Image: MomJunction Design Team
Want to reduce your kid’s screen time and encourage them to play outdoors? Get the best inflatable waterside, and we bet your kid will never want to go back to indoor games. Also known as an inflatable water slide park, it is basically a bounce house as a water slide. They will make summer days more fun and memorable. So, buy an inflatable water slide right away as it will offer the perfect physical outdoor activity for your kid. The best part is that it’s convenient to set up, and doesn’t take much space. Now keep scrolling and check out these parent-recommended inflatable water slides that will make your backyard the new fun zone.
Top Picks
15 Best Inflatable Water Slides
1. Best Water Capacity:Intex Rainbow Ring Inflatable Play Center
Create a fun extravaganza in your yard with this play center that includes a water slide, water sprayer, wading pool, and a ring game with 4 colorful, inflatable rings. This kids’ inflatable water slide also features 6 vibrantly colored plastic balls for a ball toss and ball roll game. The rainbow water sprayer can be attached to a garden hose so that your kids can stay cool and have the time of their lives in summer. This mini backyard water park has a landing mat at the end of the slide for extra padding and a convenient drain plug to easily remove the water. Watch your children enjoy themselves as they slide down or just paddle in the pool while playing with the rings and balls. You can also check this YouTube video detailing a tester’s experience for a complete idea about the product.
Pros
- Water capacity of 77 gallons
- Includes a repair patch
- Ideal for children above 3 years
- Measures 9.9 x 6.4 x 4.5 feet
Cons
- Requires an air compressor
"I found this kiddie pool pretty large; our kids often invite their friends over to play in this together. The fun features are a plus. Since there are multiple compartments, inflating it is a bit time-consuming. However, it was manageable with an electric inflator."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Over 12,213 customers on Amazon have opined that this is one of the best products in its category.
2. Best For Portability:Intex Surf ‘N’ Slide Shark Inflatable Water Slide
This innovative and entertaining water slide is designed to look like a shark and will give your child hours of fun either alone or with friends as they slip and slide on it. Measuring 15.1 x 5.5 x 5.2 feet, this inflatable water slide is made with durable and sturdy 16-gauge vinyl. It features in-built water sprayers and streamers which can be attached to garden hoses to create a wet surface for your child to slide on, and there’s a landing pad at the end of the slide for extra padding. The backyard water slide includes two surf riders with heavy-duty handles for safety and convenient maneuverability.
Pros
- Suitable for children above 6 years
- Weight capacity of 176 pounds
- Includes a repair patch kit
- Features side grab handles for easy portability and transport
Cons
- Some feel it does not retain air well.
"This slide helps bring water park-like excitement and fun to our backyard. It is easy to install, and inflation is a breeze. Although it's showing signs of wear and tear, overall, it is a solid choice for its design."
3. Best For 5 To 10-Year-Olds:Little Tikes Rocky Mountain River Race Inflatable Slide Bouncer
Children can climb to the top of this enormous water slide from the center wall and come down through the dual slides straight into the splash pool. Colorful and durable, this well-designed toy is a delight for kids. Children can also crawl through to the dry bouncing area inside for some more fun. It also features a surprise dump water bucket that will have your kids squealing in delight as it pours water while they climb up the inflatable center rock wall. The top section of this outdoor inflatable water slide has a net along the back so that children do not fall off, adding to its safety quotient. If you want to know more about the results, take a look at this review on YouTube.
Pros
- Can accommodate 4 kids at a time
- Weighs 45 pounds
- Weight capacity of 350 pounds
- Measures 161 x 169 x 103 inches
- Recommended for children between 5 to 10 years
Cons
- Does not have a drain to remove water
Do rememberThe water slide and the blower should be wiped clean and dried before storing them to prevent mold growth and damage to the product.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product boasts 1,750 reviews on Amazon, and many buyers have said they would purchase the product again.
4. Best In-Built Water Gun:Action Air Inflatable Water Slide
This extra-thick shark water slide and bounce house features a double sliding sheet for added smoothness with durable seams for both wet and dry sliding, offering extra protection to your children. A light stream of air escapes from the seams to prevent it from exploding when children jump on it. A heavy-duty, durable, UL-certified blower is included for a continuous flow of air and to keep the bouncer inflated while jumping. This inflatable water slide for kids also includes a water hose, and all you need to do is connect it to the bouncer and water faucet. According to the reviewers, it’s extremely easy and convenient to assemble and disassemble within 3 minutes. This giant water slide comes with a carrying bag that makes portability and storage very simple.
Pros
- Includes a splash pool at the end of the slide
- In-built water gun
- Has convenient footholds for children to climb
- Includes repair patches and manual for easy setup
- Measures 15 × 11 × 8 inches when inflated
- Weight capacity of 200 pounds
- Can fit 4 children at a time
Cons
- The shark fin may not stay inflated for long.
"I installed this water slide for my grandkids, and they loved it! The setup was slightly challenging but manageable. It is holding up well to energetic play and doing a great job of keeping the kids engaged on long summer days!"
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Over 1,104 Amazon shoppers have left good reviews about this product, citing its quality features and benefits.
5. Best With Climbing Wall: Costzon Inflatable Water Slide
Costzon’s inflatable water slide has multiple features to keep your children occupied during backyard splash parties. Made of heavy-duty puncture-proof material, this slide is suitable for children between the ages of three and ten. It features a combination of a climbing wall, a splash pool, and a curved water slide to entertain your children during the summer holidays. Measuring 13×9.8×8.3 feet, this colorful and fun slide comes with hand grips to provide a safe climbing experience for your children.
Pros
- Protective net meshing on the side
- Waterproof and wear-resistant material
- Comes with a repair kit
- Available in multiple sizes
- Carry bag and instructional manual included
Cons
- Seams might be flimsy
- Blower may not be included
"Although lightweight, the inflatable slide’s stakes and hook-style fasteners keep it stable even during windy days. It's also easy to pack and is going strong despite being used by my children and pets."
6. Best Waterfall Sprinkler:Banzai Slide ‘N’ Soak Splash Park
Splash your way through this summer season with this huge inflatable backyard water park that takes only two minutes to inflate, thanks to the electric air blower and hose attachment. Measuring 184 x 114 x 95 inches, the whole gang of kids can have the time of their lives as they scale up the climbing wall, race down the slide, and end their ride in the splash pool. Its water sprinkler features ensure refreshing fun and a smooth ride. It also has a padded lining to ensure comfort and safety for everyone. The tall slide ends in a large 8-inch deep lagoon-style pool where your kids can cool down. Constructed with heavy duty Dura-Tech material, this inflatable water slide with a blower is sure to give your kids endless fun.
Pros
- Includes repair patches
- Overhead waterfall sprinkler
- Suitable for children above 5 years
- Weight capacity of 150 pounds
Cons
- The climbing wall may be too steep for some children.
"This slide was a fun addition to my son's water park-themed birthday. While the overall structure is sturdy and suitable for multiple kids at once, it requires minor repairs. It has been a worthwhile pick."
7. Best Durable:Bountech Inflatable Double Slide Bounce House
This huge bounce house with a climbing wall, two curved water slides, and a splash kiddie pool with a water cannon can provide a water park-like experience to the children. The built-in water sprayers at the top of the slide spray a steady stream of water to keep the slides wet and slippery. Crafted with heavy duty, tear-resistant, and wear-resistant 840D oxford and 420D oxford, it doesn’t fade in the sun and is durable and long-lasting. The top of the slide is netted to protect kids from falls and the set also features 8 ground stakes for holding the water slide securely to the ground. It comes packed in a matching carrying bag for easy transportation and storage. The bouncy house measures 12 x 14 x 7.5 feet when inflated and can be inflated in a couple of minutes with the 750W blower that is included.
Pros
- Includes 4 repair patches
- Includes a hose
- Suitable for children between 3 to 8 years
- Can accommodate 3 to 4 kids at a time
Cons
- Some feel the blower could be stronger.
"This water slide is sturdy and spacious enough to accommodate my toddler and teenager. Its water sprinkler attachment could have been more stable, but a strip of tape solved that issue. Also, the plastic material does not turn hot even when placed under the sun."
Point to considerMake sure the kids are supervised at all times by an adult while playing on the water slide.
8. Best With Wall Climbing:Joymor Inflatable Bounce House Water Slide
The Joymor inflatable game set offers a variety of fun activities besides a long water slide. It includes a wall climbing section that makes climbing easier, safer, and more exciting. The backyard water slide also features an elephant-designed sprayer, a water gun, and a sizable splash pool, providing endless summer entertainment for your child. In terms of performance, the trusted water slide is crafted from 420D Oxford cloth, making it wear-resistant and ideal for rough play. Lastly, when inflated, it measures 151 x 124 x 97 inches, making it the perfect addition to a children’s pool party.
Pros
- Includes an air blower
- Quick inflation
- Strong, durable, and high-quality material
- Mesh wall for maximum protection and ventilation
Cons
- May not be quick to dry
- Emptying the water from the pool may be cumbersome
"After getting this slide, my family no longer has to go to the water parks to beat the heat. Its hose connector needed to be replaced after a few uses, but the material has remained as is. Plus, its soft landing feature offers me peace of mind."
9. Best With Air Blower: PicassoTiles Water Slide
The PicassoTiles water slide can reduce your child’s screen time by encouraging them to spend more time outdoors. Made of durable, non-toxic, and heavy-duty materials, this slide includes an ETL-tested and certified 385-watt air blower that can inflate the slide in less than a minute. This slide features a climbing wall and a slip-and-splash zone, allowing children to have hours of fun. Sporting sturdy mounts for water cannons and shower heads, this is the perfect slide to cool down during a hot summer day.
Pros
- Has multiple belts
- Comes with multiple stakes
- Appropriate size
- Carrying bag included
Cons
- Canon pipe might be flimsy
- Material may not be mold-resistant
"The precise instructions made setting up and using the pool slide straightforward. While the weight limit is slightly restricting, it's roomy enough for the little one to splash around. Moreover, the water canon feature is perfect for those summer days."
10. Best Repair Kit: Bestway Mega Water Park – Hurricane Tunnel Blast
This extravagant inflatable water slide park is a great space for sliding, climbing, and splashing with its collection of super fun features. You can use the climbing wall to climb up to the tower which is protected with a safety mesh. There’s a slide with protective walls on the side that goes around the pool and ends in a large and shallow pool for a fun-filled splash landing on an in-built water blob. It also features an in-built spray blaster, a spray tunnel, and a water dispenser that dumps water much to the delight of kids. There’s also a mesh shoe storage area to keep shoes dry and safe. Constructed with PVC-coated polyester material, this time-tested inflatable water slide is durable, comfortable, and long-lasting.
Pros
- Includes 110-120V blower
- Features an anchor bag for storage
- Comes with heavy duty repair kit
- Climbing wall features footholds and hand grips
- Inflates in 2 minutes
- Can accommodate 7 children at a time
- Includes 2 blower stakes and 8 bouncer stakes for security
- Measures 13.9 x 10.6 x 8.6 feet
- Meets ASTM safety standards
Cons
- Some feel the seams could be stronger.
"This water slide has been great for our family gatherings. The setup is simple, and the size is impressive too. Its water drainage design requires some strategic positioning to prevent mess, but overall, it serves us well."
11. Best With Double-Slides:Valwix Inflatable Water Slide
The Valwix inflatable water slide is made of durable, wear-resistant Oxford fabric. It can be easily secured to the ground with eight stakes and doesn’t wobble even during a pool party. The best-selling slide features a climbing wall, two slides, a divided splash pool, and built-in sprayers, allowing children to engage in a variety of activities and enjoy hours of summer fun. Further, the blow-up water slide can accommodate up to five children between the ages of three and ten and includes a net for extra safety.
Pros
- Water sprayers on slides to keep them slippery
- Includes an air pump
- Can support weights up to 350lb
- Includes a deflation tube and carry bag
- Deep and shallow splash pools
- Tested to meet ASTM safety standards
- Includes a repair kit
Cons
- Stichting may not be highly durable
"I am impressed with the plethora of activities it offers, which keeps the kids entertained. However, its seams started fraying after a few uses, which was a letdown. Nonetheless, it offers an enjoyable experience."
12. Best UL-Certified Blower:Corson Tools Splash And Slide Inflatable Water Slide
Crafted with 600D, 300D, 200D PVC coated material, this tried-and-tested inflatable water slide will ensure hours of fun in the outdoors for your kids. The material is UV-and puncture-resistant, the curved water slide features safety walls, and the climbing wall comes with hand grips and footholds. The curved slide ends in a large splash pool which can accommodate several kids at a time. The blower inflates it within 2 minutes, there are stake anchors to keep it stable, and all the play areas are visible from the front for adult supervision. The water hose can be connected to the sprayers for added fun and thrill.
Pros
- UL-tested and certified blower
- Ideal for kids between 4 to 12 years
- Measures 10.9 x 10 x 7.10 feet
- Meets ASTM safety standards
- Carry bag included
Cons
- Some may find the pool small.
"In addition to inflating quickly, this slide is durable enough to withstand enthusiastic play sessions. It requires more water than my previous slide, but features such as the raised side walls, and safety nets have made it my preferred summer entertainment for my children."
13. Best For Storage:Retro Jump Inflatable Water Slide
This entertaining inflatable water slide for kids features a climb wall, 2 racing slides, a water cannon, and a splash pool, and can be a source of delight both wet and dry. Spray hoods keep the slides slippery and add to the delight of kids. Extremely safe and durable, it’s fire-resistant, lead-free, the seams are double to quadruple stitched, and the climbing wall has wide handles for added security. It can be assembled and disassembled in a matter of minutes with the help of the 380W blower and 4 stakes, and minute holes at the seams allow some air to escape so that it doesn’t burst. Measuring 17.4 x 5.3 x 7.8 feet when inflated, it has multiple slide lanes and can accommodate three kids at a time with a maximum weight capacity of 350 pounds.
Pros
- Includes a repair kit
- Includes a carry bag
- Comes with a water tube
- Easy portability and storage
- Ideal for kids between 3 and 10 years
Cons
- Some may find it a bit heavy to move around.
"As it's made of top-notch material and boasts double seams, it has been able to withstand my children's tugging and jumping. However, it must be dried thoroughly after every use to prevent mold. Still, the included storage bag and its ability to facilitate physical activity have made it a worthwhile find."
Do rememberCheck the area before placing the inflatable water slide and ensure that it is free from any sharp objects or debris that could puncture the slide.
14. Best Blower:Kahuna Mega Blast Inflatable Water Slide
This best-selling inflatable water slide is ideal for your kids to have a good time with the massive climbing wall with footholds and hand grips, double-sided huge slide, splash pool, and 3 water cannons. It can be inflated in about 3 minutes with the electric blower and can be conveniently attached to any garden hose. Its high quality, premium PVC construction ensures durability and strength, and the water cannons cover the entire water park so that your kids are continuously sprayed with a jet of water.
Pros
- Weighs 128 pounds
- Blower included
- Measures 180 x 180 x 108 inches
- Perfect for kids between 5 to 12 years
Cons
- Some may find it small.
"My kids really enjoyed this water slide. It has a sturdy build, enduring endless bounces. I'm quite impressed with its quality. It's been a lovely purchase for the summer!"
15. Best Carry Bag:HuaKastro Inflatable Water Slide
Enjoy the sun outdoors and have a fun-filled day while slipping, sliding, and being sprayed with water in this inflatable water slide for kids. You can even use the bounce house inside with ocean balls in the pool to burn all that pent up energy on a cold or rainy day. It features a climbing wall, trampoline, long slide, a splash pool, a water gun, and a surprise dump bucket that pours water while kids are sliding. It also includes a high quality electric air blower to keep the slide inflated within 2 minutes with 4 stakes to keep it stable. Crafted with 840D oxford and 420D oxford material with double stitched seams and coated with PVC, it’s extremely durable and sturdy.
Pros
- Includes a hose assembly kit
- Includes 6 bouncer stakes
- Comes with a repair kit
- Weight capacity of 265 pounds
- Suitable for kids between 3 and 8 years
- Tested to meet ASTM safety standards
- Includes a carry bag
Cons
- The position of the water gun may cause water to hit kids in the face.
"The best part about this bounce house and slide combo is that it can be used with or without adding water. While it is easy to set up, removing the water from it after playtime can be time-consuming. However, that's a minor hassle compared to the fun it brings."
How To Choose The Right Inflatable Water Slides?
Consider these pointers when choosing an inflatable water slide for your backyard.
- Age appropriateness: All water slides have different weight and height specifications which need to be strictly adhered to. Always follow the recommended age by the manufacturer as inflatable slides for older children might not be suitable or safe for younger children.
- Ease of use: Usually, water slides are pretty simple and convenient to set up, but do ensure it’s something you can handle before buying one. You will need a flat surface and you will have to connect the air blower and the hose. Deflating can be a little difficult as you’ll need to drain the water and ensure it’s completely dry or it will grow mold.
- Safety and security: It’s always wiser to buy an inflatable water slide from a renowned manufacturer because your kid’s safety has to be a priority. Opt for a water slide with a safe design and one that includes clear instructions. Also, ensure that the bottom of the splash pool has good padding, isn’t too deep, and the edges are smooth. Choose a slide that has tether points, sandbags, and steel stakes to keep the slide stable and firmly on the ground. It is also recommended to invest in a slide that meets ASTM safety standards.
- Size: This would depend on where you are planning to set up the water slide. The dimensions of the slide should be suitable for the space where you want to set the slide. Check the slide height, especially if you plan to place it below trees or a balcony. Also, check which shape would suit your available space best and whether you have space to store it when not in use.
- Durability and sturdiness: Inflatable water slides for kids are never inexpensive, so you would like them to be durable and sturdy enough to last a while. The material needs to be strong and thick enough to take extended periods in the sun, constant bouncing, the weight of a number of kids without developing holes. But do remember that thicker material will also add to the weight of the water slide.
PVC and chemical grade nylon are considered suitably durable by most manufacturers and some inflatable water slides have double layers of material and reinforced stitching to prevent tears and punctures. Before you pay the extra cost of a more durable model, you need to consider how long you’ll actually use the water slide for. If you are likely to use it for several years, you should definitely spend that extra money and go for durability. - Inclusion of blower: Blowers help to install the water slide in a matter of minutes. Not all water slides come with a blower as part of the kit, but it would make sense to buy one that comes with a blower.
- Additional features: Many inflatable water slides have a few add-ons like fountains, splash pools, spray guns, water cannons, tunnels, or basketball hoops, or can have different themes like a crocodile, shark, or pirate theme. If the slide is going to be used by more than one child, it should have a number of these fun add-ons so that they can enjoy them at the same time instead of having to wait for their turn.
- Care of water slide: Punctures are a commonly occurring problem in inflatable water slides, so you need to think about how you would repair them. Some brands come with repair kits and repair patches, but that’s not the case with all brands. Make sure you check this out while choosing a water slide. Without a repair kit, you’ll have to call a professional which would add to the cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long do inflatable water slides last?
A residential water slide usually has a lifespan of 6 months to 1 year while a commercial water slide usually lasts between 3 to 5 years. But it mostly depends on how you maintain it, how often you use it, and the weather conditions.
2. How long does it take to inflate a water slide?
It can take anything between 5 to 7 minutes to inflate your water slide, depending on the size of your water slide . It also depends on the power of the blower— a very powerful blower can inflate the water slide within 2 to 3 minutes.
3. Can I put an inflatable water slide on rocks?
As water slides are inflatable, they are prone to being pierced or punctured by a sharp object, so they should not be put on rocks. Also having objects like rocks in a play area can hurt your kid.
4. How do I get water out of an inflatable water slide?
Certain inflatable water slides have a water drainage tube, extra blower tube, or deflation zipper to get rid of the water. Make sure to let the slide dry in ample sunlight.
5. Do inflatable water slides recycle water?
Most inflatable water slides may not recycle water. However, a water recirculating kit can be additionally attached separately to the slide to certain models, if desired.
6. Can adults go on an inflatable water slide?
Most inflatable water slides are designed to bear only a certain amount of weight and height limit, thus making them ideal only for children up to 10 to 12 years.
7. How much water does an inflatable water slide use?
On average, most inflatable water slides use about three to four liters of water per minute.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Sristi Suman, our resident writer, is passionate about all things sports, adventure, and games. After carefully going through several user views and multiple site comparisons, she has specially curated this list of the top inflatable water slides for you. Durable and easy to set up, these come in various shapes and sizes to accommodate those hours of water fun from the comfort of your home. This article also contains a buying guide and an FAQ section to help you choose the right product.
The Bottom Line
Kids love to slide down to the pool and play with splashing water in the summer. Buy the best kids’ inflatable water slides for your backyard to help your kids have fun in summer and help improve their balance, coordination, and muscle strength. Even inexpensive, basic water slides can let your kids have a good time outdoors. You may also buy more advanced slides and choose the material quality based on your budget, space, and child’s age. During summers, water activity at home can keep children away from the screens. Hence, our recommendations include the Little Tikes Inflatable Slide Bouncer, featuring a surprise dump bucket; the Action Air Inflatable Water Slide with an in-built water gun, and the PicassoTiles Water Slide, featuring a climbing wall and a slip-and-splash zone.
Infographic: Buying Guide For Inflatable Water Slide For Children
Water slides are sure to make your children’s summer more fun. So, investing in a good inflatable water slide could be a good idea if you have enough space in your background. Look through the following infographic to explore the essential aspects to consider when selecting the water slide for your children. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
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