With Louisiana gearing up for a historic snowfall, the excitement is building for what will likely be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Since snowstorms aren’t typical for us, many families, like ours, don’t own sleds. But with a bit of creativity and some household items, you can easily make your own Homemade Sled for a fun time!
Here are some fun and simple ideas for creating your very own homemade sled to make the most of this snow day:
Crawfish Tray
There is no better sled than a Crawfish tray for a little one!
Plastic Bin Lid Sled
One of our family’s favorite DIY sleds was made from the lid to one of our plastic storage bins! We drilled holes in the sides and attached a string to make it easy to pull. On that particular snow day, it worked wonders—providing hours of fun as we glided across our snow-covered backyard. It’s a quick and easy solution that costs nothing, and if you have a big bin, you can even fit multiple people!
Cardboard and Trash Bag Sled
If you have some cardboard and a trash bag lying around, you’re in business! According to a how-to guide on instructables.com, you can make a sled by simply folding the cardboard into a curved shape and taping the trash bag over it. This DIY sled is a great choice for sliding down smaller hills.
Cookie Sheet
Do you have an old cookie sheet gathering dust in your kitchen? Repurpose it into a sled! Simply grab the sheet, and if the snow is a little sticky, add a light layer of cooking oil to the bottom for extra speed.
Baby Pool
If you have an old baby pool that’s seen better days, flip it inside out. With the smooth side facing up, it works surprisingly well as a sled. You can even fit the whole family in it for a group ride! Just be aware that the snow’s consistency will affect how well it slides, especially if it’s fresh and soft snow.
Boogie Board
Did you know your boogie board can work for snow sledding? It’s designed for water, but with its smooth, hard bottom, it works just as well on snow, offering a fast ride down any snowy hill.
Tarp
A simple, large tarp can also be an excellent makeshift sled, especially if the snow is icy or packed. It glides over smooth, hard surfaces and can hold multiple riders. Just make sure it’s large enough for your group!
Laundry Basket Sled
A laundry basket might not seem like an obvious sled, but when paired with a sturdy rope, it becomes a fun way to slide around. Use the rope to pull it along, and your kids can enjoy a fun ride down the hill.
PVC Pipe Sled
For a more advanced project, you can create a sled using PVC pipes. With a plywood board on top and a bit of creativity, you can make a sturdy sled with an attached rope for easy pulling. Make sure to use elbow joints to prevent snow from clogging the pipes.
Dog Bed
If your dog won’t mind parting with its bed (or if you have an old one that’s no longer in use), try wrapping it in a trash bag and securing it with duct tape. It works great as a soft and comfy sled!
Trash Can Lids
It’s probably not a good idea to use the lids from your roll-out trash cans, but the round lids that come off completely work well as DIY sleds. You may even get a fun spinning effect when you ride down the hill!
Drag Mat
Made to haul all kinds of things around a yard or farm, it’s the perfect item to pull kids through the snow!
Bonus: Baby Tub, Yoga Mat, or Air Mattress
For smaller riders, a baby tub can be a fun sled, and if you have a yoga mat, you can take a head-first dive down the slope. An old air mattress is another fun choice—you’ll just need some pantyhose to secure yourself to it and enjoy the ride!
No matter what you use, the goal is to enjoy the snow and create lasting memories with your family. We can’t wait to see what homemade sleds everyone comes up with during this historic snowstorm. Stay safe and have fun!