The outdoor fun doesn’t slow down when winter rolls around in Portland. Here are the best places for sledding and tubing for kids of all ages to enjoy the nearby winter wonderlands that are jut a short drive away.
LessFor a great introduction to snow tubing, head to this resort for full-service fun. With a cozy lodge, and snow tubes included with your tubing ticket, the whole family can enjoy a full day of frolicking in the snow. Kids under 42” should try out the Children’s Snow Carousel, a merry-go-round that pulls children around in the snow, while taller kids can head out to the hills. When your crew is tuckered out, take a break in the lodge with a mug of hot cocoa!
This is Portland’s favorite sledding destination, and for good reason. There’s a lot to love, with specially-designed tubes and well-groomed slopes. A conveyor lift makes the ride to the top of the hill almost as fun as the tube ride down. Plus, come back at night for Cosmic Tubing, where LED lights illuminate the slopes for even more downhill exhilaration.
Since 1927, the Summit Ski area in Government Camp has been providing consistent, family-oriented fun for both beginning and more experienced winter-sport aficionados. Pick up an all-day pass for the dedicated tubing hill, which includes use of a snow-tube, and enjoy a full day of fun. Or, take a short drive east to Snow Bunny, which also offers tubing on weekends and holidays. It’s a little smaller than Summit so it’s a good option for younger kids. Call ahead for conditions.
Pick a spot, any spot, on this unregulated hill between Mt Hood Meadows and Timberline, about a half mile uphill from the parking lot. It’s free and offers a variety of terrain, but be sure to choose a spot well away from the river, and watch for exposed rocks when snow is low. With beautiful views of Mt. Hood, it’s also a popular destination for snowshoeing. Get there early on snowy weekends to grab a parking spot.