There’s something about the winter cold that just begs us to get outside and have some fun. And what could be more fun than snow tubing with kids? Hold hands with your children and let them have the experience of a lifetime! When you visit the top snow tubing resorts in the US, you’ll find parents carrying toddlers while queuing for their next slide. Snow tubing is a great winter activity for the whole family.
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Hug your kid tight and let gravity take you down a safe and well-maintained tubing course. Depending on where you live, there’s a good chance that there’s a snowy hill nearby just waiting to be conquered. What are the best ways to have fun in America’s top winter sports destinations, where snow tubing is just the icing on the cake?
In this article, we cover everything you need to know about snow tubing with children. We will start with an overview of what snow tubing looks like and the snow tubing season in the USA, followed by safety and costs. We’ll provide our best snow tubing tips, plus all the gear you’ll need for snow tubing with kids. We’ve also included an unbiased list of the top winter sports resorts in the US to help you prepare for that next family getaway.
Suppose you are looking for the best places to go snow tubing with children in your area. In that case, you may be interested in our articles about popular snow tubing locations in North Carolina, Tennessee, Colorado, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and the Poconos mountains.
What’s Snow Tubing?
Snow tubing is a winter sport that is growing in popularity. USA Today mentioned that hundreds of thousands of people flock to the snow tubing grounds in America.
In the cold weather, it’s a great way to get outside and have fun. Snow tubing can be done on any hill with a good coating of snow, but there are some precautionary measures.
“Any winter sport poses dangers when performed on unmaintained areas without proper precautions.”
– Travis Rise, “the Paul Revere” of the big mountain freestyle movement
In the US, this winter sport is also locally known as inner tubing. To fully enjoy this fun-filled activity, your kid has to ride on an inflated rubber ring. Gravity then pulls the tube or sled down a steep slope of a mountain or hill.
After that, everything will be pure enjoyment. When surrounded by magnificent winter wilderness, snow tubing can be a breathtaking experience.
The rubber tube offers two layers of protection for your child. When checking out winter sports resorts, always check the reviews for their inner tubes. It will be the one carrying your kid. Taking this extra step could prevent small accidents.
The 1st layer is a thin airtight sheet of synthetic rubber. The 2nd layer is made of parallel fabric. This provides the substructure for the tube and prevents it from bursting or breaking. The tube must be robust and flexible. As a rule of thumb, the heavier the tube is, the sturdier it is.
Near many towns and cities, snow tubing sites can be found in most ski resorts, and there are now dedicated resorts for this fun-filled activity. Oglebay and Paws Up are just some of the top winter sports destinations in America. You can check the full list in the last section of this article.
When Does Snow Tubing Season Start in the USA?
The snow tubing season typically starts in December and ends in March. From mid-December to February is the peak season.
When you visit snow tubing resorts, you will notice that they are suitable for children. Many parents with their kids flock to tubing resorts during winter and early spring.
Is Snow Tubing Safe?
Yes, snow tubing is safe for kids. That’s why many parents choose this sport over skiing and sledding. But like all sports, snow tubing poses risks and dangers for everyone, not just kids.
Wanderlust, a travel magazine and brand covering special interest travel, says, “When taking children snow tubing, some tips should be kept in mind. Making reservations and packing extra clothes are essential. Before visiting a tubing park, ample research must be done.”
Snow tubing can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It’s also a great way to get some exercise and have some fun. However, there are age restrictions for this activity. In most cases, the minimum age for snow tubing is four years. There are a few reasons for this.
The first reason is safety. It’s important to make sure that everyone who participates in this activity is safe. Snow tubing can be dangerous, especially if someone does not know how to do it properly.
Is snow tubing safe for toddlers? The answer is yes, with some caveats. Snow tubing is a relatively safe sport when compared to skiing or snowboarding. There are no poles or sharp edges to worry about, and riders typically go at a much slower speed than they would while skiing or snowboarding. That said, there are still some dangers:
- Colliding with objects
- Getting air during sudden jumps
- Losing control while sliding
Before hitting the slopes, there are some safety considerations to be aware of. Children should always wear helmets and other protective gear and never go tubing alone.
Parents must also be aware of the potential dangers of snow tubing, such as careening into trees or other obstacles or being thrown from the tube. With some safety precautions, snow tubing can be a safe and enjoyable experience for kids and adults.
Snow Tubing Safety Guidelines
Here are some snow tubing safety guidelines:
- The recreational area should be obstacle-free and wide-open.
- Hills must be a moderate slope with a flat and long run-out area.
- Children must be in a seated or feet-first position. This provides optimal steering.
- Only use durable and high-quality inner tubes and snow trekking gear. This should include multiple layers of the right clothing and snow tubing pants.
- For the safety of your kids, avoid bumpy slopes off of jumps.
- Wearing a helmet can reduce the risk of a head injury.
- Wear proper snow tubing apparel and winter sports gadgets, like gaiters and traction cleats.
If you want to take your toddler with you, take a position where you can bail out any time. Carry your child, hold him/her near your chest, and hug tightly. Make sure that the tubing slope is free of bumps and extreme curves.
With the right equipment, you can keep your child safe. In the second to the last section of this guide, you can learn what gear to bring to your next winter getaway.
Does Snow Tubing Have a Weight Limit?
Many different snow tubing resorts throughout the United States offer this winter activity. Most of them do not have a weight limit, but each resort has its own rules and regulations.
It’s important to check with the specific venue before heading out for a day of snow tubing. The consensus seems to be that there is no weight limit, but there may be restrictions on who can go down the lanes.
Snow tubing is a great winter activity for people of all ages. No experience is necessary, just a sense of fun and adventure. It’s easy to learn and can be enjoyed by groups or families. It’s a very popular sport throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe.
How Much Is Snow Tubing?
There is no definitive answer to this question since it can vary depending on the location. Generally, though, snow tubing prices range from around $10-$25 per person per hour. Some resorts offer discounts for groups of 10 or more people, and season passes are also available.
In addition to the snow tubing admission fee for renting the inner tube, you will also need to purchase or rent snow tubing gear. Keep reading to learn more about the best snow tubing clothes that you and your children need to wear.
Snow Tubing Outfit
Anyone interested in trying snow tubing should dress appropriately for the weather. Layers are key, as temperatures vary greatly depending on elevation and time of day.
When you go snow tubing, you will need to wear warm snow tubing clothes. It’s important to dress in layers and to adjust your clothing as you get warmer or colder. You will also need to wear a helmet, gloves, and boots.
A good starting point is to wear a thermal base layer and a middle layer made of wool or fleece. Gear up for a safe and fun snow tubing experience with the necessary equipment:
Snow Tubing Pants
When choosing a snow tubing outfit for you or your children, snow tubing pants are necessary. You can’t just go snow tubing with normal pants. You must also provide the right clothing for your child.
For his lower body gear, the waistline must be adjustable. It’s also best to choose unisex sizing. And the product must be made of water-resistant materials to keep your child comfy and warm.
Choose snow pants that have an elastic ankle reinforcement. This provides additional protection and keeps the snow out. For extra safety and longevity, the fabric must be reinforced at the seat, knees, and ankles. The pants must also sport zipper pockets for spare gloves and snow tubing gadgets.
You may also consider Chest High Snow Bib Overalls for extra warmth. These adjustable comfort suspenders fit perfectly with elasticized side gussets for maximum motion.
Snow Tubing Accessories
Finding the right clothing is essential to snow tubing with kids. A few cheap add-ons won’t hurt, especially if the gadgets can keep your child safe. In your next online shopping, here are some snow tubing accessories you may want to consider:
- Air pumps
- Patch kit
- Traction cleats
- Neck Gaiters
- Sunscreen
- Snow goggles
- Waterproof Snow Gloves
- Skiing helmet
Snow Tubing Boots
The last thing you’ll want during your next winter vacation is a pair of leaky boots. Imagine your child’s feet getting soaked by cold and drippy snow.
Choose snow boots for kids that are lightweight and provide good traction. Just check the sole design and be sure that the product has water-proof uppers. Soft faux can serve as fur lining, seals warmth, and provide comfort while trekking on the snow.
Snow Tubing Tips
Here are some tips for snow tubing with kids:
- Wear warm clothes: Dress in layers and wear a hat and gloves.
- Stay safe: Stay on the designated path and avoid obstacles.
- Don’t go alone: Tubing is more fun with friends!
- Have fun: Enjoy the snow and the ride!
- Choose the day session at the park/resort.
- Don’t forget to bring extra clothes.
- Before anything else, plan a meeting with your child near the lanes. Always remind your child about that meeting spot.
- Tell your child to keep his/her feet up, sit up, and hold the handles at all times.
- Secure the helmet before sliding down.
You can also hold hands with your child while going down a spacious tubing lane. With three people, you can form a triangle as all of you slide down the slope.
With your presence, your child will feel safe and reassured as he takes on this new experience.
Best Snow Tubing Locations in the USA
There are many amazing winter hotspots throughout the country, each with its own unique charm. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly resort or a more extreme tubing experience, these states have plenty of hills for snow tubing and some great amenities for visitors.
According to USA Today, these are three of the best snow tubing locations in the United States:
Oglebay Resort in West Virginia
Address: Oglebay Park 465 Lodge Dr. Wheeling, WV 26003
Website: oglebay.com
Telephone: 304-243-4000 0r 800-624-6988
Age limit: No age limit. Must be 42 inches tall.
West Virginia’s Oglebay Resort is a winter wonderland with tubing lanes for all skill levels, 30 miles of cross-country skiing trails, and an ice skating rink.
It’s a 2,000-acre park where your kids can go snow tubing beside landscaped gardens. A zoo and an adventure park are just the spectacles in this resort that your kids would love.
We can only become a child once, and childhood years pass by quickly. Let your kids make unforgettable memories in this beautiful park with fine dining. Seldom will you see a snow tubing spot that has a golf course and petting zoo! A one-day adventure here could become a memory that could last a lifetime.
Seldom will you see a snow tubing resort with a tiered waterfall, a golf course, and a lake where your family can experience fishing! It’s truly a wonderful place. When the day is over, you can have your own relaxing time in the Oglebay Spa.
Paws Up Resort, Greenough MT
Address: 40060 Paws Up Rd, Greenough, MT 59823, United States
Website: pawsup.com
Telephone: (877) 580-6343
Age limit: No age limit
The Blast Mountain at Paws Up offers ice skating and snow tubing different from your average winter sports resorts. What makes them different?
With a breathtaking view of the blue-snow-covered mountains and the wild winter landscape of one of America’s pristine wilderness, snow tubing here is an experience one can never forget. Each run lets your kids’ experience covered curves and exciting bumps down the slope.
Paws up Snow Tubing is your one-stop destination for winter family fun. Located in the picturesque town of Greenough, Montana, their tubing park offers thrill seekers and beginner riders of all ages a unique experience that will bring you back for more.
From gentle beginner slopes to challenging double black diamond runs, they have something for everyone. And don’t forget their tubing lanes. They’re heated for those cold winter days!
One of their unique offers in this resort is their biathlon, where participants, including children, can practice paintball target shooting while skiing or tubing along the cross country. There are three runs for snow tubers that is safe for all ages.
If your kids are tired of snow tubing, you can always take them on an electric bike tour. Here, they can also experience dog sledding and skijoring, where their ride gets pulled by a horse or a friendly canine of their choice.
Lastly, snow tubing at Paws Up is a very affordable activity. For as little as $10 per person, you and your child can tube down one of the resort’s many tubing lanes.
Badlands Snow Park, Hudson, WI
Address: 772 Kinney Rd, Hudson, WI 54016, United States
Website: badlandssnowpark.com
Telephone: 715-386-1856
Age limit: No age limit
Hudson is home to the oldest snow tubing hill in the Midwest. Imagine several generations of laughing children sliding down these hills, with many exciting curves cushioned by layers of white, white snow. Badlands Snow Park lets your children experience the snowy wonderland in legends and fairy tales.
The Badlands Snow Park is a must-visit winter destination for outdoor enthusiasts and families looking for affordable fun in the snow. The park offers sledding, tubing, ice skating, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing on more than 30 acres of slopes and trails.
Plus, the Badlands Snow Park Café provides food and drinks for visitors. With its convenient location off I-94, the Badlands Snow Park is a great place to spend a winter day.
Badlands Snow Park is a seasonal attraction that is open from Thanksgiving weekend to Easter weekend. It is located in the small town of Hudson, Wisconsin, about 30 minutes from Saint Paul, MN. The park features a tubing hill, a terrain park, and a kids’ play area.
The snow tubing hill is by far the most popular attraction at the park. Three tubing lanes run down the hill, and it takes less than 5 minutes to get to the bottom.
The Rocking Horse Ranch, Highland, NY
Address: 600 US-44, Highland, NY 12528, United States
Website: rockinghorseranch.com
Telephone: 800-647-2624
Age limit: No age limit – The height requirement is 36’’.
This horse ranch, slash snow tubing resort, has a 500 feet long snow tubing slope. This is unique among the top snow tubing resorts in America. Rocking Horse Ranch has multiple lanes; single and double tubes are available. The Magic Carpet Conveyer Lift will take snow tubers back to the top of the “Big Hill.”
Other winter activities available for families at Rocking Horse Ranch include ice skating, skiing, trail rides, and horse-drawn sleigh rides.
Although the snow tubing hills are the main highlights of this resort, kids can also enjoy the indoor waterpark, shooting range, laser races, and game arcade. Like the other resorts on this list, Rocking Horse Ranch is a one-stop destination for kids.
Even in the summer months, mountain tubing is available here. In autumn, the slopes are a sight to see. Colorful deciduous leaves rain down onto mountain tubers during the “ber” months. In winter, the scenery in this frozen wonderland is a sight to behold.
Just imagine your kids experiencing nature’s glory while screaming with joy from the top of their lungs.
Conclusion
It doesn’t matter how old you are; going down a snow-covered hill is a blast, providing hours of entertainment. Snow tubing with kids can be an exhilarating family activity that everyone can enjoy.
Treasure the sweet memories of the wintry wind blowing your child’s hair while he/she gazes down the slope covered with fine snow. Be sure to record the awe and excitement in your child’s face and get your kid ready for the best snow tubing experience. While your loved ones holler with glee, let them experience a part of your childhood in a safe and secured winter resort.
If you’re planning to go snow tubing with children, check out family-friendly snow tubing destinations in your area. Read our articles to learn more about snow tubing locations in North Carolina, Tennessee, the Poconos mountains, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Colorado. And I share my experiences of snow tubing with kids in the Asheville area and western North Carolina.
We would love to hear about the snow parks you’ve visited. Share your snow tubing experience on our social media pages, and please feel free to share once-in-a-lifetime shots of your loved ones in the snow.
We may even feature your story in our next blog!
For more about family travel, check out these posts:
Snow Tubing in Asheville and Western North Carolina
Fun Things To Do In Asheville with Kids: A Quick Guide
How to Pack for a Winter Road Trip with Kids
Top Family Vacation Destinations in the US
North Carolina Snow Tubing with Kids: Most Popular Resorts
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Ruth Hutchins grew up in England and now lives in North Carolina with her husband, Doug, and their two young daughters. They always loved to travel, but once having children everything changed because family travel is more complicated. Traveling with a baby may feel overwhelming to new parents. Travel with a toddler can really test your patience, and traveling with kids can lead to utter chaos. However, travel with your little ones doesn’t have to be that stressful or exhausting. On the BE Family Travel blog Ruth shares her parenting wins, and even epic failures about traveling with kids. She provides resources to help you feel empowered to plan a family vacation and travel with your children.
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