Wooden toboggan sled
This classic sled is perfect for families and groups seeking a nostalgic and shared downhill adventure.
Outdoors & Adventure
Sleds
8 kinds worth knowing, 8 picks, and what to check before you buy.
Sleds get bought for kids and tweens most often, usually by parents, grandparents and aunts or uncles who remember their own good hill. The ones that get used are the ones that match the local snow and the size of the rider. A classic toboggan suits a family that heads out together, and a snow tube suits kids who want speed on packed runs. Think about where the sled will actually go, how it gets carried up the hill and where it will be stored in the off-season. A sled that's light enough for a child to pull back up on their own will come out far more often than one that needs an adult every trip.
Kind 1 of 8
Classic toboggans for group rides
A toboggan is a long, flat-bottomed sled with a curled front that seats two to four riders. It suits families and siblings who like to go down together, and it glides well on deep or fresh snow where narrow runners sink. Before buying, check the length against how many people will ride, whether there's a rope or rail to hold, and whether the car or storage space can handle something that long. A wooden toboggan also needs a dry place to sit through the summer.
Kind 2 of 8
Everyday sleds for kids
The general snow sled covers most of what kids ride: moulded seats, sleds with backrests for small children and steerable models for older kids who want control. A backrest helps younger riders sit steady, while tweens usually want steering and a bit more speed. Check the rider weight range, how the sled steers or slows, and whether the tow rope is long enough for a child to pull it uphill without stooping. Pick for the age the child will be over the next couple of winters.
Child's sled with backrest
Provides a safe and comfortable first sledding experience for toddlers and very young children, ensuring stability and support.
Steerable bobsled with brakes
Designed for adventurers who want more control and precision during their downhill snow escapades.
Kind 3 of 8
Foam sliders that roll up small
A snow slider is a thin, flexible pad or foam sheet that you sit or lie on. It's light, easy to carry to the park and simple to tuck into a closet or car trunk. It suits younger kids on gentle hills and families short on storage. Check the thickness, because thin sliders feel every bump on icy or lumpy slopes, and look for handles that small hands can grip with mittens on. Sliders do best on soft, packed snow.
Flexible foam slider sled
An excellent choice for spontaneous sledding fun, offering lightweight portability and easy handling for all ages.
Kind 4 of 8
Inflatable tubes for fast, spinning rides
An inflatable snow tube is a round, air-filled ring that spins and bounces its way downhill. Tweens and teens love it, and it cushions bumps better than hard plastic. It works best on open hills with plenty of runout. Before buying, check the diameter against the rider's size, how tough the bottom cover is and what kind of valve it has. Plan on a pump, and remember tubes can't be steered, so they need a clear hill.
Inflatable snow tube
Offers a cushioned and exhilarating ride, perfect for those who prioritize comfort and easy storage after winter fun.
Kind 5 of 8
Moulded plastic sleds for daily use
Moulded plastic sleds are the workhorses of the neighbourhood hill: light, quick on packed snow and easy to hose off and hang in the garage. They suit kids who go out often and pull their own sled back up. Check whether the plastic stays flexible in deep cold, since stiff plastic can crack. Also look for ridges or runners on the bottom for tracking, and a tow rope that's firmly attached rather than threaded through a thin hole.
Kind 6 of 8
Wooden sleds with heirloom appeal
Wooden sleds, including runner sleds and Nordic kick sleds, have a look and feel that plastic doesn't. A kick sled lets you stand behind and push along packed trails or icy paths, so it works for adults too. These make good gifts for a family or for someone who likes traditional winter gear. Check the finish, since sealed wood lasts longer, and look at runner type for your usual snow. They're heavier and need dry storage.
Nordic kick sled
An active and unique way to travel over snow and ice, suitable for both recreation and light utility tasks.
Kind 7 of 8
Saucers for quick, spinning runs
A saucer sled is a round disc that spins as it goes downhill. It's light, stacks flat and is easy for a child to carry, which makes it a popular gift for kids who want a thrill on a short hill. Saucers can't be steered, so they suit open slopes without obstacles. Check the diameter for the rider's size, whether the handles are moulded in or bolted on, and how thick the plastic is for cold days.
Plastic saucer sled
An ideal gift for individual thrill-seekers who enjoy fast, spinning descents down snowy hills.
Kind 8 of 8
Utility sleds for hauling gear
A utility sled is a deep, sturdy tub made for pulling loads: firewood, ice fishing gear, groceries on an unplowed street or a toddler bundled in blankets. It suits cottage owners, anglers, winter campers and parents who walk a lot in snow. Check the depth and length against what gets hauled, whether it has holes for tie-downs or a pull harness, and how well the bottom holds up on gravel and ice.
Heavy duty utility sled
A practical gift for outdoor enthusiasts who need to transport firewood, hunting gear, or supplies across snowy terrain.
How to choose sleds as a gift
- Match the sled to the local hill: long flat toboggans suit deep snow, while saucers and plastic sleds shine on packed runs.
- Check the rider weight range and length so the sled still fits the child next winter.
- Think about who pulls it back uphill; a light sled a child can manage gets used more.
- Look for sturdy tow ropes and handles that work with thick mittens on.
- Consider storage space, since long wooden toboggans and big tubes need room off-season.
Usually safe to skip
- Novelty sleds shaped like characters often ride poorly, crack easily and get left in the garage after one outing.
- Very thin roll-up sliders disappoint on icy or bumpy hills where riders feel every lump.
- Oversized tubes for small children are hard to carry uphill and too big to hold onto.
Questions people ask about sleds
- What is the difference between a toboggan and a sled?
- A toboggan is long and flat-bottomed with a curled front, made for several riders and deep snow. A sled usually means a smaller single-rider design, often with a moulded seat, runners or steering, that does better on packed snow.
- What type of sled is best for a young child?
- Young children usually do best with a sled that has a backrest and handles, or a small plastic sled they can sit in snugly. Choose something light enough for a parent to tow and simple to get in and out of.
- Are snow tubes or saucers better for tweens?
- Both spin and move fast, which tweens enjoy. Tubes cushion bumps and suit bigger hills, but need a pump. Saucers are lighter, easier to carry and stack flat, and they suit shorter, smoother runs. Neither can be steered.
Looking for one person in particular? Shop by person.
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