Sledding is the definition of a screaming-good time. Here are six places to enjoy the simple pleasures of  sliding down a hill on a sled, tube or other slippery thing. Don't forget to check conditions before you go, dres warmly, bring a change of clothes, plenty of snacks and a thermos of hot cocoa. (See also our guides on skiing and snowshoeing,)

And if you have other sledding tips, please post below in comments or email emurray@parentmap.com.

1. Snoqualmie Tubing Area

Off I-90 at exit 53, The Summit at Snoqualmie's tubing center is hugely popular with kids and grown-ups and a great way to wear kids out fast. You can either walk back to the top of the hill or ride your tube back up using a rope tow. The Summit recommends that children be at least three years old before tubing, but does not restrict admission for families with younger children who want to try. Tip: Children less than 42 inches tall can ride double with a parent. There is a small café with restrooms onsite, or, for more seating and options, the brand-new Silver Fir Day Lodge is nearby (though a bit of a walk).

Fee: Regular admission for a two-hour session for children five and under costs $5, while all others pay $20–$23. Summit season passholders pay only a $5 tube-rental fee (personal sledding devices are prohibited). Important: Book your session online before you go to make sure there's space. (Seahwaks games = great time to go.)

Hours: Friday–Saturday, 9 a.m.–9 p.m.; Sundays and holidays 9 a.m.–5:45 p.m. (check the website, hours may vary). Check the website for hours and conditions.

Status: Open!

2. Suncadia Tubing Hill

East of Summie at Snoqualmie off I-90 — at exit 80, Roslyn/Salmon La Sac  — find Suncadia Resort and its smaller tubing hill and rope tow . You don't have to be a guest to tube and there is also an ice-skating rink when you've had enough tubing.  There is a waiver required.

Fee: Tubing Punch Passes are $20 for 10 rides and $35/20 rides. 

Hours: Saturdays and Sundays: 10 a.m.–-4 p.m. Open Monday, Jan. 20 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
February 17-21 - Monday - Friday: 10-4 p.m.

3. Leavenworth’s Tubing Park

About a two-hour drive from Seattle, is open earlier in the season. Head east to Ski Hill and use the rope tow to easily climb back up after you tube down. You can also do skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and ice skating at Ski Hill. Note: All tubers must sled independently. They recommend the experience for ages 8 and up, though kids as young as 4 have tubed.

Fee: $17 for 90-minute session with inner tube provided). $30 gets you a full day of Alpine or Nordic skiing plus a 1.5-hour tubing session. Tip: They offer a one-time free trial ride prior to purchasing a ticket. 

Hours: Wednesday and Friday, 3–8 p.m.;  Saturday–Sunday, 9:30 a.m.–6 p.m.

Status: Open! Check status here.

4. Mt. Rainier National Park

The only place where sledding is permitted in the national park is the designated snow play areaimmediately north of the upper parking lot at Paradise, which you can access through the Nisqually entrance to the park. (The entrance to the park is located about 87 miles from Seattle, about 65 from Tacoma.)

This ungroomed area, open starting on Jan. 18, is supervised by park rangers. It is near the Jackson Visitor Center, where families can get food, use restrooms, and warm up between 10 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Wooden toboggans and sleds with metal runners are prohibited. You can also take guided snowshoe walks from the center.

Fee: $15 fee to enter the park for a private vehicle; no cost for sledding.

Hours: Hours are weekends and holidays from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Status: Closed as of Jan. 14; it will open when when there are 5 feet of snow at Paradise, probably in late January.

5. Hyak Sno-Park

A groomed sledding hill located off of I-90 exit 54, near Snoqualmie East, Hyak is a Washington State Parks snow play area, and is not affiliated with the Summit at Snoqualmie ski resort. The area is groomed up to five times a week (depending on conditions, check here) but is not supervised by rangers or snow patrol. You can also go snowshoeing or cross-country skiing on the groomed trail. Tip: The parking lot can fill up. Go early or late in the day to avoid crowds.

Fee: No admission fee, but you'll need to have a daily Sno-Park permit and daily or annual Discover Pass; OR a Seasonal Sno Park Permit plus Special Groomed Trails Permit sticker, without Discover Pass. Bathrooms are the only onsite amenity.

Hours: Hyak is open daily from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Check the website for conditions.

Status: Closed as of Jan. 14, 2014. Check here for updates.

6. Hurricane Ridge

Located 17 miles from Port Angeles in Olympic National Park, Hurricane Ridge has a small skiing and snowboarding area that also has a tubing run. Stop by the Visitors Center for restrooms, exhibits, movie and warming area. There is also a snack bar. Check weather and road conditions online.

Fee: $10 for two-hour session, $8 for 1-hour session. Tube provided with both.

Hours: Open 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Friday through Sunday.  Check website and Twitter feed for condition updates and information on whether the road is closed.

Status: Closed as of Jan. 14. Check here for updates.

This article was originally written in 2012 and updated in January 2015.