7 Kids Waterproof Gloves Built for Endless Snowball Fights
Our review of 7 top kids’ waterproof gloves compares key features like insulation and durability to keep hands warm and dry for endless snow play.
There’s no sadder sight on a perfect snow day than a kid heading inside after just 20 minutes, crying because their hands are freezing. Soggy, cold fingers can end an epic sledding session or snowball fight instantly. The right pair of waterproof gloves isn’t just gear; it’s a ticket to hours of uninterrupted winter fun.
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Choosing the Right Waterproof Gloves for Kids
The single biggest mistake is confusing "water-resistant" with "waterproof." Water-resistant gloves might shed dry powder for a bit, but they’ll soak through the second your kid starts packing a snowball or takes a tumble in wet slush. True waterproof gloves use a membrane or a coated shell to create an impassable barrier against moisture, keeping hands dry from the outside in.
When you’re looking at the options, focus on a few key elements. Mittens are almost always warmer than gloves because they allow fingers to share body heat. Gauntlet-style cuffs, which extend up over the jacket sleeve, are non-negotiable for keeping snow from sneaking in at the wrist.
Finally, consider the core components that determine performance and price:
- Waterproofing: Look for reliable membranes like GORE-TEX or a brand’s proprietary equivalent (e.g., Omni-Tech, FUTURELIGHT). This is the most critical feature.
- Insulation: Synthetic insulations like Thinsulate, Thermacore, or Heatseeker are the standard for kids’ gloves. They insulate even when damp and dry relatively quickly.
- Durability: A reinforced palm, often made of polyurethane (PU) or synthetic leather, will stand up to grabbing sleds, ski poles, and icy branches.
Hestra Gauntlet CZone Jr. Mitts for Durability
If you’re tired of buying new mittens every single season, this is your answer. Hestra has a legendary reputation in the ski world for building gear that lasts, and their junior mitts are no exception. These are built for kids who are hard on their equipment, whether they’re learning to use a rope tow or building elaborate snow forts day after day.
The durability comes from a tough, PU-coated palm and a rugged outer fabric. Inside, Hestra’s CZone waterproof and breathable membrane keeps hands dry, while Fiberfill insulation provides solid warmth. While they carry a premium price tag, their longevity can make them a better value over time, especially if they can be handed down to a younger sibling.
Burton Youth GORE-TEX Mittens for Max Warmth
For deep winter cold snaps or for the kid whose hands seem to get cold just looking at snow, warmth is the top priority. Burton, a titan in the snowboarding world, designs its gear for long days on frigid mountains, and that technology trickles down to their youth line. These mittens are a fortress against the cold.
The key here is the one-two punch of a GORE-TEX membrane and Thermacore insulation. GORE-TEX is the industry benchmark for being durably waterproof and breathable, meaning hands stay dry from both melting snow and their own sweat. Many Burton models also include a removable fleece liner, which adds a significant boost of warmth and allows you to customize for milder days.
Gordini Gore-Tex Junior Gauntlet Gloves for Grip
Some winter activities require more than just warmth; they require a secure hold. Whether your child is learning to ski and needs to grip poles, or is the designated sled-puller on neighborhood adventures, a grippy palm is essential. Gordini excels at creating functional, no-nonsense gloves that deliver on performance.
These gloves feature a GORE-TEX insert, ensuring top-tier waterproof protection. But their standout feature is the reinforced palm and fingers, designed to provide excellent traction on wet or icy surfaces. Paired with Megaloft synthetic insulation, they offer a great balance of warmth, weather protection, and the dexterity needed for active winter sports.
REI Co-op Gauntlet Mittens for All-Around Value
When you need a reliable, well-made mitten that covers all the bases without a sky-high price tag, REI Co-op gear is often the perfect solution. These mittens are the workhorses of the winter world, ideal for everything from backyard play to family ski trips. They represent the sweet spot between affordability and dependable performance.
REI uses its own waterproof, breathable insert and packs in plenty of synthetic insulation to keep hands toasty. The long gauntlet cuffs and simple wrist strap do an excellent job of sealing out snow. While the waterproofing might not be as breathable as premium GORE-TEX during high-exertion activities, for the vast majority of snow days, they provide more than enough protection to keep kids happy and dry.
The North Face Montana FUTURELIGHT Etip Gloves
For older kids who demand more dexterity for buckling ski boots, zipping jackets, or even snapping a photo on a phone, a glove is sometimes preferable to a mitten. The North Face Montana glove is a classic, updated with modern tech that makes it a top contender for the more discerning young adventurer.
The standout technology is FUTURELIGHT, The North Face’s highly breathable waterproof membrane. This is a huge benefit for kids who work up a sweat, as it helps prevent hands from getting clammy and then cold. They also feature Heatseeker Eco insulation for low-bulk warmth and Etip functionality on the fingertips for touchscreen use. The main tradeoff is warmth for dexterity; gloves will never be as warm as an equivalent mitten.
Columbia Whirlibird II Mitten for Easy On and Off
Any parent of a toddler or preschooler knows the single greatest challenge of winter: getting mittens on a tiny, wiggling hand. Columbia directly addresses this frustration with a brilliantly simple design feature. These mittens are all about practicality and making parents’ lives easier.
The magic is the extra-long zipper that runs down the side of the mitten. This allows the cuff to open incredibly wide, so you can easily guide your child’s hand into place without a struggle. Once on, they deliver solid performance with Columbia’s Omni-Tech waterproof membrane and a healthy dose of synthetic insulation.
N’Ice Caps Thinsulate Mittens for Budget Play
Let’s be honest: kids lose things. Sometimes you just need an affordable, functional pair of mittens that will keep hands warm and dry for an afternoon but won’t cause a financial crisis if one disappears at the sledding hill. N’Ice Caps are widely available and deliver surprising performance for their price.
These mittens typically feature a basic waterproof insert and are insulated with 3M Thinsulate, a trusted material that provides excellent warmth for its weight. The construction is straightforward—a tough nylon shell, a reinforced palm, and a knit cuff. They may lack the advanced features and breathability of more expensive models, but for pure, budget-friendly playtime protection, they are very hard to beat.
Don’t let gear perfection be the enemy of a good time. The goal is to get your kids outside to experience the magic of winter. A good pair of waterproof mittens is one of the best investments you can make to ensure those experiences are filled with joy, not with cold, wet tears. Pick the pair that fits your needs and budget, and go make some memories.
