Snow Much Fun: Sledding in Houston

Happy Snow Day! Before the powder melts, be sure to hit Houston’s temporary slopes. If, like most Texans, you find yourself without a sled, here are some tips on how to make your own out of household materials. Experts recommend staying off the roads until the ice begins to melt, so I’ve also included the best hills around town in hopes you can find one within walking distance.

DIY Sled Ideas

Trash can/storage bin lid
Like a traditional aluminum sled, bin lids are aerodynamic and waterproof, making them one of the best choices for a homemade sled. However, plastic bin lids have a tendency to crack in cold temperatures, so sled carefully.

Inner tube
Pool toys provide some of the most durable options for heavy-duty sledding. These are also safer for younger children – sitting in the donut is much easier for little hands than hanging on to slippery handles.

Boogie board
Boogie boarding down a hill might seem like the most intuitive choice for a repurposed sled, but there is definitely a learning curve. Try using the ankle strap as a steering handle to navigate any bumps in your path.

A laundry basket can make for a good DIY sled. Here, Charlie Friedlander is enjoying his first snow day. 

Laundry basket
You’ve seen this method in the movies – a kid left home alone decides to toboggan down the stairs in Mom’s laundry basket. However, sliding down a real hill will provide a smoother ride.

Cardboard box
An Amazon box left over from the holidays is the quickest and easiest makeshift sled, but it might only last a few runs without waterproofing. If you can, I recommend covering the bottom surface with packing tape so it doesn’t melt from the moisture.

Best Hills in Houston

Memorial Park Land Bridge
Measuring 35 feet tall, this may be the most epic sledding destination in Houston. There’s something for everyone in Memorial – taking a walk through the neighboring parks offers a calmer way to enjoy the winter wonderland.

Miller Outdoor Theatre
The iconic grassy amphitheater might get crowded, but its size means there will be enough room for everyone. The area’s tall but gradual slope offers a safe (and exciting!) option for all.

Evelyn’s Park “Discovery Hills”
Discovery Hills is part of the park’s children’s area. Its small mounds make it a top destination for the smallest sledders. 

Discovery Green
The park’s big green area and hill are always open to the public. Bundle up and try “extreme sliding” at the icy neighboring playground!

Spotts Park
The covered pavilion at the bottom of the Spotts Park hill helps sledders come to a gradual stop. However, it is quite steep – I recommend using a sled with a lower center of gravity, like a bin lid or cardboard box.

Skate Parks
Any park with a bowl or halfpipe is sure to satisfy any daredevils, but please exercise caution – less experienced sledders might want to stick to more gradual ramps. My top pick is the Lee & Joe Jamail Skatepark, but people outside of Downtown can try the one in Memorial and Spotts Park.

Honorable Mentions: porch stairs, retention ponds, ditches

Stay safe and warm!