Where are the Best Snow Tubing Hills in Texas for Families?

1. Frostbite's Mountain at Santa's Wonderland - College Station 

Santa's Wonderland is a seasonal snow tubing destination and is typically open from mid-November to early January. Read our review for details on all the other fun things to do there too. 

Why Families Love It:

Frostbite's Mountain is packed with real snow and is located in Santa's Wonderland, a seasonal Christmas park that's filled with holiday fun for the whole family. This snowy slope features lanes for snow tubing, so your group can race down in a flurry! Stop and say hello to Marshall Frostbite, a festive costumed character, while you're up there. Along with this large snow tubing space, there's a Snow Playground and a merry-go-round ride featuring snow tubes so even your littlest riders can get in on the action. After you're done with the ice, hop on the hayride for an unforgettable ride along the light trail.

Insider tips for Visiting with Kids:

For snow tubing down Frostbite's Mountain, guests must be at least 3 years old and 38" tall. Only one guest is allowed per tube. This is best for preschool-age children through grown-ups. The Merry-go-round is perfect for toddlers who aren't quite big enough for the full tubing experience. We have learned the hard way that the snow tubing and play area can leave you soaked and rather uncomfortable - especially on a cold night, so pack a change of clothes, socks, and shoes (seriously) if you think your kids will want to spend a lot of time in the snow (they will). 

Parking, Food, and Tickets:

You will want to reserve parking when you book your tickets. There are a few lots to choose from at various price points, including one that requires a shuttle ride across the highway. There are plenty of food vendors touting everything from Tex-Mex eats and burgers to Christmas classics like hot cocoa and s'mores (that you can toast over an open fire pit!). Pricing for Santa's Wonderland varies depending on day and ticket type, but typically ranges from about $35 to $55 for children and $40 to $60 for adults. Snow tubing is included with admission! You can save money on your visit by going on less busy days and booking well in advance. 

Bring extra clothes for snow tubing at Santa's Wonderland. Photo by the author. 

2. Snow Flow Mountain at Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center - Grapevine

Each holiday season, this Grapevine resort hosts Christmas at Gaylord Texan from mid-November through early January.

Why Families Love It: 

Along with a six-lane ice mountain for kid-friendly snow tubing, Gaylord Texan's Christmas village presents beloved costumed characters and character breakfasts, dazzling light displays, a frosty circus performance, gingerbread decorating, snowball stations, and ICE!, where guests can see 2 million pounds of hand-sculpted ice and even slip down an ice slide. And you'll never have to worry about your little ones getting too chilly - the tubing areas are kept at a comfy 60 degrees.

Insider Tips for Visiting with Kids:

Riders have to be at least 42" tall to ride and have to be able to carry their tube up the ramp on their own. They also must be able to get into their tube and maintain the correct upright position independently. Only one person per tube. Small and large tube sizes are available to suit every member of your family. This snow tubing experience is best for preschoolers and up. 

Parking, Food, and Tickets: 

On-site parking is available at the resort. You can choose off-site parking for $25 a day or on-site spots for $40. You may score some savings if you pre-pay. Loads of seasonal foods and drinks are available on-site, so you won't need to pack snacks. You can book a stay at the resort or just stop in for a day of winter memory-making with a day pass. Consider bundling activities for a discount. Snow Flow Mountain ticket prices start at $29 per person and include unlimited snow tubing for the day. Each additional activity requires a ticket, but you can bundle and save up to 30%.

3. Stoke Factory Snow Party at Texas Ski Ranch - New Braunfels

This Texas water skiing and wake boarding haven transforms into a winter wonderland from Dec. 19-21, 2025, for the Stoke Factory Snow Party, home to some of the best snow tubing for families.

Why Families Love It:

Texas Ski Ranch is one of the best places to visit with kids in New Braunfels. Real snow comes to this action-packed Hill Country attraction for three days of kid-friendly snow tubing and lots of playing in the fresh powder. Along with the portable snow hill, there will be areas designated for snow play and holiday crafts for kids. 

Insider Tips for Visiting with Kids:

There aren't many restrictions on this single-lane snow slide, and parents are able to zoom down with a child on their lap. This is an outdoor event and will be busy, so prepare for weather and crowds.

Parking, Food, and Tickets:

On-site parking available. It's free to visit the Stoke Factory Snow Party, but anyone playing in the snow must have a ticket. They're $15 (and sell out quickly). There will be hot beverages and some food options for both children and grownups.

4. Arctic Slide at Moody Gardens - Galveston

Moody Gardens' seasonal Holiday in the Gardens, open from mid-November to early January, is home to the a kid-friendly snow tubing hill called the Arctic Slide.

Why Families Love It:

Moody Gardens is an attraction all on its own with its rainforest and aquarium pyramids, private beach, resort, and more. As the weather cools, winter comes to life with the ICE LAND ice displays, a holiday light trail, Christmas shows, ice skating, and, of course, the Arctic Slide. This ice slide is perfect for littles who want to try their skills at sledding down an ice mountain. Grab a plastic sled or tube and race to the bottom!

Insider Tips for Visiting with Kids:

Children must be at least 36" tall to ride the Arctic Slide. Ticketed guests can whoosh down the slide up to four times each. Otherwise, there are limited restrictions on the attraction. If you have small children, try to have them get a good nap in before your visit, as the holiday events don't start until after 4 p.m. - you'll want them to be prepared for a long but fun evening of exploring a pyramid, seeing the word in ice sculptures, walking along a light trail, and snow tubing, of course!

Parking, Food, and Tickets:

Moody Gardens offers free on-site parking! Food and hot chocolate are available at the destination. Four trips down the slide are included with the Holiday Evening Pass, which ranges from $40 to $45 for children (4-12) and seniors and $55 to $60 for adults. These tickets can only be used after 4 p.m. Children under 4 are free. Save money by booking for a less-busy weekday. 

5. Traveling Snow Tubing Suppliers - Your Own Backyard

With companies like Ice Express in Houston, Mr. Cool Snow Parties in North Texas, and Mireles Party Ice in San Antonio, it's easy to bring the winter weather to your own backyard for a private family snow tubing experience.

Why Families Love It:

Whether you're booking a birthday party, hosting a holiday event, or just looking for a way to have some unforgettable winter fun for kids, you won't regret booking a traveling snow supplier and a portable ice slide for snow tubing. They have the equipment to make fresh snow that they can launch across portable slides and other exciting features so that you can have your own snow day - your way. 

Insider Tips for Families:

Snow making takes a lot of space and equipment, so ensure that your location has the room and hookups needed to make the magic happen. Just like in a real snow, any grass or plants that are blanketed in the ice will probably not do well. If you're looking for fun ideas, check out our list of Snow Games for Kids! Some companies are not available for year-round snow, so look into availability.

Pricing:

Contact your local snow supplier for a quote. Prices range by your needs, location, and more. 

Pro Parent Tips for a Stress-Free Snow Tubing Day

What should you wear for snow tubing?

In Texas, what you wear for snow tubing really depends on your destination. At Santa's Wonderland, for example, you'll want to dress for the weather, whether it's a sunny 80 degrees and you're in shorts and a T-shirt or a cold front blew in and you're in a coat and pants. At Gaylord Texan, on the other hand, the climate-controlled space is kept at 60 degrees so you can dress in your regular clothing. 

What should you bring on your snow tubing adventure?

Since snow and ice have a way of leaving your clothing damp, I recommend packing dry clothes (don't forget the socks!) for everyone who will be snow tubing. If your littles have a patch of snow to play in outside of the tubing area, consider bringing waterproof gloves to keep their fingers comfortable as they make snowballs. 

When is the best time to go snow tubing?

Most of the snow tubing locations in Texas are seasonal, so your best bet is to go in those cooler months.

How do you make snow tubing fun for all ages?

Snow tubing is fun all on its own. Up the ante by racing your family members. Help smaller children feel secure when you go down on the lane next to them or wait at the bottom to "catch" them when they come down. 

How do you save money on snow tubing?

The best ways to save on family snow tubing experiences in Texas are to bundle with other activities, book early, or book as a large group. 

Snow tubing "rides" help younger kids get in on the action. Photo by the author. 

FAQs - Snow Tubing in Texas for Families

What’s the best snow tubing destination in Texas for young kids?

Santa's Wonderland is a kid-friendly snow tubing destination that offers a snow tube merry-go-round for little ones who are too small or nervous for the full-size mountain.

Are there snow tubing hills that allow toddlers or babies?

Most of our snow tubing locations have height limits that restrict riders to preschool-age and older, but Santa's Wonderland has a snow merry-go-round for toddlers, and Texas Ski Ranch and traveling snow suppliers are more "sled at your own risk" style and don't have similar restrictions, so a baby or toddler could technically go down in a tube with an adult. 

Do you need to bring your own snow tube?

No, you don't need to bring your own tube to participate at any of these snow tube spots. Tubes are provided for guests.

How much does snow tubing cost in Texas?

The prices vary greatly, from about $15 at the Texas Ski Ranch party to $60 at Moody Gardens and Santa's Wonderland on a busy night. Most of these snow tubing hills are activities within larger attractions or theme parks, so you have to purchase a ticket for more than just the tubing experience.

Do I need to reserve snow tubing tickets in advance?

Yes, in most instances you'll need to book your tickets to your snow tubing party or adventure in advance.

Are there any night tubing spots in Texas?

Yes, you can snow tube at night at many of these events, as they're paired with holiday light displays.

What should families wear for snow tubing?

Families should dress comfortably for the current weather and pack dry clothes just in case they get damp from the snow and ice.

Are food and bathrooms available at most snow tubing hills?

Yes, bathrooms and food are available at these Texas snow tubing destinations.

Are helmets required or recommended for kids?

There were no recommendations or requirements for kids to wear helmets that we found. You could bring one from home if you'd like.

Can we combine snow tubing with skiing or other winter activities?

While there aren't any places to ski at these snow tubing events in Texas, there are plenty of winter activities. You can find everything from holiday events to snow play, ice skating, and more at many of attractions on our list.