Looking for a fun outdoor activity to do with the kids this winter? Our suggestion: kick cabin fever to the curb and embrace the season with a snow tubing trip with the kids. No skill or expensive gear is needed, and there are plenty of places to go snow tubing near NYC, whether you want a day outing or an overnight trip. Here are over a dozen spots to slip and slide in the snow!
Snow Tubing Tips for 2022!
Don on those cozy mittens and hat and head outdoors for some Winter fun. The best part - no experience required! Make it a day trip or spend the weekend at one of these mountains. Take a seat, hold on tight as you glide down one of these snow-covered hills.
- Many ski and resorts are open but require advanced reservations.
- Arrive early so you can be sure to make every minute of your session count!
- Bring your mask and expect to social distance especially indoors.
- Fill out the required waivers beforehand.
- Dress in layers, helmets and goggles are optional but recommended.
Like all snow sports, activities are subject to change due to unexpected weather. Do check the website or call ahead before hitting the mountain.
New Jersey
Campgaw Mountain
You do not need to drive far for some cold weather fun. Campgaw isn't very big but offers 10 tubing runs for you to slide down, belly down! It's quick, fun and requires little experience.
Note: Little ones must be 42 inches tall to ride. A limited amount of tickets are sold for each session. Tickets are released 6 days in advance and online booking is highly recommended.
Drive time from NYC: 45 minutes
Cost: $29-$34 for two-hour session depending on the day of the week; $22-1 hour sessions available on Fri.
Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 2 p.m.-8 p.m., Fri. 1 p.m.-10 p.m., Sat. 8:30 a.m.-10 p.m., Sun. 8:30 a.m.-8 p.m.
200 Campgaw Rd.
Mahwah, NJ
201-327-7800
Online: skicampgaw.com
Mountain Creek
A snow tubing park indeed with a whopping 30 tube lanes to choose from. A thrilling ride down the lane of your choice and back up on their magic carpet lift speeds up the process. Mask and face coverings are required. All riders must be at least 42 inches tall and five years or older. Snow tubing tickets can only be purchased online. Please read health safety guidelines here. Snowtubing is located next to the Sandhill parking lot. Guests must park at Sandhill parking lot or General Parking.
Drive time from NYC: 1 hour and 15 minutes drive
Cost: $30 per two-hour session
Hours: Thurs. 4 p.m.-8 p.m., Fri.-Sun.10 a.m.-8 p.m.
200 State Rte. 94
Vernon, NJ
973-827-2000
Online: mountaincreek.com
New York
Hunter Mountain
Located right at the base of Hunter Mountain and at nearly 1,000 feet long is one of the biggest in NY and has its own Magic Carpet lift. Please purchase tickets at least 48 hours in advance of your intended arrival date. Sessions are for two hours. Face coverings are required. Check here for more ticket and safety guidelines.
Drive time from NYC: 2 hours and 15 minutes
Cost: $25 any person over 44 inches, $35 for adult and child (between 36 inches and 44 inches).
Hours: Fri. 5 p.m.-7 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
64 Klein Ave.
Hunter, NY
518-263-4223
Online: huntermtn.com
Holiday Mountain Ski and Fun Park
This Sullivan County ski resort maybe be small but feels cozy particularly for little ones. Book tickets in advance by calling 845-796-3161. Face coverings are required. Children must be 44 inches tall and a supervising adult will need a valid ID. (Coupon available if you add on ski or snowboard) The "Magic Carpet" lift is a must for easy-on/easy-off.
Drive time from NYC: 90 minutes
Cost: $20 per two-hour session
Hours: Fri.-Sun., schedules vary so call ahead
99 Holiday Mountain Rd.
Monticello, NY
845-796-3161
Online: holidaymtn.com
The Windham Mountain Adventure Park
The Windham Mountain Adventure Park is the mac daddy of snow parks! Rocket down a 650-foot snow-covered slope with six lanes of snow tubing or tube family-style and tie together a group of up to six tubes.
Located in the Catskills, The Windham Mountain Tubing Park has made some improvements including snowmaking upgrades as well as or more earth-friendly groomer so that guests can play during the day or night. Guests must ride in their own tube. However, there are no height or age restrictions as long as they can ride the slope safely. Enjoy a new Magic Carpet conveyor lift for a quick trip back up the mountain. A fun add-on are the Arctic Cat snowmobiles that are just for kids between the ages of 6 and 13 and less than 120 pounds in weight. But there’s more: ice skating, two zip lines, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. This place will keep you entertained all winter long.
A Daily snow report is available and recommended before hitting the slopes. Please read safety protocols here.
Drive time from NYC: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Cost: $25 (Season passes are available, priced separately)
Hours: Sat. 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. (with additional holiday hours) The 2 hours 3 p.m.-5 p.m. session on Sun. is only $15. Save when you purchase 5 tickets for one session for $100.
360 County Route 12
Windham, NY
Parking and ticketing is available at the Adventure Park Lodge
518-734-4300
Online: windhammountain.com
Mount Peter
Founded in 1936, this family-operated ski resort was the first of its kind located in the Hudson Valley. Here is a chance for younger kids to partake in the snow tubing experience. The Little Tikes Tubing Play Area accommodates tiny tubers as small as 36 inches and up. Youngers at 42 inches or taller can take a conveyor belt up to slide 600 feet down, and tandem tubing is allowed for those 36-48 inches tall with an adult on the big hill. Please read current Covid related information.
Drive time from NYC: 90 minutes
Cost: $30 weekdays ($20 Little Tikes) and $35 weekends/holidays ($25 Little Tikes) for 1 hour and half session
Hours: Thurs.-Fri. noon-5:30 p.m., Sat.-Sun.(and holiday) 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
51 Old Mt. Peter Rd.
Warwick, NY
845-986-4940
Online: mtpeter.com
Pennsylvania
Camelback Mountain
Families often make it a weekend visit to one of the Eastern border's largest Winter resorts including Acquatopia, their indoor water park. Enjoy a tubular adventure here, the largest park you will find in the area. Not only are there forty lanes to choose from, you can tube during the day or at night on their galactic lanes. No worries, a magic carpet is available for a quick trip back up the mountain. Each session is two hours long and can be scheduled here. Riders must be 44 inches tall to ride alone. Those that are 33 inches to 43 inches tall or under the age of 14 must ride in tandem or a chain with an adult. Check their snow report for the latest tubing and ski conditions.
Drive time from NYC: 1 hour 40 minutes
Cost: $33 - $47 depending on time and day
Hours: Mon.-Fri. noon-8 p.m, Sat.-Sun. 9 a.m.-8 p.m.
193 Resort Dr.
Tannersville, PA
570-629-1661
Online: cambelbackresort.com
Shawnee Mountain
The Snow Tubing park offers single tubes as well as adult and child tandem tubes. Children must be under 46 inches and tubing is not recommended for children under the age of five. There are two surface lifts to bring you back to the top. Tickets are first-come, first-served but you must book online. The number of tickets are limited per session.
Drive time from NYC: 90 minutes
Cost: $32 weekday and $45 weekends and holidays for a 90-minute session
Hours: Mon.-Wed. 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Thurs.-Fri. 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
401 Hollow Rd.
East Stroudsbourg, PA
570-421-7231
Online: shawneemt.com
Jack Frost Big Boulder
A destination notable for being the first commercial ski resort to open in Pennsylvania and also the first to invent snowmaking is a worthy choice for a day of fun. There are actually two mountains to choose from here. Jack Frost, the smaller resort, has two cable tows to transport snow tubers uphill, while Big Boulder features two 600-foot conveyor carpets.
The recommended height for tubing here is 42 inches. Guidance on Covid safety can be found here.
Drive time from NYC: 2 hours
Cost: Check website for current information
Hours: Jack Frost, Sat.-Sun. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Big Boulder, Mon.-Fri. 4 p.m.-8 p.m., Sat.-Sun. and holidays 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Jack Frost Ski Resort
434 Jack Frost Mountain Rd.
White Haven, PA
Big Boulder Mountain
357 Big Boulder Dr.
Lake Harmony, PA
570-443-8425
Online: jfbb.com
Blue Mountain Resort
For those seeking a chilling thrill, visit Blue Mountain Resort, home to the longest and fastest lanes in the Poconos. Hold on to your tube while you fly down one of 46 lanes that are over 1,000 feet long! Oh, and there are 3 convenient lifts. Ride single or double. Guests must be 36 inches are taller and there are no age or weight restrictions. Sessions run 3 hours long. Schedule ahead here.
Drive time from NYC: 2 hours
Cost: $20-$36 depending on time and day
Hours: Thurs. 5 p.m.-9 p.m., Fri.-Sun. and holidays, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
1660 Blue Mountain Dr.
Palmerton, PA
610-826-7700
Online: skibluemt.com
Montage Mountain
"Fun For All" is the motto at this snow tubing park that offers "the longest and fastest lanes in Pennslyvania," with 10 lanes, including designated lanes for the kiddos ages 3-7, or 32 to 41 inches tall. Guests 42 inches and taller have access to the main tubing park. The hill glows at night using LED lights and a fire pit is available to stay warm.
Tubing sessions are four hours long on weekdays and two hours long on weekends and holidays. Book ahead here.
Drive time from NYC: 2 hours and 15 minutes
Cost: $30 Mon.-Thur., $30-50 varies on weekends and holidays, 20% military discount
Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 4 p.m.-9 p.m., Fri.-Sun and holidays, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
1000 Montage Mountain Rd.
Scranton, PA
Online: montagemountainresorts.com
—Wai Sze Zara
feature image: Camelback Resort
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