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Best Towable Tubes for Toddlers & Younger Kids (less than 7 years)

Few things delight children more than being flipped around the lake on a tube, but having the wrong tube can be a disastrous adventure. My children began their adventure on a typical donut-shaped tube, which required them to lie on their stomachs and grasp the ropes. Since then, I’ve discovered that there are far better ways to make a tube ride less frightening for kids.

Older or more daring children, on the other hand, choose a towable that will provide them with a wild ride with more air, necessitating the use of a different tube. I would tell you about my favorite towable tubes, but first I would give you some advice on selecting the correct towable. If your children are nervous about tubing, use a tube that allows them to sit rather than lie down.

Nervous children will also do better on a tube that seats two people, allowing them to travel with a sibling or friend. Please consider the dangers of multi-rider tubes if you intend to go fast and whip the boat around for more daring kids. When there’s a chance of individuals bumping into each other, the danger increases.

Purchase a tube with a reliable quick-release mechanism. When you’re trying to enjoy a day on the boat, it’s not pleasant to be bothered by additional labor. So, always do some research on tubes quality, mechanism, and accessories before buying them straight away.

For younger children, I would recommend cockpit-style tubes or sit-up tubes, as they provide more sense of security. Additionally, this allows you to increase the boat’s speed somewhat to acclimate them to traveling quicker with less risk of the children jumping off. For younger children, I would never propose a one-person tube. They always appear to enjoy traveling in the company of a sibling, relative, or acquaintance.

Our Recommendations for Best Towable Tubes for Toddlers & Younger Kids

AwardDesignTowable TubesRetailer
Best Overall Tubes for Toddlers & Younger Kids
Best Pick  Sportsstuff Chariot Warbird 2-Person
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Best Runner Up Towable Tube for Toddlers & Younger Kids
Staff Pick Sportsstuff Big Mable 2-Person 
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Best Budget Towable Tube for Toddlers & Younger Kids
Budget PickAirhead Mach 2 Towable
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Best Premium Towable Tube Toddlers & Younger Kids
 Airhead Slash 2 Towable
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Highly Commended Towable Tube Toddlers & Younger Kids
The Old Reliable Hot Dog
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Sportsstuff Chariot Warbird 2-Person

Best Overall Tubes for Toddlers & Younger Kids

This is my favorite towable for younger kids since it is incredibly stable with wide wings, it has a high back so the kids have very little chance of flying off, there are strong easy grips, and it fits two kids, which is vital for newer riders. All of the tubes on this list are of high quality, but I believe this is by far the best tube available in this category, and the feedback from other boaters backs that up.

This tube may also be towed forwards or backward, which I appreciate. The enormous “wall” of a back seat between them and the water in front of them might sometimes make kids feel more comfortable when going backward.

It allows 1-2 riders for watersports and boating. It has Dual Tow Points from multiple locations for a variety of riding styles. It is fully covered with a nylon cover which is thick and durable. It Inflates and deflates quickly and easily with the Speed Safety Valve. It is equipped with Airhead’s patented Kwik-Connect for quick and easy rope connection.

Pros

  • Chariot mode
  • Heavy duty
  • Backrest support
  • Very stable

Cons

  • No storage bag
  • Some reports of flipping of wings

Sportsstuff Big Mable 2-Person 

Best Runner Up Towable Tube for Toddlers & Younger Kids

The Big Mable is a classic towable with all of the Airhead features you’d anticipate. You can spend the entire day riding in comfort thanks to the multiple padded handlebars, air-cushioned stabilizer walls, and EVA foam cushions. The Big Mable sports tubes have a durable complete nylon cover and dual tow connections for a range of towing possibilities. You’ll spend less time thinking about setting up and more time on the lake with Airhead’s Patented Speed Safety Valve.

This towable is quite similar to my #1 pick, however, it doesn’t have large wings, making it slightly less stable in tight turns. However, it lowers the price by $100 while maintaining a very well-made, long-lasting tube.

Pros

  • Speed Safety Valve
  • Dual Tow Points
  • Fully covered with nylon

Cons

  • Absence of large wings

Airhead Mach 2 Towable

 Best Budget Towable Tube for Toddlers & Younger Kids

If you’re on a tight budget and want a good, basic tube for beginning or intermediate kid riders, I recommend this towable. Airhead has done a lot of good in the market by providing low-cost yet high-quality products. I’ve had nice experiences with them and have a few of their tubes. While I prefer the Sportsstuff tube listed first, it is somewhat more expensive than this tube, thus this is undoubtedly the most popular option.

Cockpit tubes offer a safe and comfortable seat that is ideal for nervous or young riders while yet providing an exhilarating ride. A sturdy and pleasant grip is provided by four luxury handles with neoprene knuckle protectors. Years of service are ensured by the high gauge PVC bladder and robust double-stitched nylon cover. The MACH 2 has a Speed Safety Valve and a Kwik-Connect for quick and easy inflation, deflation, and rope attachment.

Pros

  • 1-3 riders capacity
  • Padded handles
  • EVA Padding
  • Stable

Cons

  • Few reports of safety valve malfunction

Airhead Slash 2 Towable

Best Premium Towable Tube Toddlers & Younger Kids

SLASH II is so fantastic that you’ll wish you could ride it all day! The open rear design makes it simple to re-board. The bladder is made of 30-gauge PVC and is completely coated with 840-denier nylon that has been double stitched. Kwik-Connect and four nylon-wrapped handles with neoprene knuckle protectors are included. 58 inches wide by 48 inches deep (deflated). It is intended for one or two riders. Patented.

This is a very well-made tube with neoprene knuckle protectors and a very well-constructed outer cover. Its novel design is ideal for pontoon boaters who are used to maneuvering and getting up to speed in slower boats. This larger footprint is significantly more hydrodynamic than standard donut-shaped tubes. That is an excellent choice.

Pros

  • Steerable
  • Fully Covered
  • Non-slip cushioned handles
  • EVA Padding

Cons

  • Reports of missing tube plugs

The Old Reliable Hot Dog

Highly Commended Towable Tube Toddlers & Younger Kids

SLASH II is so fantastic that you’ll wish you could ride it all day! The open rear design makes it simple to re-board. The bladder is made of 30-gauge PVC and is completely coated with 840-denier nylon that has been double stitched. Kwik-Connect and four nylon-wrapped handles with neoprene knuckle protectors are included. 58 inches wide by 48 inches deep (deflated). It is intended for one or two riders. Patented.

This is a very well-made tube with neoprene knuckle protectors and a very well-constructed outer cover. Its novel design is ideal for pontoon boaters who are used to maneuvering and getting up to speed in slower boats. This larger footprint is significantly more hydrodynamic than standard donut-shaped tubes. That is an excellent choice.

Pros

  • Multiple riders capacity
  • Kwik-Connect system
  • Affordable
  • Heavy-duty

Cons

  • Air leakage problem

Summary of Best Towable Tubes for Toddlers & Younger Kids (up to 7 years)

AwardDesignTowable TubesRetailer
Best Overall Tubes for Toddlers & Younger Kids
Best Pick  Sportsstuff Chariot Warbird 2-Person
Check Price
Best Runner Up Towable Tube for Toddlers & Younger Kids
Staff Pick Sportsstuff Big Mable 2-Person 
Check Price
Best Budget Towable Tube for Toddlers & Younger Kids
Budget PickAirhead Mach 2 Towable
Check Price
Best Premium Towable Tube Toddlers & Younger Kids
 Airhead Slash 2 Towable
Check Price
Highly Commended Towable Tube Toddlers & Younger Kids
The Old Reliable Hot Dog
Check Price

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best to keep kids safe during towable tube rides?

The best way to keep your kids safe (age less than 7 years) is to allow them for a ride along with their seniors e.g. parents, siblings, or relatives because they may get nervous during their riding experience.

What is the minimum age this would be appropriate for?

It depends on the situation, however, kids having age 3 years or more should be allowed for such experience otherwise you must take extra caution to avoid any undesirable event.

Can 2 year old go tubing?

Tubing with a toddler is doable. I saw a lot of people towing with their toddlers. However, on Class 2 rivers, we recommend a minimum age limit of 4 years old during regular summer flows. 7 years old and above on rivers classified as Class 3. 14 years old or above and capable of swimming in Class 4 rivers.

Can a 5-year-old go tubing?

Children as young as five years old can go water tubing. Children under the age of five should not go water tubing because they will be uncomfortable in and around the water, and they will not have the strength to hold on to the tube handles.

What is the best speed for tubing?

Tubing should be done at a speed of 20 to 25 miles per hour. Aside from safety concerns, tugging a rider too fast and repeatedly slamming them into the water makes them less likely to want to do it again.

Conclusion

Having the wrong towable can be a disastrous adventure for kids. For younger children, I would recommend cockpit-style tubes or sit-up tubes, as they provide more sense of security. Older or more daring children, on the other hand, choose a towable that will provide them with a wild ride with more air.

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