Gone are the days of choosing between a cheap saucer and a flimsy plastic sled with a rope.
It should come as no surprise that the sled game has been re-imagined since we were kids, and there are countless new options out there for you and your family to enjoy this winter.
Sledding is a family activity for all ages that can be just as thrilling for adults as it is for kids.
Whether you need a foolproof Christmas present or just want to get your kids outside this winter, we narrowed down the best of each category so your family can make the most of every snow day.
Ready for some winter fun? Here are the best sleds to buy this holiday season.
Our top picks of the best sleds to buy in 2022
Best saucer for sledding
Our opinion
If you’re looking for a simple saucer that will have your kids flying down their favorite hill, the Slippery Racer Saucer Disc (check price on Amazon) is an excellent and affordable choice.
It comes in red, green, and blue, and you can even buy a three-pack for the price of two, making it a perfect Christmas present. This 26-inch saucer comes with a one-year warranty and is lightweight for carrying up and down any hill.
This company is a family business run by outdoor enthusiasts who couldn’t find the perfect sled, so they created it themselves! Rest assured that they put a lot of thought into making a sled that’s both flexible and durable.
The saucer has two handles for easy gripping and the flex plastic is coated with a unique IceVex cold-resistant treatment so that it won’t crack, no matter how low the temperature drops.
What we love
- This price is hard to beat!
- The plastic is both firm and flexible, perfect for sledding.
- It has two handles and is coated with cold-resistant treatment.
Watch for
- Some reviewers have said that the handles break.
Best wooden snow sled
Our opinion
The Flexible Flyer Snow Slider (check price on Amazon) is a beautiful birchwood sled that may look like a Christmas decoration but sure passes the test as a high-speed sled.
This product was bought by several nostalgic grandparents, and even as a photo shoot prop, and all were impressed with its functionality.
It has a steering bar at the front that maneuvers well around tight corners, allowing the rider to be in total control. The sled picks up speed quickly thanks to its powder-coated steel runners.
Its sturdy, solid construction can hold up to 250 pounds and is suitable for both children and adults. This sled is on the expensive side but will undoubtedly last longer than lots of the other options out there. It also comes fully assembled.
An added bonus? It looks super decorative when your kids leave it out in the yard.
What we love
- This is a beautiful, classic wooden sled.
- Picks up speed quickly.
- Turns well around sharp corners.
Watch for
- There's no rope included to pull sled, though you could add one easily.
Best inflatable sled
Our opinion
This is an affordable, inflatable snow sled for both kids and adults that can be ridden either seated or lying down while gripping two heavy-duty handles.
While you may be nervous about your kid’s safety to go down the inflatable route, the Sportsstuff Snopedo Tube (check price on Amazon) is made from molded PVC with cold crack additive while even boasting heat-sealed seams.
Many reviewers were impressed with its durability and found that it withstood horsing around, gravel, and adult use. The tarpaulin bottom is both slick and puncture-resistant and it even comes with a repair kit.
It features a safety valve for quick inflation and deflation so you can get out there quickly and store it easily afterwards.
What we love
- This inflatable sled has a very durable construction.
- Easy to carry up and down hills.
- Has a quick inflate and deflate so you don't use up garage space.
Watch for
- At 42 x 19 inches, some found that this was smaller than expected.
Best wearable sleds
Our opinion
You read that right — wearable snow sleds! No more dragging sleds uphill, just strap on Sled Legs (check price on Amazon), slide down, and run up again.
We love these for kids who are ready for a step up from sledding, but not quite ready for skiing or snowboarding.
They come in two sizes: one for adults and one for kids between 4 and 5 feet tall. The wearable sled is made with a strong plastic exterior and a thick foam interior that’s easy on your knees, while the shape of the foam prevents your feet from dragging.
Just dig your toes into the snow to stop, while controlling your ride down the hill with your knees. The Velcro on the straps is strong, with riders having tons of fun with this new way to sled.
What we love
- Kids and adults had a blast with these.
- Easy on the knees.
- Makes it simple to control your direction and to stop.
Watch for
- Some didn't like walking uphill in them.
Best plastic sled
Our opinion
This is another stellar product from Slippery Racer (check price on Amazon) made with flexible plastic, coated in IceVex cold-resistant treatment. It has a lightweight construction, comes in four different colors, and has a rope for easy pulling.
This kids’ snow sled is 48 inches long with room for two riders. You can ride with your child or they can ride with a sibling or friend, making it even more fun. There are four handles and the flexible body prevents cracking.
This is a straightforward, simple sled that’s much more resilient and pliable than your typical plastic sled. Its slick plastic enables it to flash down any sledding hill, while many have found they hold up well to being pulled by a four-wheeler.
What we love
- There’s plenty of room for two kids.
- It comes with an attached pulling rope.
- Gotta love that flexible plastic.
Watch for
- While more expensive than other plastic sleds, its quality speaks for itself.
Best sled for babies
Our opinion
Can’t wait for your baby to grow up before you can enjoy your favorite winter activities?
Many moms know the disappointment of being left behind with a baby while dad and the kids go enjoy on a snowy day.
Luckily, the Flexible Flyer Pull Sled (check price on Amazon) will keep your baby or toddler safe and secure as you tow them through a winter wonderland.
This red plastic sled is designed for children up to three years old (or 40 pounds) and comes with a long pull rope.
The high back, adjustable straps (with buckle), and wide base make this one of the best sleds for babies. The plastic is crack-resistant and the seat is padded for comfort.
What we love
- High back prevents your child from falling over backwards.
- Straps and buckle keep your baby safe.
- A fun way to enjoy the snow with a baby or toddler.
Watch for
- Some parents found it hard to pull in soft snow.
Best heavy duty sled
Our opinion
Take sledding up a notch or two with this iron racing sled that looks like a go-kart and comes complete with a steering wheel and double brakes.
The 55-inch Goplus Snow Racer Sled (check price on Amazon) is suitable for adults, teenagers, and children four years and up. It comes with a 225-pound weight capacity.
The iron frame rests on two plastic skis, while the steering wheel is attached to an additional ski at the front for easy steering.
The wide seat is comfortable for easy riding, and there’s even a pull rope with a carabineer attachment for pulling up hills or mountains.
This sled is durable and built to last in freezing conditions, though lightweight enough to pull easily. This exciting racing sled will have you flying downhill with the security of knowing you can brake at any time.
What we love
- Made with a sturdy iron frame.
- Fun for both adults and kids.
- Has great brakes!
Watch for
- If looking for a traditional sled, you’ll want to pass on this.
Best inflatable snow tube
Our opinion
A-DUDU (check price on Amazon) has updated its heavy-duty inflatable tube to include a two-layer thick bottom that slides faster and lasts longer. This extra layer, made from quality PVC, has a small hole so that air doesn’t get trapped between the layers.
The tube is 47 inches wide, which is large enough for both kids and adults, and has two double-enforced handles for pulling or holding onto. It can hold up to 500 pounds and is leak-proof and tear-resistant.
Basically, this one may just be a kid-proof inflatable tube. The tube has a large inflatable valve with a double-locking system that can be inflated in one minute with an air pump.
It deflates quickly and has a carry bag for storage after a day of tubing with the family. Users agreed that these snow tubes stay fully inflated, are extremely fast, and can bear up to heavy use from adults and kids.
What we love
- This snow tube will have you flying downhill.
- Quick and easy inflation and deflation.
- Durable enough for endless use from kids and adults.
Watch for
- There's no clip to pull the tube.
Best classic luge
Our opinion
A luge is a small sled that you can ride lying down or sitting up with your legs outstretched. While you may not make it to the Olympics, this downhill sport is an entertaining way to spend time in the snow.
The Zipfy Luge (check price on Amazon) comes in multiple colors, is made for children older than five, and is comfortable for adults up to 250 pounds.
The lightweight plastic luge has a lever in the center that goes between your legs. Not only does this provide something to hold on to, but you can also use it to steer very easily while sledding.
Riding feet first enables you to stop and slow yourself down. This is by far one of the best snow sleds for a wide range of ages and is comfortable, durable, and lots of fun.
What we love
- The lever allows for easy steering.
- The whole family can try out luge sledding.
- Does not break or crack.
Watch for
- It can sink in deep snow.
Best lightweight sled
Our opinion
The Flexible Flyer Flying Carpet (check price on Target) is one of the best snow sleds for kids less than 10 yrs. This unique roll-up design is easy to carry and store, and the flexible material will withstand whatever your kids put it through.
It won’t crack or break like other sleds and features two cut-out handles for riding and pulling. These kids’ sleds are smooth, fast, and a great option for daycares and schools looking for inexpensive sleds for snowy recesses.
If you’re tired of your child coming home with cracked plastic sleds after a day and are still reluctant to spend a lot, check this one out. It measures 36 x 18 inches.
What we love
- Easy roll-up design is lightweight and portable.
- Perfect for schools, daycares, and backyard fun.
- Flexible material won’t tear or crack.
Watch for
- They may be a little small for adults.
Best for the whole family
Our opinion
This 66-inch Toboggan Four Rider Sled (check price on Walmart) holds four people, so the whole family can ride together. Available in three different colors, this large sled has molded tracking rails to help create the perfect sledding path.
It’s also marketed as a utility sled for carrying tools and equipment through the snow, so you know it’s durable and made to last. It has a rope for easy pulling and a raised edge to help keep you and your kids dry.
Its diamond-polished bottom is slick and fast, and it has been tested for both impact and freezing conditions. The sled is surprisingly lightweight despite its size.
What we love
- Best snow sleds for hauling, pulling, and sledding.
- The molded tracks make great paths.
- It’s huge!
Watch for
- It can be a little hard to turn.
Best with a steering wheel
Our opinion
The Derby Kids Steerable (check price on Walmart) snow sled is perfect for young kids and toddlers because it lets them feel as though they’re in control of the ride. There are hand brakes to control the speed and a steering wheel attached to a center track ski so they can turn easily.
There’s a rope attached for pulling the sled, with or without your child inside. This sled features a wide seat, space for both feet, and handles to hold onto.
The durable, slick plastic with cold-resistant treatment provides a fun and safe sledding experience for your kids. If your child is terrified at the thought of flying headfirst down a hill, this one may be more their speed!
What we love
- Has hand brakes.
- Great for young kids.
- It’s a comfortable and safe ride.
Watch for
- A little pricey.
The bottom line
Our top pick has to be the Slippery Racer Saucer for being a simple, inexpensive sled with flexible plastic that will last you through many snowstorms.
Sometimes you just can’t beat the basics, especially when they’ve been redesigned and improved by a great company.
It’s a reasonably priced, durable sled that the whole family can enjoy both this winter and next! While some winter activities may look a little different this year, sledding is one form of entertainment we can still safely rely on.
