Slip and slides (or slip ‘n slides) are a fabulous way to provide your kids with lots of fresh air, physical activity, and fun during the hot summer months.
However, there are now countless options to choose from, and not all models are created equal. While the best slip and slides for kids are very similar, design differences make some more suitable than others for specific age ranges, outdoor spaces, and abilities.
We (and our favorite kiddos) put these summer fun pool alternatives to the test. We compared all the top models to find the safest, easiest to use, and most durable slip and slides for any yard size. Our guide will save you time and help you find the perfect slip and slide for your kids and your yard.
- Wide length and breadth
- Quick and easy set up
- Comes with accessories
- Inflatable edges
- Sloped design
- Hose hook-up
- 16-foot slip and slide
- Easy to set up
- Well-known brand
- Inflatable side strips
- Comes with inflatable sleds
- Easy to set up
- With splash pool
- 30 inches long
- Reinforced stake connections
- No-fuss design
- Large surface area
- Rated up to 256 lb
- Good size
- Includes arched sprinkler
- Good with/without inflatable sleds
- Giant backyard water slide
- Includes a connection system
- Zig-zag water spray system
- Hose attachment
- Safe for small kids
- Folds flat for storage
Product Reviews
Here are our top slip and slide picks for kids:
Team Magnus Slip and Slide XL
Best Heavy Duty Slip and Slide For Kids
This extra-large 31-foot PVC slip ‘n slide is designed to last year after year.
Multiple staking loops allow you to keep the slip ‘n slide securely affixed to the lawn, and an inflatable crash cushion prevents your kids from flying off of the end.
The dual-lane design is great for slide races, and you can add your own body boards (purchased separately) for an extra element of fun. Kids love the side sprinklers, which keep the action going as long as the hose is turned on.
Pros
- Water pours from a central channel, providing maximum coverage for the length and breadth of the slip and slide.
- Quick and easy to set up, and can be used without inflating the end crash cushion.
- Comes with stakes, hose adapters, a pump, and 6 feet of repair tape.
Cons
- The inflatable crash cushion can start to separate from the slip ‘n slide over time.
Product Specs
| Size | 374 inches by 63 inches by 5.9 inches |
| Material | 0.22 mm PVC |
| Additional items included | Stakes, pump, repair kit, hose adapters. |
| Recommended age range | 5 to 12 years |
Our Ratings
Intex Surf ’N Slide Inflatable Play Center
Best Slip ‘n Slide and Inflatable Play Center
A gentle slope can add an extra dimension of fun to a slip ‘n slide.
If your yard doesn’t have a natural slope, the Intex play center could be the solution for you.
One end has two inflatable steps with built-in sturdy grab handles for safety. Once at the top of the slope, your kids can throw themselves down the slide on one of the two inflatable boogie boards included in the pack.
Pros
- Inflatable edges create a safety barrier around the outer edge of the slip ‘n slide.
- Sloped design allows for more speed.
- Hose hook-up allows water to pour from the top of the slope.
- Elevated surface protects young kids from rocks and other hard areas underneath.
Cons
- Requires a motorized pump to inflate.
Product Specs
| Size | 15 feet, 1′ inch long by 5 feet, 6 inches wide by 5 feet, 2 inches high |
| Material | 16-gauge vinyl |
| Additional items included | Two surf riders with heavy-duty handles |
| Recommended age range | 6 years and older, and 176-pound max weight limit |
Our Ratings
Wham-O Slip 'N Slide Surf Rider
Best Double Lane Slip and Slide
The best way to describe the Wham-O water slide is basic but brilliant. This slip and slide is as simple as they come. Unroll it, connect a hose, and enjoy the slippery fun without any other hassle.
The double lanes are great for slide races, and kids love that they can simply roll it up and take it anywhere. The end bumper prevents uncomfortable slides off the surface and allows water to pool for an added splash.
The brand is known for its classic but well-made toys, so you can be certain this slide will last a long time.
Pros
- 16-foot dual lane slide.
- Easy to set up.
- Trusted brand.
Cons
- Some consumers complain that the material was quick to rip.
Product Specs
| Size | 14.8 feet by 1.9 feet by 12.7 feet |
| Material | Plastic |
| Additional items included | Two anchors and repair patches |
| Recommended age range | 5 years+ |
Our Ratings
World of Watersports Mega Water Slide
Best Slip ‘n Slide With Inflatable Sides
The Wow World of Watersports super slide is made of extra thick PVC.
This makes it a good choice if you’re looking for a product that will last for multiple summers.
Off-set sprinklers ensure all areas of the slide receive a consistent flow of water, preventing dry spots and unwanted “brake areas.” Meanwhile, special fixings at each end of the slide allow you to connect multiple super slides and create your own mega-slide.
Pros
- Inflatable side strips keep the kids and the water on the slip and slide.
- Comes with two inflatable water sleds.
- Easy to set up, take down, and store.
Cons
- The inflatable sleds may not stand up to heavy use.
Product Specs
| Size | 25 feet by 6 feet |
| Material | PVC |
| Additional items included | 2 inflatable water sleds |
| Recommended age range | 5 years+ |
Our Ratings
Backyard Blast Waterslide
Best Slip and Slide With Splash Pool
For kids who don’t want to spend hours at a time on the slip and slide, the Backyard Blast slide ends in a shallow splash pool in which the kiddos can hang out.
This cute U-shaped splash pool is fun for younger kids who might be too scared to do the whole slide run. And bigger kids love making a huge splash at the end of their slide.
Pros
- Splash pool provides another form of play.
- Sprinkler system keeps the slip ‘n slide well covered.
- Large enough for two children to race each other.
Cons
- Materials could be a bit sturdier.
Product Specs
| Size | 25 feet by 6 feet |
| Material | PVC |
| Additional items included | Anchor kit, carrying bag |
| Recommended age range | 5 to 12 years |
Our Ratings
Banzai Triple Racer Waterslide
Best Three-Lane Slip and Slide
This three-lane slip and slide for kids includes three inflatable water sleds for additional fun.
Now all your kids and their friends can enjoy the water all at the same time.
Pros
- Sprinklers surround the slide, providing continual water flow.
- Inflatable bumpers keep the kiddos and the water on the slide.
- Good value for the price.
Cons
- The sprinklers are not as impressive in real life as they appear to be on the packaging and product listing.
Product Specs
| Size | 16 feet by 6 feet |
| Material | PVC |
| Additional items included | Three inflatable water sleds |
| Recommended age range | 5 to 12 years |
Our Ratings
Wahii World's 50-Foot Backyard Waterslide
Best 50-Foot Slip ‘n Slide For Kids
This simple yet fun slip ‘n slide for kids is a great pick for those with a little more room in their yard. With a 50-foot length and 12-foot width, you can invite the whole neighborhood over to play. Kids will love having multi-person races across the lawn.
Wahii uses material that is not only super tough and ultra-slick but is also UV-protected. And this set comes with two inflatables for added fun.
With this huge water slide, you can transform your yard into a waterpark with ease.
Pros
- No-fuss design is simple to use, put away, and store.
- Large surface area makes this good for bigger families or multiple children.
- Rated up to 256-pounds per square foot.
Cons
- Cannot be connected to a hose for constant water flow
Product Specs
| Size | 50 feet by 12 feet |
| Material | A specially formulated, UV-protected plastic |
| Additional items included | Two inflatables |
| Recommended age range | 5 years+ |
Our Ratings
Icebreaker Water Slide with Racing Raft and Water Sprayer
Best Slip and Slide With Water Spray Arch
This product fills the gap between huge slip ‘n slides for older kids and tiny toddler versions. Moreover, it can be attached to any garden hose for an exciting, easy-to-set-up activity at home.
The shower-spray arch adds a waterpark element of fun, and the length is good for kids who might get frightened easily.
This set also includes a repair patch.
Pros
- A good size for those who have grown out of the toddler phase.
- The arch sprays water onto the kids as they pass under it.
- It can be used with or without inflatable water sleds.
Cons
- The water spray arch will fall over if you don’t inflate it well enough.
Product Specs
| Size | 16 feet by 2 feet |
| Material | PVC |
| Additional items included | One inflatable water sled |
| Recommended age range | 4 to 8 years |
Our Ratings
Wow Sports Super Waterslide
Best Slip and Slide/Game Combo
Sometimes, you need more than just the fun of throwing yourself down a slippy strip, and the Wow Sports Super Waterslide gives you just that.
The use of heavy-duty embossed PVC provides a straightforward slip ‘n slide experience or a game of slippery bowling, using yourself as the ball.
The set comes with two inflatable sleds, so your kids can make up and compete in a wide range of water games.
Pros
- Giant backyard water slide can be enjoyed by both young and young at heart.
- A connection system allows you to hook as many of these Wow World slip ‘n slides together as you like.
- Zig-zag water spray system provides consistent water flow.
Cons
- Some reviews complain that inflating with a hand pump was hard work.
Product Specs
| Size | 6 feet by 25 feet |
| Material | Double thickness PVC |
| Additional items included | Two 36-inch by 24-inch sleds |
| Recommended age range | 5 years + |
Our Ratings
Little Tikes Wet & Dry First Slide
Best Slip ‘n Slide For Toddlers
The Little Tikes Wet & Dry First Slide combines a familiar Little Tikes toddler-style slide with a 10-foot vinyl slipmat.
However, the slide in this set is slightly different as it has fixings with which you attach the slip mat.
This prevents the slide and mat from separating during play.
Pros
- Hose attachment point allows for a constant flow of water.
- Safe for the smallest of slip ‘n sliders.
- The slide can be used separately and folds flat for storage.
Cons
- The maximum weight limit is 60 pounds, so your child may quickly outgrow this.
Product Specs
| Size | 23 inches long by 18 inches wide (mat); 39 inches high by 38 inches long (slide) |
| Material | Plastic slide, vinyl mat |
| Additional items included | Slide |
| Recommended age range | 24 months to 8 years |
Our Ratings
| Product | Best | Size | Material | Recommended age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Team Magnus Slip & Slide | Heavy Duty | 374 x 63 x 5.9″ | 0.22mm PVC | 5 – 12 years |
| Intex Surf ’N Slide | Inflatable Play Center | 15’1” x 5’6” x 5’2” | 16ga vinyl | 6 years & older |
| Wham-O Slip ‘N Slide Surf Rider | Double Lane Slip and Slide | 14.8 x 1.9 x 12.7″ | Plastic slide | 5 years+ |
| World of Watersports Mega Slide | Inflatable Sides | 25’ x 6’ | PVC | 5 years+ |
| Backyard Blast Waterslide | Best With Splash Pool | 25’ x 6’ | PVC | 5 – 12 years |
| Banzai Triple Racer | Three-Lane | 16’ x 6’ 9” | PVC | 5 – 12 years |
| Wahii 50-foot Waterslide | 50-Foot Slide | 50’ x 12’ | UV protected plastic | 5 years+ |
| Icebreaker Water Slide | Water Spray Arch | 16’ x 2’ | PVC | 4 – 8 years |
| World of Watersports Super Waterslide | Slip & Slide/Game Combo | 6′ x 25′ | Double thickness PVC | 5 years + |
| Little Tikes Wet & Dry | Toddlers | 39′ x 38′ | Plastic slide, vinyl mat | 24 months – 8 years |
Are Slip and Slides Dangerous?
Safety is a common and understandable concern for parents when it comes to slip and slides.
Yes, it’s possible for a child to fall and hurt themselves. But if you are using a slide suitable for your child’s age and following the manufacturer’s instructions, there is no reason why it should be dangerous.
Keep Safety In Mind
Supervise your children on a slip and slide like you would when they use any other rough-and-tumble activity. To make the experience more enjoyable, check the ground before setting up your slip and slide. You should remove any rocks or debris from the ground before laying out the slide.
To ensure you and your children enjoy a slip ‘n slide in safety, keep these tips in mind:
- Choose one that is rated for your child’s age.
- Always place it in an area that has plenty of space around it. This will minimize the chance of accidents caused by a little one overshooting the slide.
- Do not add substances to your slip and slide to make it more slippery.
What Can You Put on a Slip and Slide To Make It Slippery?
Water is the best and safest option for making a slip-and-slide surface slippery. Not only is water freely available, clean, and non-toxic, but it will not make the surface dangerously slippery.
Some users swear by adding a small amount of dish soap to their slip and slide. They claim it helps you gain more speed than you might without dish soap.
And that’s the problem. Dish soap can turn a fun afternoon on a slip ‘n slide into a not-so-fun afternoon in the emergency room.
When lubricated with dish soap, it can become dangerous, especially for younger children, so stick to water and the manufacturer’s instructions for making your slip ‘n slide slippery (2).
Buying Guide
The best kids slip and slides are the ones meant for your child’s age range. Most slip and slides will display the age range on the front of the box. Those labels take all the guesswork out of it for you.
It’s also a good idea to consider the slide material. This may not be an issue if you’re looking for a slide only meant to last one summer. But if you are splashing out (pun intended!) for a more expensive model, check to ensure it will stand up to multiple summers of use.
Next, you need to think about how much space you have for your slip and slide. You need to consider not only the footprint necessary but the room needed for run-up and the space around it for play.
Decide whether you want to hook the slip ‘n slide up to a water source or whether you are happy to aim your hose or throw on buckets of water.
Finally, consider your budget and how to get the best bang for your buck. Are you better off with a giant but basic slide, or would you rather invest in a smaller model that has accessories?
We’ve taken all of these things into consideration in our list of the ten best slip and slides for kids of all ages.
