Poconos Tube Sledding: 7 Best Places and Tips (Ultimate Guide)
Poconos tube sledding is one of the easiest and most exciting ways to enjoy winter in Pennsylvania. You do not need lessons, special skills, or a lot of gear. All you need is a warm jacket, a sense of fun, and a plan to spend a few hours flying down a snowy hill on a giant inflatable tube. Families, friends, and couples all love it, and it works for almost every age.
This guide covers seven of the best places for Poconos tube sledding, plus tips on timing, tickets, clothing, safety, and how to make the most of your day. Whether you want a bright afternoon on the lanes or a glowing night session, you will find what you need to plan a safe and unforgettable trip.
If you have been wondering where to go for Poconos tube sledding and how to prepare, you are in the right place.
What Is Poconos Tube Sledding?
Tube sledding, usually called snow tubing, is a winter activity where you sit on a large inflatable tube and slide down a groomed snow lane. Unlike traditional sledding on a random hill, Poconos tube sledding takes place in dedicated tubing parks with marked lanes, a flat runout at the bottom, and a lift to carry you back to the top. That means no long uphill walks and a much more controlled experience.
Most parks in the region use machine-made snow, so tubing can continue even when natural snowfall is light. Staff members manage the lanes, send tubes down one at a time, and help keep the area safe. That is a big difference from sledding on a neighborhood hill, and it is one reason Poconos tube sledding is such a popular choice for families.
Why Poconos Tube Sledding Is So Popular
The Poconos region sits in northeastern Pennsylvania, about a two-hour drive from both New York City and Philadelphia, which makes it an easy winter day trip or weekend getaway. The area also has one of the densest concentrations of mountain resorts in North America, so you have many choices within a short drive.
Several things make Poconos tube sledding stand out:
- Variety: Many resorts offer snow tubing, so you can pick the one that fits your group and budget.
- No skill required: If you can sit on a tube, you can enjoy it.
- Night sessions: Some parks offer evening tubing with lights and music.
- Family friendly: Many lanes are designed for kids and adults to enjoy together.
- Lodging and dining nearby: Resorts offer places to stay, eat, and warm up.
7 Best Places for Poconos Tube Sledding
Here are seven popular places to enjoy Poconos tube sledding. Details change each year, so check each resort’s website for current hours, tickets, and lane status.
1. Camelback Resort (Tannersville)
Camelback is famous for one of the largest and most popular snow tubing parks in the region. It has been ranked the top snow tubing destination in the country for three years running in the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. The park also offers a glow-in-the-dark night experience called Galactic Snowtubing, with colorful lights over the lanes. Camelback is also home to a big resort with an indoor waterpark, which makes it a good pick for a full weekend trip.
2. Blue Mountain Resort (Palmerton)
Blue Mountain made headlines after upgrades that were said to create the largest snow tubing park in the United States, which moved Camelback into second place. It also offers night tubing with lights and music. If you want a big park with many lanes and a lively atmosphere, it belongs on your list of Poconos tube sledding spots.
3. Jack Frost (White Haven)
Jack Frost offers snow tubing as part of its winter lineup, and it is known as an upside-down resort with the lodge at the peak. The tubing lanes give families an easy way to enjoy the mountain without skiing. It is a good choice if you want a smaller, more relaxed experience.
4. Big Boulder (Lake Harmony)
Big Boulder is Jack Frost’s sister resort, and it offers its own snow tubing on a separate mountain. The two resorts share a lift ticket for skiing, which is great for groups where some people ski and others tube. Last season, tubing at Big Boulder began on December 26, but opening dates change each year.
5. Shawnee Mountain Ski Area (East Stroudsburg)
Shawnee Mountain has a dedicated tubing park with plenty of lanes and strong snowmaking, which helps it stay open in many conditions. Last season, tubing at Shawnee started on December 20. It is a good pick if you are coming from the Delaware Water Gap area or want a place that also offers skiing and snowboarding.
6. Ski Big Bear at Masthope Mountain (Lackawaxen)
Ski Big Bear is known as a beginner-friendly resort, and its tubing hill offers individual tubes and two tubing lifts. It is a great choice for families with younger kids or for anyone who prefers a quieter mountain. It is also a nice option if you want to avoid the busiest crowds.
7. Montage Mountain (Scranton)
Montage Mountain is just outside the core Poconos, but it is often grouped with nearby tubing spots. It offers high-energy tubing close to Scranton and Wilkes-Barre. Its lanes were listed as closed for the 2025 to 2026 season, so check the current status before you plan a trip.
Each of these places can make a great day of Poconos tube sledding. If you are not sure which to choose, start with the one closest to you and check which sessions and ticket types are available.
When Does Poconos Tube Sledding Start?
Poconos tube sledding usually runs from December through the winter months, depending on temperatures and snowmaking. Last season, Camelback tubing was set to begin on December 11, Shawnee on December 20, and Big Boulder on December 26, which shows how much opening dates can vary between resorts.
Because every winter is different, the best advice is to check each resort’s official website a few weeks before your trip. Holiday weeks, school breaks, and long weekends are the busiest times, so book early if you plan to visit then. For general planning help, the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau lists current winter activities and updates.
Tickets and Reservations for Poconos Tube Sledding
Most tubing parks sell tickets for timed sessions, which means you pick a start time and get a set block of tubing. Weekend and holiday sessions often sell out, so booking online in advance is usually the best move. A few tips can save you stress:
- Book early. Popular sessions fill up days or weeks ahead.
- Check age and height rules. Many parks have minimum height or age requirements for tubing, and some require adults to ride with younger kids on certain lanes.
- Read the cancellation policy. Weather can change plans, so know whether you can reschedule.
- Arrive early. Give yourself time for parking, check-in, and bathroom stops before your session starts.
- Bring ID and tickets. Have them ready on your phone or printed out.
Prices vary by resort, day, and session, so compare a few options before you decide.
Day vs. Night Poconos Tube Sledding
One of the best parts of Poconos tube sledding is the choice between daytime and nighttime sessions.
Day sessions are great for families with younger kids. The lanes are bright, you can see the whole hill, and the temperatures are usually a little warmer. It is also easier to take photos and enjoy the scenery.
Night sessions are more like a party. Camelback and Blue Mountain are known for glow tubing, with music and flashing lights that make the lanes feel like a light show. It is a fun choice for teens, friends, and couples, but it can be colder and more crowded, so dress warmly.
If you cannot decide, try a late afternoon session that lets you see the sunset and the lights come on.
Poconos Tube Sledding with Kids
Poconos tube sledding can be a wonderful family activity, but a little preparation helps everything go smoothly.
- Check height and age rules. Requirements vary, so look before you buy tickets.
- Dress kids in warm, waterproof layers. Wet, cold kids get miserable fast.
- Take breaks. Little ones can get tired from climbing the stairs or walking back to the lift.
- Stay close. Keep an eye on younger kids at the top and bottom of the lanes.
- Bring snacks and warm drinks. A thermos of hot chocolate can turn a cold break into a treat.
If your child is nervous, start with a shorter, gentler lane and let them see other kids slide first. Many families find that a few runs are enough to turn nerves into excitement.
What to Wear for Poconos Tube Sledding
You will sit in snow, slide on snow, and maybe fall in snow, so dress for wet and cold conditions. Here is a simple layering plan:
- Base layer: thermal tops and leggings that wick moisture
- Middle layer: fleece or wool for warmth
- Outer layer: waterproof jacket and snow pants
- Hands: waterproof mittens, plus an extra pair in case they get wet
- Feet: warm wool socks and waterproof, insulated boots with good grip
- Head and neck: a warm hat and a neck gaiter instead of a long, loose scarf
Warm, grippy boots help on icy stairs and slippery walkways, which is where many slips happen. If you are shopping for footwear, our guide on how to choose hiking boots covers fit, waterproofing, and traction.
Poconos Tube Sledding Safety Tips
Tubing parks are designed to be safe, but you still need to follow the rules and use common sense. Here are some key safety tips for Poconos tube sledding:
- Listen to staff. Lane attendants give instructions for a reason. Follow them every time.
- Ride the way you are told. Most parks want you to sit facing forward, with feet first. Do not go head-first.
- Wait for the lane to clear. Do not start until the attendant says it is safe.
- Move away quickly at the bottom. Get out of the path of the next rider.
- Keep your hands and legs inside the tube. Do not drag your hands or feet in the snow.
- Do not stand or walk in the lanes. Always use the walkway or stairs.
- Follow linking rules. Some parks allow linking tubes in groups and others do not, so check the rules before you try it.
- Take a break when you are tired. Fatigue makes it easier to slip or make mistakes.
For more general sledding safety advice, see our guide to sledding tips.
How to Get the Most Out of Poconos Tube Sledding
A few simple strategies can make your day smoother and more fun.
- Visit on a weekday if you can. Lanes are less crowded, and you will spend more time sliding and less time waiting.
- Choose the first or last session. The first session often has fresh snow, and the last session can be quieter.
- Bring a change of clothes. Dry socks and gloves are a great reward after a few hours in the snow.
- Eat before you go. Tubing is more fun when you are not hungry.
- Take photos before your hands get cold. Keep your phone in a zipped pocket and use a wrist strap if you can.
- Pack a plastic bag for wet gear. It keeps your car dry on the ride home.
Where to Stay and Eat After Poconos Tube Sledding
Many tubing parks sit inside bigger resorts, so you can combine your slide with a stay. Camelback, for example, offers hundreds of suites, an indoor waterpark, and on-site restaurants. Other resorts have lodges, cafes, and fireplaces where you can warm up after a day on the snow.
If you prefer a quieter stay, nearby towns have cabins, inns, and vacation rentals, plus local diners and breweries. Booking early is smart for weekends and holidays, since winter is a popular season in the Poconos.
Beyond Poconos Tube Sledding: Winter Hiking and More
Poconos tube sledding is only one way to enjoy the region in winter. If you like to stay active, you can also try snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or a winter hike on a quiet trail. The Poconos offers waterfalls, forests, and ridge views that look especially beautiful under fresh snow. Always check trail conditions, bring traction for your boots, and dress in layers before you head out. For more outdoor ideas, browse our hiking trails blog.
A Sample Poconos Tube Sledding Day Plan
Here is an easy schedule for a family day trip.
Morning: Leave early, stop for breakfast, and arrive at the resort at least 30 minutes before your session. Check in, grab your tubes, and get to the lanes.
Midday: After your session, warm up in the lodge with lunch and hot drinks. Swap wet gloves and socks for dry ones.
Afternoon: Enjoy a second session if you booked one, or try another winter activity such as a short walk through the resort grounds. Wrap up before you get too tired.
Evening: If you are staying overnight, head to dinner, then relax by a fire or in a hot tub.
Packing Checklist for Poconos Tube Sledding
- Waterproof jacket and snow pants
- Warm base layers and fleece
- Waterproof mittens and a spare pair
- Warm hats and neck gaiters
- Insulated, waterproof boots
- Extra socks and a full change of clothes
- Sunglasses or goggles
- Lip balm and sunscreen
- Printed or digital tickets and ID
- Small bag for wet gear
- Snacks and a thermos with a hot drink
- Phone, charger, and a wrist strap for photos
Frequently Asked Questions About Poconos Tube Sledding
What is the best place for Poconos tube sledding?
It depends on what you want. Camelback and Blue Mountain are known for big parks and night tubing, while Ski Big Bear is a great pick for beginners and families who want a quieter mountain. Compare lanes, lifts, and session times before you choose.
When is the best time to go?
Weekdays and early or late sessions are usually less crowded. Holiday weeks and weekends are the busiest, so book early if you plan to go then.
Is Poconos tube sledding safe for toddlers?
Many parks have age or height rules, and some offer smaller lanes for younger kids. Check the policy at your chosen resort, keep an adult close, and choose a gentler lane for little ones.
Do I need to bring my own tube?
No. Parks provide tubes as part of your ticket, so you can leave your own sled at home.
What if there is no snow?
Most parks make snow when temperatures are cold enough, but warm weather can still cause closures. Check the resort’s website or call before you travel, and keep an eye on the forecast.
Can adults enjoy tubing too?
Absolutely. Poconos tube sledding is fun for adults, and many people go with friends or as a couple. Just follow the rules and keep your speed and position under control.
Final Thoughts
Poconos tube sledding is a simple, joyful way to enjoy a Pennsylvania winter. With so many resorts to choose from, you can find a park that fits your group, budget, and schedule. Book early, dress warmly, follow the lane rules, and give yourself time to enjoy the day. For more outdoor guides, seasonal tips, and trail ideas, explore our hiking trails blog.
Now that you know how to plan Poconos tube sledding, pick your resort, check the dates, and get ready for a day of snow, speed, and laughter.
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