Best Snow Tubing Near Boston for Families in 2025

Find the best snow tubing in Boston and around New England for family fun this winter. Photo by Ogden Gigli for the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism
Find the best snow tubing in Boston and around New England for family fun this winter. Photo by Ogden Gigli for the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism
12/19/25 - By Kelley Heyworth

Easier than skiing and more thrilling than sledding, the best snow tubing is a wicked big deal here in Massachusetts! Snow tubing provide a low-stress, relatively low-cost family day set at a giggle-inducing pace. It also helps you earn major points with the kiddos. For the best snow tubing near Boston, kids (and adventurous parents) have their choice of several well-groomed trails to launch down on a soft-sided inner-tube. Go a little further and be rewarded with lengthy runs and breathtaking views. All of these tubing parks are located within 3 hours of Boston, and many are also open on winter holidays!

For other ways to hit the slopes, check out our favorite Boston-area sledding hills, a roundup of New England ski resorts that cater to families, and list of more ski resorts in the Northeast. Also, our Boston Winter Fun Guide can always be relied on to get kids off their devices and out in the fresh winter air.

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Editor's note: Be sure to consult each venue's website for updated information regarding conditions, hours of operation, and availability.

Where Can Families Go Snow Tubing Near Boston in 2025?

There are plenty of spots for snow tubing near Boston. We've pulled together some of the most tried and tested snow tubing spots for family fun. There are a number of places close to Boston, and even more in the mountains north and west of the city.

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

1. Ski Ward – Shrewsbury

Why Families Love It: With 12 lanes, 200 tubes, and 2 lifts, snow tubing at Ski Ward in Shrewsbury is a blast. For an extra thrill, one that kids especially like, go at night. 

Insider Tips for Visiting with Kids: Riders on Ski Ward's "TubaSlide" must be 6 years old and 42 inches tall.

Parking: FREE parking is available at at Ski Ward

2. Nashoba Valley – Littleton

Why Families Love It: Nashoba Valley is the largest tubing park in New England, with as many as 18 lanes available and more than 600 snow tubes on site. An easy tow-handle lift brings you to the top of the hill, where you can decide which lane you’d like to try. 

Insider Tips for Visiting with Kids: Age and height requirements at Nashoba Valley's Tubing Park are 6 years and 42 inches tall

Food and Parking: There is a snack bar onsite at the tubing park's lodge, and Nashoba Valley offers FREE parking.

Best Snow Tubing in Massachusetts for 2025

Image of child snow tubing - best snow tubing in Boston
Take off on a fun adventure wit the best snow tubing near Boston for kids and families!

3. Berkshire East – Charlemont

Why Families Love It: This 3-lane tubing park isn't huge, but the 500-foot runs are definitely a thrill. A magic carpet easily gets you up the hill, a major plus when pulling a tube. This mountain has a 1-person-per-tube policy, so prepare your kiddos in advance. 

Insider Tips for Visiting with Kids: Book online in advance, as the tubing park can sell out. There is a 42 inch height requirement

Fun Fact: Berkshire East is the only ski area in the world to generate 100% of its electricity from onsite renewable energy. 

4. Ski Butternut – Great Barrington

Why Families Love It: Ski Butternut offers hundreds of snow tubes, 11 lanes, and a magic carpet lift to transport you to the top. This mountain is a full-service operation. Butternut guarantees 100% snow-making coverage, which means there's snow on the mountain even if it's not in your backyard. 

Insider Tips for Visiting with Kids: Kids must be able to ride in a tube on their own because only single tubes are available.​ Tubing is for ages 5 and over.

Food and Parking: Ski Butternut has 2 lodges with a variety of dining options. Parking is FREE.

5. Bousquet Mountain – Pittsfield

Why Families Love It: There are up to 10 tubing lanes and 100 tubes available. Kiddos must be able to ride independently. 

Insider Tips for Visiting with Kids: Advance tickets are strongly recommended. The height requirement is 42 inches. Bousquet Mountain has two different dining options.

Fun Fact: Bousquet was the first ski area in the U.S. to offer night skiing thanks to a partnership with General Electric. 

Best Snow Tubing Near Boston - New Hampshire

6. McIntyre Ski Area – Manchester, NH

Why Families Love It: This hill just an hour from Boston. A conveyor carpet easily ferries tubers up to the top of the hill, where there are 8 tubing lanes and plenty of grooming machines for a smooth ride. While only one person can be in each tube, the tubes can be connected.

Insider Tips for Visiting with Kids: Age and height requirements are 5 years and 44 inches.

Know Before You Go: The onsite restaurant is closed until Spring 2026.

7. Pats Peak – Henniker, NH

Why Families Love It: Tubing at Henniker is so popular that reservations are required to hit the hill, which is 85 feet wide and 600 feet long. Saturday night POP tubing (included with access to the entire mountain) features music and lights. Riders here must be able to tube alone and ride on their stomachs.

Insider Tips for Visiting with Kids: Reservations are required. Riders must be 5 years and 44 inches tall

Food and Parking: There are several food options, from sit-down dining to a cafeteria, and even food trucks. FREE parking is available at Pat's Peak.

8. Cranmore Mountain Resort – North Conway, NH

Why Families Love It: Set in the White Mountains, this 170-acre ski resort offers a large snow tubing resort with 10 lanes of lift-serviced trails for families to zip down. The snow tubing resort is located between the main base lodge and the Artist Falls Lodge. 

Insider Tips for Visiting with Kids: Riders over 42 inches tall must ride solo; under 42 inches (age 3 and up) must ride with a parent or guardian.

Fun Fact: Cranmore is home to Mountain Adventure Park which features a mountain coaster, giant swing, and soaring eagle zip line for summer fun.

Gunstock Mountain Resort New Hampshire Snow Tubing near Boston 
These snow tubing spots near Boston have multiple lanes of winter fun! Photo courtesy of the Gunstock Mountain Resort

9. Gunstock Mountain Resort – Gilford, NH

Why Families Love It: Gunstock is just 90 minutes from Boston and features two-hour tubing sessions. The magic carpet makes it easy to get to the top of the hill and the well-groomed lanes make for a speedy and fun ride back down. 

Insider Tips for Visiting with Kids: Riders must be over 42 inches tall to ride. Kids under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Only single rider tubes are available and reservations are highly recommended.

Parking and Food: Parking is FREE. Gunstock has five different dining options, from full service to grab-and-go.

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

Best Snow Tubing Hills for Younger Kids (Ages 5–7)

With gentle slopes, mini tubing areas, and play zones, these are our favorites for the youngest snow birds: 

  • Berkshire East - Charlemont
  • Ski Butternut - Great Barrington
  • McIntyre Ski Area - Manchester, NH
  • Cranmore - North Conway, NH

Best Snow Tubing Hills for School-Age Kids (Ages 8–12)

Moderate hills, conveyor lifts, family-friendly policies

  • Nashoba Valley - Littleton
  • Ski Ward - Shrewsbury
  • Bousquet Mountain - Pittsfield

Best Snow Tubing Hills for Teens and Adventurous Families

Fast runs, night tubing, group deals, music/lights events 

  • Pat's Peak - Henneker, NH
  • Cranmore - North Conway, NH
  • Gunstock - Gilford, NH

Pro Parent Tips for a Stress-Free Snow Tubing Day

  • What to wear: As a parent, keeping your kids warm is just as important as booking the reservation. Layers are key! Dress them in warm layers, snow pants, a snow jacket, waterproof gloves, and snow boots. Add a cozy beanie under a helmet or a winter hat, and don’t forget hand warmers and an extra pair of gloves. For little ones, consider packing pajamas for the car ride home, depending on the timing of your session.
  • What to pack:  Snow tubes are provided, so no extra gear is needed -just bring yourself, your family, and warm clothing. Water bottles are a good idea to stay hydrated. Most locations don’t allow outside food, so save snacks or bento boxes for the drive to and from the hill. Kids will definitely ask! Bringing blankets for the ride home is also a smart way to help them warm up after a fun day in the snow.
  • When to go: Early mornings are ideal, as crowds are smaller and parking is easier. If mornings aren’t possible, be sure to plan ahead.
  • How to make it fun for all ages: You can turn this into a full family outing, even with younger kids. Bring along grandparents or other family members to help with the little ones. Some hills feature snow play areas, giving toddlers and preschoolers a chance to enjoy the outdoors too. All locations offer on-site food options, from restaurants to waffle houses—because who doesn’t love a sweet treat or a cup of hot chocolate?

FAQ – Snow Tubing Near Boston for Families 2025

Q: What’s the best snow tubing hill near Boston for young kids?

Cranmore is a top choice for small riders. Nashoba Valley is another fave for younger, school-age kids

Q: Are there snow tubing hills that allow toddlers or babies?

Cranmore accommodates kids as young as 3. Most tubing parks have age and height requirements of around 5 years and 40 inches.

Q: Do you need to bring your own snow tube?

No personal gear is required, as the snow tubes are provided by the mountain. Be sure to check each mountain’s helmet policy, as some locations do require them.

Q: How much does snow tubing cost near Boston?

Sessions typically last between one and two hours, with prices ranging from $21 to $45 per person.

Q: Do I need to reserve snow tubing tickets in advance?

Yes, all locations require online booking, as sessions often sell out.

Q: Are there any night tubing spots near Boston?

Yes, Ski Ward features night tubing, as does Cranmore and Pat's Peak.

Q: What should families wear for snow tubing?

Families should dress as they would for a typical snow day: snow pants, a snow jacket, waterproof gloves, and warm layers underneath. Plus, snow boots. Hand warmers are a helpful backup. If wearing a helmet, consider adding a thermal beanie underneath for extra warmth.

Q: Are food and bathrooms available at most snow tubing hills?

Yes, most snow tubing locations offer both food and restroom facilities on site, making it easy to spend a full day enjoying the slopes.

Q: Are helmets required or recommended for kids?

Helmets are always recommended, though they may not be required at every hill. Many locations provide helmets if you don’t have your own.

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

Yes, it’s a great choice for making a full day of fun, especially if you’re traveling to a more distant location.

 

Originally published in January 2018

Updated December 2023, 2024, 2025

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About the Author

Kelley Heyworth
Kelley Heyworth is the regional editor for Mommy Poppins, covering Boston, Connecticut, and the rest of New England. She has covered parenting and health topics for nearly two decades, as an editor for Child Magazine and Fitness Magazines and a contributor to Parents Magazine, Mommy Nearest, and other national publications and websites. Previously, she was a writer and editor at Sports Illustrated and Philadelphia Magazines. A mom of three boys outside of Boston, Kelley also writes a blog, Happy Healthy Kids, and loves hiking, running, cooking, gardening, and spending time at beaches in Nantucket, Connecticut, and New Jersey with family and friends.