Good age??
- Thread starter snowflake
- Start date
Started taking the youngest one about 3 years old...Rode in front with me.. seemed to sleep a lot....
he always wanted to know when the next stop.... when he was 12 he was ready to ride his own.... then he never wanted to stop.
man do they grow up fast.... feels like just a couple years ago.. now he's 18... we rode the most miles when he was 12-14 years old...
Just_Ride
he always wanted to know when the next stop.... when he was 12 he was ready to ride his own.... then he never wanted to stop.
man do they grow up fast.... feels like just a couple years ago.. now he's 18... we rode the most miles when he was 12-14 years old...
Just_Ride
Started takin my boys around 3...they slept a lot...man it was funny...never really took them very far first couple of years and stopped a lot just to make sure not to wear on them...Just make sure to stop a lot a check the face and hands a lot....
I don't remember how old I was when my dad first took me out...probably before I can actually remember...but my first memory of a sled is a big blue thing that I couldn't see over the handle bars that I was staring at the spark plug, and that big horn that stuck off the carb that if I got to close would try and suck me in and kill the sled...
I don't remember how old I was when my dad first took me out...probably before I can actually remember...but my first memory of a sled is a big blue thing that I couldn't see over the handle bars that I was staring at the spark plug, and that big horn that stuck off the carb that if I got to close would try and suck me in and kill the sled...
took my son out at 2. made sure he was warm and had all the correct gear. he would ride for hours, but sleep for 80% of it. I made sure to stop halfway at a warm place it need be. I did bring a thermos of hot chocolate and my Muff Pot for some food along the way also.
Best thing i brought along was a harness to keep him from sliding off and so his head wouldn't constantly bang on the handlebars.
He's almost 7 now and loves going along on any ride.
Best thing i brought along was a harness to keep him from sliding off and so his head wouldn't constantly bang on the handlebars.
He's almost 7 now and loves going along on any ride.
My son will be 4 this week, took him on his first UP snowmobile rides this year. He was very happy with doing 30-40 miles at a time, especially when we would break the ride up with a stop for a root beer. I would suggest waiting until they are old enough to really tell you if they are cold and until they can wear a real helmet. I started taking my son around our property when he was 2 but that was 1-2 mile rides wearing a snow ski helmet (light weight). Bring some M&M's for trail side stops and get a mountain strap for them to hang onto. I got one of these this year and it works great, will be adding one to the ATV for him too.
http://powermadd.com/products/powerflexbar.html
http://powermadd.com/products/powerflexbar.html
My daughter was 3 when I started taking her along on rides. My brother and I would take the kids on shorter rides. we would stop every 15-30 minutes and play in the snow with them or hit a bar/restaraunt and get hot chocolate for the kids and adult beverages for us. I remember the waitress getting a kick out of me changing my daughters diaper at the bar where we stopped for lunch one time! Now my daughter is 7 and is riding a snowscoot at the house and with me on my sled on the trails when we go up north. Too much fun with the little ones.
windingtrailgal
Active member
Ahhhh...I do not miss diaper changing!!
My oldest and middle started when they were 2...the youngest was just a year old and I put him in a hiking backpack. Them falling asleep is the toughest thing to manage. For the first 2, I had a men's 2X coat and would just zip them up in it so they were secure not only to me but kept their heads from bouncing down the trail. Someone on here said they had one of those neck brace things that kids use for dirt bikes and racing and what not...wish I'd used that.
The backpack is AWESOME because you can just ride all day with them. We were still doing 100-150 mile loops with the little guys and then would stop for warmers. I had a harness when they grew out of the coat...which I still use so they don't go flying off the sled when we hit a good bump?!
Just make sure they're dressed warm...I've made the mistake of dressing them TOO warm. Those hand warming packets are awesome because you don't have to worry about the tiny hands.
I think it's more up to what you feel like you can take and if they like it. It's not easy having a kid on your sled with you - can't stand up thru the bumps, them falling asleep, maneuvering around them. Mine always had a good time or they slept. My nephew is 5 - he went a few weeks back and said he didn't like it - too noisy, was too fast, said was cold.
Bigdaddy never took them without me along for the ride...it makes it WAY easier if either your wife rides or if there are uncles/aunts and good friends you can trust to help you out. I've ridden with one in the backpack and one in front - can't say that was a ton of fun after 90 miles?!
It's a personal choice, I think. Just make sure you have the right gear. Make sure they're liking it. Make sure YOU like it.
My oldest is almost 14 - rides on his own. My middle is 12 and riding on his own. And my 9 year old is all bummed because he can't ride yet!? I did create some monsters with the whole thing!?
My oldest and middle started when they were 2...the youngest was just a year old and I put him in a hiking backpack. Them falling asleep is the toughest thing to manage. For the first 2, I had a men's 2X coat and would just zip them up in it so they were secure not only to me but kept their heads from bouncing down the trail. Someone on here said they had one of those neck brace things that kids use for dirt bikes and racing and what not...wish I'd used that.
The backpack is AWESOME because you can just ride all day with them. We were still doing 100-150 mile loops with the little guys and then would stop for warmers. I had a harness when they grew out of the coat...which I still use so they don't go flying off the sled when we hit a good bump?!
Just make sure they're dressed warm...I've made the mistake of dressing them TOO warm. Those hand warming packets are awesome because you don't have to worry about the tiny hands.
I think it's more up to what you feel like you can take and if they like it. It's not easy having a kid on your sled with you - can't stand up thru the bumps, them falling asleep, maneuvering around them. Mine always had a good time or they slept. My nephew is 5 - he went a few weeks back and said he didn't like it - too noisy, was too fast, said was cold.
Bigdaddy never took them without me along for the ride...it makes it WAY easier if either your wife rides or if there are uncles/aunts and good friends you can trust to help you out. I've ridden with one in the backpack and one in front - can't say that was a ton of fun after 90 miles?!
It's a personal choice, I think. Just make sure you have the right gear. Make sure they're liking it. Make sure YOU like it.
My oldest is almost 14 - rides on his own. My middle is 12 and riding on his own. And my 9 year old is all bummed because he can't ride yet!? I did create some monsters with the whole thing!?
windingtrailgal
Active member
T
Team Elkhorn
Guest
I agree with Scott. When our kids were 3 or 4 we gave them quick rides around the house, that was about it. Then when they were 5 and 6 we started taking family trips with them. Even then they got bored and would fall asleep. I agree with the real helmet, also proper snowmobile clothing is important too. And you have to keep asking them if they're cold, and stop often to warm up.
windingtrailgal
Active member
We had real helmets for the kids. They make them small!
I started my kids at 2-3. Falling asleep is the norm, and panic is induced when they hit your kill switch. My advice? Short trips as mentioned earlies, and a harness to tether them to you. Otherwise you will keep grabbing/holding them and driving with one hand. I bought mine from Shadetree. they're adjustable and easy to use.
My kids are 3 & 5 and I'm looking forward to the day when they get to go on their first 'real' trip. For now- it's laps around the yard and last year- when the river froze- we took some fun rides a few miles down river to grandma and grandpa's house.... to the restaurant for breakfast, etc. Even in that short little time- they both managed to pass out and the few miles of steering with essentially one arm (as I felt the need to hold on to her sleeping little body with the other) was exhausting! And that was a wide river- not a winding trail. I will definitely be getting the harness for future rides- and I love the idea of the mountain strap (thanks for that tip!) for them to hold onto. Those of you that took kids in diapers are super parents! No way I'm dealing with diapers on a snowmobile trip. As winding mentioned- it has to be enjoyable for you to. If you're uncomfortable and miserable, the kids will be as well, and they won't love it like you do. My 3 yr old is still iffy- some days she's great, other days she wakes up on the wrong side of the bed and she's a total terror. Until they're not going to meltdown b/c they're tired, cold, hungry, or the sky is blue that day- they can't go. I was about 7 when I got to go 'up north' for the first time- I'm thinking around that same age for mine. Santa is on the lookout for a kitty cat/120 for next year. My oldest rode one for the first time this weekend and LOVED it.