The Best Sleds for Kids

Toboggans

• Toboggans are traditionally made out of wood, but also come in plastic or other material. Toboggans are sleek, have a sharp upturn at the front and lack runners, which are small skis usually attached to the bottom of a sled. Many have ropes attached to the front of them, which makes them ideal for hauling young children in a flat, snow-covered field. Young children should not use toboggans to sled downhill as they offer little protection and can be unstable.

Discs

• Disc sleds are made out of plastic and usually have two rope handles on either end. Also known as saucers, disc sleds are designed for speed in downhill sledding and should only carry one person at a time. Disc sleds are unstable because of their high-speed potential and are suitable for older children only. Users should weigh enough to maintain control of the disc while sledding downhill.

Inflatable Tubes

• Inflatable tubes require air and must be inflated manually or with an air compressor. Inflatable tubes come in many sizes and are fast because of their light weight. Many inflatable tubes are deep and large enough for two or more children to sit inside of. They are also relatively stable and provide some protection in case of accidental crashes, making them suitable for children of all ages.

Sleighs

• Sleighs are a type of sled that have runners attached to the bottom, which make them more efficient for treading through snow. Sleighs need to be dragged by people, dogs, horses or even vehicles depending on their size. Sleighs are ideal for children of all ages who are looking for a leisurely stroll through a snowy environment. Unlike other sleds, sleighs are not meant to go fast or downhill.