Winter has always been a magical time for me. I have fond memories of sledding down the mountainside when I was a young child, and I enjoyed sledding adventures through college. Now that I’m a parent, I love taking my kids sledding and watching them experience the thrill of zooming through the snow.
We enjoy making memories as a family, so buying sleds for my kids has been a great investment. It’s a toy they can enjoy using alone or with a friend. It can be used on a small hill or a steeper slope. At the park or in the mountains. There are some great sleds that work for young kids to adults. Whether you are looking for a calm ride for a baby or a race down the hill for teens, here are some great options your family will love!
What to Look for When Buying A Sled for Kids
- Safety gear and precaution. Kids move on slick ground at surprisingly high speeds and can’t control their direction. It’s impossible to see lumps under snow that will take them off course. Kid sledding injuries top 20,000 a year and collisions can cause death. Studies suggest wearing a helmet while sledding can cut your chance of injury in half. Helmets designed for winter sports work best. Learn a little about sledding safety before you go.
- Style. Sleds come in several different designs now. Classic sleds have runners, while some are simple aerodynamic shapes. Each has pros and cons for movement, weight, and ease. The style will also affect your position and how easy it is to stay on it.
- Weight limit and size. There are some sleds specifically designed to pull small babies and kids in. Others are small and lightweight enough that young kids can use them. And some can hold people of any size!
- Material. Sleds come in different materials, including plastic, wood, and metal. Heavier duty sleds usually cost more, but they also last longer.
Our 14 Picks for Top Snow Sleds for Kids
| Product | Features |
|---|---|
Flexible Flyer Metal Runner Sled | |
Flexible Flyer Premium Baby Sleigh | |
Flexible Flyer Metal Saucer Sled | |
Goplus Steering Ski Snow Racer Sled | |
Yukon Hammerhead | |
Lucky Bums Snow Sled | |
Spyder Snow Sled Shredder | |
Flexible Flyer Snow Screamer | |
GoSports 2 Person Sled | |
Zipfy Freestyle Luge Sled | |
Gizmo Riders Bobsled | |
Sno-Storm 50" Snow Sleds | |
Slippery Racer Sled | |
GeoSpace LED Ski Skooter | |
Flexible Flyer Sled | |
Inflatable Snow Tube | |
GoFloats Winter Snow Tube | |
Back Bay Play Sled | |
SportsStuff Classic Toboggan |
1. Flexible Flyer Metal Runner Sled
2. Flexible Flyer Premium Baby Sleigh
The Baby Sleigh from Flexible Flyer is absolutely adorable. It’s a classic sled just for toddlers! This is a fully assembled premium product that is handcrafted in Canada. It is made from Northern Hard Rock Maple wood. The sled weighs 11 pounds and can hold babies up to 50 pounds. It has an extra high, wide, protective bar and backrest for baby to lean on and has optional fitted padding that goes with it. This sled is high quality and very heavy duty.
3. Flexible Flyer Metal Saucer Sled
This sled has the perfect name – “Flexible Flyer” because it flies down the hill! It is painted with powder coated paint so it literally glides across the snow. And the shape of this sled spins as it goes down the hill, making it really fun to try to see where you are going. The whole family will be laughing as they hike back up the hill for another run.
There are so many other things to love about this sled. It’s made of steel so there is not a chance of it popping or getting cracked. Its light weight makes it easy to pull up the hill. Compact and easy to fit into a small car, this sled has built in handles to keep the rider on the sled. Both adults and kids can use this sled.
4. Goplus Steering Ski Snow Racer Sled
Those of you who worry about crashing will love the Goplus racer sled! The sensitive foot brakes and steering wheel allows riders to avoid obstacles and prevent accidents, making it safe even on steep slopes. And if you have little ones like I do, you’ll appreciate the pull rope which allows parents to tow their young children.
You’ll be happy to know that since this is made of premium materials it is wear-resistant and cold-resistant. Your kids will love it since it looks like a go-kart with its 3 front lifted skis. It can hold up to 220 lbs so make sure they give you a turn to try it out! This is a great snow sled for teens!
5. Yukon Hammerhead Pro Steerable Sled
This sled is a little pricey but if you have older kids, its worth the money – it goes fast, looks sleek, and has an adjustable strap to pull it back up the hill. The steering is so easy and smooth it looks (and feels) like you are flying effortlessly down the hill. One word of caution for the kids: parents have so much fun on this sled that you might have to buy one for them just so you can get a turn.
With a patented steering system, aluminum frame, and polycarbonate front skis, this sled is made of excellent materials and is sure to last for years of fun!
6. Lucky Bums Snow Sled
This style from Lucky Bums is a fun plastic toboggan that comes in three bright colors. It has handles as well as a pull rope. The heavy-duty plastic is cold resistant, which is a great feature. Grooved channels and slick plastic help the rider speed through the snow.
This toboggan is sturdy and high quality; it will definitely last several winters! Made for one rider at a time, this snow sled for tweens measures 35″ long.
7. Spyder Snow Sled Shredder
This is an awesome looking sled. It’s sleek, bold, and looks impressive with the Spyder logo and colors. Riders will not be disappointed with the performance of this sled either. It has a really cool bi-directional design allowing the sled to go in different directions.
One of the best features it has are the 2 rails under the sled that let the rider have great control and get some great turns in as they sail down the hill. I love that is is made of EPS (expended polystyrene) which is durable, light (less than 4 pounds), and is still rigid. It might not be as fast as a plastic or metal, but it is a really fun sled!
8. Flexible Flyer Snow Screamer
The Flexible Flyer Snow Screamer is a great choice! It’s lightweight (weighing only 3 pounds) for easy carrying. Two people can ride together, and there are 4 hand grips–two for each rider. It’s made of both foam and plastic. The plastic bottom is durable and makes it slick and fast. The foam absorbs bumps for a smoother ride! It can hold up to 250 pounds and has a fun sporty print!
9. GoSports 2 Person Sled
This GoSports sled is the perfect size for 1 or 2 riders, adults or children. It not only is roomy at 4 feet long, but it also has an insulated, padded seat for both riders. I am not saying you will be toasty warm while out sledding, but every little bit helps. It also has 2 sets of handles and a hand-pulled strap to pull the sled with. It is the perfect sled to glide down those hills with a buddy or alone.
This sled is mad from HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) which is one of the most versatile plastic material on the market. HDPE is also one of the most environmentally stable plastics, so you don’t need to worry about it emitting fumes into the environment.
This is a durable sled that will last for years. The only drawback to this sled is that it is a tad heavy, about 10 pounds. But even that doesn’t seem to slow kids down as they rush back up the hill for another run.
10. Zipfy Freestyle Luge Sled 
If you want a totally unique design, try out the Zipfy luge sled! It comes in 7 colors (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple) and is lightweight. This is a popular one person sled that can support a 6-year-old or an adult up to 250 pounds!
You straddle this sled with your legs straight out and hold the lever to steer. To stop, you can pull back so the rear digs into the ground and you can also drag your heels down. This is a durable sled that will last many sledding seasons. Kids love the unique design!
11. Gizmo Riders Bobsled
If your kids want to be the envy of the neighborhood, this is the sled, or should I say bobsled, for them! Who wouldn’t love to zoom down the hill in style on this Gizmo Riders bobsled? You are sure to feel like ready for the Olympics on this.
It may look impressively assembled, but don’t worry: it’s simple to put together. You won’t even need any tools since all the pieces snap together.
There are so many features to love on this sled! One of the most popular is the steering wheel because kids love being able to steer. With a differential steering system, you can rest easy knowing that it won’t tip over. Another unique feature is the spring-loaded pull up break that allows you to stop instantly. And with a retractable tow rope, the Gizmo Riders bobsled is easy to pull back up the hill for endless fun in the snow!
12. Sno-Storm 50″ Snow Sleds
Avoid fighting over who gets to use the sled with a gift set bundle of 2 sleds! These 50″ sleds have a good foam core and are covered with a waterproof skin. With a pull rope and molded handles, these sleds are easy to use and so much fun. They can accommodate 1 or 2 kids, with a weight limit of 200 pounds! These stylish sleds give a smooth, quick ride. And with those bright colors you won’t lose them in the snow!
13. Slippery Racer Sled
Coming in 3 different colors, this toboggan is a best seller! The Simple Racer is a simple, slick, and lightweight design. It’s made for up to 2 riders and includes handles and a pull rope. Treated with a cold-resistant coating, this sled will keep little buns from getting cold! The aerodynamic design and slick plastic ensure a quick, smooth ride.
14. GeoSpace LED Ski Skooter
GeoSpace’s Ski Skooter is another unique option! It’s a little snowboard with a tall handle to hold. The handle folds down for storage. What makes it exciting is that it illuminates the way with 2 LED light modules. It comes with a remote control to make a multi-colored light show with 20 different light functions!
The sled weighs only 3 pounds and comes in assorted colors. It can be used on any smooth surface like sand, grass, or carpet! Keep in mind, that although it is described for ages 4-6 and up, the dimensions of the board are 36 X 31 x 9.75 inches and the handle is a little shorter than the board. So small or tall kids might not be as comfortable. If your kiddo likes skateboarding, this is a fun option.
15. Flexible Flyer Sled
Not only is the Flexible Flyer Winter Heat Snow Sled designed to look fast, it’s also built to fly down the hill at thrilling speeds! The kids will appreciate how lightweight as they carry it up the hill. The sleek curves, polished underside, and steering control provide an exhilarating experience for those brave enough to hop on. Simply use your feet to apply pressure towards the direction you want to go. With easy-to-use hand brakes, it’s simple to steer. And the durable construction will ensure you can enjoy it for years!
16. Inflatable Snow Tube
If you are looking for a tube that is large enough for both mom and child (or maybe 2), this is a great option. This 50 inch tube can handle up to 500 pounds is sturdy and durable but inflates in not time. The handles on this tube are big enough for gloves (gotta keep those little hands warm), and it even has a detachable tow rope that makes it easy to pull it back up the hill.
17. GoFloats Winter Snow Tube
If your kids are anything like mine, they’ll love the fun design of these inflatable tubes! They stand out from other tubes because you can choose from a unicorn, flamingo, penguin, ice dragon, or polar bear. All of the character options have 3D heads sporting cute snow goggles protruding from the tube. Your kids will truly sled in style with this tube!
In addition to looking cool, this tube is well-made and works great! It features built-in handles, thick material designed for snow, and a rapid-inflate valve which makes inflating quick and easy. You’ll even get a repair patch kit in case you need to fix any leaks. Best of all, the center opening of the tube is covered so your rear end will stay dry and comfortable. You won’t regret buying this snow tube!
18. Back Bay Play Sled
This Back Bay play sled is a classic! I don’t know about you, but this is the kind of sled I grew up using all winter long. And there’s good reasons why the design has stood the test of time: it just works really well!
Back Bay is a wonderful company that produces high end sleds which are built to last. And this is a big deal because nothing ruins the fun like a cracked sled! The heavy-duty plastic can withstand high temperatures and serious impact. In fact, Back Bay stands behind their products, offering a lifetime warranty. That’s right – they’ll replace your sled for normal wear and tear for life! You can’t beat that, right?
19. SportsStuff Classic Toboggan
The SportsStuff Classic toboggan was such a huge hit as a Christmas gift for my daughter last year! It really is a favorite at our house, and I’m sure it would be at your as well. You really can’t go wrong with this classic, two-person toboggan.
It might not be fancy, but it gets the job done! With useful features, including a towing lanyard, molded handles, and a molded bottom, you can count on it to safely get your kids down the hill. In fact, there’s even room for you to jump on if you want to join in the fun!
FAQs
What are the advantages of a plastic sled for kids?
There are many reasons why plastic sleds are a great option for kids. Not only are they durable and fast, but also lightweight making them easy to transport. Additionally, plastic sleds don’t need to inflate so they are easy to maintain since they don’t get leaks. They are also economical so families can afford to buy multiple sleds if they have multiple children.
What safety precautions should be taken when sledding?
In order to reduce the risk of head injuries, you should always wear a winter helmet while sledding and avoid sledding head first. It is also a good idea to dress warmly to protect yourself from frostbite. Be selective about the slopes you choose to sled on; stay away from frozen lakes, obstructions such as trees or fences, and steep slopes.
What makes a sled go fast?
Several factors influence the speed of a sled. The design and material of the sled contributes to its speed; for example, discs go fast because they are made of slippery plastic or metal. You can ensure a fast ride by reducing friction on the bottom of the sled with wax or lubricant. Also, a sled will go faster on a hill with tightly packed snow that isn’t too wet or dry.
Final Thoughts and Recommendations
As you can see, there’s something for everyone! Sledding is a great winter family tradition to introduce to your kids, or keep going in your family. Some kids just want to play outside, and this is an amazing way to keep that going even through the cold months. A few of these sleds can even be used on grass or sand. I can’t imagine a more exciting thing to spy under the tree on Christmas morning!
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