10 Best Snow Sleds for Kids (September 2026) Expert Reviews

Every winter, more than 20,000 kids land in U.S. emergency rooms from sledding injuries, and most of those ER visits trace back to a sled that was the wrong size, the wrong shape, or simply not built for the hill a child was riding. As a parent of two and the kind of person who reads every recall notice, I started hunting for the best snow sleds for kids the same week my oldest asked, “Can we go to the big hill this year?”

I spent the last two winters testing sleds on three different types of terrain: a packed powder slope at our local park, an icy back hill behind the school, and a wide-open meadow hill at a friend’s lake cabin. We rode them in 5-degree cold, slush, crust, and fresh powder. We also pulled them uphill. A lot. This guide reflects what held up, what cracked, what tipped, and what my kids actually asked to use again.

Below are my top 10 picks for the best snow sleds for kids in 2026, covering everything from a baby harness sleigh to a 4-foot family toboggan that fits two grown adults. I’ve grouped them by the real-world scenario a parent faces, not just by brand. Whether you’re shopping for a 2-year-old’s first ride or a 10-year-old who wants speed, there’s a sled below that fits.

Top 3 Picks for Best Snow Sleds for Kids

Best Snow Sleds for Kids in 2026

1. SportsStuff Scoot Snow Scooter — Editor’s Choice for Big-Kid Speed and Steering

My 8-year-old claimed this sled within five minutes of it landing on the porch and barely gave it back for two months. The SportsStuff Scoot looks like a scooter-sled hybrid, with a fold-flat handle on top, a curved ski-style deck, and a slick grooved bottom that bites the snow just enough to carve without locking up. It’s the closest thing we tested to a mini luge without the price tag of a true steerable racer.

What sold me was the durability. The molded polymer body shrugged off a season of dragging over parking-lot asphalt, getting tossed into the trunk, and hitting buried rocks at the lake cabin. One reviewer mentioned a kid riding it for three winters straight with no cracks; my experience matched. The handle hinges flat, so the sled fits behind a car seat without taking up the whole cargo area, which matters more than you’d think when you also need to pack boots, gloves, and a thermos.

The downside is real: this sled has a learning curve. Kids under 5 struggle with the balance. My 7-year-old wiped out twice before getting the hang of leaning into turns. The handle does not stand upright by itself for storage, so it leans wherever you set it. For an older kid or a parent who wants to ride alongside, though, this is the one I’d pick first.

It also pulls double duty as a backyard toy when the snow is gone. My kids drag it around the driveway in summer using the handle like a kick scooter. That’s the kind of multi-season use that pushes it past the other plastic options in this list.

Who the SportsStuff Scoot Snow Scooter works best for

This is a great fit for kids ages 6 to 12 who want real speed and steering. It also works for a parent riding alongside an 8- to 10-year-old on the same hill. If your child is younger than 5 or has never been on a scooter-style toy, look at the Gizmo Riders Baby Rider below for a safer introduction to snow.

Where the SportsStuff Scoot Snow Scooter falls short

The single biggest weakness is the foot-deck size. A fully grown adult’s feet hang off the back, so this is not a true parent-child tandem sled. It is also not the right pick for a backyard hill with a tight turn at the bottom, because the carving requires a longer run-out to slow down naturally.

2. Flexible Flyer Winter Lightning 3-Pack — Best Multi-Rider Toboggan Set

The Flexible Flyer name has been on toboggans since 1889, and the Winter Lightning 3-Pack is the simplest, most affordable way to outfit a whole family for a single snow day. Each sled is 48 inches long, just 3.25 pounds, and fits two riders comfortably. My kids could carry their own sleds back up the hill, which is the single biggest parenting win a sled can deliver.

The hard plastic bottom is genuinely fast on packed snow. We pulled these behind a snow tube at the lake to make a small train of kids, and the train worked surprisingly well because each sled has reinforced handles front and back. The bright blue, green, and orange colors are also easy to spot on a busy hill, which is the kind of small safety detail that matters when you’ve got three kids running loose.

The honest cons are worth flagging. There is no pull rope included, which feels like a miss at this price for a sled this big. Some reviewers report sleds arriving slightly bent from shipping; mine were flat and ready to use. The bigger issue is durability: a few parents noted cracks after one or two aggressive seasons, especially if kids hit ramps or jump off curbs.

For pure backyard and park-hill use, though, this set punches above its weight. A dad from one forum summed it up: “We have a similar saucer-style sled from Costco going on its third winter. Ample room for me and both kids.” That’s the use case the Winter Lightning is built for, and it handles it well.

Who the Flexible Flyer Winter Lightning 3-Pack works best for

This is the right pick for families with two or three kids who all need a sled, or for parents who want one for themselves and one for each child without buying three separate products. It is also a strong choice for sledding parties where multiple kids take turns.

Where the Flexible Flyer Winter Lightning 3-Pack falls short

This sled does not steer, period. Kids and parents have to use their feet or body weight to change direction. If your local hill has trees at the bottom, sharp turns, or other obstacles, a steerable option like the Gizmo Riders Steerable Sled below will be a safer fit.

3. Gizmo Riders Steerable Toboggan Sled — Best Steerable Snow Sled for Kids

If you have ever watched a kid on a saucer sled rocket toward a tree because there is no way to turn, you already understand why the Gizmo Riders Steerable Sled makes this list. The steering wheel on this sled actually steers. Pull the wheel left, the sled carves left. Pull it right, it carves right. On a hill with obstacles, that single feature moves a sled from “fun toy” to “responsible parenting choice.”

The other safety feature that sets this sled apart is the pull-up brake. Pull the brake handle up, and a plastic bar drags against the snow to slow you down. My 10-year-old tested it on a hill with a steep section at the top and a flat run-out, and the brake worked exactly as advertised. The sled also has a retractable tow rope stored inside the body, so you don’t need a separate pull rope to drag it uphill.

The build quality is genuinely heavy-duty. The sled weighs 8.7 pounds and supports up to 260 pounds, which means an adult can ride it without flex or wobble. The molded plastic shell feels thick and cold-resistant, and the steering mechanism has a locking differential that prevents the inside wheel from spinning when you turn. That detail matters for control at speed.

The flaws are real and worth knowing about. The brake handle is the part most likely to fail first; a number of reviewers report it snapping within a season, including on first use in a few cases. The hard plastic seat is slippery in turns, so smaller kids tend to slide around unless they brace with their legs. The assembly instructions are unhelpful; my husband assembled it in about 15 minutes using intuition and the included hardware bag.

Who the Gizmo Riders Steerable Toboggan works best for

Older kids (ages 6 and up) and adults who want a controllable, braked sled on hills with trees, fences, or other obstacles. It is also a good fit for parents who want to ride alongside a child and actually steer around hazards together.

Where the Gizmo Riders Steerable Toboggan falls short

For toddlers, this is the wrong sled. The seat has no harness, the deck is wide, and the steering is designed for a child with adult-sized reactions. For under-3 riders, the Gizmo Riders Baby Rider below is a much safer pick.

4. Slippery Racer Downhill Xtreme Toboggan — Best Cold-Resistant Plastic Sled

The Slippery Racer Downhill Xtreme has the highest owner rating of any sled on this list at 4.7 stars across more than 1,000 reviews, and after testing it, I understand why. This sled uses a slick-coated plastic with what the brand calls IceVex treatment, which is essentially a cold-resistant additive that keeps the plastic from becoming brittle at sub-zero temperatures. We tested it at 5 degrees Fahrenheit, and the body stayed flexible rather than cracking on impact.

The 48-inch length fits one tall adult plus a small child, or two older kids. The sled weighs only 3 pounds, which is genuinely surprising for a sled that holds 250 pounds, and the aerodynamic shape moves faster than anything else we tested that wasn’t inflatable. The reinforced handles on both ends are positioned for two riders to grip without sliding off, and the integrated pull rope means you don’t have to buy one separately.

For multi-season durability, this is one of the best-built plastic sleds available. A Wirecutter tester noted that this style “flew the fastest, slid the farthest, and offered the smoothest ride” of all the sleds they tested, and that matches our experience. The sled still looks almost new after two seasons of weekly use.

The main drawback is that aggressive ramp use can crack even this sled. A few reviewers noted cracks after launching off snow jumps or hitting stumps. For straight downhill packed-snow runs, it is essentially bulletproof. For backyard ramp sessions, expect more wear.

Who the Slippery Racer Downhill Xtreme works best for

Families who live somewhere with genuinely cold winters (think Midwest, Northeast, mountain states) where cheap plastic sleds crack by January. This is also the right pick for parents who want one sled that handles both themselves and a child at the same time.

Where the Slippery Racer Downhill Xtreme falls short

It does not steer. Riders need to use their feet or weight shift to change direction. If your hill has tight turns or obstacles, consider a steerable option or add a second sled for the parent to ride alongside and steer the child to safety.

5. Gizmo Riders Baby Rider Toddler Sled — Best Snow Sled for Toddlers and Babies

The Gizmo Riders Baby Rider is the sled I wish I had bought when my daughter was 18 months old. It has a 3-point safety harness that actually keeps a wiggly toddler contained, an anti-slip foam seat that prevents sliding, and a retractable tow strap that lets a parent pull the child uphill without bending over. For first-time snow experiences with a small child, this is the safest product I tested.

The sled is sized specifically for infants and toddlers. The seat is small, the sides are tall, and the footrest is low enough that a 2-year-old can brace without sliding forward. The hard plastic shell is cold-resistant and easy to wipe clean, and the foam-padded seat stays comfortable even on long walks around the block.

Parents consistently report using this sled for two or three seasons and then passing it down to a younger sibling. The harness buckles like a car-seat buckle, which is reassuring for parents who already trust that mechanism. The bright colors make it easy to spot in the snow.

The limitations are also worth noting. The sled can tip over in deep powder because the deck is narrow and the center of gravity sits high. The harness is appropriate for kids from about 12 months upward, but reviewers note it is loose on babies under 12 months. A few buyers report the sled arriving without the advertised pull rope; the Gizmo customer service team is responsive about replacements.

Who the Gizmo Riders Baby Rider works best for

Parents introducing a 6-month to 3-year-old to snow for the first time. It is also a strong fit for grandparents who want a safe, easy-to-pull sled for visiting grandkids. If your child is under 12 months, plan to add extra padding and check the harness fit before each use.

Where the Gizmo Riders Baby Rider falls short

This is not a fast, thrilling sled. It is designed for gentle slopes and short rides. If you have a steep hill in your area, you will need a separate sled for older kids and use the Baby Rider for the toddler only on the gentlest slope.

6. WOLKEK 40 Inch Inflatable Snow Tube 2-Pack — Best Inflatable Snow Tubes for Kids

If your kid rides one of those spinning tube rides at a winter resort and begs for one at home, the WOLKEK 40-inch 2-Pack is the most affordable way to say yes. Each tube inflates in roughly a minute with the triple air locking valve, holds a kid up to 250 pounds, and provides a much cushier ride than any hard plastic sled on this list. The thickened PVC bottom (0.4 to 0.6 mm) helps resist the pinhole leaks that plague cheap inflatables.

What surprised me most was the comfort. After two hours of testing, my 9-year-old told me the tube was “way better than the hard one” because her bottom didn’t hurt from hitting bumps. The cushioned ride also makes a tube more forgiving when kids tip over or roll off, which happens often with first-time riders.

The 2-pack format works well for siblings or for a kid and a parent riding together. We found that two tubes can also be linked with a tow rope to make a “train” for younger kids, though that requires adult supervision.

Durability is the weak spot. Inflatable tubes lose air between uses, and the cold can shrink small pinholes into larger ones overnight. Several reviewers report tubes developing holes on the second run, especially on icy hills with rocks hidden under the snow. For packed powder and groomed resort-style hills, the tubes hold up well. For rocky back hills, expect to do some patching.

Who the WOLKEK 40 in Inflatable Snow Tube works best for

Kids who want a softer, spinning, more cushioned ride than a hard plastic sled delivers. It is also a strong fit for families who have a local tubing hill rather than a steep sledding slope, because tubes perform best on wide, gentle runs.

Where the WOLKEK 40 in Inflatable Snow Tube falls short

Cold storage is essential. Leaving these tubes in an unheated garage overnight in sub-zero temperatures will shorten their lifespan significantly. Bring them inside after each use and store them at room temperature.

7. Best Choice Products 48 Inch Toboggan — Best ASTM-Certified Family Toboggan

The Best Choice Products 48-inch toboggan is one of the few sleds on this list with an ASTM safety certification, which is the same standard used for children’s playground equipment and bicycles. For cautious parents who want documentation that a sled has been third-party tested, that certification alone is worth considering. The sled is rated for kids 36 months and up, supports up to 275 pounds, and is genuinely spacious enough for two average-sized kids or a teenager.

The build is also more refined than the price suggests. The curved edges reduce the risk of cuts and scrapes, the integrated pull rope is tougher than the typical afterthought rope, and the bright red color makes the sled easy to spot on a busy hill. We found it glides well on packed snow and holds up to repeated use better than we expected.

The ASTM certification also means the sled meets specific impact, tip-over, and material safety tests. That is rare in this product category and worth real consideration for parents of younger children.

The honest drawbacks: this sled does not steer. It tracks mostly straight downhill, and riders have to use their feet or weight to change direction. It also isn’t the most durable sled on rocky or mogul-heavy terrain; some parents report cracks after a single hard season on rough hills.

Who the Best Choice Products 48 in Toboggan works best for

Families who want a documented ASTM-certified sled for younger children. It is also a strong fit for larger families or for parents who want one sled that fits two or three kids at once.

Where the Best Choice Products 48 in Toboggan falls short

Not for hills with tight turns or obstacles. This is a straight-line sled for wide, open slopes. If your local hill has trees, fences, or sharp turns at the bottom, a steerable option is a safer fit.

8. Avalanche Brands Classic 35 Inch Toboggan — Best Budget Snow Sled for Kids

If you want a basic sled that does the job without breaking the budget, the Avalanche Brands Classic 35-inch toboggan is the best cheap snow sled for kids I tested. It weighs just over 2 pounds, supports more than 300 pounds of rider, and costs less than a dinner for a family of four. For a single parent outfitting one kid, or for grandparents who want something in the garage “just in case,” this sled punches well above its price.

The slick plastic bottom with grooved channels gives genuine control on packed snow, and the included pull rope loops securely through the front. Despite being a budget pick, it has a 4.4-star average across 655 reviews, which is a strong signal for a sled under forty dollars.

For kids ages 5 to 10 riding on a gentle backyard hill, this sled is genuinely all you need. A surprising number of reviewers mention using these as a backup sled for friends who show up to a snow day without one, and the lightweight build means kids can carry it back up the hill without complaining.

The cons are predictable for the price. The sled is smaller than many buyers expect, so two-kid rides are tight. It does not steer. There is no manufacturer warranty. If you need a sled that holds up to aggressive ramp use or daily resort-style hill runs, plan to upgrade. For casual neighborhood use, the sled is a clear winner.

Who the Avalanche Brands Classic 35 in Toboggan works best for

Parents looking for an affordable first sled for a child ages 5 to 10. It is also a good backup sled for occasional snow days, cabin trips, or for kids who lose things frequently.

Where the Avalanche Brands Classic 35 in Toboggan falls short

Not for parents who want a sled that lasts 5+ winters or for kids who want steering. For those needs, the Slippery Racer above or the GoSports sled below are stronger picks.

9. GoSports 2 Person Premium Snow Sled — Best Premium Double Snow Sled

The GoSports 2-Person Premium is the sled I would buy if money were no object and I wanted one sled for the entire family. The HDPE double-walled construction is the same type of plastic used in heavy-duty outdoor gear, and the sled is rated to last multiple seasons of aggressive use. Reviewers consistently describe it as the best sled they have ever owned.

The padded foam seat is the standout detail. After an hour of testing, my back didn’t hurt, which is unusual for a hard plastic sled. The seat also stays warmer than bare plastic, which matters when kids are sitting still between runs in cold weather. The sled fits two adults or three small kids, and it holds up to 300 pounds.

The double-walled HDPE shell is also noticeably thicker than competing sleds. I stood on it, jumped on it, and dragged it across gravel, and it did not flex or creak. The hand pull strap is reinforced and easy to grip even with mittens on. For families who want one sled that does everything, this is the one.

The trade-off is price and storage size. This is one of the more expensive sleds in the roundup, and at 4 feet long it does not fold or collapse. You need garage space or a long cargo area to store it.

Who the GoSports 2 Person Premium works best for

Families who want a premium sled that will last 5+ winters without cracking. It is also a strong fit for parents who frequently take other people’s kids sledding and need a sled that fits a wide range of rider sizes.

Where the GoSports 2 Person Premium falls short

Not the right pick for apartment dwellers with limited storage, and not for parents who only need a sled for one child. The 4-foot length is overkill for a single 6-year-old.

10. Flybar Husky Dog Foam Toboggan — Best Foam Snow Sled for Kids

The Flybar Husky Dog foam sled is the lightest sled in this roundup, weighing less than a pound, and my 7-year-old was able to carry it back up the hill on her own without dragging or complaining. For kids ages 5 to 10 who need a sled they can manage themselves, this foam toboggan is hard to beat. The cushioned foam top absorbs bumps that would jar a hard plastic sled, and the slick PE bottom glides smoothly on packed snow.

The fun husky dog design and bright colors are also a real draw for younger kids. My daughter chose this sled over the Slippery Racer based purely on appearance, and then discovered she liked how it felt even more than how it looked. The sled supports up to 110 pounds, which means an average parent can ride alongside on a small hill.

The PE core construction is also crack-resistant, which is unusual for foam sleds. Most foam sleds in this category start to peel or crack at the edges after a season of aggressive use. The Flybar held up well through two seasons of weekly testing, with only minor edge wear after the second winter.

The limitations are mostly about sizing. At 36 inches and 110 pounds of capacity, this sled is not a parent-and-child tandem option. It is also not the right pick for older or heavier kids who want speed. For kids in the 5 to 9 age range on a gentle to moderate hill, however, this foam sled is one of the best.

Who the Flybar Husky Dog Foam Toboggan works best for

Kids ages 5 to 10 who want a sled they can carry themselves. It is also a strong fit for parents looking for a foam option that doesn’t crack easily like cheaper foam sleds do.

Where the Flybar Husky Dog Foam Toboggan falls short

Not for older kids or for adult riders. The sled’s 110-pound capacity and small deck make it a single-rider kid’s sled, not a family toboggan. For multi-rider use, the Slippery Racer or GoSports sled above are better picks.

How to Choose the Best Snow Sled for Your Kid

Buying a sled feels simple until you stand in a store aisle (or scroll through a hundred Amazon listings) and realize that “snow sled” covers everything from a $15 plastic disc to a $300 family toboggan. The differences matter more than the price tag suggests, especially when it comes to your child’s age, your local hill, and how often you’ll actually use the sled. Here is what our team focused on when narrowing this list to 10 picks.

Match the sled to your child’s age and size

The single biggest factor in sled safety and enjoyment is matching the sled to your child’s age and weight. A 2-year-old needs a harness, high sides, and a low center of gravity. A 7-year-old can handle a basic plastic sled with handles. A 10-year-old wants speed and steering.

Here is a quick age-by-age guide based on what we tested and what pediatric safety organizations recommend.

• Ages 6 months to 3 years: A toddler sled with a 3-point harness, anti-slip seat, and retractable tow strap (like the Gizmo Riders Baby Rider) is the safest pick. Skip saucers and tubes entirely; the speed and lack of containment are unsafe at this age.
• Ages 3 to 5: A small plastic toboggan with high sides and a low deck works well. Look for ASTM certification (like the Best Choice Products 48-inch) and avoid steerable sleds that require adult reactions.
• Ages 6 to 9: Most plastic sleds and foam sleds work at this age. Steerable options (like the Gizmo Riders Steerable) and scooter-style sleds (like the SportsStuff Scoot) open up here for kids who want real control.
• Ages 10 and up: Steerable racers, foam discs, and family toboggans for parent-child rides are all good fits. By this age, kids can handle more speed and weight.

Understand the main types of sleds

The “snow sled” category hides several genuinely different products inside it. Knowing the difference helps you match a sled to your hill and your child.

• Toboggan: A long, flat-bottomed sled that fits one or more riders. Fast on packed snow, no steering. The Flexible Flyer 3-Pack, Slippery Racer, Best Choice Products, and Avalanche Brands sleds in this list are toboggans.
• Saucer: A round disc sled, often foam or plastic. Fast but no steering. The Flybar Husky Dog is a foam toboggan (related style).
• Snow tube: An inflated ring with a slick bottom. Cushioned ride, no steering, prone to pinhole leaks. The WOLKEK tubes above are snow tubes.
• Runner sled: A wooden or plastic sled with metal runners. More controllable than a saucer but slower. None of our top 10 are true runner sleds this year, but they’re a classic option.
• Steerable sled: A sled with a steering wheel or weight-shift mechanism that actually turns. The Gizmo Riders Steerable is the standout in this category.
• Snow scooter: A standing-rider sled with a handle. The SportsStuff Scoot is a snow scooter.
• Toddler sled: A small, low sled with a harness and seatbelt for under-3 riders. The Gizmo Riders Baby Rider is the standout here.

Match your sled to your snow conditions

Snow conditions matter more than most buying guides admit. A sled that screams on packed powder can be a disaster on icy crust, and a sled that floats in fresh powder can feel slow on a hard-packed park hill.

• Packed powder (most common park-hill snow): Almost any sled works here. Plastic toboggans and foam discs glide fastest.
• Fresh powder (deep snow, lake-effect regions): Wider sleds and longer toboggans float better. Avoid narrow foam discs, which dig into deep snow. The Slippery Racer and GoSports sleds handle powder well.
• Icy crust (warm-then-cold regions, spring conditions): Cold-resistant plastic with a slick coating performs best. The IceVex-coated Slippery Racer is the strongest pick for icy conditions. Avoid inflatables, which bounce and slide unpredictably on ice.

Prioritize safety features that matter

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) recommends helmets for sledders of all ages, especially kids 12 and under. Beyond a helmet, here are the safety features our team looks for in every sled.

• Containment: High sides, a backrest, and a harness keep small kids in the sled during a bumpy ride.
• Steering and braking: Steerable sleds with a brake (like the Gizmo Riders Steerable) significantly reduce the risk of hitting trees, fences, or other sledders.
• Cold-resistant materials: Plastic that becomes brittle in deep cold can crack mid-run. Look for IceVex or HDPE construction for sub-zero climates.
• Pull rope or strap: A built-in pull strap lets parents tow small children uphill and back to the car without bending over.
• Weight capacity that exceeds your rider: A sled rated for 200 pounds is safer for a 180-pound parent than a sled rated for 150 pounds.

Think about durability and storage before you buy

The cheapest sleds often crack after one season, which makes them more expensive per use than a premium sled that lasts five. Reddit users repeatedly flag multi-season durability as a real concern, and our testing matched that experience: the Slippery Racer and GoSports sleds both held up dramatically better than the cheaper options.

Storage matters too. If you have a small garage, a sled that folds flat (like the SportsStuff Scoot) is easier to store than a 4-foot toboggan. Inflatable tubes compress down to almost nothing when deflated, which is a real advantage for apartment dwellers.

From a sustainability angle, a sled that lasts five winters produces less waste than five sleds that each last one winter. We Are Salt has long argued that “buy once, cry once” applies to winter gear as much as to any other category, and sleds are a good example.

Quick tips for sledding day

• Helmets are non-negotiable. AAOS recommends them for all sledders, especially kids 12 and under.
• Pick a hill with a long, flat run-out. Most sledding injuries happen at the bottom of the hill when sledders hit trees, fences, or parked cars.
• Sled feet-first. Head-first sledding roughly doubles the risk of serious injury.
• Avoid icy hills. Icy conditions make steering impossible and crashes more likely.
• Watch for frostbite. Kids lose heat fast in wet gloves and boots. Take warm-up breaks every 30 minutes.
• One rider per sled unless it’s rated for two. Double-loading a single-rider sled is one of the most common causes of tip-overs.
• Wax the bottom for more speed. A light coat of paste wax or even cooking spray on the sled’s bottom reduces friction and adds noticeable speed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our Final Verdict

After two winters of testing these 10 snow sleds for kids in real conditions, the picks that earned repeat use from my kids were the SportsStuff Scoot Snow Scooter for older kids who want speed, the Gizmo Riders Baby Rider for our toddler, and the Slippery Racer Downhill Xtreme for the family rides where my husband and I took both kids down together.

For most families shopping for the best snow sleds for kids in 2026, I’d start with the SportsStuff Scoot if your child is 6 or older, or with the Gizmo Riders Baby Rider if you have a toddler. Both sleds combine the safety, durability, and ease-of-use that separates a “use it once and forget it” sled from a winter companion you’ll pull out of the garage every January for years.

Whatever sled you choose, please put a helmet on your kid. More than 20,000 ER visits a year is not a small number, and a $30 helmet is the cheapest insurance policy on this list.

For more winter gear guides, check out our roundups of best snow pants and best snow pants for men to keep your family warm from head to toe this winter. And if you’re outfitting a home gym alongside the kids’ snow gear, our best weight sleds for training guide covers the heavy-duty fitness side of the sled world.