We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Travel Products Activity + Adventure The 12 Best Sleds Level up your snow days with these sleds for family fun. By Jessica Macdonald Jessica Macdonald Jessica Macdonald is a seasoned travel writer with over 10 years of experience, most recently as the Africa travel expert for TripSavvy. She has explored more than 50 countries on six continents, is a qualified scuba instructor, passionate hiker and wildlife photographer. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Updated on December 25, 2023 Fact checked by Rich Scherr Fact checked by Rich Scherr Rich Scherr is a seasoned journalist and editor who has traveled across the U.S., Canada, and Europe, and spent more than a decade reviewing hotel room. Travel + Leisure Fact Checking Process In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews Tips for Buying Frequently Asked Questions Why Trust T+L TRAVEL + LEISURE / ALLI WAATAJA. Photo: Amazon When snow season comes, there are few activities as cherished as sledding. After all, there’s no real skill required and both kids and adults can take part (although ski and snowboard instructor and paramedic Franky Seymour recommends that children aged 5 and under always sled with an adult). Sledding is just pure fun, whether you’re playing in your backyard or in a dedicated snow park. All sleds are not made equal. There are several different styles and materials to choose from, each with unique pros and cons. For example, runner sleds are the most traditional and are often made from premium materials, like steel and wood, with a price tag to match. They’re one of the fastest options on hard snow, but most likely to get stuck in powder. Meanwhile, toboggan sleds made from foam or plastic are less expensive and better on deep snow, but also more prone to cracking in a collision. To help you find the best sled for your budget, snow conditions, and rider age, we’ve researched the best sled options out there. Our Top Picks Best Overall: GoSports Premium Snow Sled at Amazon $100 Jump to Review Best Runner: Flexible Flyer Metal Runner Sled at Amazon $165 Jump to Review Best Saucer: SALE Paricon Flexible Flyer Saucer Sled at Amazon $60 $51 Jump to Review Best Toboggan: Slippery Racer Downhill Xtreme Toboggan at Amazon $60 Jump to Review Best Snow Tube: Qpau Snow Tube With Premium Canvas Cover at Amazon $60 Jump to Review Best Pull Sled: L.L.Bean Kids' Pull Sled at L.L. Bean $199 Jump to Review Best for Babies and Toddlers: Pelican Baby Sled Deluxe at Amazon $101 Jump to Review Best Inflatable: FUNBOY Retro Snowmobile Inflatable Sled at Amazon $89 Jump to Review Best Foam: Slippery Racer Downhill Foam Toboggan at Amazon $30 Jump to Review Best Tandem: Airsfish Snow Tube With Towable Leash at Amazon $20 Jump to Review Best Overall GoSports Premium Snow Sled PHOTO: Amazon $100 at Amazon $100 at Target $100 at Walmart Why We Love It Expect years of fun from this sturdy sled, which features double-walled construction to help withstand collisions and rough terrain. What to Consider Although the sled is made for two people, it works best with two kids or an adult and a child. Available in red or blue, the GoSports Premium Snow Sled flaunts high-quality craftsmanship and impressive durability. Thanks to double-walled, HDPE plastic, this sled is sure to last for seasons to come. The thin layer of air trapped between the two walls also helps to insulate the sled against the cold, making for a warmer and more enjoyable ride. Comfort is also ensured by a large seat made from insulated foam and two sets of built-in handles. On the bottom of the sled, integrated ridges make for a more stable and consistent ride. It also features a tow strap for hauling it back to the top of the hill or for using it as a pull sled for younger children on flat ground. The sled measures four feet in length and can carry up to 300 pounds, making it ideal for two kids, teens, or an adult and a child. The Details: 47 x 21.65 x 6.7 inches | 15 pounds | 300-pound capacity | HDPE plastic | Ages 3+ Best Runner Flexible Flyer Metal Runner Sled PHOTO: Amazon $165 at Amazon $152 at Walmart Why We Love It The original steerable sled is still one of the best for those who want a little more control on the hills. What to Consider As one of the priciest sleds on this list, this option may be out of budget for occasional sledders. Those of a certain generation will get an instant dose of nostalgia when unboxing the Flexible Flyer Metal Runner Sled for the first time. With its smooth birch wood panels and powder-coated steel runners, it offers the same iconic look as the original sleds produced by a brand that goes all the way back to 1889. Flexible Flyer revolutionized the sledding world with the invention of a steering bar that lets you carve turns using your feet, and this speedy updated model offers the same innovation today. There are smaller versions available at 54 and 48 inches respectively, but we love the largest, 60-inch sled for its ability to carry up to 250 pounds. It’s meant for anyone over the age of 5 and is big enough for adults to steer easily with a child seated on your lap. Although the steel runners fly quickly over the snow for one of the fastest rides out there, they also dig in for added grip and control. The Details: 60 x 20.5 x 6.5 inches | 14 pounds | 250-pound capacity | Birch wood and powder-coated steel | Ages 5+ Best Saucer Paricon Flexible Flyer Saucer Sled PHOTO: Amazon $60 $51 at Amazon $53 at Walmart View on Cabelas.com Why We Love It The rigid construction and powder-coated finish make for a super fast ride with the added thrill of constant rotation. What to Consider The saucer is noticeably heavier than plastic alternatives. When it comes to sledding, durability is king — and Flexible Flyer offers the same quality construction in their saucer sleds as they do in their classic runners. This Snow Disc is made of heavy-gauge Bethlehem steel, which means that it won’t crack like plastic alternatives or puncture like an inflatable snow tube. Serious collisions may dent the sled, but in general, this is a saucer that’s likely to last for many seasons. A powder-coated finish helps it glide smoothly over the snow with dizzying, spinning speed, making this a good choice for the thrill seekers in your family. Built-in rope handles add some element of safety, allowing you to hold on tight as you careen downhill. The saucer is meant for ages 5 and up and is sturdy enough for adults to use, too. We also like how packable (and, if you have more than one, stackable) its low-profile shape is. The Details: 26 x 26 x 4 inches | 6 pounds | 250-pound capacity | Steel | Ages 5+ Best Toboggan Slippery Racer Downhill Xtreme Toboggan PHOTO: Amazon $60 at Amazon $81 $30 at Target $40 at Walmart Why We Love It With its aerodynamic design and slick, cold-resistant coating, this sled is built for speedy runs. What to Consider The rope handle is best for pulling the sled uphill, not for steering the sled. If you love the idea of a simple, speedy toboggan that’s easy on the budget yet built to last, you’ll love the Slippery Racer Downhill Xtreme Toboggan Snow Sled. Designed for anyone over the age of 4, it can accommodate two riders, each with their own built-in handle. The sled is made from heavy duty, injection-molded polyethylene with a high flex ratio that allows it to bend and bounce back rather than cracking when exposed to hard hits. The aerodynamic design ensures a fast ride, while the IceVex cold-resistant coating allows the sled to be used in extremely cold weather without becoming brittle and breaking. With five bright colors to choose from, you can avoid squabbles by choosing a different shade for each member of your family. The Details: 48 x 18 x 5.5 inches | 3 pounds | 250-pound capacity | Plastic | Ages 4+ Best Snow Tube Qpau Snow Tube With Premium Canvas Cover PHOTO: Amazon $60 at Amazon Why We Love It The tube’s heavy-duty canvas cover not only increases durability but also feels much nicer to the touch than traditional plastic tubes. What to Consider You may want to invest in a separate stuff sack if you plan on traveling with it regularly. Snow tubes offer a unique style of high-octane, high-speed fun but also have a reputation for puncturing easily. Not so with the Qpau Heavy Duty Snow Tube, which features a thick, raft-grade PVC inner tube for maximum durability in temperatures as low as -4 degrees Fahrenheit. We particularly love the double-stitch canvas cover because it eliminates static and delivers puncture-resistant peace of mind. A slick coating on the double-thickness bottom also reduces friction for a faster ride. The tube is easy to inflate, with a clever soft ruler to indicate optimum fullness. The upgraded, screw-in lock is a particular highlight of the design, preventing slow leaks even when pressure is applied. The tube has two reinforced handles and is designed to accommodate up to 500 pounds: so even though only one person can sit inside, another can (safely) ride on their lap for tandem fun. A detachable leash also makes uphill towing easy. The Details: 12.3 x 10.5 x 4.8 inches | 500-pound capacity | Canvas and PVC | Ages 5+ Best Pull Sled L.L.Bean Kids' Pull Sled PHOTO: L.L.Bean $199 at L.L. Bean Why We Love It With its traditional wooden construction and red cushion, this is an heirloom sled that looks as beautiful in your photos as it does on the snow. What to Consider This may be more of an aesthetic choice than a sled designed for careening down hills. The L.L.Bean Kids’ Pull Sled is a piece that’s built to last and be passed down from one generation to the next, making it an investment sled perfect for use in family photos or light riding around in the yard. Built in the traditional runner style with a sturdy tow rope, it’s meant as a pull sled for toddlers and preschool kids rather than as a downhill speedster. The wooden frame is crafted from kiln-dried northern hardwoods and finished with a clear lacquer for long-lasting durability. The sled’s foundational pieces are screwed together rather than glued, while the padded foam cushion is protected by a water-repellent nylon cover. Practicalities aside, the festive red-and-black-trim cushion contrasts beautifully with the pale wood frame to add a touch of magic to your winter fun. The sled is available in a larger size for slightly bigger kids as well as a tandem option. The Details: 31 x 14.5 x 13 inches | 10 pounds | Lacquered wood, foam, and nylon | All ages The 14 Best Snow Boots for Women of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Best for Babies and Toddlers Pelican Baby Sled Deluxe PHOTO: Amazon $101 at Amazon $57 at Walmart $3,455 at Etsy Why We Love It With a custom-built weather shield and safety harness, this sled offers a safe way to introduce your little one to the joys of snow. What to Consider It can be tricky to get a bundled up baby into the seat as it is so low to the ground. Even the youngest children can safely enjoy sledding with the right equipment (remembering that babies and toddlers should only ever go on pull sleds, not downhill sleds). The Pelican Baby Sled Deluxe is designed to meet all current North American safety standards, with durable, injection-molded plastic construction and a wide, shock-absorbing and non-tipping base to keep little ones secure. The seat has a high backrest and a safety harness to keep babies and toddlers up to 24 months old in a secure, upright position. Best of all, the sled is fully covered by a detachable, waterproof and wind-resistant canopy to keep your child protected from the elements. It even blocks UV rays and has built-in ventilation for warmer days. A large transparent viewing panel lets your baby wonder at the snowy world around them while also making it easy for you to check up on them. The Details: 1 baby or toddler | Plastic | Ages 0–24 months Best Inflatable FUNBOY Retro Snowmobile Inflatable Sled PHOTO: Amazon $89 at Amazon $99 at Revolve View on Funboy.com Why We Love It With its attention-grabbing retro design and snowmobile silhouette, this is undoubtedly one of the coolest sleds you’ll see on the slopes. What to Consider The sled is rated for riders aged 14 and over, so you’ll need to look elsewhere if you’re buying for younger kids. Inflatable sleds may be a fairly modern concept, but Funboy’s Retro Snowmobile Snow Sled pays homage to the golden era of the 1970s with a throwback snowmobile-inspired shape and bold red, blue, and white colors. The sled can be quickly inflated and deflated for convenient transport and space-saving storage and holds up to two riders (although, with a 250-pound weight limit and a rating for teens and older, fitting two people safely is a push.) Unlike many of its peers, this inflatable is built to last thanks to ultra-thick, cold-resistant material. The reinforced rubber base boasts integrated runners to add directional speed while dual grip handles and a pull rope complete its features. This product also comes in other Insta-worthy designs ranging from a Barbie-inspired snowmobile to one in a metallic champagne hue, so you can get the style you want for the age group most suitable to your family. The Details: 68 x 34 x 24.3 inches |10 pounds | 250-pound capacity | Vinyl and rubber | Ages 14+ Best Foam Slippery Racer Downhill Foam Toboggan PHOTO: Amazon $30 at Amazon Why We Love It If you’re looking for a low fuss, low cost option that’s slick enough to outpace the competition even on light snow, this sled is it. What to Consider It may not be big or sturdy enough to accommodate larger adults. Although they’re not the most durable option out there, foam sleds have several major advantages including lightness, speed, and a very reasonable price tag. Built from heavy-duty rolled plastic foam, the Downhill Foam Toboggan from Slippery Racer excels in all of these areas. It’s built for a single rider over three years old, although larger adults may not find this to be the most comfortable option. The Slippery Racer is true to its name and especially fast thanks to an aerodynamic shape and a slick, cold-resistant coating that helps it glide effortlessly on all kinds of snow. Soft, shock absorbent padding makes for a comfortable ride, with reinforced side handles for grip and maneuverability. At just one pound, the sled is also light enough to carry comfortably under your arm back to the top of the slope. The Details: 36 x 20 x 1 inches | 1 pound | Foam | Ages 3+ The 10 Best Ski Goggles Best Tandem Airsfish Snow Tube With Towable Leash PHOTO: Amazon $20 at Amazon Why We Love It Two deep seats and a generous maximum weight allowance make this sled ideal for those wanting to ride together. What to Consider Inflation requires an electric pump, which must be bought separately. The Airsfish Snow Tube is designed for tandem fun, with a maximum weight capacity of 450 pounds and two extra deep seats that allow for a comfortable, secure ride. It can accommodate two fully grown adults, although it’s suitable for children over the age of 5 as well as teens. The sled is easy to transport and store, with a large, double-lock valve for quick inflation and deflation. Despite being a blow-up, it’s designed to last with double-layer, thickened PVC construction and a leakproof seamless bonding technique. Of course, no inflatable is completely immune to tears and punctures but with two vinyl repair patches included, unexpected accidents don’t have to put an end to your day in the snow. Other benefits include a detachable pull rope and oversized handles compatible for use with thick gloves. The Details: 68.5 x 35.4 x 13 inches | 450-pound capacity | PVC | Ages 5+ Best for the Whole Family ESP 66-inch Family Fun Toboggan PHOTO: Amazon $81 at Amazon $49 at Walmart $55 at Home Depot Why We Love It This extra-long sled can be used for multiple kids or adults or as a handy gear hauler on family vacations. What to Consider Its sheer size makes it somewhat unwieldy for transporting and storage. Made in the USA from extra-durable polyethylene plastic, the ESP 66-inch Family Fun Toboggan has been freeze tested to check impact resistance in extreme temperatures. It’s the ultimate workhorse, big enough to fit up to four children or two adults. It’s also ideal for tall people, with plenty of room for those over six feet. And it can help transport the endless paraphernalia needed for a family snow break from car to cabin and vice versa. Whatever you use it for, it comes with a sturdy two rope handle and deflects snow away from riders or supplies with a clever folded edge. Molded tracking rails and a diamond-polished bottom also ensure a straight, speedy ride. The Details: 66 x 19 x 5.6 inches | 7.8 pounds | Polyethylene plastic | Ages 3+ Best Two-pack Back Bay Play 47-inch Snow Sled Racer Two-pack PHOTO: Amazon $70 $65 at Amazon Why We Love It This popular package deal provides two sleds so family members don’t have to share. What to Consider The rope handles are fairly thin and may break with frequent use. If you’re buying for multiple people and want something affordable and simple that you won’t mind replacing after a couple of seasons, you’ll love this two-pack deal from Back Bay Play. The brightly colored sleds (available in dynamite red, fuchsia pink, and royal blue) are designed for casual fun, with sturdy HDPE plastic construction that stands up well to rough treatment and hard knocks. The sleds are streamlined with three bottom rails for added strength and speed. The sides feature four built-in handles, so riders can hold on to both sides of the sled. The Back Bay Play Racers are ideal for a single older child or adult rider and lightweight enough that just about anyone can get them to the top of the hill with ease. The sleds also come with a one-year warranty, so you can be sure to enjoy this again and again. The Details: 46.5 x 15 x 1 inches | 3.2 pounds | HDPE plastic | Ages 3+ The 10 Best Ski Gloves of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Tips for Buying a Sled Prioritize safety Babies and toddlers should only go on pull sleds, not downhill sleds while older children should always sled downhill with an adult, according to Seymour. To sled alone, children must be able to recognize hazards and take action to avoid them. As children grow older, they should always sled with adult supervision. Parents should also take care when riding with their bigger kids as the extra weight can make the sled dangerously fast. This is true for adults riding together too, unless the sled is purpose-built for tandem use. Other safety tips include sledding one at a time to avoid crashing into one another; choosing a slope with a long, flat runoff away from any potential hazards (such as roads, trees, rocks, and frozen lakes); and always sledding in a seated position with your feet facing downhill. The latter is important because it makes steering easier and also greatly reduces the likelihood of a head, neck, or spine injury in the event of a crash. You should only sled at night if the slope is floodlit, and you should keep in mind that slopes often freeze after dark and will be much faster than they are in the daytime. Think about durability Different sled styles and materials offer different levels of durability. The more durable your sled is the better, but since the toughest models tend to be the most expensive, you may want to consider how often you’re going to use it before deciding how much you want to spend. Metal saucers are generally more durable than plastic ones because they will dent rather than crack in a collision. If you go for plastic (either for a saucer, pull sled, or a toboggan), opt for high density, double-layered construction. Inflatable sleds are more prone to punctures and tears, but you can minimize the risk by choosing one with a reinforced bottom, double layers, and a screw-in seal. For wooden sleds, look for one with pieces that are screwed together rather than glued. Know the different types of sleds The most traditional type of sled is the runner sled. They’re typically made of wood, with an elevated platform above two runners. They’re super fast on compact snow, but may get stuck in thick powder. Most steerable sleds are runner sleds, which makes them a popular option for parents wanting to sled with their kids. For powdery snow, Seymour recommends a toboggan, saucer, or snow tube with a large surface area. She does warn that saucers and snow tubes are best for milder inclines or supervised tubing parks without any hazards since they’re inherently harder to control. Saucers and snow tubes are usually meant to be ridden solo whereas toboggans can be designed for multi-person use. As their name suggests, pull sleds are meant exclusively for towing on flat ground rather than for downhill racing and are the only sleds recommended for toddlers. Frequently Asked Questions What sled types are best for kids? Toddlers and preschoolers should only use a pull sled operated by an adult if riding alone. Children between 3 and 5 years old should ride with their parents if using other sled types. Seymour recommends prioritizing steerable sleds and avoiding metal saucers or toboggans (especially homemade ones) since they can get dangerously fast. Other than that, no style is particularly better or worse — rather, minimize the risk of an accident by choosing easy slopes with no hazards and a long, flat runoff. From a paramedic’s perspective, dressing children warmly and getting them to wear a helmet is more important than the type of sled. What are the best materials for a sled? The best materials for a sled are those that give you the right balance between durability and affordability. If you live somewhere with months of guaranteed snowfall and plan on using your sled most days, then it’s probably worth spending the money on a high quality wooden, metal, or high-density, double-layered plastic sled that will last. If you’ll only be using your sled a few times each season, you can probably get away with spending less on an inflatable, foam, or single-layer plastic sled. Keep in mind that a reinforcing layer or protective coating on the bottom can go a long way toward extending the lifespan of your sled. How old should a child be to go sledding? Children just a few months old can ride on a pull sled (never a downhill one) that has been especially adapted for babies with features like a high backrest and safety harness. Preschool-aged kids can go on other sled types if riding with an adult, while older children may be able to sled solo (under supervision) as long as they can sit upright and recognize and avoid hazards. Seymour also says that some kids may not have the coordination required to avoid obstacles, slow down, or take other evasive action until they are 10 or older, so parents should be sure to evaluate their individual child’s abilities. Why Trust Travel + Leisure Jessica Macdonald has been writing about travel and outdoor adventure gear for more than 10 years. For this article, she drew on her own experience sledding in Scotland, Switzerland, and the United States; spent hours researching industry and customer reviews of popular sledding products; and consulted ski and snowboard instructor and paramedic Franky Seymour. The 7 Best Heated Jackets of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Love a great deal? 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