Best Sledding Spots Near Philadelphia for Kids
Get ready for a snow day with our list of the best sledding hills near Philly.
When the forecast calls for snow, Philly parents ought to be prepared. Not just with the milk, bread, and toilet paper, but with the best spots to take the kiddos sledding on a snow day. Sledding is one of our favorite winter activities, so we're breaking down all the best sledding hills near Philly (not just by their cool factor, but also by age group), so you know exactly where you should head when we get a decent coating.
For more amazing ways to enjoy the snow with your family, check out the best places to go Snow Tubing near Philadelphia and Family-Friendly Skiing and Snowboarding near Philly.
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Best Sledding near Philadelphia for Young Kids
Clark Park—West Philadelphia
Known as the Clark Park "bowl", these gentle hills are perfect for little ones, giving them a thrill without the large crowds or serious drops.
FDR Park—South Philadelphia
The hills here are not very steep, so they are perfect for little ones. There is plenty of room to slide around or be pulled by a willing and energetic parent. Neighboring Packer Park is another South Philly spot with hills to sled.
Best Sledding near Philadelphia for Older Kids
Arts Academy at Benjamin Rush—Northeast Philadelphia
This hill is seriously (I mean seriously!) steep. Only the pros should check this one out.
Austin Meehan Middle School—Northeast Philadelphia
This spot is great for thrill-seekers. Steep hills help you fly to the bottom.
Baldi Middle School—Bustleton
With a steep but concrete hill, sledders should be sure there is plenty of snow before pushing off.
Bartram's Garden—Southwest Philadelphia
In the winter, one of the top attractions at this great Philadelphia space is sledding. Bartram’s is another hit that is suitable for all sizes and skill levels.
Fairmount Park is a prime spot to enjoy the snow. Photo courtesy of Philadelphia Parks and Recreation
Belmont Plateau—Fairmount Park
This spot is really popular and can get crowded, but the hills are nice and steep enough for kids to enjoy. Plus, in beautiful Fairmount Park you can get some amazing views of the Philadelphia skyline and warm up in the nearby museums if it’s too cold.
Burholme Park—Northeast Philadelphia
With several hills to choose from, your kids can decide if they want the daring experience or the more mild slide. But beware, picking up speed down one hill can land you in the Fox Chase Cancer Center drive.
Chestnut Hill Water Tower—Chestnut Hill
An abundance of bumps on the way down these popular slopes makes this location a favorite in the northwest section of the city.
Fernhill Park—Fairmount Park
This neighborhood spot has a mix of small and larger hills to accommodate a range of abilities.
John Byrne Golf Course—Northeast Philadelphia
This is a Northeast Philly favorite, so it can get crowded. But if you get here early, your kids can enjoy the large hills that offer fun without the fear factor.
Lemon Hill—Fairmount Park
Situated in East Fairmount Park, this popular spot has steep hills perfect for elementary-aged kids.
Museum sledding is a Philly tradition. Just beware of the bumps. Photo courtesy of the Philadelphia Museum of Art
Philadelphia Museum of Art—Fairmount
This one goes to the pros for the danger factor, although plenty of younger kids enjoy it as well. While it really is an excellent ride, sledding down concrete steps takes skills. It’s bumpy fun that is quintessentially Philadelphia.
Saint Joseph’s University—West Philadelphia
If the college students don’t get in your way with their lunch trays gliding down Hawk Hill, your teens will have a blast at this steep site.
Thomas Mansion—Fairmount Park
Another great place to sled can be found right behind Thomas Mansion at the Fairmount Park Conservancy. Known as Tommy's Hill, this long ride is sure to delight children of most ages.
Wissinoming Park—Northeast Philadelphia
Another great spot in the northeast section of the city with multiple options, this one can get crowded if you arrive too late in the day.
Best Sledding Spots in Bucks County
Central Park—Doylestown
Great sledding for all ages, but the big benefit is the awesome playground that you can use to keep the younger kids entertained in other fun, snow-covered ways.
Helen Randle Park—Newtown
Some kids claim to be able to catch double hills if they go fast enough—this is where tweens and teens go to outdo each other.
Magill’s Hill—New Hope
With "hill" in the name, it's clearly the ultimate sledding spot. This five-acre park has a variety of steep, wide hills. Kids are known to bring snowboards to this spot too.
Mercer Museum—Doylestown
Built upon a hill, this is another great combination of art meets sledding fun.
Nockamixon State Park—Quakertown
Offering winter activities such as cross country skiing and ice skating, Nockamixon State Park is also a favorite for sledding and tobogganing.
Tyler State Park—Newtown
The park is effectively one long hill, with little slopes all over the place.
Best Sledding Spots in Chester County
French Creek—Elverson
Between Chester and Berks County, French Creek State Park is a favorite sledding spot. The most popular place kids enjoy is the backside of the dam at Scots Run Lake.
Marsh Creek State Park—Downingtown
Located in north-central Chester County, Marsh Creek State Park has numerous winter sport opportunities such as sledding, cross-country skiing, and ice skating. Sledders can be found on the slopes near the picnic area by the East Launch.
Pocopson Elementary School —West Chester
With the famous “Devil's Hill” right in front of the school, children of all ages will enjoy this thrill.
Best Sledding Spots in Delaware County for Young Kids
Ridley Creek State Park—Media
This is another state park that offers up great sledding hills for all ages. The highlight is a long, tiny hill that allows for a good glide without too much speed.
Rose Tree Park—Media
Wide, shallow hills are perfect for the little ones here.
Best Sledding Spots in Delaware County for Older Kids
Clayton Park and Golf Course—Glen Mills
You know golfers have to surmount giant hills, so these, of course, make for some of the best sledding hills in the area.
Odorisio Park—Wayne
Three hills make this a great spot for all ages, but toddlers might not want to battle the crowds.
Strath Haven High School—Wallingford
This high school boasts some great slopes. Since it’s a family spot, you'll often see people working together to build ramps and other obstacles.
Best Sledding Spots in Montgomery County
Abington Art Center—Jenkintown
Locals rave about the hill behind this art center on a snowy day, conveniently right next to Alverthorpe Park.
Fort Washington State Park—Fort Washington
Definitely not for the faint of heart, but not so dangerous that teens won’t want to go back again and again. Check out Lot #5 in the Militia Hill Day Use Area for a 400-foot slope.
Green Lane Park—Perkiomenville
Gentle slopes and huge spaces make it a great spot for the little sledders.
Mill Hill Preservation—East Greenville
With bragging rights as the highest location in Montgomery County, Mill Hill is the perfect spot for older sledders.
Valley Forge National Historic Park—King of Prussia
Hills of all shapes and sizes make this a great spot for all ages (especially if you are a family with multiple kids/skill levels).
The Willows—Villanova
This is a huge favorite, so it gets crowded. The hill is long and wide with plenty of room for all to enjoy.
Places featured in this article:
Clark Park
Belmont Plateau - Fairmount Park
Bartram's Garden
Burholme Park
John Byrne Golf
Art’s Academy at Benjamin Rush
Austin Meehan Middle School
Baldi CCA Middle School
St Joes University
Philadelphia Museum of Art
Central Park
Tyler State Park
Mercer Museum
Magill's Hill
Helen Randle Park
Pocopson Elementary School
Ridley Creek State Park
Rose Tree Park
Odorisio Park
Strath Haven High School
Clayton Park and Golf Course
Green Lane Park
Valley Forge National Historic Park
The Willows
Fort Washington State Park
Marsh Creek State Park
Nockamixon State Park
Thomas Mansion
Fernhill Park
Water Tower Recreation Center
Abington Art Center