As soon as snow starts falling in Seattle, parents across the city brace themselves for the inevitable question from their kids: “Can we go sledding?” If your little ones are anything like mine, even toddlers quickly become snow-day pros, eager to grab a sled and race down the nearest hill. While organizing a family sledding trip can be a bit of a mission—think layers of gear, snacks, and those last-minute potty breaks—it’s always worth it for the laughter and memories. Whether you’re staying close to the city or heading into the mountains, Seattle offers plenty of family-friendly sledding hills and snow tubing areas that are perfect for a winter day trip. In this guide, we’re sharing the best sledding and snow play spots near Seattle to help you plan your next snowy adventure with kids.
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Where to go, where to go?
During Seattle’s signature, once-a-year snowfall, local playgrounds transform into winter wonderlands. Soundview Playground in NW Seattle has been our family’s go-to for convenient and exhilarating sledding. The gentle slopes are perfect for younger children, while the open space allows for plenty of room to play.
When you’re ready to venture beyond the neighborhood, the Seattle area offers some fantastic destinations for tubing and sledding. Here are a few favorites:
1. Snoqualmie Tubing Center | Snoqualmie Pass, WA
Just about an hour east of Seattle, The Summit at Snoqualmie Tubing Center is one of the best spots for snow tubing near Seattle—and a top choice for families. With its well-maintained lanes, easy access, and family-friendly setup, it’s no wonder this destination is a favorite for parents looking to create snowy memories with their kids.
Don’t miss our immersive 360° photo view from the top of the sledding hill—feel like you’re right there before you go!
Family-Friendly Fun with a Magic Carpet Ride
orget the uphill struggle—The Summit makes it easy with a magic carpet lift that whisks you and your tube back to the top of the hill. This is a huge win for families with young kids, as it helps conserve energy for what matters most: sliding down one of the 14+ tubing lanes, each stretching an exciting 500 feet. There’s plenty of space to spread out and enjoy the ride, even on busy days.
Plan Ahead for Peak Times
This spot fills up fast, especially on weekends and holidays, so advanced online reservations are a must. Each tubing session lasts 1 hour and 45 minutes, offering just the right amount of time for nonstop downhill fun. During peak hours, lines can get long for the lift—if your kids are up for it, walking back up the hill can be a fun way to fit in extra runs!
Ticket Info and Height Guidelines
Tickets are required for all participants and include a tube for anyone over 44 inches tall. Children under 44 inches can join at a reduced rate, but they’ll need to share a tube with an adult, as smaller kids don’t receive their own tube for safety reasons. The tubing hill is typically open Friday through Sunday, plus holidays, so be sure to book early.
Food and Facilities
The Tubing Center has portable restrooms on-site, and during our last visit, we lucked out with a treat from the Pie Bar food truck, serving warm goodies perfect after a chilly tubing session. Keep an eye out—it’s a sweet way to wrap up your mountain day!
2. Hyak Sno-Park | Snoqualmie Pass, WA
Looking for an easy and affordable way to enjoy the snow with your kids? Hyak Sno-Park, located just off I-90 at Snoqualmie Pass, is a top pick for families wanting a classic, do-it-yourself sledding experience. Surrounded by breathtaking mountain views and blanketed in soft snow, it’s the perfect place to bring your own sleds and spend the day playing outside with the whole family.
Bring Your Own Sleds and Make It a Day
One of the best things about Hyak Sno-Park is its flexibility. You can pack up your sleds, snacks, and winter gear and head out for a no-fuss snow day. With a variety of hills to choose from, kids of all ages—from cautious toddlers to fearless teens—can find a slope that suits their speed.
Family-Friendly Amenities That Matter
Hyak is designed with families in mind. Heated restrooms (a huge plus on freezing days!) and ample parking make it easier to stay longer and enjoy more time in the snow. There’s plenty of space to spread out, set up your gear, and create a cozy basecamp for the day.
Sno-Park Pass Required
To access Hyak Sno-Park, you’ll need a Washington State Sno-Park Permit. As of winter 2023, a daily pass is $25 and can be purchased online or on-site. This pass is required for parking and using the facilities, so don’t forget to grab one before you arrive!
Groomed Hills for Smoother Rides
While there are no rope tows here, Hyak offers a few groomed sledding hills, making it easier (and smoother) to zip down without too many bumps. It’s ideal for kids—and parents—who want a faster glide with less effort climbing back up.
Weekend Crowds? Have a Backup Plan
Take it from us: arriving at 10:00 a.m. on a weekend can mean long lines and packed parking lots. On one trip, we pivoted after finding both Hyak and nearby Gold Creek Pond full. Instead, we salvaged the day with a delicious stop at Rhodies Smokin’ BBQ (highly recommend!) and playground time at Preston Athletic Fields and Fisher Creek Park—turning disappointment into a different kind of family fun.
3. Gold Creek Sno-Park and Gold Creek Pond | Snoqualmie Pass, WA
If Hyak Sno-Park is full (and it often is on busy weekends), don’t worry—just a few minutes up the road lies a quieter winter gem: Gold Creek Pond. Nestled in the stunning Snoqualmie Pass, this serene spot offers families a more laid-back sledding experience surrounded by picture-perfect mountain views.
Easily Accessible and Perfect for Beginners
As you arrive at Gold Creek, the first sledding area you’ll see is the Gold Creek Sno-Park, right off the road. This location is ideal for families with small children or first-time sledders. The hills here are gentle and manageable, making it a perfect place to introduce little ones to the joy of playing in the snow—without the steeper, faster runs found at bigger hills.
Scenic Sledding by the Pond
If you’re up for a short winter walk, continue farther down the road to Gold Creek Pond itself. The peaceful setting here feels a world away from the crowds, and the hills around the pond are just the right size for younger kids. The snowy walk to the pond becomes part of the day’s adventure, offering a chance to take in the beautiful alpine scenery and maybe even spot some animal tracks in the snow.
Don’t Forget Your Sno-Park Pass
A Washington State Sno-Park permit is required to park at both the roadside Sno-Park and near Gold Creek Pond. As of winter 2023, daily passes cost $25 and can be purchased online or at designated vendors. Be sure to get yours before heading out to avoid any surprises!
4. Half Camp, on the way to Crystal Mountain | Enumclaw, WA
Back in 2020, we stumbled across an unofficial sledding hill near Crystal Mountain—a lucky find after a series of snow day mishaps. Our original plan to sled at Hyak got derailed when a pass closure turned us back. Still determined to make the most of the snow, we headed toward Crystal Mountain Resort, only to discover that sledding is not allowed anywhere on the property.
A bit of on-the-fly Googling led us to an alternative: Gold Hill Road (FS 7176), near the Norse Peak trailhead. If you’re driving toward Crystal Mountain, keep an eye out—this turn-off is on the left side of the road. There’s a small turnout with limited parking where we left the car, then walked up the snow-covered road for some DIY sledding fun.
⚠️ Important Note: This is not a groomed or official sledding area. The road is narrow, and one side drops off steeply into a wooded area, so it’s important to sled carefully and at your own risk. While it gave us the snow day we were hoping for, this spot is best suited for experienced families who can assess and manage the safety of the area themselves.
Bring your own sleds, dress warm, and always prioritize safety. For those willing to explore a little off the beaten path, this spot might just save your snow day when other places are full or closed.
5. Leavenworth Sledding Hill | Leavenworth, WA
Leavenworth, Washington transforms into a snow-covered Bavarian dream each winter, making it one of the best winter destinations for families near Seattle. With its festive downtown charm and nearby sledding hills, this magical town offers the perfect mix of outdoor adventure and cozy alpine vibes for kids and parents alike.
✨ Want the full itinerary? Don’t miss our detailed post: A Magical Winter Family Trip to Leavenworth with Kids
Experience the Magic: Our Immersive 360° Night View of Leavenworth Town Center with Kids Sledding
Sledding in Downtown Leavenworth: A Storybook Setting
Strolling through downtown Leavenworth in winter feels like stepping into a snow globe. Families can bring their own sleds and take advantage of several small hills and snowy spots right in town. These gentle slopes are perfect for younger children or beginners, all while being surrounded by the charming, Bavarian-style architecture and festive lights. It’s a great way to squeeze in some sledding without even leaving town.
Leavenworth Ski Hill: Tubing for All Ages
Just a few minutes from downtown, the Leavenworth Ski Hill offers a more structured snow play experience. The tubing hill features a 100-foot slope and a convenient rope tow, which means more sliding and less climbing for everyone. Tubes are provided on-site, so there’s no need to bring your own gear—just show up ready to have fun.
This hill is well-suited for school-aged kids, teens, and even adults looking for a bit more excitement than the downtown hills provide.
Warm Up at the Lodge
After a snowy day of sledding and tubing, head inside the Ski Hill Lodge to thaw out. Enjoy a warm drink, grab a snack, and relax while the kids recount their favorite runs. It’s the perfect cozy ending to your Leavenworth snow day.
6. Suncadia Tubing Hill | Cle Elum, WA
Nestled in the heart of the Cascade Mountains, Suncadia Resort is a favorite winter getaway for Seattle-area families—and it’s easy to see why. With its scenic setting, cozy lodging, and family-friendly activities, it strikes the perfect balance between adventure and relaxation. One winter highlight that keeps families coming back? The Suncadia sledding hill, a must-try for kids and parents alike.
Looking to make the most of your snowy getaway? Whether you’re heading to Suncadia for a weekend escape or a longer winter break, we’ve got you covered. From sledding and tubing fun to cozy indoor activities, family-friendly dining, and tips for making the experience smoother with little ones in tow, our guide shares everything you need to know.
Discover the best ways to keep your kids entertained, where to rent gear, how to warm up after outdoor adventures, and what to pack for a stress-free trip. Trust us—it’s the resource we wish we had on our first visit!
The Sledding Hill: Kid-Friendly Fun Just Steps from the Lodge
Conveniently located just across from The Lodge—on what’s the golf driving range in summer—Suncadia’s sledding hill transforms into a snowy playground in winter. The hill’s gentle slope makes it ideal for younger kids, including brave little 4-year-olds ready to sled on their own. It’s steep enough to bring giggles, but not too intimidating for first-timers.
Bring Your Own Sled or Rent a Tube
Families have the flexibility to bring their own sleds or rent resort tubes on-site for just $10 per hour. Our kids gave the rented tubes two thumbs up and actually preferred them over our sleds from home. The big inflatable tubes added a bit of extra bounce—and fun—to every ride.
Tandem Rides & Shared Laughs
Families have the flexibility to bring their own sleds or rent resort tubes on-site for just $10 per hour. Our kids gave the rented tubes two thum
Okay, we’ll admit it—our crew bent the rules a little. Our kids loved riding down together in one tube or linking up two tubes for tandem runs. While not officially part of the sledding rules, these creative (and careful) rides made for some of the day’s biggest laughs and most memorable family moments. Just be mindful and respectful of others on the hill!
bs up and actually preferred them over our sleds from home. The big inflatable tubes added a bit of extra bounce—and fun—to every ride.
Permits You Need
Planning a winter adventure to one of Washington’s beautiful Sno-Parks? Don’t forget one crucial element of your trip: the parking permit. Understanding and obtaining the right Sno-Park permit is essential for a hassle-free and enjoyable visit. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the different types of permits available and ensure you’re fully prepared for your winter excursion.
Types of Sno-Park Permits
When visiting a Sno-Park, there are generally three types of permits you might need:
Top Tips for Sledding with Kids
Sledding with kids is one of winter’s purest joys—but let’s be honest, it can also be chaotic if you’re not prepared. After years of winter outings (and a few cold, soggy lessons learned the hard way), we’ve put together our go-to tips to help your family’s sledding day go as smoothly as possible. Whether it’s your first time heading to the snow or you’re seasoned pros, these simple hacks can make a huge difference.
1. Always Check Weather and Road Conditions First
Before you pack the car, always check the weather forecast and road conditions, especially for mountain passes. We’ve made the mistake of driving into whiteout conditions without realizing how bad it would get. A quick check online can help you avoid unsafe roads and plan around snowstorms or pass closures.
2. Defog Your Windows the Right Way
Foggy car windows are no fun—especially when you’re navigating icy roads. We’ve found that running the defroster on cold helps keep the inside of your windows from fogging up. It sounds counterintuitive, but it works like magic for visibility (and safety).
3. Pack a Shovel—Just in Case
Snowy parking lots are no joke. After getting stuck more than once at Hyak Sno-Park, a compact snow shovel is now a permanent part of our winter car kit. If you end up in deep snow or get plowed in, a shovel can save the day and get you back on the road.
4. Use a Laundry Basket to Organize Snow Gear
Trying to juggle snow pants, gloves, boots, and jackets for the whole family? Skip the duffel bags and grab a laundry basket. It makes loading and unloading a breeze, keeps everything together, and gives wet gear a place to air out after your adventure.
5. Bring a Portable Potty for Toddlers
For families with little ones, this might just be your #1 winter essential. A portable potty with disposable liners has saved us countless times when there’s no bathroom in sight. Ours fits perfectly in the back of the car or even on the floor behind the front seat—making last-minute potty emergencies way less stressful.
The OXO 2-in-1 Go Potty is a versatile solution for potty emergencies at home of on the go. It's designed for standalone use with disposable bags anywhere or as a potty seat on toilets, making it an essential tool for road trips and park adventures with kids. It's perfect for those "I need to go potty" emergencies.
Favorites: Sleds and Tubes
We’ve gone through at least two sleds and tubes each winter for the past three years. We’ve found the Inflatable Snow Tubes tends to go faster than the plastic ones we’ve had – some of the plastic ones have cracked (mid-run!), so we’ve tried a couple heavy-duty plastic sleds.
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Favorites: What to Wear
Amazon has been great for all the snow accessories – gloves, socks, snow boots, and hats.
Snowsuits, kids grow so fast, so we try not to spend too much on snow gear for the kids. We like the two-piece sets that include a jacket and snow bibs.
