Pulling this sled in deep snow might be difficult. We recommend using this in light to moderate snow to ensure ease of use.

The Details:

• Dimensions: 26 x 20.5 x 12.3 inches
• Weight: 3.2 pounds
• Material: Plastic
• Weight limit: Up to 40 pounds
• Recommended age range: 3 years and younger

Best Toboggan

L.L.Bean Toboggan and Cushion Set

$249 at L.L.Bean

Why We Like It

There is no toboggan better than this classic by L. L. Bean. Built with steam-bent northern hardwood and screwed together, the toboggan is designed to last for your child’s entire life. Due to the inherent strength of wood and the large amount of ground contact, this toboggan is one of the most stable sleds on this list.

It includes a polyester cushion filled with 1.5 inches of foam, which is just enough to absorb the bumps on the downhill. A long lanyard attaches to the front of the sled so it’s easy to pull uphill. Since there are no handles, the front child can also hang onto the lanyard during the downhill for added stability. You can choose between the classic or extra-long lengths; at a whopping 72 inches in length, kids can easily fit a few friends on the classic size.

But Take Note

Its length makes it so much fun can also make transporting it a challenge. 

The Details:

• Dimensions: 72 x 15.75 inches
• Weight: 14 pounds
• Material: Hardwood
• Weight limit: Not listed
• Recommended age range: 4 years and older

Best Saucer

Slippery Racer Downhill Pro Saucer

$40 $33 at Amazon $44 at Target $23 at Walmart

Why We Like It

Once your little one is ready to spin, this Downhill Pro Saucer is a great option. The heavy-duty plastic is slick-coated, which means it’s extra slippery on the descents. The brand also uses a proprietary cold-resistant treatment on the saucer, allowing the sled to bend while resisting cracks in temperatures as low as 20 degrees.

The 26-inch-wide diameter is perfect for one child to sit cross-legged while careening downhill. Two easy-to-reach handles (one on either side) are a comfortable distance for little arms to hang on to safely. It can be used by both kids and adults, so there's no reason parents can't join the snowy fun too.

But Take Note

There isn’t a lanyard, so kids can’t tow it uphill, but it’s light enough to tuck beneath an arm.

The Details:

• Dimensions: 26 x 26 x 3 inches
• Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Material: Plastic
• Weight limit: Not listed
• Recommended age range: 4 years and older

Best for Older Kids

WOW Sports Bobsled

$100 $75 at Amazon $104 at Walmart View on Wowsports.com

Why We Like It

This inflatable sled's unique design puts kids in the driver’s seat and makes them feel like they're riding a snowmobile. We appreciate the two valves that work with an electric pump to make inflating a snap. The sled is also very sturdy—more than 4 inches of thickness on the bottom allow your child to sit or kneel without worrying about jostling or bumps.

The front shield does a decent job of keeping snow and wind out of your child’s face, and the included rope makes carting the sled around more convenient. There isn’t an official steering wheel, but the two front handlebars act as guiding devices that gently encourage the sled in either direction. As for durability, the bottom is lined with heavy-gauge, cold-crack PVC (a hard thermoplastic) with heat-sealed seams that promise to keep your bobsled with you for years to come.

But Take Note

The shield isn't completely snowspray-proof and this sled is meant for a single rider only. 

The Details:

• Dimensions: 48.8 x 29.9 x 22.8 inches
• Weight: 7.1 pounds
• Material: PVC
• Weight limit: 170 pounds
• Recommended age range: 6 and up

Best With Steering

Gizmo Riders Stratos Snow Bobsled

$140 $110 at Amazon $93 at Target $93 at Walmart

Why We Like It

According to David Brooks, MD, pediatrician and chief of staff at Colorado’s Valley View Hospital, the ability to steer and slow down will always be beneficial features, making the Gizmo Riders Stratos an ideal choice if you know your child will be sledding somewhere with obstacles. Constructed with plastic, the car-like steering wheel is easy for kids to manage and works at a variety of speeds.

The two-person seat is coated with anti-slip treatment, so snow pants-laden kiddos don’t slide all over the place. The Stratos is heavy, but it does include a tow rope (which is retractable, so parents don’t need to worry about it getting caught beneath the sled during the descent).

But Take Note

Because this sled is more complicated than a traditional plastic saucer, assembly is required. While the spring-loaded braking handle is a bit clunky, it does add another level of safety since children can control their speed when needed. 

The Details:

• Dimensions: 38.6 x 22 x 9.06 inches
• Weight: 8.5 pounds
• Material: Plastic
• Weight limit: 260 lbs. 
• Recommended age range: 3 years and older

Best Foam Sled

Spyder Shredder Snow Sled

$99 at Dick's View on Dunhamssports.com

Why We Like It

Versatility is the name of the game with the Spyder Shredder. Four handles—two on each side—and a bi-directional design mean that there isn’t a front or back to this foam sled. Regardless of how your kid throws it down, it’ll fly.

Since it is 48 inches long and doesn’t have side walls, it easily fits an adult and child in multiple configurations: cross-legged, straight-legged, or however you want. Plus, it comes in three colorful designs, including, of course, a rad spider print. 

But Take Note

Two built-in vertical rails aren't as effective as a steering wheel but do provide more control than a basic smooth sled bottom. 

The Details:

• Dimensions: 48 x 22.6 inches
• Weight: 4 pounds
• Material: Thermo-molded foam
• Weight limit: Not listed
• Recommended age range: All ages

Best Heavyduty

Zangeroi Commercial Double Snow Tube

$100 $96 at Amazon

Why We Like It

We have five children, many of whom are now taller than me, so when looking for a snow tube to use on our 70 acres in cold-weather Michigan, we wanted a heavy-duty option. This commercial-quality snow tube can accommodate up to 200 pounds, so we felt confident it could hold our teenagers safely. It's meant for one rider at a time and includes two grab handles and a tow rope for transporting.

We have enjoyed using this tube around our farm so much that my husband even purchased a second one (which, ironically, was delivered while I was writing this sled guide, so I can attest that I have personally watched my teens enjoy it from my window whilst I stayed warm inside). 

But Take Note

There is some assembly required—the sled is a dual tube design, so you have to blow both tubes up, and then fit them in the cover before use. 

The Details:

• Dimensions: 47 inches across 
• Weight: 11 pounds
• Material: Butyl rubber
• Weight limit: 200 lbs. 
• Recommended age range: Teens and adults 

Best Sled Scooter

Prisp Foldable Snow Scooter

$37 $33 at Amazon $43 at Walmart

Why We Like It

A few Christmases ago, I bought these foldable snow scooters for my younger kids to allow them to go down smaller hills in a fun way—and they were a huge hit. My 3-year-old and 8-year-old daughters loved them and the scooters gave them the confidence to "snowboard" down smaller hills in our backyard before working their way to a handle-free version this winter.

Kids can use the snow toy like a snowboard for hills with a clear path or as a snow scooter by propelling through the snow with one foot on the board and one foot pushing off the ground. The scooters are very lightweight, so even my 3-year-old could carry hers up the hill, easy to store thanks to the fold-flat handle, and extremely durable (ours basically spend the winter outside buried under snow, but they're still going strong).

But Take Note

As a scooter, this snow toy is meant for standing use only. 

The Details:

• Dimensions: 37.5"L x 9.5"W
• Weight: 4 pounds
• Material: Plastic
• Weight limit: 150 pounds
• Recommended age range: Ages 6 years and up

Best Snow Tube

WOW Sports Pow Snowtube

$50 $45 at Amazon $60 at Walmart View on Wowsports.com

Why We Like It

Consider the WOW Sports Pow the Goldilocks of the snow tube world: It’s durable and big enough to fit a single rider or two people, yet it’s still more affordable than other premium tubes. WOW uses the same heavy-gauge, cold-crack PVC with heat-sealed seams in its Bobsled, creating a tube that lasts way longer than a basic snow tube.

An air-cushioned cockpit makes this a comfortable ride, while four PVC handles on the sides add a secure touch, even for two riders. The handles are handy for carting the sled back up hills too. The bottom of this sled is crafted from "extra slick" PVC to lend a smooth and thrilling ride. You can expect the material to last through many snow adventures. 

But Take Note

Because the durable material is so thick and strong, the snow tube may feel heavy when fully inflated. 

The Details:

• Dimensions: 53.5 x 53.5 inches
• Weight: 5.5 pounds
• Material: PVC
• Weight limit: 340 pounds
• Recommended age range: Ages 6 and up

Best for Two Riders

Flexible Flyer Snow Screamer 2 Person Sled

$50 at Amazon $52 at Walmart $50 at Dick's

Why We Like It

If you’re looking for a versatile sled that screams downhill and doesn’t break the bank, take a look at the Snow Screamer. This double sled comes with four handles—two for each child—and a solid inch of foam. That means there’s plenty of cushioning for the kids when they hit a bump or a jump.

A durable lamination sits atop the foam, and the bottom is made of crack-resistant hard plastic. Flexible Flyer recommends waxing the bottom for additional speed for older children or adults. It's also extremely lightweight, so kids can carry it uphill solo.

But Take Note

There's no steering, brakes, or string to pull the sled behind you. 

The Details:

• Dimensions: 47 x 21.5 x 2 inches
• Weight: 3 pounds
• Material: Foam and plastic
• Weight limit: 250 pounds
• Recommended age range: 5 years and older

Best Wooden Sled

L.L.Bean Kids' Pull Sled

$199 at L.L.Bean

Why We Like It

This heirloom-quality wooden sled is toddler-friendly, crafted with northern hardwood, and finished with a clear lacquer. (As the wife of a woodworker, I can attest that that means this sled will last and still look beautiful, too.)  It’s pieced together with screws rather than cheaper nails to ensure long-term durability over the years and through multiple children.

Safety is top shelf, too. Instead of minimal waist belts or straps to harness your child into the sled, the high side walls help prevent your kiddo from toppling out. A sturdy tow rope with a generous length is included, so parents can pull the sled without bending over. As with other L. L. Bean sleds, this one comes in two sizes: small and large.

But Take Note

On its own, this wooden sled is heavy and can be uncomfortable, so it comes with a water-repellent foam cushion that lines the seat and back rails to add a little padding.

The Details:

• Dimensions: 31 x 14.5 x 13 inches (small)
• Weight: 13.5 pounds (small)
• Material: Northern hardwood
• Weight limit: Not listed
• Recommended age range: Not listed

Best Pull Sled

Slippery Racer Downhill Xtreme Toboggan

$54 $50 at Amazon $39 at Walmart $44 at Home Depot

Why We Like It

If you like the slick-and-quick nature of a saucer but prefer a toboggan shape or need space for two people to ride together, the Xtreme is your best bet. This sled is 48 inches long and big enough to hold an adult and a child.

Four built-in handles line the sides of the toboggan, and the slick-coated plastic construction ensures you’ll need them—this one moves quickly on the downhill! A convenient, built-in pull rope attaches to the front, so your kids can tow each other around until tired.

But Take Note

The lightweight plastic construction is ideal for kids to carry, but it's also susceptible to cracking.

The Details:

• Dimensions: 48 x 18 x 5.5 inches
• Weight: 3 pounds
• Material: Plastic
• Weight limit: Not listed
• Recommended age range: Not listed

Best With Runners

Flexible Flyer Metal Runner Sled

$180 $148 at Amazon $148 at Walmart

Why We Like It

Flexible Flyers are classic sleds, and for good reason. The steel runners beneath the sled carve into the hillside like skis, allowing children to steer by dragging their hands in the snow or attaching a pull rope to the pre-drilled holes on the front and pulling on it to guide the direction. Once the loose powder is packed down, the steel digs in, and the Flexible Flyer is tough to beat for speed.

But Take Note

The metal-runner sled is made for speed and durability, but it doesn’t come with any cushioning, so big jumps may feel jarring to kiddos. 

The Details:

• Dimensions: 48 x 20.5 x 6.5 inches
• Weight: 11 pounds
• Material: Birchwood and steel
• Weight limit: Not listed
• Recommended age range: 5 years and older