The Best Winter Gear for Families

This isn’t your average sled…for one thing, it looks like a cross between a snowmobile and a pool float. It’s easy to inflate and deflate, and is designed to hold up to 250 pounds. Just note it’s recommended for ages 14+. ($99, Funboy)

If you don’t mind spending a little more on a real maple toboggan-style sled, this is exactly what you need to live out your old-fashioned winter dreams. It’s designed for small children up to 50 pounds, and for extra comfort, you can always add a water-resistant pad. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

This one’s more basic, but still has everything you need for a fun afternoon on the sledding hills. It’s plastic, with a pull rope and reinforced handles, and is recommended for ages 4 and up. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

This high-backed, crack-resistant plastic sled is a cheerful bright red, and designed for babies and little kids up to 40 pounds. With a safety strap and pull rope, it’s perfect for taking little ones on a gentle trek through light snow. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

Big storm on the way? Grab a couple of these and let the kids go to town building their own castles, forts, and more. At the end of the season, store it away for summer, when you can also use it for fort-building on the beach. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

There’s nothing like watching a grown-up do chores to make little kids suddenly interested in cleaning. In our experience, it’s true of sweeping, vacuuming…and yes, shoveling the snow. These wood and plastic tools are the perfect size for your most enthusiastic little helpers. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

These disposable hand and toe warmers take 15-30 minutes to heat up, and offer up to 10 hours of heat for hands (or eight hours for toes). They’re more appropriate for the grown-ups and older kids in your crew, but will make long days of hiking, skiing, or other winter activities more comfortable. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

If you’re out walking every day, or live in a city where the stroller is your primary mode of kid transportation, this is a great upgrade to keep your little one warm and cozy even in the coldest temps. Choose from 15 colors and patterns, all of which include three different-sized footmuffs (so this will last for a while). It doesn’t get in the way of your regular five-point stroller harness, and can be machine washed when it gets dirty. Don’t want to buy it for yourself? This also makes a great addition to your registry. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

You’re going out of your way to make sure your baby stays nice and warm in any kind of weather — but spare a thought for yourself, too. These warm gloves clamp right onto a stroller handle and can stay there all winter long, so whoever’s taking your baby out and about will be comfy. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

One of the biggest challenges with winter car seat use is the fact that babies and kids shouldn’t wear big puffy coats in their car seats — and the constant dressing and undressing gets old fast. This winter car seat cover helps you at least partially avoid the problem by zipping around your entire seat, so that it doesn’t interfere at all with the harness. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

Not strictly necessary, of course, but for $9, this reusable set can give your snow-people a new look this winter. Its 13 solid wood pieces come in a mesh bag for storage, and include a hat, buttons, mittens, “carrot” noses, and more. ($9, Target)

For that campfire feel without, well, actually having to go camping, this backyard firepit gets rave reviews. It has a 4-foot heat radius and comes with a weather-resistant cover. Use it to help your whole crew warm up on cold days, and don’t forget to stock up on supplies for s’mores. ($295, Home Depot)