Cabin fever is real, but there is an easy cure: get outside! Just because it’s snowing doesn’t mean the fun has to stop. In fact, snow days offer some of the best play opportunities of the year, from high-speed sledding to building epic snow forts.
We have plenty of experience with kids and cold weather (and the laundry that comes with it). We spent hours researching and testing a wide range of gear to find what keeps kids happy, active, and outdoors during the winter.
In this article, we share our top picks for the best snow toys for kids and cover essential safety tips to keep your little snow angels safe while they play.
- Includes 2-piece mold
- Creates penguin in seconds
- Makes 11 inch tall creations
- High double-slat backrest
- Comes fully assembled
- Well built
- Heavy duty
- Flexible slick-coated plastic
- Accommodates 1-2 riders
- Adjustable-height handle
- Super-tough material
- 3-mode LED light
- High-quality material
- Sturdy handles
- Fast inflation & deflation valve
Tips for Safe Snow Play
Here are some practical tips to keep your kids warm and safe while they enjoy the winter wonderland.
Layer Up
The last thing you want is a child who is overheating or freezing. So, what’s the right amount of clothing?
The golden rule is to dress children in layers (1). Start with a moisture-wicking base layer (avoid cotton, which traps sweat).
On top of that, add a turtleneck and a couple of loose insulating layers, like a fleece or wool sweater. Loose clothing traps warm air against the body. Finish with a water-resistant coat and snow pants. Don’t forget warm socks, waterproof boots, mittens, a scarf, and a hat.
General advice: Put one more layer on babies and children than an adult would wear in the same weather.
Use Sunscreen
Sunburn in winter? absolutely. Snow reflects sunlight like a mirror, intensifying UV rays. This is especially risky for delicate skin.
Apply sunscreen to any exposed skin, especially the face. Ensure it is water-resistant so it doesn’t wash off in the snow. You should also consider sunglasses or goggles to protect their eyes from the glare.
Safe Sledding
Sledding is a winter highlight, but it does carry risks. More than 20,000 people under the age of 19 are treated in emergency rooms each year for sledding injuries (2).
Head injuries are the most common concern, so we strongly recommend putting a helmet on your child. Teach them to sled feet first, never head first. Avoid overcrowded hills to prevent collisions.
Finally, inspect the slope before they go down. Ensure it is free of rocks, trees, fences, and jumps that could cause injury.
Frostnip and Frostbite
Frostbite is a serious risk for cheeks, ears, noses, fingers, and toes.
Bring your little ones inside for regular breaks to warm up. While they sip cocoa, check their skin for blue, mottled patches or white, numb areas (3).
To keep “Jack Frost” away, ensure they are completely dry before going out. Never let them play outside immediately after a bath or shower with wet hair.
Product Reviews
Ready to upgrade your winter gear? Here are 15 of the most fun and durable snow toys to consider.
Joyin Snowball Maker
Fun for All Ages
Win every snowball fight with this simple tool from Joyin. It makes perfectly round snowballs in seconds, and best of all, it keeps little hands warm and dry. Just scoop, close, and throw.
These come in a three-pack with bright blue, yellow, and red colors, so there is enough for siblings or friends to join in. It even includes a tote bag for easy storage.
Flexible Flyer Metal Runner Sled
Best Wooden Sled
This classic steel and wood kids snow sled is a winter staple. Suitable for ages 5 and up, it holds up to 250 pounds, making it tough enough for adults, too.
The steel runners cut through snow for serious speed, and the steering bar gives you control to curve around obstacles. It comes fully assembled, so you can hit the hills immediately.
Ideal SNO Toys SNO-Buddy Penguin
Best Snow Sculpting Toy For Kids
Who doesn’t love a penguin? This snow mold lets kids build an entire colony of arctic friends. Just fill the mold with snow, snap it shut, and open it to reveal a perfect 3D penguin.
It works best with packable snow and is safe for kids 5 and older. It is a great, low-energy alternative to sledding that sparks creativity.
Zipfy Freestyle Luge Snow Sled
Fastest Snow Flyer
This luge-style sled is built for speed and agility. Kids steer by leaning into turns and stop by dropping their heels, making it intuitive and exciting.
Weighing only 3.5 pounds, it is easy for kids (ages 5+) to carry back up the hill. The anti-slip seat keeps them secure, and the rugged design supports up to 250 pounds.
Flexible Flyer Baby Pull Sled
Favorite Toddler Sled
Even toddlers can enjoy the snow with this secure pull sled. Designed for ages 18 months to 4 years, it features a wide base for stability and an elevated seat to keep your little one dry and away from the cold ground.
The high backrest provides support while you tow them with the included rope. Just remember to keep a slow pace since there are no straps to buckle them in.
Slippery Racer Downhill Sprinter Sled
Simplest Sled Design
Sometimes simple is best. This flexible plastic sled is fast, lightweight, and durable. It features a cold-resistant “IceVex” treatment to prevent cracking in freezing temperatures.
It comes with a built-in tow rope and handles for holding on tight. Available in bright colors like red, blue, and green, it ensures your child is highly visible on the slopes. Suitable for ages 4 and up.
GeoSpace Ski Skooter
Best Standing Sled
Think of this as a snowboard with training wheels (or a handle). It allows kids to stand up and glide over snow, grass, or even carpet. It helps develop balance and coordination for ages 6 and up.
The handle folds down for storage, and the LED light module increases visibility in low light. It’s a versatile toy for backyards where you might not have a massive hill for traditional sledding.
Chameleon Colors Paint Snowman Kit
Best for Budding Artists
Turn your backyard into an art gallery. This kit includes packets of color powder (black, yellow, red, blue) that you mix with water to paint the snow. Use it to decorate snowmen, create finish lines for races, or just make abstract art.
The colors are vibrant, and the squeeze bottles are easy for kids to use. It’s messy, so wear old gloves, but it’s non-toxic and biodegradable.
GoFloats Winter Snow Tube
Best Snow Tube Sled for Kids
Snow tubes offer a cushioning ride that hard plastic sleds can’t match. This inflatable tube is made from thick, raft-grade material to resist punctures.
It features sturdy handles for safety, but since tubes spin and offer less steering control, we highly recommend a safety helmet. Best for kids 6 and older who want a fast, wild ride.
Evelots Snowman Kit
Best Snowman Kit
No need to scavenge for sticks and rocks. This kit has everything required for a classic snowman, including a top hat, scarf, carrot nose, pipe, eyes, and buttons.
The pieces have long prongs designed to stay securely in the snow. It’s a great family activity for ages 5+, and you can pack the pieces away to reuse year after year.
Flexible Flyer Snow Block Mold
Most Affordable Kids Snow Toy
If your child prefers construction to destruction, this block mold is perfect. It packs snow into uniform bricks, allowing kids to build igloos, forts, or walls for snowball fights.
It is lightweight, durable, and non-toxic. Plus, it pulls double duty as a sand toy in the summer for building epic sandcastles.
Flexible Flyer Build a Snowman & Snow Art Markers Kit.
Best Snow Markers Kit
Take art class outside. This kit includes markers specifically designed for drawing on snow in red, blue, and green. It allows for more precise designs than powder paints.
The set also comes with basic snowman accessories, making it a complete activity kit. It encourages creativity and keeps kids entertained outdoors without the need for high-speed thrills.
Gpeng Snowshoes
Best Snowshoes for Kids
Walking in deep snow can be exhausting, but snowshoes make it an adventure. These lightweight shoes disperse weight to keep kids on top of the powder, while metal crampons provide traction on icy patches.
The bindings use a simple ratchet system that is easy to adjust. They come in various sizes to fit kids from 30 pounds up to 250 pounds, making family winter hikes much more enjoyable.
Back Bay Play Snow & Sand Molds
Best Multi-Season Toy
This sturdy 4-piece set includes molds for round towers, flat walls, and castle turrets. Unlike cheap plastic that cracks in the cold, these are made in the USA from heavy-duty polyethylene.
They are perfect for building elaborate snow castles in winter and sand fortresses in summer. Safe for kids ages 3 and up.
SnowFun Indoor Snowballs
Best Indoor Snow Toy for Kids
Too cold to go out? Bring the snowball fight to the living room. These soft, plush balls feel crunchy like real snow but are warm, dry, and safe to throw indoors.
They are light enough that they won’t knock over lamps or hurt anyone. When they get dirty, just toss them in the washing machine. Ideal for kids ages 3+ living in warmer climates or during blizzards.
Snow Toys FAQs
What Age Can Kids Play In the Snow?
Kids can play in the snow as soon as they can walk (around 1 year old) provided they are supervised and dressed warmly. Even babies can enjoy a few minutes of fresh air if they are bundled up and kept dry.
How Long Should Kids Play Out In the Snow?
It depends on the temperature and their clothing, but 30 to 60 minutes is usually safe. Bring them inside frequently to warm up and check for signs of cold, such as shivering, red skin, or numbness.
At What Temperature Should Children Not Play Outside?
Avoid outdoor play if the temperature (or wind chill) drops below -15°F (-26°C), as frostbite can occur quickly. In general, use your judgment regarding wind and wetness to keep them safe.
What Can Children Ride On In the Snow?
Popular options include plastic sleds, inflatable snow tubes, wooden toboggans, and snow scooters. Always match the equipment to the child’s age and ensure the riding area is safe and free of obstacles.
How Do I Choose the Right Sled for My Child?
For toddlers, choose a pull sled with a high back and safety straps (if possible) for stability. For school-aged kids (5+), steerable sleds or saucers are great. Always check the weight limit and manufacturer’s age recommendations.
How Does Fake Snow Work?
Fake snow is typically a superabsorbent polymer (sodium polyacrylate) that expands when water is added. It creates a fluffy, cool-to-the-touch substance that looks and feels like snow but doesn’t melt.
What is the Spoon Trick For a Snow Day?
The spoon trick is a fun superstition where children place a spoon under their pillow before bed to wish for a snow day. Other rituals include wearing pajamas inside out or flushing ice cubes down the toilet.
