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.

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 2026?

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 2026?

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 2026

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.

 
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

The best indoor water parks in New England are the perfect cure for the bad-weather blues. Getting tired of the heavy, layered winter coats? Have your kids have already lost all of their gloves for the season? We get it. There are places within a couple hours right here in New England (and beyond) where you can splash around with the family—no outer gear required! Some are large with lots of amenities like multiple slides and arcades, while others are small, manageable and convenient. These water parks are all within a one- to five-hour drive from Boston and Connecticut. 

New England is home to plenty of water fun, either with a quick drive from Boston or a weekend escape. The best indoor water parks fit the bill when outdoor pools are closed.

If you live closer to New York (or are up for the trip) these indoor water parks in Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey are worth checking out, too. No matter where you go, be sure to check with each park directly about special rates and current safety policies. Also, consider planning a trip for a weekday or weeknight outside of school vacation to steer clear of crowds.

Best Indoor Water Parks in New England - Massachusetts

1. Great Wolf Lodge – Fitchburg, MA

Great Wolf Lodge New England is the newest and splashiest arrival on the regional water park scene. Great Wolf keeps the water temperatures at a constant 84 degrees and offers all kinds of fun. Try out the raft built for four, the water fort tree house, five water slides, or various pools for the whole family. Great Wolf Lodge also offers activities beyond the pool–​including a climbing wall, ropes course, VR experience, indoor mini-golf, an arcade, and more.
Costs: Room rates start around $180 (weeknights) for a deluxe queen suite for four people. Day passes are now offered, starting at $50 per person for a full day and $40 per person for a half-day. This water park has a seaside theme.

2. Margaritaville Resort Cape Cod – Hyannis, MA

The only indoor water park on Cape Cod, Margaritaville (formerly the Cape Codder) is about an hour and 45 minutes from Boston. Margaritaville Resort Cape Cod has four water slides, a shallow wading area for small children with small water slides, climbing structures, a dumping bucket, and a 24-person Jacuzzi. The lazy river features a waterfall, rapids, and a spouting whale. Visitors love the wave pool and the heated outdoor pool. Guests of the resort can enjoy the St. Somewhere Spa, fitness center, and the nearby beaches and towns. The pool-side cafe with kid-friendly food and seating is a handy plus for families. Open every day of the week.
Costs: Rooms start around $150 (weeknights) Day-trippers can buy passes for $51.50 per person. Children aged 2 and under are free. After school passes start at $16.50.

3. Pilgrim Cove Indoor Theme Pool – Plymouth, MA

Located approximately one hour from Boston at the John Carver Inn & Spa, this unique themed water park is full of fun nods to its hometown's prominence in American history—such as the life-size replica of the Mayflower with an 80-foot water slide winding through it, as well as an island whirlpool set in a replica of Plymouth Rock. The water park also features lap lanes for those looking to get in a workout, as well as a sauna. If you're bringing very little ones, make sure to note that the facility requires swim diapers for children not yet potty-trained; if you happen to forget them at home, you can purchase some at the hotel front desk. 
Cost: Day passes are available for $20 (call for availability). Rooms start around $139.00.

 
New England's indoor water parks cater to grown-ups and kids. Photo courtesy of Water Park of New England

4. Water Park of New England – Danvers, MA

Water Park of New England is the closest water park option for Bostonians, clocking in at just under an hour from the city. Attached to the DoubleTree by Hilton in Danvers, visitors can make this indoor water park a day trip or an overnight. Younger kids will love the kiddie pool with its theater and the lazy river options, while older kids will enjoy the four wild waterslides and the obstacle park area. Water Park of New England has a snack bar and cabanas for rent, and an arcade for when you get sick of the water. If you decide to make it a day trip, don’t forget to bring your own towels–the park doesn’t offer them. Also, Water Park of New England doesn’t have cubbies and charges a daily rental fee for small or large single-use lockers, so plan accordingly.
Costs: Day passes are available for $50 and up per person, with twilight rates as well. Rooms start around $99, with overnight packages (including 4 passes) starting around $459. 

Best Indoor Water Parks in New England - New Hampshire and Vermont

5. Hampton Inn and Suites - North Conway

This is an indoor hotel pool packed with all kinds of fun! This amazing spot at North Conway's Hampton Inn offers with two tube slides, one short slide and a fun frog play feature. Enjoy the rainfall umbrella and shallow to deep waters for play. This is a smaller indoor water area just right for the family who doesn't really enjoy the busy, hub-bub of the larger parks. This is also a pet-friendly hotel. 
Costs: Room rates start around $130.

Surf's up at Vermont's indoor water park! Photo courtesy of the Jay Peak Pump House Indoor Water Park

6. Pump House Indoor Waterpark – Jay, VT

At more than four hours from Boston, Pump House is definitely the farthest north of the parks featured here, but the trip would be well worth it. Located at the cushy Jay Peak ski resort, The Pump House offers water slides, indoor and outdoor hot tubs, and even a poolside bar. Thrill-seekers will love La Chute and its 65-foot drop at 45 miles per hour and visitors seeking a more relaxing experience can try out the Big River (a lazy river). Little kids will enjoy Mill Pond Kids Play Area. Pump House also has an arcade, surf shop, and snack bar, in addition to all the activities to be found at Jay Peak (from skiing to an indoor climbing wall). Be warned: the only way to ensure admission is by scheduling in advance online or booking a lodging package. Be sure to reach out to the park before making the drive.
Costs: Day passes begin at $36 per day for kids, $45 for adults. Children ages 3 and under are free. Packages start at $385 per night, including waterpark tickets.

7. Kahuna Laguna – North Conway, NH

Kahuna Laguna, reopened and better than ever, is New Hampshire’s largest indoor water park. North Conway's Kahuna Laguna about a three-hour drive from Boston. Part of the Red Jacket Mountain View Resort, Kahuna Laguna offers four water slides for kids over four feet tall, as well as a wave pool, basketball court, and 25-person hot tub. An adventure tower offers slides, with water cannons and a tipping bucket that will drench kids completely. Little ones will love the Little Kahuna play area with its slides and shallow pool.
Costs: Day passes begin at $35. Packages start at $399 for a mid-week stay at the resort..

Best Indoor Water Parks in New England - Connecticut

8. Great Wolf Lodge - Mashantucket

Foxwoods Resort visitors can enjoy a massive family-friendly attraction with the opening of Great Wolf Lodge in Connecticut. This indoor waterpark in Connecticut features 92,000 square feet of fun, including 13 water slides.

 

Updated 1-2023, 2-2024, 1-2025

Family ski trips are tough to beat, and New England is packed with ski resorts that cater to families. Skiing is one of the few sports where kids can quickly learn to meet—or in our family, surpass—parents' ability. Conquering a tough slope or cruising together down an easy one are the stuff of great memories. That said, not all ski resorts make it easy for families to deal with real parenting needs while on the slopes, but we found some New England ski resort gems that do. These ski resorts in New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine cater to families with plenty of beginner trails, daycare, lots of food options, condo-style lodging, ice skating, snow tubing, ski camps, and more.  If you are looking for places to practice before a family ski vacation, these slopes near Boston and Connecticut are perfect for a short day trip or weekly lessons. Have fun out there! Family Ski Resorts Under 2 hours from Boston Sunapee's well-groomed trails are great for families looking for smooth runs. Photo courtesy of Mount Sunapee 1. Mount Sunapee Resort - New Hampshire Billed as the closest big mountain to Southern New England, Sunapee is often families' first stop after conquering Massachusetts' slopes. Besides proximity, what people love most about Sunapee is its "corduroy": While powder and bumps are fun when you're zipping around solo, with kids in tow, you'll be thankful for Sunapee's ultra-smooth and uniform runs, produced by constant snowmaking and grooming. Trails: 67 runs (26% beginner) Ski school? Yes: Group and private lessons are available Fave kid-friendly food spot: Summit Cafeteria off the Sunapee Express lift offers breakfast and lunch by a cozy fire. Where to stay: Right at the entrance to the ski hill, Mountain Edge Resort and Spa offers family suites and "ski and stay deals." Family Ski Resorts Under 2 1/2 hours from Boston Kids love all the beginner trails they can try at Loon. Photo courtesy of Loon Mountain Resort 2. Loon Mountain - New Hampshire With a wide range of terrain ranging from easy greens to challenging black diamonds, Loon typically has a lot of family programming on the calendar. Independence Weekend in January includes fireworks and a torchlight parade on January 14. Check Loon's calendar for fun spring events like cardboard box races and theme parties. Trails: 61 runs (20% beginner) Ski school? Yes: Group and private lessons are available. Fave kid-friendly food spot: Try the Governor Adams Lodge at the west end of the Main Base parking lot. Where to stay: Kids love the game room, indoor/outdoor pool, and other amenities at the slopeside Mountain Club. 3. Waterville Valley Ski Resort - New Hampshire Waterville Valley prides itself on being more than a downhill haven, with a Nordic center, a great skating rink, lots of snowshoeing and hiking, and a charming, centrally located town square that makes it easy to keep track of multiple family members or other groups. Trails: 62 runs (15% beginner) Ski school? Yes: Group and private lessons, as well as a Kids Kamp for ages 4-12 are available. Fave kid-friendly food spot: La Hacienda offers Mexican favorites, like quesadillas and fried ice cream. Where to stay: Outfitted with 1, 2, and 3 bedrooms and full kitchens, Town Square Condominums are steps from a skating rink and cross country ski trails, and a short shuttle from the downhill ski area. Family Ski Resorts Under 3 hours from Boston Young skiers learning the ropes at Bretton Woods. Photo courtesy of Omni Mount Washington Resort 4. Bretton Woods - New Hampshire New Hampshire's largest ski area is surprisingly manageable for families. A painstaking snowmaking and grooming system as well as updated chair lifts make a day on the slopes fun for all, and the amazing views make for spectacular family photos. Trails: 98 runs (25% beginner) Ski school? Yes: Group and private lessons beginning at age 4 are available . Fave kid-friendly food spot: The Slopeside Pub is perfect for lunch or after skiing with a hearty kids' menu and great buffalo wings. Where to stay: Half the draw of a trip to Bretton Woods, the storied Omni Mount Washington Resort is a true haven for children. The hotel features pools, a snowmobile park, kids' apres ski parties, and plenty of family rooms and suites to choose from.   Make it a family ski and skate adventure! Photo courtesy of the Okemo Mountain Resort 5. Okemo Mountain Resort - Vermont Okemo has always been a magnet for families. A snowboard-friendly superpipe, a tubing park, a skating rink, a nature program, and even an indoor golf park offer extra fun for kids. Trails: 123 runs (32% beginner) Ski school? Yes: Group and private lessons beginning at age 3 are available. Fave kid-friendly food spot: The Summit Cafe combines spectacular views with crowd-pleasers like chicken fingers and hot cocoa. Where to stay: Families in-the-know take advantage of the third-night-free packages at any of Okemo's lodging properties; we're fans of Solitude Village, which features indoor/outdoor pools, ping pong, and 2- or 3-bedroom options, centrally located between the Clock Tower base area and Jackson Gore ski area. 6. Stratton Mountain Resort - Vermont With the highest proportion of beginner trails of all the resorts we feature here, Stratton is serious about developing young skiers. The cute village at the mountain's base features a skating rink, funky shops, and sweet stores galore for kids who tucker out from skiing on the early side. Trails: 99 runs (41% beginner) Ski school? Yes: Group and private lessons beginning at age 3 are available. Slopeside childcare: Full-service childcare for ages 6 weeks to 3.5 years. Fave kid-friendly food spot: To warm up from the cold, scope out a cozy corner booth at Grizzly's and order a pizza to share; the kids' menu offerings include a surprisingly good grilled cheese and tasty hot dogs. Where to stay: With hard-to-find 4-bedroom condos, the Landmark is perfect for big families or multiple groups and just steps from the mountain.   Try night skiing in Maine. Photo courtesy of the Shawnee Peak Ski School, Facebook 7. Pleasant Mountain (formerly Shawnee Peak) - Maine The name has changed, but the family fun remains! In gorgeous western Maine, Pleasant Mountain (aka Shawnee Peak) offers skiing for families in a picturesque setting centered in a cluster of kid-friendly Maine gems, the idyllic towns of Fryeburg, Lovell, and Bridgeton. Pleasant Mountain has festive and fun night-skiing, and on-slope dining options. Trails: 40 trails Ski school? Yes: group children’s lessons (and rentals) from age 4 and up. Fave kid-friendly food spot: Main Lodge Cafeteria (with homemade whoopie pies!) Where to stay: Pleasant Mountain provides a convenient list here. Or consider an Airbnb in this lakes region and sprawl out in a rental house! Family Ski Resorts Under 4 hours from Boston 8. Sunday River - Maine At Maine's most popular ski resort, families can always find a ski-and-stay deal that's as (if not more) affordable than any in the northeast. There's fireworks and other activities for families, and a Kids' Week. A highlight: Find mascot Eddie the Yeti's home in the Enchanted Forest Trail on North Peak. Check out the Kids Guide for more details. Trails: 135 runs (21% beginner) Ski school? Yes: Group and private lessons beginning at age 2.5 are available for several sports. Fave kid-friendly food spot: Don't miss the famous Nachos at the Foggy Goggle on the third floor of the South Ridge Lodge. Where to stay: The slopeside Grand Summit Hotel has 3-bedroom suites and just about the coolest hot tub, offering a view of the slopes. Additionally, there are 7 nearby condo complexes to choose from.   Take a family snow holiday to Spruce Peak at Stowe Mountain Resort. Photo courtesy of the resort 9. Stowe Mountain Resort - Vermont Considered by many to be the best all-around ski resort in the east, Stowe is just about as luxurious as it gets when it comes to New England skiing. But aside from the fancy base camp lodge and cushy gondolas, Stowe also has a terrific beginners' section that's separate from the hard stuff but still very accessible for parents who want to check in on their kids during ski school. Trails: 116 runs (16% beginner) Ski school? Yes: Group and private lessons beginning at age 2.5 and full day camps are available. Fave kid-friendly food spot: The swanky Stowe Bowl is a super-fun escape with great eats and eight bowling lanes that are popular with families. Where to stay: For the ultimate luxury experience (with your own ski valets!), check into the Stowe Mountain Lodge; for slightly less fancy, but equally family-friendly digs, Stoweflake is our pick.   Snowboarding at Smugglers' Notch is a memorable experience for all ages. Photo courtesy of the resort 10. Smugglers' Notch - Vermont Ski magazine's perennial pick for the best family skiing in New England, Smugglers' Notch (aka Smuggs) is not much farther away than Stowe but feels lower key. It has the Northeast's only triple black diamond, but also plenty of well-groomed greens and—cue the kids' jaws dropping—a 26,000 square foot indoor playground facility and activities, like family snowshoe scavenger hunts. Trails: 78 runs (19% beginner) Ski school? Yes: Group and private lessons are available. Slopeside childcare: Treasures childcare center is available for children ages 6 weeks to 3 years. Fave kid-friendly food spot: Village Pizzeria for mouthwatering pizza or pasta and Ben and Jerry's Scoop Shop for a treat. Where to stay: All five condo complexes are a short walk or quick shuttle to the slopes; the North Hill condos feature access to a heated indoor pool and exercise facility with a children's Splash Grounds Water Playground and hot tubs. Updated January 2022, 2023