Who doesn’t have fond memories of dragging their sled outside to use on a snow day from school? Your skin would be stinging with the cold and your clothes would be soaked, but your parents still couldn’t get you to go inside. It was too much fun to trade in for the warmth of your house or the promise of hot chocolate.
Sledding is still a cherished kids’ activity in the winter. But you need the right equipment. The best snow sleds for kids and toddlers are those that are affordable, durable, and safe.
Need some help picking out the best sleds for kids? We’ve put together a list of our 15 favorites for children of all ages.
- Durable with lifetime warranty
- Can be enjoyed by two kids simultaneously
- Ergonomic side handles
- Easy to store and transport
- Roped handles
- Can be used on sand slopes
- A great size tandem rides
- Flexible body
- Has special coating
- High back support
- Has a lap belt
- Stable base
- Lightweight & easy to transport
- Large enough for adults
- Fast slide
- Timeless, classic look
- Has a steering handlebar
- Sturdy construction
- Has a steering wheel
- Has two foot brakes
- Durable
Product Reviews
Here are our top kid’s sled picks on the market:
Back Bay Play Lifetime Two-Rider Snow Sled
Best Toddler Sled
An excellent introduction to the outdoors in winter, this Back Bay pull sled is recommended for toddlers and even adults.
It has a wide footprint for added stability. Even when you have a fidgety toddler the Back Bay sled stays upright, keeping your little one out of the snow.
Pros
- Durable with lifetime warranty.
- Can be enjoyed by two kids simultaneously.
- Ergonomic side handles for greater stability, which is a good feature for sleds for toddlers.
Cons
- Creases at the bottom makes the sled slide a little bit slower than others.
- May become brittle over time.
Our Ratings
The Flexible Flyer, Metal Saucer Sled
For Kids Who Love To Spin Down The Slope
This product, recommended for 5 years and over, is a simple dish-shaped sled made of coated steel. It’s durable and hardwearing.
Even if it hits a hard obstacle, any dents can be hammered out.
Pros
- The size, shape, and weight make this sled easy to store and transport.
- Rope handles minimize the possibility of trapped fingers.
- It can also be used on sand slopes, which is handy for summer vacations.
Cons
- It would be difficult for an adult and child to use this together.
- It can be quite cold using metal on the snow or ice.
Our Ratings
Slippery Racer Downhill Xtreme Toboggan
For Kids Who Need A Sledding Buddy
The Slippery Racer is recommended for 5 years and over.
It’s a good choice for families with children too young to sled alone, but too large for baby and toddler sleds.
Pros
- A great size for an adult and a child to ride together.
- The flexible body minimizes the chance of the sled cracking or breaking.
- A special coating prevents ice and snow build-up.
Cons
- Some reviewers complained the sled was slow.
Our Ratings
Flexible Flyer Baby Pull Sled
Because Babies Love Snow Too
This is a great baby sled for pulling your little one along behind you when walking in the snow.
It accommodates children 3 years and under with a maximum weight of 40 pounds.
Pros
- The high back provides plenty of support for babies and toddlers.
- A lap belt allows you to secure your child in the sled.
- The wide base makes the sled stable.
Cons
- Some reviewers complained that this sled sank into deeper snow because of its wide base. However, the listing does clearly say that it is for use in 4 inches of snow or less.
Our Ratings
GoFloats Inflatable Sled
For Kids Whose Parents Like To Have A Turn
This simple plastic sled has a cool, funky design which places your butt on one section and your feet on another.
It’s a good choice for parents who occasionally want to join in on the fun.
It’s designed for those 6 years and older.
Pros
- It’s lightweight and easy to transport.
- Large enough for adults to try out.
- Fast enough to be fun, but not so fast it’s dangerous.
Cons
- It doesn’t have a rope for towing — although it does have a hole for you to put one in yourself.
Our Ratings
60-Inch Flexible Flyer Sled
Classic Lines And Speedy
Bring back the child in you with this traditional style sled. It’s a combination of wooden slats and metal rails to provide years of downhill fun. This product never runs out of style.
It’s suitable for ages 5 years and older.
Pros
- Has a timeless, classic look.
- A handlebar makes it easier to steer, giving greater control
- Sturdy construction.
Cons
- A bit too pricey but it is of good quality.
Our Ratings
Goplus Snow Racer Sled Slider
When You Just Have To Have A Steering Wheel
With a wide base, large seat, and central ski controlled by a steering wheel, this unique sled is a solid choice for those six years and older.
Its ergonomic design helps ensure comfort while playing with the snow outisde.
Pros
- The wheel provides easy steering.
- Two foot brakes can gently slow the sled.
- Durable for longer lasting usage.
Cons
- Comes with a single color design.
Our Ratings
Zipfy Freestyle Mini Luge
For Luge Fans
Basically a seat with a stick to hold on to, this mini luge is a good pick for the more experienced sledder.
It’s made for those 5 years and older.
Pros
- Speedy on compact snow.
- Reviewers report this is extremely durable.
- Quirky design and available in lots of colors for the kid who likes to express their style.
Cons
- The smaller footprint of this sled means it does not perform well in fresh, powdery snow.
Our Ratings
ESP 66
Family Fun In The Snow
When you have multiple younger children, you can take them all on this four-person super sled.
It’s recommended for ages 5 years or older, or even younger children who are accompanied by an adult.
Pros
- Large enough for up to four people.
- Lightweight and thin, so it’s easy to store.
- Durable and can carry over 300 pounds.
Cons
- Lightweight plastic also means it can be prone to cracking with heavy use.
Our Ratings
Airhead Classic 2 Person Toboggan Snow Sled
Tandem Sledding
These unique wearable sleds can be best shared by two. You then throw yourself onto the snow, along with your kids, and slide away.
It comes with several color options ranging from red, green, and orange.
Pros
- Durable quality.
- Several color options.
- Impressively smooth bottom.
Cons
- May not be enjoyed as tandem sled by bigger babies.
Our Ratings
WindRider Snow Tube
A Mighty Bouncer
This US-made product is heavy-duty made with thick material that will carry up to 220 pounds. It is also equipped with a long leash for towing. Unlike the other snow tube in the market, the bottom portion which is prone to friction and tear is made of polyethylene which would last long.
Lastly, this item has a three-year warranty so you can be sure of its quality.
Pros
- It only takes a few minutes to inflate.
- Reinforced sewn in grip handles.
- Made in the US.
Cons
- Not the fastest on the shallower angle hills.
Our Ratings
Yukon Charlie’s Hammerhead Pro
For The Hardcore Sledder
The lightweight aluminum frame of the Hammerhead Pro makes for an extremely fast ride down the hill.
Due to its speed, it’s only suitable for those 9 years and older.
Pros
- Heavy duty enough to be used for pulling supplies to a cabin.
- Padded strap for easy carrying included.
- Amazon refurbished models are available to reduce the cost.
Cons
- Must be used while wearing a helmet as this sled is designed for you to travel headfirst.
- It isn’t budget-friendly.
Our Ratings
Vipernex 50-Inch Snow Sled 2-Pack
A Two-Pack For The Snowpack
These molded foam sleds come in a pair and will carry two kids or one adult and one kid.
They’re suitable for those who are 5 years and older.
Pros
- The foam construction makes these sleds easy to store and transport.
- Durable and are meant to last for years.
- Two sleds reduce the chance of the kids fighting over one.
Cons
- The plastic ring around the hole for the rope can pop out from time to time, although this does not affect the ride or the usability of the sled.
Our Ratings
Aqua Leisure Inflatable Snow Tube Sled
Easy To Store
If you don’t have a lot of storage space, this one can be easily stored when not in use.
It’s a simple inflatable toddler sled, that can be shared by both parents and children.
It’s best for those between the ages of 7 to 15 years.
Pros
- Large enough to accommodate a child of up to 15 years who is wearing a thick snowsuit and large boots.
- The Special K-80 anti-crack additive makes this a slow sled — perfect for winter.
- It can be inflated quickly and deflates for easy storage.
Cons
- May not be meant for usage of very young children.
Our Ratings
Flexible Flyer BCL-40 Premium Baby Sleigh
For The Baby With Style
This premium baby sled is handmade from hardwood with metal skis on the underside of the runners.
It has a retro, classic look that may appeal to parents who are trying to recreate their childhood memories.
It’s best for children 18 months to 4 years old.
Pros
- Elevated riding position and high, curved backrest keeps your little one dry and secure.
- Padded liner is available for additional warmth and comfort.
- It’s shipped fully assembled, so it’s ready to go straight out of the box.
Cons
- The back blades are sharp, so keep your child’s hands away.
- Some of the wood can feel rough — you may want to give it a quick sanding.
Our Ratings
How Old Does A Kid Have To Be To Go Sledding?
If you’re pulling your child around your flat backyard — even young toddlers can get in on the fun. Just make sure not to go too fast — which you probably won’t want to anyway since you’ll be the one dragging that sled around.
Children ages 5 years and younger should only be going downhill with an adult accompanying them on the sled (1). The hills should still be fairly small though.
A child older than 5 years should be under the supervision of an adult until they are old enough to be sledding safely on their own. The age for this will vary from child to child. Keep supervising them until they can be trusted to follow the safe sledding guidelines below.
And, keep in mind, if you’re child isn’t old enough to be outside at a public area, like a park, by themselves, you’ll need to stick close by to ensure their safety from normal threats like stranger danger.
What to Look For
To choose the best sled for kids you need to consider:
- The recommended age range for each sled: Is the sled suitable for your child this year, and if it’s durable, will it be suitable in subsequent years?
- Your preferred style of sled: Are you looking for a snow tube, a sled, or a toboggan style item?
- Your child’s ability to control a sled and respond to potential dangers: Different sleds have various steering mechanisms. Ensure you choose one that your child will be able to use safely and comfortably.
Sledding Safety Tips for Kids
These safety tips apply to children and adults alike.
- Consider having your child wear a helmet when sledding (2).
- Do not go sledding if the outdoor temperature is less than -16 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the temperature at which exposed skin can freeze.
- Dress warmly.
- Do not sled on a slope with an angle of more than 30 degrees.
- Only sled on a snowy slope. Do not sled on an icy hill or on frozen lakes or rivers.
- Choose a hill with a wide, empty area on which to sled. Do not sled in areas that have trees or other obstacles around which you must steer.
- Keep your arms and legs within the boundaries of the sled.
- Always go down the hill either sitting up or kneeling. Do not go down the hill headfirst or whilst lying flat on your back as this increases the possibility of spinal injuries.
- Do not sled in the dark.
Get Out There
Summer isn’t the only time of year for taking pleasure in the outdoors as a family. Snow is nature’s invitation to get outside and enjoy yourself, so it would be rude not to!
No matter how old your children are or how much experience they have in the snow, there is a kid’s sled out there to suit your needs.
So bundle up, grab your kids and a sled, and throw yourselves down a snowy hill. You’ll all love the thrill and the bonding you’ll experience.
