A tube or sled is a fun way to enjoy the snow. While many people prefer to strap on skis or boards, there’s nothing wrong with going down the mountain in other ways. The devices are more geared towards kids, but adults can have fun with them too.
I’m an avid skier, but I love any winter activity, sledding and tubing included. I’ve had a lot of snow-filled fun that doesn’t involve skiing, and I know what to look for in the best tubes and sleds for kids.
The Bradley Commercial Snow Tube is my pick for the best snow sled and tubes for kids this year. This heavy-duty option is built to slide over just about anything. It’s durable enough to take a beating without worrying about ruining it.
There are many different types of sleds and tubes available, but not all of them work as well as the best options found in this post. I’ll make sure you know which models are best for kids to ensure they have fun all winter long.
Let’s go for it.
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Who Should Get This
Tubes are great options for snow enthusiasts who want an alternative to more traditional snow sports or looking for a different way to enjoy the mountain. They might be simple, but they’re also a lot of fun.
If you want to zip through the snow at the mercy of the elements, they’re a blast. They are also more affordable than skis or snowboards, so they are a great alternative if you are on a budget.
Tubing is especially great for families. There is a range of kid-friendly options, but many tubes can hold adults. You can let your children get their fun in and then go for a ride. Some models even let you ride together.
Best Kids Snow Sleds & Tubes: Top Picks
Here are all of my top picks for the best kid’s snow sleds and tubes of the season.
1. Bradley Commercial Snow Tube
- Best for: Overall
- Key features: Comfortable, easy to use, heavy-duty construction, handles, rugged cover
- Type: Tube
- Materials: Rubber, nylon
- Cost: $$$
The Bradley Commercial Snow Tube is a strong, heavy-duty device that’s able to handle the toughest environments, and it gets my pick for the best option of the year.
At 50-inches in diameter, it’s able to hold just about any rider, and the mildew/UV-resistant top works with the 600D polyester canvas to give you a tough item that can stand up to the cold. It has two handles, an integrated tow-loop, and a buckled strap that secures the cover.
This tube also tops the list because of the shorter tube valves, making it safe to use. That’s why it’s perfect for younger kids.
It also has an easy-to-pull handle, which allows you to reach tricky or more secluded areas without lugging it uphill, and the bright color stands out on the mountain.
The deflate/inflate valve is also wonderful because it allows you to add or take away air without a valve stem remover kit.
This is an expensive option, but it will last your family for years of reliable winter fun.
==> You can also get it on Walmart.
2. Avalanche Brands Classic Downhill Toboggan
- Best for: Sled
- Key features: Classic design, slides well, pull rope, built-in handles, can fit two kids
- Type: Sled
- Materials: Plastic
- Cost: $$
The Avalanche Brands Classic Downhill Toboggan is the best snow sled you can find. It has a simple design that has been around for ages because it works in any snow situation.
It has a durable plastic construction that will hold up well even in extremely cold situations, and the easy-pull handle makes it simple to drag it back uphill after a good run.
It also has built-in handles so you can hang on tight when you are zipping down the sled hill.
This one is technically supposed to fit two people, but it might be a little too small for that if your kids are larger.
==> You can also get it on Walmart.
3. Xflated Snow Tube
- Best for: Budget Option
- Key features: Sturdy handles, unique design, affordable, bag and repair patch included
- Type: Tube
- Materials: PVC
- Cost: $
If you want an affordable option, check out the Xflated Snow Tube. This has one of the most unique designs on the market and was created to look like a flying saucer.
This tube is more than just a pretty design. It’s incredibly sturdy and comes with safety handles that work to prevent any serious accidents in the event of a crash. They also make it easy to carry, which is always nice when you’re moving up to the top of a run.
Beyond that, there’s a double-locking valve, you can inflate the entire thing quite quickly, and a patch and repair kit comes included in case you hit an obstacle.
It can lose shape over time, but it will still slide well with a few bumps and bruises.
4. Hiwena Super Heavy Duty Snow Tube
- Best for: Multi-Rider
- Key features: Double tube style, heavy-duty construction, explosion-proof edge, sturdy rope buckle
- Type: Tube
- Materials: Heavy-duty plastic
- Cost: $$
The Hiwena Super Heavy Duty Snow Tube is the best multi-rider tube or sled around. This one will give you an easy way to pile on the fun and easily hold two riders.
It has a strong and durable heavy-duty plastic design that ensures you will have endless amounts of fun in the snow.
It also comes with an explosion-proof edge to increase overall durability and sturdy rope buckles so you can hang on tight or haul it back up the mountain.
This one can be a chore to blow up without a pump, so I highly recommend buying one.
5. Gizmo Riders Nebula Snow Sled
- Best for: Control
- Key features: Steering wheel, durable construction, brakes, safe for kids three and up
- Type: Sled
- Materials: Plastic
- Cost: $$$
The Gizmo Riders Nebula Snow Sled is the best option for control because it comes with a built-in steering wheel and hand brake.
This allows kids to handle the sled better and increase their fun while also allowing them to avoid obstacles safely.
It also has a solid and durable plastic design that will hold up strong under regular use.
You have to assemble this one yourself, so be sure to follow the directions to get it built correctly.
==> You can also get it on Walmart.
6. Flexible Flyer Snow Saucer Sleds
- Best for: Value
- Key features: 3-pack, classic style, affordable, no-break design, lightweight
- Type: Sled
- Materials: Plastic
- Cost: $$
The Flexible Flyer Snow Saucer Sleds are a great value because you get three saucer-type sleds with this package.
This is a classic design that everyone loves. The round saucer is the original sled, and it works well in all sorts of situations.
These also feature a no-break design that ensures they will last a long time.
Saucers are a lot of fun, but they can be pretty challenging to control. It’s more of a get-in and enjoy-the-ride type of experience.
==> You can also get it on Walmart or Home Depot or Bed Bath & Beyond.
7. KKEATOY Snow Sleds Snowmobile
- Best for: Design
- Key features: Unique design, durable construction, fast, comes in a two-pack, pull rope
- Type: Inflatable Sled
- Materials: Plastic
- Cost: $$$
The KKEATOY Snow Sleds Snowmobile is the best design out there for a sled or tube. These are basically inflatable snowmobiles, and your kids will love them.
Once inflated, you sit right on the sled and hang on to the handlebars – just like a real snow machine.
They also have a heavy-duty construction that can hold up to 250 pounds if Dad wants to take a lap down the hill.
This is another fairly expensive option, and since they are larger, a pump for inflation is a good idea.
How to Choose a Sled or Snow Tube for Kids
Here are some important things to keep in mind when choosing a sled or snow tube for kids.
Size and Design
There are many tubes and sleds out there, and they all have different looks. Most will be single tubes made for one rider at a time. However, there are also double tubes that can hold two people at once.
Every tube or sled has a different size. Some are only made for smaller children, while others can easily hold both. Get the one that fits your kid, as well as anyone they might be tubing with.
The difference between a tube or sled is also something to keep in mind. I think that sleds give you a little more steering and control. But tubes have more cushioning and slide over different kinds of snow better.
Durability
Anytime you’re dragging an item across snow, rocks, and ice, it needs to be tough. Make sure your tube is well-made and can stand up to many, many runs. Strong materials are critical, as are puncture or explosion-proof designs.
Weather and ice-resistant shells go a long way too. The general rule here is to get something thick that can still slide without too much resistance. Cheap plastic sleds are available, but they can break easily.
Make sure you get something that has a strong construction, so you’re not stuck with a broken tube or sled on a great snow day. That’s a great way to ruin all the fun.
Speed
While not as obvious as the other aspects, you should always pay attention to your tube’s speed. That is, how fast it’s able to go. Some people may want to shoot down the mountain, while others may want more control.
The one you pick should be what you find fun. Pay attention to your tube’s weight, as well as any slick or anti-friction padding. Tubes can really get moving, while sleds have a little more drag that will slow you down.
Inflation
Most tubes don’t come inflated when you purchase them. If you don’t want to spend an hour of huffing and puffing to fill it up, you’ll need a way to inflate it otherwise. There are hand pumps and electric pumps that make the job much easier.
If you want to travel with an inflatable sled, I highly recommend getting a pump of some kind. That will save you space in your vehicle and speed up the inflating process when you are ready to head downhill.
Useful Tips & Resources
Snow tubing and sledding may seem easy, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t specific rules that you need to follow. If you’re curious about these or new to the activity, the video below outlines a few ways to make your experience even better.
As with any snow activity, you need to dress for tubing. There is a correct way to layer to keep you warm and protected no matter what happens on the mountain. This useful article breaks it down in great detail.
Also, even though sledding is generally seen as an activity for kids, it can still be very dangerous. I’ve witnessed a few pretty severe injuries from sledding and tubing over the years.
I encourage you always to wear a helmet, no matter what snow sport you are doing – sledding and tubing included. And also, always keep an eye out for obstacles, vehicles, and other sledders to help you avoid a collision.
Final Verdict
The Bradley Commercial Snow Tube is my pick for the best snow sled or tube for kids of the season. This model will give you a way to enjoy every snowstorm of the year. It slides well and has a heavy-duty construction that is strong and durable.
All of the sleds and tubes you see here are some of the best you can find. They will give your kids a way to have endless hours of fun right in your backyard. Sledding is an exciting and easy activity that everyone should try.
