We’ve performed hours of research to only recommend products you’ll use over and over this winter, considering the recommended age, material, intended use, and weight capacity of each pick. Our favorites include a durable snow tube from Big Mouth, a wintery chemistry set from Crayola, and a light-up scooter from Geospace designed for the snow. Here, the best snow toys for a fun-filled winter. Price at time of publish: $13.99 If a snowman isn’t your style, there are 21 other styles to choose from—including pizza, corgi, and magical rainbow. The tube is around three feet wide, so it can fit riders of multiple ages and sizes. Unlike other tubes, this one easily deflates for easy storage during off-months. The PVC vinyl construction is not only durable, but also easy to wipe down in case of mud or dirt. Bring this tube to any hill this winter for hours of safe, yet exciting fun. Age Range: 2 years and up “If the packaging says it’s made for kids ages 8 and up, it’s because it’s not appropriate for children younger than that age,” Schacht says.
Weight Capacity
When it comes to sleds, boards, and scooters, Schacht says it’s crucial to pay attention to weight capacity. The reason: safety. If a child is too light or too heavy, they may not have the stability needed to control their ride.
Material and Construction
To make it through the winter, and hopefully many winters after that, snow toys need to be extra durable, as they’re often thrown around in harsh, cold, windy conditions. The more heavy duty the material, the better. Ultimately, you can’t go wrong with plastic toys, even if they aren’t specified as snow toys. “Plastic beach toys, such as buckets and spades, or kitchen toys like spoons and cups all make great tools for scooping, pouring, digging, and building with the snow,” Dr. Amanda Gummer, a neuropsychologist and founder of Good Play Guide tells The Spruce.
Intended Use
While all of the above snow toys are perfect for backyards and sledding hills, be conscious of where the winter toys you’re considering are meant to be used. Some, like ski scooters and boards, are intended solely for the slopes. Depending on your kids’ ages and skill level, you might want to stick closer to home. (This works better for days you’re snowed in anyway). Also, think about what your child likes to do when there isn’t snow on the ground. “Parents should take into consideration a child’s interests, such as whether they prefer crafts to sports or vice versa,” Lynch tells The Spruce.
Why Trust The Spruce?
For this article, Leah Rocketto, a writer who has spent years covering parenting content with a focus on kids’ toys, performed hours of research on products and consulted Laurie Schacht, Jennifer Lynch, and Dr. Amanda Gummer. Schacht, the President and Chief Toy Officer of Adventure Media, has spent more than 20 years evaluating and selecting the top toys on the market. Lynch is the Content Developer for the Toy Association, and works to ensure that all toys promote safe, positive play. Dr. Gummer, a neuropsychologist and founder of Good Play Guide, is considered the U.K.’s go-to expert on play, toys and child development.
