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15 Best Snow Toys for Kids of 2024

Updated
The snow is here; time to head outdoors and have some fun!

Let’s be honest; there’s nothing worse than having the kids cooped up indoors.

Just because it’s snowing doesn’t mean they can’t be outside sledding, building a snowman, having snowball fights, or building snow forts.

We have a lot of experience with kids and snow (too much, really!). So we’ve spent our fair share of time researching and testing a wide range of snow toys to keep our kids happy, healthy, and outdoors in the winter.

In this article, we’ll share our top picks for the best snow toys for kids and discuss how to keep your little snow angels safe when they’re out in the cold.

Our Top Picks

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Image
Model
Product Comparison Table
Features

Product Image of the JOYIN Toy Snowball Maker Snow Toys for Kids Red Yellow & Blue with Bonus Tote...
Fun for All Ages
Joyin Snowball Maker
  • Durable
  • Long handle
  • Easy to use
Product Image of the Flexible Flyer Sled
Best Wooden Sled
Flexible Flyer Sled
  • Easy to steer
  • Large sled size
  • Holds up to 250 lbs
Product Image of the Ideal SNO-Buddy Penguin
Best Sculpting Toy
Ideal SNO-Buddy Penguin
  • Includes 2-piece mold
  • Creates penguin in seconds
  • Makes 11 inch tall creations
Product Image of the Zipfy Freestyle Luge
Fastest Flyer
Zipfy Freestyle Luge
  • Anti-skid vinyl seat
  • Lightweight & compact
  • Highly maneuverable
Product Image of the Flexible Flyer To-Boggan
Favorite Toddler Sled
Flexible Flyer To-Boggan
  • High double-slat backrest
  • Comes fully assembled
  • Well built
Product Image of the Slippery Racer Sled
Simplest Sled Design
Slippery Racer Sled
  • Heavy duty
  • Flexible slick-coated plastic
  • Accommodates 1-2 riders
Product Image of the GeoSpace Ski Skooter
Best Standing Sled
GeoSpace Ski Skooter
  • Adjustable-height handle
  • Super-tough material
  • 3-mode LED light
Product Image of the Chameleon Colors
Best for Budding Artists
Chameleon Colors
  • Easy to clean
  • Bio-degradable
  • Easy-to-follow instructions
Product Image of the GoFloats Winter Snow Tube
Best Tube Sled
GoFloats Winter Snow Tube
  • High-quality material
  • Sturdy handles
  • Fast inflation & deflation valve
Product Image of the Evelots Snowman Kit
Best Snowman Kit
Evelots Snowman Kit
  • Durable
  • 16-piece kit
  • Reusable

Review Methodology: At Mom Loves Best, we conduct a thorough analysis and hands-on assessment of the top snow toys for kids, ensuring that you can trust our expert evaluations and reviews. Our experienced team thoroughly compares each product based on criteria like safety, durability, age-appropriateness, and fun factor, among other key decision-making factors. We gather data, track performance, and measure each toy against industry benchmarks and standards to rank and recommend the best options. We also consider design choices and their effect on users while providing first-hand evidence to help you make an informed decision for your child’s winter enjoyment. With an in-depth understanding of what sets each product apart from its competitors, we ensure our article offers valuable insights into the best snow toys for kids on the market.



The Best Kids Snow Toys of 2024

Here are 15 great snow toys to consider.

Joyin Snowball Maker

Fun for All Ages

Pile up a stack of perfect snowballs with this easy-to-use tool from Joyin. Just open the handles, scoop the snow, and close — voila, a lovely round snowball. Your kids will be the envy of their friends during snowball fights.

These come in a pack of three in bright colors of blue, yellow and red. Plus it also includes a bonus tote for storage.


Flexible Flyer Metal Runner Sled

Best Wooden Sled

This steel and wood kids snow sled is good for young and old. Suitable for ages 5 years and up, it can hold up to 250 pounds — ideal for sledding down the slopes with your kids in tow.

It’s steerable with your hands if you’re lying down or your feet if you’re sitting up, so you can curve your way around other sledders. It also comes fully assembled. All you have to do is unbox it, and you’re ready to go.

Personal Perspective

I'm thrilled with this sled, as it has brought back nostalgic memories and offers a fast, thrilling ride. The metal frame is solid, and once the paint is off the runners, it glides even more swiftly on the snow. Although the wood planks seem a bit thin, the sled is still durable and can be steered effortlessly, providing more control during rides. Additionally, this sled is perfect for some outdoor exercise, making it not only fun but beneficial for my health too.

Ideal SNO Toys SNO-Buddy Penguin

Best Snow Sculpting Toy For Kids

What kid doesn’t love a penguin? This snow mold will let you build your own colony of penguins in the snow. Fill each half of the mold with snow, close it, stand it up, open it again, and a cute penguin emerges.

This is suitable for kids ages 5 and over and makes a fun alternative to building snowmen. They can recreate the “Happy Feet” cast and direct their own movie.

Community Feedback

Excellent product for snowy fun with the family! I recently purchased this snow penguin mold for my grandchildren and they absolutely loved it, even prompting me to buy more for my other grandkids. The mold is durable, easy to use, and creates adorable penguins if you pack the snow just right, ensuring a successful snowy activity for both kids and adults. The best part is seeing the joy it brings to everyone, including neighbors and passersby who can't help but smile at the cute penguin army on display.

Zipfy Freestyle Luge Snow Sled

Fastest Snow Flyer

This luge-style snow sled will have your kids whizzing down the slopes in true Olympic style. Available in nine different colors, it only weighs 3.5 pounds and is suitable for kids ages 5 and over.

Race through turns by leaning into them using the handle to steer. An anti-slip vinyl seat makes it comfortable, while decals let you personalize the sled.


Flexible Flyer Baby Pull Sled

Favorite Toddler Sled

Little kids also love being out in the snow. This sled will let your toddlers (ages 18 months to 4 years) sit in style while you tow them along with the included rope.

It has a high double backrest, and the elevated seat position will keep them dry. Just make sure your little one holds on tight, as there’s no strap to hold them in.

User Experience

I recently purchased this baby sled for my daughter, and it has been a fantastic addition to our winter activities. The quality is impressive, with smooth wood and attention to detail, although I did swap out the synthetic rope handle for a nicer cotton one. Our daughter, who has Down syndrome, can now enjoy gliding on the snow and even go sleddling down small snow mounds with her siblings, thanks to the sled's compatibility with a special tomato brand floor sitter seat. However, I wouldn't recommend this sled for true downhill sledding, as it seems more suited for pull-along sleigh rides and may not be as safe for more intense activities.

Slippery Racer Downhill Sprinter Sled

Simplest Sled Design

This flexible plastic sled is suitable for kids ages 4 and over. It’s lightweight and has a rope attached, making towing it back uphill a breeze. It also has a cold-resistant “IceVex” treatment to keep kids warmer for longer.

It’s available in four bright colors: red, blue, pink, or green, so your little ones will be easy to spot as they speed down the slopes.

Personal Perspective

I recently purchased this toboggan-style snow sled for my kids, and it has quickly become a winter favorite. The size is perfect for fitting two small 10-year-olds, and it's easy to maneuver, providing more control compared to other sleds we've tried. Its durable plastic material held up well during our two-day sledding adventure on rugged terrain. Although it's smaller than other toboggans, it still offers an enjoyable experience and fits easily in the hatchback of our small car. Out of the three sleds we tested, this one proved to be the best choice for both fun and practicality.

GeoSpace Ski Skooter

Best Standing Sled

Snowboarding is made simple with this scooter for kids ages 6 and over. It will work on flat surfaces or slopes. They can even use it on grass or sand, which is good if you live in areas where kids want snow-style fun but don’t get much snow.

It has LED lights on the front, so your kids can easily be seen when visibility or light isn’t so good. And the non-skid platform helps with stability in the feet.

Community Feedback

In my experience, these Ski Skooters were a hit with kids of various ages, providing hours of fun on snowy days. The build quality was sturdy, though the included LED light was loose and ultimately removed. One downside is the inability to choose a specific color, as I received a random assortment. While advertised to work on grass, my kids reported that it didn't perform well on grassy surfaces.
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Chameleon Colors Paint Snowman Kit

Best for Budding Artists

Who says your snowman has to look like everyone else’s? With this kit, you can paint your own multicolored snowman. It comes with four colors: black, yellow, red, and blue. You can mix the colors together, make beautiful designs, and spruce up your snowman. The paint doesn’t melt into the snow, either!

First-Hand Impression

Great find for those waiting for snow to have some outdoor fun! This product was a bit messy, but it provided loads of entertainment for my whole family as we enjoyed coloring the snow together. I even purchased it as a gift for my visiting aunt and cousins, who appreciated the creative aspect. The grandkids had an amazing time using this kit, and my kids couldn't get enough of playing with the colors.

GoFloats Winter Snow Tube

Best Snow Tube Sled for Kids

Snow tubes are great fun for kids, big and small. They’re inflatable and lightweight, and this one is no exception. Made from a thick 0.6 mm raft-grade material, it has sturdy handles to hold onto as you skim over the snow.

As snow tubes give less control than most sleds, don’t forget the safety helmet, knee pads, and all-important adult supervision. Also, don’t let kids under 6 years old sled on it.

User Experience

I'm thrilled with the durability and performance of this snow tube! It's much thicker than I expected, easily supporting my 250lb frame for numerous snowy rides. I've also found it to be versatile, as I plan to use it on rivers during the summer months. Inflating the tube outside in the cold is essential to prevent deflation, but once that's done, it's smooth sailing. My kids, aged 4 and 6, absolutely loved using it and it's even sturdy enough for adults. Just make sure to use it on fresh snow or water, as rough terrain could cause damage.

Evelots Snowman Kit

Best Snowman Kit

Building a snowman is fun for all the family. This kit is suitable for kids ages 5 and over and will ensure you have the best-dressed snowman in the neighborhood. You can choose to buy either one or two kits.

It contains 16 pieces to bring your snowman to life, including a top hat and scarf, a carrot nose, eyes, buttons, and a smile. All pieces have long prongs to ensure they stay in place — until the snow melts, that is!

Personal Perspective

I recently purchased this snowman kit and was thoroughly impressed with the quality and ease of use. The charcoal pieces for the pipe and the other components gave my snowman a charming appearance, making it the cutest in the neighborhood. However, I did have to replace the red scarf as it was too small for my snowman's neck and also had to reinforce the hat's anchors to prevent the wind from blowing it off. On the downside, the carrot nose was a bit too large and heavy, causing it to fall off occasionally. Additionally, handling the pieces left my hands black, and the little prongs used to hold them in the snow were prone to breaking. Despite these minor issues, my granddaughter absolutely loved making her first snowman with this kit, and I'm considering buying another one for next year.

Flexible Flyer Snow Block Mold

Most Affordable Kids Snow Toy

Let your budding builders create snow bricks and build their own snow fort, igloo, or whatever else you fancy. This single mold has non-toxic finishes, making them safe for kids aged 3 and over.

We love that these can be used to make snow bricks in the winter and then sand bricks in the summer — an ideal year-round toy at a terrific price point.

Community Feedback

This snow and sand block maker is a fun and versatile toy, suitable for both winter and beach adventures. I found that it takes some practice to master the technique, especially for younger kids, as the mold needs to be held upside down or balanced between knees while being packed and leveled. Wet sand is necessary for the best results, just like when building a sandcastle. One minor drawback is the hole at the top of the mold, which allows some sand to escape and leaves a small heap on top of the finished block. The plastic is lightweight yet sturdy, making it easy to slide the blocks out and create impressive structures. My family has enjoyed using this block maker in the snow, and we're excited to try it at the beach too.

Flexible Flyer Build a Snowman & Snow Art Markers Kit.

Best Snow Markers Kit

Kids love to draw — not only on paper but also on your walls. We’re taking art to the next level, this time on snow!

This product from Ideal comes with three snow markers in red, blue, and green. It also includes all the snowman parts you need. Let your kids express their creativity outdoors!

First-Hand Impression

My experience with this snowman kit was delightful, as my 5-year-old had a blast creating her first snowman using these items. Adding food coloring made for a unique and colorful twist to our frosty friend.

Gpeng Snowshoes

Best Snowshoes for Kids

Going for a walk on a snowy day can be slippery and treacherous. Help your little ones keep their footing with these snowshoes. It has a metal plate with spikes to help keep kids stable.

The binding is an easy step fastening, and there’s a heel grip to keep feet in place. Choose from a wide selection of colors and sizes to fit family members weighing 30 pounds to 250 pounds.

User Experience

In my experience, these snowshoes fit well and are enjoyable to use, despite the front ratchet binder not holding strongly. I've used them a few times for about 1-2 hours in soft, wet snow and noticed that I sunk in a bit with my gear on, so consider opting for a larger size if you plan to use them in similar conditions. While they are easy to use and decent for the price, the included snowshoe bag is made of flimsy material and arrived with holes in it. Additionally, as a first-time snowshoer, I found the instructions could have been clearer and free from spelling errors.

Back Bay Play Snow & Sand Molds

Best Multi-Season Toy

This molding kit is suitable for both snow and sand. It comes with four shaped molds, including rectangle, flat, round, and pointed top — everything you need to build your very own snow castle!

We especially like that these durable items are made to last a lifetime, unlike many other plastic molding toys. They are made in the U.S. and are suitable for kids ages 3 years and over.

Personal Perspective

These sand toys exceeded my expectations in terms of quality and durability, making them perfect for constructing basic beach castles and forts. I found the pieces to be a good size for my children and the wall piece, in particular, was a hit. Although a permanent storage bag with a drawstring would have been a nice addition, it's a minor concern compared to the enjoyment my kids and I experienced using these toys.

SnowFun Indoor Snowballs

Best Indoor Snow Toy for Kids

Maybe you live somewhere that rarely, if ever, sees snow. We don’t want your kids to miss out, so these indoor snowballs mean you can also join in the fun.

Suitable for kids ages 3 and over, these soft “snowballs” can be played with any time and anywhere. They leave no mess or slush and can be machine washed and dried on a low setting in the dryer.

Community Feedback

I've recently purchased these snowballs for a themed party and they exceeded my expectations. Not only were they perfect for the children's snowball fight, but they also became a hit among the adults. These snowballs are of high quality, soft, and even mimic the feeling of packed snow. As a PE teacher, I found them to be a great addition to indoor activities, though they may not last very long with continuous use.

Tips for Safe Snow Play

Here are some tips to keep your kids warm and safe during snow play.

Layer Up

The last thing you want is your child overheating or freezing their tush off. So, what’s the right amount of clothing?

Children and infants should dress warmly for outdoor fun. Wearing several thin layers of clothing will keep them dry and warm (1).

Pop them in thermal “long johns” if you have them. If not, use a moisture-wicking underlayer. You don’t want their sweat being trapped and getting their underlayers wet.

On top of that, ideally, you want a turtleneck with a couple of loose insulating layers, such as long-sleeved tops. Keeping them loose will trap an insulating layer of air. You could then use a sweater and coat — and remember warm socks, boots, mittens or gloves, a scarf, and a hat.

The general advice is to put one more layer on babies and children than adults would need in similar conditions.

Use Sunscreen

If it’s sunny, damaging UV rays are still about, even though it’s cold. The sun’s reflection on the snow can even cause sunburn, especially for delicate skin.

Put sunscreen on any exposed skin areas, and ensure it’s waterproof. Another consideration might be to pop on some sunglasses to protect their eyes.

Safe Sledding

Dashing through the snow at an exhilarating speed is fun for kids, young and old. However, there is the potential for injury. More than 20,000 people under the age of 19 are treated in the ER each year for sledding injuries (2).

Most of these are head injuries, so consider putting a helmet on your child. Alternatively, don’t let them sled down a slope head first, and avoid the slopes when they’re overcrowded.

Finally, make sure that the slopes are free of debris, trees, rocks, fences, or anything else that can hurt a child if they hit it.

Frostnip and Frostbite

One of the perils of outside play in cold conditions is the risk of frostnip or frostbite. These conditions usually affect the cheeks, ears, nose, fingers, and toes.

Make sure your little ones take regular breaks inside from the cold. When they take a break, inspect their extremities for blue, mottled patches or white and numb areas (3).

To help prevent “Jack Frost” from getting to them, you shouldn’t let them go out after a recent bath or shower.


Snow Toys FAQs

What Age Can Kids Play In the Snow?

Kids can play in the snow as soon as they can walk, usually around 1 year old, with proper supervision and warm clothing. Even babies can enjoy the snow for short periods if they are dressed appropriately and kept dry.

How Long Should Kids Play Out In the Snow?

The length of time kids should play out in the snow depends on the temperature, their age, and how well they’re dressed. Generally, 30 minutes to an hour is safe, but take frequent breaks to warm up and check for signs of discomfort or cold, like shivering or red skin.

At What Temperature Should Children Not Play Outside?

Children should not play outside if the temperature falls below -15°F (-26°C) or if the wind chill is severe. Always consider wind chill, wet conditions, and the child’s ability to stay dry and warm.

What Can Children Ride On In the Snow?

Children can ride on sleds, snow tubes, toboggans, and snow scooters. Ensure the equipment is safe and used in a suitable area away from traffic and dangerous obstacles.

How Does Fake Snow Work?

Fake snow usually works by absorbing water and expanding, often made from a polymer like sodium polyacrylate. When water is added, it creates a fluffy, snow-like substance that’s cool to the touch.

What is the Spoon Trick For a Snow Day?

The spoon trick is a superstition or tradition where children place a spoon under their pillow to hope for a snow day from school. It’s one of many fun rituals, like wearing pajamas inside out or flushing ice cubes down the toilet, that families might engage in for a bit of magic and whimsy.

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Headshot of Katelyn Holt RN, BSN, BC

Reviewed by

Katelyn Holt RN, BSN, BC

Katelyn Holt RN, BSN, BC is a cardiology nurse and freelance medical writer. Katelyn has 8 years of nursing experience inpatient and outpatient, primarily medical-surgical and cardiac. After having two children she has a passion for Women’s Health and Lactation teaching and support.