Thanks to an earlier-than-normal winter storm, finding snow near me is more than just a fantasy
It may not snow in San Diego, but when the weather gets chilly you don’t have to go far to find it. There’s so much fun for kids (both little and big) to have in the nearby mountains that goes beyond just skiing and snowboarding—see below for a few of our favorite go-to spots that will surely make your winter bucket list. Here you’ll find the best snow tube parks and sledding, magic carpets and gondolas to ride. So get your winter gear in order, grab some chains—now’s the time for an unforgettably fun day in the snow in Southern California.
1. Big Bear
Slide into fun at Grizzly Ridge Tube Park at the top of Snow Summit in Big Bear. The whole family young and old alike will love whizzing down the snowy hills on high-speed tubes. Ride the magic carpet up to the top before sliding down one of three 300-ft tubing lanes. Ride again and again during your 1.5-hour time slot.
Snowmobile adventures, tubing, and cross country skiing await you on Mammoth Mountain. Cruise through tree-lined meadows on a guided snowmobile excursion or catch a lift to the top for Woolly's Tube Park and snow tube your way back down. You can click into some Nordic skis or snowshoes to get a workout exploring Lakes Basin on a cross country adventure.
Your little snow angels will squeal with delight at Yeti's Snow Play. Here you'll find some of SoCal's best snowtubing, sledding, and snow play...as well as a friendly Yeti who's willing to pose for pics. The snow play area is open only for kids 36” tall and under, while those over 36” tall can go sledding, tubing, and ride the gondola up to the top! Kids between 32” and 36” can snow tube with a paid parent on a separate tube.
You’ll be able to cool down on top of this mountain about an hour due east of San Diego. When you head up, there are plenty of turn-off spots, but it does get crowded. Along with your boots and mittens, you’ll want to bring some snacks, a full tank of gas, and some snow chains.
You’ll have to wait for just the right time, but every year a good northern storm can drop snow in Julian. Watch the weather reports, then drive up right after it snows. Google "snow sled near me" and you'll find this is the best place to tackle small snow hills and then warm up with some hot apple pie in town. Remember, the snow melts quickly around Julian.
Good to Know: Please only park in designated lots and not on residents’ yards and sides of the road. Also please pack out what you bring in. Many times the town has to clean up after visitors. This is a problem every year, so please be considerate in this small town.
Find the magic of snow on Palomar Mountain just North of San Diego. Bundle up to make snowmen and snow angels or toboggan down a snow hill. Dress warmly and you may want to pack an insulated thermos of hot water and cocoa packets to enjoy on the way home.
Whether you take the day or a weekend trip, you’ll be glad you drove (about two hours) up to Idyllwild. Here, you’ll find a cute mountain town where you can take a winter hike, sled, or just walk around the town after fresh snow. There are plenty of cute shops to look at and places to eat too.
If there’s snow on the ground, you’ll want to be at one of these highly-rated sledding hills in and around Chicago
Make the climb and then down, down, down you go. Where will you stop? At the bottom of one of Chicago’s awesome sledding hills—with a humongous smile on your cheeks. When Mother Nature buries us in the white stuff, you’ll want to know exactly where to go to enjoy . . . and you won’t have to travel far. Illinois has a reputation for being rather flat, so even we can’t believe how many quality sled hills we found (more than 20 so far!) within the city limits and surrounding suburbs. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered from Soldier Field to Vernon Hills to a handful of hidden gems you can enjoy all winter long.
The famous toboggan slides from this Northwest-side hill are gone, but this is still a great place to whiz down a snowdrift. It’s easy for small kids to manage, is lit at night, has ample parking and indoor bathrooms. You may want to try some cross-country skiing while you are there. Go around lunch or dinner to enjoy Superdawg just around the corner. Call 847-647-2240 for sledding hill status.
W Devon Ave & N Nagle Ave Forest Glen Online:fpdcc.com
Dan Ryan Woods
Located in the Beverly neighborhood, this slope is a well-kept South Side secret. It's rarely crowded, has hills for both sleds and snowboards and is great for all ages—especially little ones thanks to the easy “up” paths. Sledding hills have lighting and are staffed Sun.-Thurs., 10 a.m.-7:30 p.m.; Fri. & Sat., 10 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Fun fact to share with the kiddos: Surrounded by a pretty forest, the hill is the remaining basin of a glacier. Call 773-233-3766 for sledding hill status.
W. 87th St. & S. Western Ave. Beverly Online:fpdcc.com
Gompers Park
A wetland destination in the summertime, Gompers Park slicks up in winter, covering nearly 39 acres in the North Park neighborhood. With its smaller hills, it's perfect for newbies looking for a minor thrill. Fieldhouse hours, Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sat., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
An Irving Park neighborhood gem, Horner Park is mostly known for its seasonal events and summer sports. However, in between holiday festivities the park’s hills are filled with sled-toting families lined up for snowy thrill-seeking in one of the North Side’s biggest parks. Fieldhouse hours, Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sat. & Sun., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Another hidden gem can be found at Humboldt Park, one of the few hills located on the west side. If the kids aren't worn out from sledding, enjoy free ice skating in the park. Bathrooms available during Fieldhouse hours, Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-8:30 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Shhhh . . . the harbor's Cricket Hill isn't officially designated for sledding, but come winter it's one of the favorite downhill fun spots for city dwellers. Locals tend to create some bumped-out runs so you can lift off and catch some air if you are daring. Total bonus: this hill has beautiful lake shore views, and the boat harbor is just as stunning in winter as it is in summer.
It may not be the biggest sledding hill to be found, but its convenient location keeps Lincoln Park families—particularly ones with toddlers and young children—flocking there. When the kiddos retire their sleds for the day, take a stroll through the park to check out the Wizard of Oz statues: Tin Man, Scarecrow, Cowardly Lion, and Dorothy with Toto. Street parking and bathrooms available during Fieldhouse hours, Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
The kids will think it’s neat they're sledding on a former garbage dump—minus the stink—turned sledding hill. Enjoy the magnificent southern view of Chicago's skyline and the park's pond and wetlands, and warm up with coffee from Jackalope Coffee or Bridgeport Coffeehouse, located just down the street.
The magnificence of Soldier Field is overshadowed in the eyes of children in the winter by the nearby sledding hill. The Chicago Park District creates its own faux snow to supplement the real stuff, so the hill is kept white and fluffy. With a 33-foot vertical drop, this one is great for the thrill-seekers in your family. There’s a little staircase built-in to help with the climb back up. Plastic sleds only. Be sure to call 312-235-7000 before you head south for the winter, as sledding is not always available.
Here you get the perk of a big parking lot that’s rarely full, plus plenty of street parking. Situated in the heart of Rogers Park, the hill is a decent size and known for being a popular destination for toboggan users. It’s also great for little ones since the hill has stairs on either side, starting gates at the top of the hill and a nearby warming house. If you tire of sledding, this park also has one of the city’s best outdoor ice rinks.
For a downhill experience with a little more intensity, head to Villa Olivia. Participants must be at least 6 years old and 42 inches tall to ride alone. Ages 4 and 5 may ride share with a paying adult age 18 and over. For safety reasons, no one under the age of 4 may go snow tubing. Fee includes two hours of snow tubing, use of the conveyor lift (aka magic carpet) and snow tube. Snow tubing is not guaranteed without an online reservation. For daily updates on availability and conditions call the snow phone at 630-540-4199. Thurs.-Fri., 5:00 p.m.-9:30 p.m.; Sat., Sun., & Holidays, 9 a.m.-10 p.m.
BYO sled, tube or saucer, and let it rip at this spacious, lighted sledding hill. Lights turn on around 4 p.m. and the sled hill will close at 11 p.m. daily. Status of each of the sled hills will be communicated during the winter via the Rainout Hotline. If practicing figure 8s is more your speed, head to the park’s lagoon for skating (allowed when ice is eight inches thick).
Some people know this park by its former life as a landfill. In fact, its biggest hill is lovingly called "Mount Trashmore" by locals. Pay that no mind—the sledding here is an absolute joy, even if the most massive mound is off-limits (the four adjacent slopes, of small and medium steepness, are open for sledding only). All activities at James Park are at the user's own risk. The City of Evanston is not responsible for any damages or injuries to any persons or property arising out of sledding. Dodge Ave. & Mulford St. Evanston Online:cityofevanston.org
Glenview - Flick Park
This lighted sledding hill has a roughly 30-degree slope that cascades into an open field. Hill is lit until 10 p.m. Visit the Weather Cancellations page to learn the activity status or call the Rainout Line at 847-724-3337 and enter ext. 24 for automated updates. Bonus: convenient adjacent parking.
Johns Park is similar to the sledding at Flick Park and is also lit until 10 p.m. If you call the Rainout Line (847-724-3337) for automated updates, enter ext. 25.
In addition to a sizable hill, Caboose Park has one of the few toboggan chutes in the area. It’s also one of the few hills lit for late-night sled goers. The lights are on daily, 5:30 p.m.-10 p.m.
Right on the Naperville Riverwalk, this sledding hill allows for easy pre- or post-sledding fun with a nearby ice rink and lots of dining options in downtown Naperville. Le Chocolat has the most amazing selection of hot chocolate, for those looking for a liquid warm-up. Hill is lighted and closes at 10:00 p.m. daily.
With a 28-foot hill, Techny Prairie Park and Fields may seem overwhelming for smaller sledders. However, the hill has stairs making it a ball for kids of all ages. It is well lit at night and has a warming house for kids (or parents) who need a burst of heat.
Climb the stairs to the tippy-top of this gentle slope that’s oh-so-popular on snowy Saturdays. The hill was redesigned for better flow but still can get icy which means the big kids will love going fast and little ones may need a grown-up to ride with them.
Very family friendly, especially for little ones because it’s one of the few hills with steps for the climb back up. There is no sledding allowed if a red flag is posted; a yellow flag means use caution. In the evenings, the hill is lit up.
We love this one because of its awesome warming shelter (open weekends only) and nearby restrooms. Sledding is permitted when snow is considered by the Park District to be deep enough; a sign posted near the hill will tell you if sledding is permitted on any given day. Century Park has an ice rink with skate rentals, as well as candy and hot drinks available for purchase.
Beautiful oak trees surround the 800-foot Mount Hoy sledding hill where $10 rents you a tube for the day. Mount Hoy is only open on the weekends and school holidays (and closes at 4 p.m.) and only for tubing. Never fear sledders, the park does have smaller sledding hills. Nearby you’ll find an ice rink, sleigh rides (check website for updates, as availability has not yet been announced) and snowshoe rental. Sign up to get text alerts when the tubing hill will be open by texting TUBING to 866-743-7332.
Butterfield Rd. west of Winfield Rd. Warrenville Online:dupageforest.org
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Have snow fear on your next snow day with these epic sleds and snowboggans. From classic to creative, you’ll be the most prepared parent on the block. Keep reading to get more info on our favorite snow gear for kids—we’ve got something for everyone from toddlers to teens.
This mini luge sled for ages 5 and older is easy to steer, compact and comes in a rainbow of bright colors (helpful for keeping track of your downhill racers on snow days). With a low center of gravity and a belly-side tread, it'll only take a minute to master this one, and the anti-slip vinyl seat will help you stay on!
FUNBOY is known for epic summer inflatables, but summer isn’t the only season to have all the fun. The Winter Collection is back and better than ever, with two new toboggans, a snowmobile, winter sleigh and more!
A serious upgrade to your classic wooden sled, the toboggan holds up to two riders or 250 pounds. It has a rapid inflate and deflate valve, dual handles and it comes in three fun patterns: cardigan, plaid and wave. At $79 each, this is a sledding investment for years to come and proof that grownups can get in on the action, too.
But if you want to take your downhill coasting to the next level, consider a snowmobile or a sleigh! The snowmobile can carry two adults or 300 pounds, plus grooved bottom panels to keep you flying straight down the hill. The sleigh is also big enough for two adults and has the familiar silhouette of the old-school version, but with modern new features. Both retail at $99.
Finally for a little après sled fun, consider the inflatable shotski. It comes in a fun checkered pattern and holds four shots, enough for you and a few adult friends. Retailing at $24, it could even be a fun stocking stuffer for the holidays.
You can buy all of these products at major retailers now, just in time to welcome the winter months. After all, sledding isn’t just for kids!
Disney World has announced an opening date for Blizzard Beach, the frosty-themed aquatic park that mimics a ski resort…in the middle of Florida sunshine. According to the Disney Parks blog, the resort currently plans to open to the public on March 7. 2021. If you’ve never experienced this “winter” wonderland, you’ll want to plan your trip!
The park reminds guests:
“Like the other areas of Walt Disney World Resort, we will welcome back Guests and Cast Members to Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park in a responsible way, with a plan focused on health and well-being. We will provide more details on our Water Parks’ reopening plan at a later time.”
The park features a ton of snow-themed rides, including one of the fastest waterslides in the world, the Summit Plummet. You’ll also find an epic lazy river and toboggan (water) rides. It’s the warmest ski resort in the world!
The next-door Typhoon Lagoon is set to reopen the same day. As a reminder, the March 7 date is subject to change and is dependent on state and national restrictions. For more information on Disney parks COVID-19 updates, click here.
If summer weather has to end, at least we can look forward to some fun in the snow. FUNBOY changed the game when it comes to pool inflatables, now they are taking winter sports to the next level. A retro-inspired, après chic collection of essential snow accessories recently launched.
The winter collection was created to inspire families to safely get outdoors this holiday season and make memories to last a lifetime. These products were created for the perfect snow day experience. These lightweight and portable snow sleds come in a variety of retro prints and classic shapes to elicit memories of nostalgic snow play.
The FUNBOY Winter Bloom Snow Toboggan Sled ($59) features rapid inflate and deflate valve, dual handles for easy downhill grip, hand pull rope included.
The FUNBOY Retro Plaid Snow Tube ($49) has a reinforced rubber base with directional grooves helps keep the sled going straight downhill for endless fun.
What is a launched water coaster? Launched coasters are nothing new. They use force to shoot riders out of the station in order to reach extreme speeds before even reaching a big drop. The new Cheetah Chase will combine that concept with a water slide.
Instead of climbing an exhaustingly tall set of stairs like on most large water slides, riders will simply hop aboard their ride vehicle, which in this case will be a three-seat, toboggan style raft, at the top of a low hill where they’ll be blasted off and uphill at speeds of up to twenty miles per hour.
The other unique feature of this launched water coaster will be side-by-side tracks which allow riders to race each other. “This thing is really unique because you’re really going to have a true race…right from the start,” explained Ray Smegal, chief commercial officer with ProSlide the company that designed the coaster. “So, they’re going to shoot across the surface and get up to about 30 feet per second, and then climb a tall, steep hill with the water. The intensity of the race and that competition is going to really start from the beginning.”
The Cheetah Chase will be constructed in the Splashin’ Safari section of the park located in Santa Claus, Indiana, joining two other existing water coasters. The ride is set to open sometime in 2020.
