Where are the Best Snow Tubing Hills Near DC for Families in 2025?

1. Snow Riders Snow Tubing — Harpers Ferry, West Virginia

Driving distance from DC: Under 90 minutes

Why Families Love It:

Snow Riders is the closest place to go snow tubing near DC. It has a dozen tubing lanes that are nearly three football fields long. Guests can enjoy 1.5 hours of tubing, with a Magic Carpet conveyor to bring them back up the hill. Snow Riders makes its own snow, so you can even tube when the weather is above freezing. In the evenings, families can enjoy Downhill Disco: Night Time Snow Tubing featuring music and multicolor LED disco lights.

Visiting with Kids:

Kids 36 to 42 inches must ride tandem with a guardian, while those under 36 inches can enjoy the 50-foot kiddie tubing slope. Kiddie tubing costs only $10!

Parking, Food & Tickets:

Tickets must be purchased online in advance. Prices range from around $40-$50, with discounts available for military and large groups. Plenty of parking spots are available. Warm up with some hot chocolate from the on-site Choco Trailer, or enjoy burgers and appetizers with a view of the tubing hill at the Alstadts Ale House. You can also bring your own food to enjoy at the outdoor picnic tables.

2. Heritage Hills Resort — York, PA

Driving distance from DC: Under 2 hours

The Avalanche Xpress tubing hill at Heritage Hills Resort has several tubing lanes open seven days a week, with a lift to take tubers back up the hill. Daredevils can also take high-speed rides down the resort's ice slides—the longest ones in the world! Ice skating and a fire pit are available, too.

Visiting with Kids:

There is no height or age restriction to tube the Avalanche Xpress. Everyone must be in their own tube and able to get in and out by themselves, but parents can hold onto younger kids' tubes and ride down together.

Parking, Food & Tickets:

Weekday passes cost around $30 for two hours, $35 for three hours, and $40 for the entire day. Weekend passes cost a bit more. Advance reservations are highly recommended on weekends and holidays. Paid parking if available on site. During or after your tubing adventure, warm up—and fuel up—at the resort's Winter Village, which has concessions, seasonal snacks, and hot drinks.

3. Massanutten Resort — Massanutten, VA

Driving distance from DC: About 2.5 hours

Why Families Love It:

The snow tubing hill at this popular family resort features up to 16 lanes that are 900 feet long and offer a drop of 120 vertical feet. Two conveyor lifts help get visitors back up the hill. Massanutten also offers Northern Lights Tubing, where guests can tube after dark to the glow of neon lights and pumping music. The resort offers plenty of other fun activities, too—read all about them in our review of Massanutten Resort.

Visiting with Kids:

Kids must be 36 inches to tube. Younger and/or more timid tubers would likely prefer the mid-day session, when track conditions are more moderate.When conditions are right, families can link tubes and ride down together!

Parking, Food & Tickets:

Tickets for 90-minute sessions start at less than $35 on Mondays - Thursdays and under $50 on weekends and holidays, but you can tube for only $25 from 9-10pm on Mondays - Thursdays. Purchase tickets online as far in advance as possible, as snow tubing often sells out. Free parking lots are available but often fill up quickly. The resort has a variety of restaurants and grab-and-go food options.

 
Wintergreen Resort is home to the largest snow tubing hill in Virginia.

4. Wintergreen Resort — Wintergreen, VA

Driving distance from DC: About 3 hours

Why Families Love It:

The Plunge at Wintergreen Resort is the largest tubing hill in Virginia! It's taller than a 10-story building and longer than three football fields. Tubers can reach speeds of up to 30 miles per hour.

Visiting with Kids:

Kids must be 42 inches tall to tube the Plunge, which is recommended for children ages 6 and up. Only one person is allowed per tube, but riders may hook their tubes together depending on conditions. Try to arrive an hour before your tubing session to allow time to check in and get everyone geared up.

Parking, Food & Tickets:

Tickets must be purchased online in advance. If the date you want is sold out, check back the Monday before—additional tickets may be released. The Plunge is open Thursdays - Sundays, plus holiday Mondays. Ticket prices range from around $20 on Thursdays to about $45 on weekends and holidays. There are several restaurants and grab-and-go food options at the resort. The parking lot is a short walk from the tubing hill.

Snow tubing at Wisp Resort is fun for the whole family.

5. Wisp Resort — McHenry, MD

Driving distance from DC: About 3 hours

Why Families Love It:

There are 12 tubing chutes—each 750 feet long—at Wisp Resort, plus two conveyor carpets to carry tubers back up the mountain. Add on a ride (or three) on Wisp's mountain coaster for a discounted price!

Visiting with Kids:

Kids must be 4 years old and 42 inches tall to tube, and at least 54 inches tall to ride the mountain coaster. Those under 38 to 53 inches tall (ages 2-12) can ride the coaster as a passenger with someone age 16 or older.

Parking, Food & Tickets:

Tickets must be purchased online in advance. Four-hour sessions are available for around $45 on Wednesdays and about $25 on Thursday nights, while weekends and holidays are limited to two-hour sessions for $45. Free parking is available. Wisp Resort has several on-site restaurants available to help fuel your adventures.

6. Canaan Valley Resort State Park — Davis, WV

Driving distance from DC: About 3 hours

Why Families Love It:

At 1,200 feet long, the tube runs at Canaan Valley Resort are some of the longest in the region. Luckily, there’s a magic carpet lift to carry visitors back up after each tubing run. The on-site Bald Knob Haus has a fireplace, restrooms, and an outdoor fire ring to help you warm up before, during, or after tubing.

Visiting with Kids: 

Kids must be at least 4 years old and 42 inches tall to tube.

Parking, Food & Tickets

Tubing is available every day except Wednesday, and passes for two-hour sessions should be purchased online.Tickets cost $25 on weekdays and $40-$50 on weekends. A large, free parking lot is available near the tubing hill, and there are several places to eat the resort.

7. Bryce Resort — Basye, VA

Driving distance from DC: A little over 3 hours

Why Families Love It:

Bryce Resort has three 800-foot tubing lanes where visitors can tube for 90 minutes per session. A conveyer belt takes guests back to the top of the hill after each run, but note that there is some walking involved.

Visiting with Kids:

Kids must be 4 years old and 36 inches tall to tube at Bryce Resort. They also must be able to get in and out of their tube quickly.

Parking, Food & Tickets:

Tickets must be reserved online in advance and cost $35 Mondays - Thursdays and $40 on holidays. Tubers can add ice skating to their tickets for only $10, including skate rental. Parking is available at the resort's main lots. Enjoy a sit-down meal at the on-site Copper Kettle Restaurant or a quick-service meal at the resort's cafeteria, the Shenandoah Center. On weekends, an outdoor bar and grill is open as well.

Which Snow Tubing Spots Near DC Are Best for Different Ages?

Best Snow Tubing Hills for Toddlers and Preschoolers (Ages 2–5)

With gentler slopes, tandem tubing and/or mini tubing areas, these are our favorites for the youngest snow birds:

• Snow Riders — Harpers Ferry, WV
• Massanutten — Massanutten, VA
• Heritage Hills Resort — York, PA

Best Snow Tubing Hills for School-Age Kids (Ages 6–12)

These spots offer kid-friendly snow tubing with moderate hills, conveyor lifts, and family-friendly policies:

• Wisp Resort — McHenry, MD
• Canaan Valley Resort State Park — Davis, WV
• Bryce Resort — Basye, VA

Best Snow Tubing Hills for Teens and Adventurous Families

These tubing hills near DC have fast runs, night tubing with music and lights, and other thrills for teens:

• Snow Riders — Harpers Ferry, WV
• Heritage Hills Resort — York, PA
• Massanutten — Massanutten, VA

Pro Parent Tips for a Stress-Free Snow Tubing Day

What Should I Pack for Snow Tubing with Kids?

Pack snacks, a Thermos or other bottle to keep drinks warm, extra hats and gloves, and a change of clothes for the car ride home.

When is the Best Time to Go Snow Tubing for Kids?

Non-peak times like early mornings and weekdays (when crowds are smaller) are best for families with kids.

How Can I Save Money on Snow Tubing and Other Winter Activities Near DC?

Look for discounts on group or military tickets. Some snow tubing spots also offer discounts on weekdays and off-peak hours. Bring your own food and snacks if allowed. And if you want to enjoy other activities like ice skating, see if there's a discount for bundling tickets.

FAQ – Snow Tubing Near DC for Families

Q:What’s the best snow tubing hill near DC for young kids?
A: Snow Riders in Harpers Ferry is best for the littlest tubers, as there is a special kiddie tubing slope. Other tubing spots that are best for young kids are those that allow tandem tubing, like Massanutten and Wintergreen resorts.

Q: Are there snow tubing hills that allow toddlers or babies?
Snow Riders in Harpers Ferry has a special kidding tubing hill!, while Avalanche XPress at Heritage Hills Resort in York, PA has no age or height requirement.

Q: Do you need to bring your own snow tube?
A: No, all of these snow tubing hills near DC provide the tubes for you.

Q: How much does snow tubing cost near DC?
A: Prices vary, but expect to pay anywhere from $20 - $50 per ticket, depending on the location and day of the week.

Q: Do I need to reserve snow tubing tickets in advance?
A: It Is highly recommended to reserve snow tubing tickets ahead of time online to avoid them selling out, especially on weekend and holidays. Some snow tubing hills near DC even require advance tickets.

Q: Are there any night tubing spots near DC?
A: Most of these snow tubing hills near DC have nighttime hours, especially on weekends. For a true night tubing experience with lights and music, visit Snow Riders in Harpers Ferry or Massanutten.

Q: What should families wear for snow tubing?
A: Bundle up! Winter coats, hats, and gloves are a must, and waterproof snow pants are recommended. Waterproof winter boots should be worn, but not ski or other hard-shell boots, as they can cause injury.

Q: Are food and bathrooms available at most snow tubing hills?
A: Yes! All of these tubing hills near DC have on-site food options and restrooms.

Q: Are helmets required or recommended for kids?
A: While helmets are not required for kids, they are recommended to prevent head injuries, especially in younger and less experienced tubers. Some snow tubing hills have helmets available, while at others you'll need to bring your own.

Q: Can we combine snow tubing with skiing or other winter activities?
A: Yes! Most snow tubing hills at resorts have other winter activities like skiing and ice skating, and may even offer discounts on combo tickets.

All photos courtesy of the resorts