10 Best Inflatable Slides for Kids Reviewed in 2024
Selina Marie
Slide right into the splashiest memories your family will make. Water slides are a highlight of any water park, and while we can’t help you build a loop-the-loop in your backyard, we can set you up with a much easier alternative that is still a ton of fun. We’re talking, of course, about inflatable water slides. These slides are easy to assemble, moderately priced, and designed to eradicate some of the old obstacles presented by traditional Slip N’ Slides, such as rocky ground making for a painful, bumpy ride. Safe, built for longevity, and designed for top-notch fun, these slides are sure to bring a wave of joy to the whole family!
In a Hurry? The test winner after 11 hrs of research
This slide will keep kids busy for hours
Encourages serious physical activity and exercise
Keeps kids cool in several different and fun ways
Includes a fun surprise for kids climbing the rock wall
Has a weight limit of up to 350 lbs
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Little Tikes Rocky Mountain River Race
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Blast Zone Pirate Bay Inflatable Combo
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Blast Zone Crocodile Isle
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Little Tikes Slam 'n Curve Slide
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Blast Zone Spray-n-Splash 2
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Blast Zone Hydro Rush
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Intex Ocean Inflatable Play Center
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TEAM MAGNUS Slip and Slide XXL Dual Racer
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Blast Zone Tropical Splash Compact Backyard
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Sportspower My First Inflatable with Water Cannon
10 Best Slip N' Slides and Inflatable Water Slides Reviewed
1. Little Tikes Rocky Mountain River Race
This slide will keep kids busy for hours
Encourages serious physical activity and exercise
Keeps kids cool in several different and fun ways
Includes a fun surprise for kids climbing the rock wall
Has a weight limit of up to 350 lbs
It’s a bit pricey
This inflatable slide is an absolute whopper of a gift. Yes, the price might be a tad steep -- But wait until you hear everything that Little Tikes has to offer on this one. For those looking for the ultimate summer fun for their families, this slide is absolutely one to consider simply because of all the options it offers.
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Not only is this a slide, but the Rocky Mountain River Race slide also features dual slides which mean double the splashing fun. In the center, yes you’re seeing that right, is an actual rock climbing wall. It’s inflated with easy-to-find foot and hand holes, allowing kids to climb to the very top and pick which slide they travel down to get to the pool awaiting them at the very bottom. That’s right, while your kids are making their way up this awesome rock climbing wall, two of their friends can be sliding down right next to them! The fun doesn’t stop there, though. It wouldn’t be a challenging rock climb without a little bit of a surprise, right? At the very top of the rock wall, your kids will get the shock of a lifetime as a bucket of water tips over, splashing them as they try to advance to the top. This inflatable double-slide is like having a real-life water park right in your very own backyard, and kids will totally flip when they come home to see this set up.
Safety
The fact that every area of this inflatable slide is well-thought-out and clearly designed with various child needs in mind is impressive. The quality of the slide is an excellent fun factor, which makes it truly the ultimate of summer slides.
Physical Development
There’s an area for everyone with this inflatable slide. Whether you have kids who are the type to love a challenge like the rock climbing, love to take things a bit slower but still have some fun and will love the dual-slides, or just like to take things easy and hang out on the padded “island rest area”, this slide has something for everyone.
2. Blast Zone Pirate Bay Inflatable Combo
Many different areas of play for big groups of kids
Comes with a safety-first guarantee
Bounce house area is surrounded with netting to avoid accidental falls or injury
The slide is big enough for two peopleIt comes with a blower
The blower needs to be running at all times for this to operate
It can be a bit expensive for those just looking for an inflatable water slide
We know how important it is to parents that their kids are happy and healthy, especially during the summer when school is out and they want to do nothing but play. The Blast Zone Inflatable Combo Water Park isn’t just fibbing when they call it a “water park” -- This thing really is massive and the second-best thing to an actual water park!
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This inflatable set is insane with a few select features that are absolutely worth talking about. For starters, the pool itself is huge and can fit up to five kids which makes it ideal for birthday and summer parties and BBQs. The entire thing operates with a blower that Blast Zone claim is “bulletproof”, meaning there’s no problem having it near kids in the event that it tips over, gets dropped, etc. -- It’s built to last. This makes it super easy to set up with no need to use a traditional inflation device and sit there for hours waiting for it to eventually blow up. Inside the inflatable pool, your kids will be beyond thrilled to find a mini bounce house area in addition to two pool sprayers that cool them down on their way down this two-person slide. It’s an investment for sure, but if you want the best for your kids during their summer vacation, this is the inflatable slide park to get.
Safety
What’s unique about this pool and slide design is the commercial-grade vinyl its made with. The material is resistant to ripping or tearing, which makes it completely safe, sturdy, and durable for kids of all ages.
Physical Development
We love this because it has everything! It’s amazing what you can do with a little air and some inflatable material, and Blast Zone has figured out a way to take that idea and turn it into an entire mini-water park that can be set up in your very own backyard.
3. Blast Zone Crocodile Isle
Stimulates the imagination
Encourages social play
Designed with two slides, climbing wall, and large splash area
Highly stable and durable
Set up is easy
Colors may fade
With the Crocodile Isle inflatable slides in your backyard, your house will become “The House” to be at amongst your child’s friends. Designed like a giant crocodile, your child’s imagination will run wild as they splash around.
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This inflatable water park features dual slides, a large splash pool, and a central climbing wall. Both slides are equipped with overhead sprayers that cause water to rain down on your child as they slide. With the climbing wall being in the center of the two slides, your child will not have to exit the pool.
Safety
Multiple children can experience the adventures of childhood on this inflatable park as it offers dual slides, a climbing wall, and a giant splash area. This inflatable park is composed of commercial grade vinyl that has been quadruple stitched. Both the stitching and material give this park a high level of stability and durability.
Physical Development
The climbing wall is designed with handles which makes it safer and easier for younger children to master. With two slides and a massive splash area, children can increase their social skills by playing with friends.
4. Little Tikes Slam 'n Curve Slide
Composed of puncture resistant material
Step-down wall makes entering and exiting safe and easy
Curved slide provides soft and gentle landing
Includes inflatable ball and hoop
Difficult to fold and store
Spending time outdoors is important for your child’s development. With the Little Tikes Slam n Curve slide, your child can spend time outside on even the hottest summer days.
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Children 5 years and older can easily climb the inflatable rock wall to get to the top of the slide. The curved slide will allow them to make a soft and gentle landing into the wading pool at the bottom. The splash pool even includes an inflatable basketball and hoop for your child to enjoy when they need a break from sliding.
Safety
The puncture resistant material allows you to place this slide anywhere in your yard. The step-down wall allows your child to enter and exit the pool easily and safely. The curved slide provides a fun and safe experience for your child as it provides a soft and gentle landing.
Physical Development
As your child grips the handles of the climbing wall they will increase their fine motor skills. You won’t have to worry about your child tripping over the edge as they get in and out of the pool because it is designed with a cut out step-down wall for an easy entrance. The pool is big enough to allow four children to play in it at once without crowding.
5. Blast Zone Spray-n-Splash 2
Climbing wall is designed with handles, foot holes, and platform
Inside return path for the slide keeps the splash pool clean
Rolls up easily for stress-free storage
Highly durable
Difficult to dry
Can’t find time in your schedule to take your kids to the waterpark? Don’t worry, the Blast Zone Spray n Splash brings the waterpark to your backyard.
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The slide’s inside return path to the wall will keep the splash pool free of debris and your yard from turning muddy as your child won’t have to keep getting in and out. There are two sprayers at the top of the slide that will keep water running down it so your child can zoom down it. The commercial grade vinyl gives the inflatable slide and pool a level of durability that will allow your child to enjoy it for years to come.
Safety
The climbing wall is designed with handles, a safety platform, and foot holes to ensure your child is safe as they climb. Set up is easy just unroll the inflatable park and hook it to the included blower. Once it is inflated attach the hose and get ready for the fun to begin.
Physical Development
Designed with a climbing wall, slide, and splash pool, your little one has plenty of ways to cool off and have fun. The inside return path will allow your child to enjoy the slide and splash area without bringing in grass and debris from the yard.
6. Blast Zone Hydro Rush
Encourages social play
Designed with a slide and splash area
Vinyl material is highly durable
Assembly is easy
Overhead sprayers could be made more durable
Children ages three and up can cool off on those summer days with the Blast Zone Hydro Rush inflatable water park. They can lounge in the splash area or zoom down the 10-foot curved slide.
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The slide is designed with two overhead sprayers that will keep the slide wet and slippery. When your child needs a break from playing in the water, they can stand on the outside and shoot their friends with the spray cannon.
Safety
Composed of a highly durable commercial grade vinyl, your child can enjoy countless summer days in this mini water park. This slide is big enough for several kids to enjoy at once. While it may take up quite a bit of space in the yard, it easily folds up when it is deflated to make storing it easy.
Physical Development
Children can increase their social skills as they play together in the splash area. Included with the inflatable park, you will receive a step-by-step DVD teaching you how to assemble it. Set up is quick, easy, and stress-free. When your little one is done playing, you can deflate the park and roll it up for easy storage.
7. Intex Ocean Inflatable Play Center
It comes with a patch in the event of rips or tears
Separate wading pool for smaller children
The slide is wide and sturdyIt comes with a fun ring toss game
Great for parties or groups of kids
Takes some time to inflate
The Ocean Inflatable Play Center is perfect for those kids who just love to hang out in the water on a sunny day. This pool provides great relief during the summer when the is relentlessly beating down but also gives kids a chance to have some fun with the addition of a water slide.
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The pool itself is big enough to hold several kids, and the set up is easy as can be with only one pool and one slide to worry about. The main pool is divided in two with a separate “wading pool” in the corner, and this is perfect for toddlers and smaller children who are not yet completely comfortable with the water and don’t want to be splashed. It’s great for parents who have multiple kids of different ages because there’s an area for everyone, and while the older kids have fun in the larger section of the pool, moms and dads can take their time with the little ones in the separate wading pool. It’s a great option for families or kids who have a lot of friends over in the summer and wonderful for BBQs and backyard parties.
Safety
The separate wading pool that comes as a part of the Ocean Inflatable Play Center is a great addition to this product because not every child is comfortable with water right off the bat. When they’re ready for the bigger pool, the slide provides a stable and steady way to join in the fun with the rest of the kids!
Physical Development
This inflatable pool and slide is the perfect way to cool off while not having anything too crazy set up in your backyard. It’s simple enough but provides a fun way for kids to splash around and not be too overwhelmed with extra additions. There’s also a ring toss game that comes as an option with this pool for even more added fun and physical activity.
8. TEAM MAGNUS Slip and Slide XXL Dual Racer
31 feet long
Five feet of width divided into two lanes
Repair kit included with waterproof duct tape
Durable PVC material
Cushioned landing pad
The slide has a lot of drag; adding soapy water helps give it some slip
The material sprung leaks quicky for some users
Kids will be racing to the finish line with this XXL Slip N’ Slide. At 31 feet long and five feet wide, it’s one of the largest runways out there. The width allows for children to slide down side by side, and a line down the middle even gives them “lanes” to work with.
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A central channel keeps the water flowing (and spraying the racers), and a cushioned ending acts as a crash pad for a comfortable landing. It’s easy to assemble and has the added bonus of being accessible even if there’s no outdoor water hose to be found. A bucket of soapy water can be substituted for 30 consecutive minutes of splashy fun. It’s extra long and extra wide, meaning more kids can play on it at the same time. The line down the middle establishing racing lanes is a simple touch, but one that kids really seem to enjoy. It’s perfect for social events with lots of kids.
Safety
The .22 mm PVC is durable, and a repair kit is included in case rough play does cause an occasional tear. Stakes tie the slide down securely so it won’t move out from under kids.
Physical Development
This waterslide is great for families with multiple kids, or young neighbors and friends that spend a lot of time at the house. The dual lanes allow children to play at the same time and race, making this slide not only encouraging fun, outdoor exercise, but also a perfect opportunity for socializing and bonding.
9. Blast Zone Tropical Splash Compact Backyard
Inflates quickly
Lightweight and portable
Easy to store
Small size makes it perfect for younger children and smaller backyards
Not ideal for multiple children to use at once
Setting up and taking down the slide is super easy. Attaching the included blower inflates this slide in minutes and detaching the blower allows it deflate just as quickly. Once the slide is fully deflated you can fold it up for easy storage.
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It features a climbing wall, slide, and splash area. Weighing in at 40 pounds, you can easily transport this slide to another location. The Blast Zone Tropical Splash water slide is perfect for small backyards and smaller children as it is only 5 ½ feet tall. However, don’t let its small size fool you it packs a ton of fun.
Safety
This slide is highly durable as it is composed of commercial grade vinyl. The ground stakes included in the set will make this slide super stable once it is inflated. With such a high level of durability and stability, you can sit back and relax as you watch your child enjoy their slide.
Physical Development
While this slide is a lot smaller than a majority of the ones previously listed, the climbing wall, slide, and splash pool offer just as much fun. Its size makes it easy to transport and fit into smaller yards.
10. Sportspower My First Inflatable with Water Cannon
Great for all ages
Holds up to 250 lbs
Made of polyester
Great for medium – large backyards
Some customers had water coming into the inner tube. It’s stated by the company that water should not be going into the inner tube. Other than that small issue parents said it is a great purchase.
This inflatable waterslide is great for those hot summer days. This slip n slide comes with 1 slide, a water cannon, and its very own splash pool. Parents don’t have to worry about the hassle of setting this slide up. It’s completely easy to set up and includes its own air blower. It’s up and ready for your children to use in almost less than a couple of minutes.
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This slip n slide is perfect for those hot summer days. They’re great for your children to enjoy some water fun when your family can’t get to the beach. It’s a great way for your child to enjoy the outdoors and splash around then inside playing video games. Your child will have endless hours of fun with the water cannon it comes with and splashing in the splash pool as well! It supports up to 250 lbs. and great for multiple children to use at a time. There’s no required age limit but, concerning the safety of multiple children using it all at once, parents should still supervise to avoid any sudden injuries.
Safety
This slide is 100% safe for your child to enjoy. It does pass the ASTM standards of safety so that parents can ensure that when it comes with water play your child will be able to enjoy. While this Slip 'n Slide can hold up to 250lbs the maximum suggested weight limit should be 100lbs. It’s completed durable made of puncture-resistant polyester so that parents don’t have to worry about any kind of damage being done during play.
Physical Development
With Slip 'n Slides your child will be enhancing and strengthening all of their muscles. It’s a great way for your child to also enhance their strength and balance. Water play is a wonderful way for your child to enjoy their summer by staying outside. Your child will also be able to enhance their fine motor and other gross skills. It’s also a great way to get your children to bond and strengthen your family connection.
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Entertainment Value
As far as the children go, they just want to have fun. That’s what they are about. They do this by exploring the world around them, making discoveries, telling family, friends, and teachers about their discoveries, and maybe acting them out in a play or teaching a new skill. You never know what kids will come up with, and coaching by parents and teachers is allowed. That’s what adults are for.
As kids are figuring out what works best for them to get a good, long, slide they are learning problem-solving skills without even knowing it. Maybe a parent can help them measure the slide to see if it’s as long as what it says on the box. Or cook up a math problem. If the slide is 15 feet long, how long will 2 of them be?
As long as it’s fun, kids don’t care that they are really learning skills. And they don’t really know that, so let’s keep it our little secret, Ok?
Safety
Safety is very high on our list of the features we look for in a toy. We look for smooth edges and ways to avoid getting little fingers and toes caught or squeezed. We also test to see if the manufacturer has the age range set for the most appropriate age group. If the idea of the toy is to splash into the water, where will the toy have to be placed and does it have some kind of cushion? We also want the manufacturer to be clear of any safety violations it may have in its past.
The warm weather of summer makes you want to soak your body in water all the time. For many families, summer means water fun and plenty of water toys. Actually, playing in the water is the best way to beat the unbearable heat of the sun. This activity also encourages children to exercise rather than spend their time playing with gadgets indoors and all sorts of air-conditioned indoor entertainment. Inflatable slides for kids are great summer essentials. While these inflatables bring a lot of water fun, a variety of safety risks are also involved. To ensure a safe and healthy fun summer, here are a few simple steps to keep in mind.
Keep the Way Clean and Clear
Although none of the old-school Slip ‘N Slides made our updated list, the original product and ones like it feature a long piece of plastic with a small pool or bumper at one end. The user has the option to put a hose with flowing water on the surface allowing the pathway to make it more slippery. This makes sliding downward faster and easier. Children enjoy various positions sliding down the Slip ‘N Slide such as gliding across while seated, on their bellies or on their back.
Any object or obstacle in the landing area or under the slide can be the cause of a serious injury. Therefore, keep the way clean and clear before allowing your children to slide down. Clear out the lawn before setting up Slip ‘N Slide or any inflatable slide. Examine the area and ensure there are no sharp objects, rocks or sticks in the way. Simply place the Slip ‘N Slide or inflatable slide on a flat soft surface such as grass or sand and never install the toy on a hill or slope as this increases the speed and therefore becomes more dangerous.
Pick the Right Inflatable Slide for Your Kids
The key to safe play always depends on the right choice of toys for your kids. After the first Slip ‘N Slide was introduced, different versions came out in the market. Each product today comes with a number of features allowing more enjoyable play time. Depending on your budget and child’s needs, features you should consider are the following: extra water sprays, curved path, two or three paths to allow racing, the deeper pool at the end, extra water and a boogie board. Determine the space of your lawn and check the length of the slide. Ensure no barriers or obstacles near the inflatable slide to allow your children to run around safely.
Avoid Additional Features
Inflatable slides are made of plastic material which makes it compatible with water. Any other liquid format such as baby oil, shampoo, or soap, added on the surface, will make sliding uncontrollably. Excessive slipperiness may result in severe injury, therefore avoid putting any of these products on the slide. Furthermore, avoid installing the inflatable slide on the pool leading to the water to prevent drowning and head injury.
Use Abundant Water
Flowing water is necessary to ensure smooth and effective sliding. With plenty of water gushing on the slide, burns, scrapes, and skidding are prevented. Simply stretch the garden hose and situate the spout towards the top of the slide. Only turn the water on when the inflatable slide is properly installed.
Follow the Specified Age Range
Keep in mind that inflatable slides are toys for children. Although the original toys were initially marketed as appropriate for all ages, a number of injuries were soon reported, referring to adults and teenagers using the toy. Individuals with more weight who used the toy were found to have suffered head and spine injuries and even paralysis. While strict supervision is recommended, the right age range for inflatable slides is between 5 and 12 years old.
How to Buy Inflatable Slides
Inflatable slides today are aplenty and they come in various formats and sizes. Look online and use the search engines to narrow down your options and find the exact inflatable slide fit for your kids. Consider ratings and review customers’ feedback. When buying in brick and mortar stores, check the product prior to purchase. With this, you can be confident you have selected a safe and quality inflatable slide for your children.
Physical Development
We try to check to see if any toy helps kids in their development, whether it be for mind or body. Support of both is preferable. Toys that engender creativity and imagination are the ones that encourage open-ended play. These are really good for mental development. Open-ended play encourages divergent thinking and problem-solving. If your child can become a solver of people’s problems and enjoys doing that, then they will probably be very successful in life.
Water play includes great toys for building strong muscles, both large and small. Kids get excited if they can help set up the play area, encouraging working those small muscles for fine motor development. Running and playing in the water support growth of strong large muscles, help kids to gain strength and agility.
Entertainment Value Safety Physical Development 
Parent reviews are important. We can check any site the toy is displayed on, including the company’s website. We check to see if they have anything posted about safety and if parents have posted negatives about the safety of the product. We check to see if the kids like the toy and why. Some kids just decide the toy isn’t exciting enough. That’s a matter of preference, and that’s ok.
Water play is becoming more recognized as being important for supporting physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development in children. Water can be very relaxing for people, and having kids take time to relax in a bath can help to charge up their batteries and soothe their emotions.
It seems kids have a tendency to reach out for water. They are in exploration mode always, when they are young. Many seem to enjoy touching it, feeling it run through their hands, and listening to water run or raindrops on the roof can be quite soothing for them. When kids play in the water, it enhances their coordination. The buoyancy that water lends us helps us complete large muscle movement that are much more difficult when dry. So repeating those movements helps kids learn the movement and makes those movements easier on land.
Water provides resistance to movement as well, so swimming and exercising in water helps to strengthen muscles. Swimming is great because it provides the resistance without putting so much stress on the joints. And swimming is fun for kids. Any time kids get to swim, slide, play, or splash in the water, they seem to have fun.
Of course, kids talk to their friends and family members while playing slip and slide. So kids learn how to express themselves while they are doing all of this playing, having fun, and sharing with others. They learn water terms, swimming vocabulary, and how to put words together into phrases and sentences. This enhances their communications skills, and they can transfer those words into other experiences they will have.
Communications skills relate intimately to thinking and problem-solving skills. Water play is open-ended, meaning that kids can use their imagination and creativity to make up any kind of play they want to. They can make up stories, take on role-playing. Maybe they play baseball and slide down the water ramp to home plate. Or ride imaginary horses down to the river. There are endless possibilities, and these all relate back to cognitive skills, ie.: how to think.
Other Factors to Consider
Sensory Stimulation
Brightly colored toys are a great way to get children excited about new objects they can play with. Children are attracted to brightly colored objects. It’s a great way for your child to enhance their creativity skills by being able to recognize their colors. Water play is also a wonderful way to get your child to enjoy different textures and surroundings than what your child is used too. All of the slip n slides on our top ten list are great to help your child learn different styles of play with your children.
Durability
Slip n slides are a great way for your children to stay active on those hot summer days. Many of the slip n slides on our top ten list are made of extremely high durable materials ensuring that these slides will last all summer long. Most of the slip n slides on our top ten list do require a weight limit to ensure that each slide will last as well as keeping your children safe. Some of the slides are a bit larger than others and require medium to larger backyards. These are great for any occasion whether your family is having a barbeque, summer party, or just for any hot day. They are also incredibly easy to set up and require no hassle for parents.
Frequently Asked Questions
q: What are some games that my kids can play at a party with an original Slip ‘N Slide?
Here are a few ideas. You may need more than one Slip ‘N Slide.
I hope that helps. There are other examples out there. Google can help.
q: My 10-year son old only wants to play with electronic games. How can I encourage him to go outdoors and play water games?
Be honest with your son and let him know that being outdoors is a whole lot of fun. Invite his friends over to play with him. They will find something to do. Guide them so that they choose appropriately and set down rules about when to be home and leaving the yard. Of course, you can set up an inflatable slide for the kids to play on. Water play is fun, and kids can learn from the water about how it feels, what it does, its volume and other characteristics. The only electronic gadget out by the slide should be your phone in case of an emergency. If you already have a water toy, try a new inflatable slide, or buy one that is more challenging. Kids love challenges. They don’t want the easiest computer games, do they?
q: I want my child to be challenged physically and mentally. How do I know that’s working?
Your child is growing, and as long as he gets both physical and mental play, he will grow in strength and problem-solving ability. If he is improving in both areas, he is being challenged. If he loses interest in a toy, if it doesn’t keep his attention, then try another toy. Open-ended play is the best for problem-solving as it encourages creativity. Physically, you can observe, informally test him at home, and discuss his activity with the phys-ed teacher to make sure he is getting stronger and more agile. The inflatable slides are great because they support both physical and cognitive growth, especially if you let him help set up and invite friends.
q: Can adults ride on these water slides?
Many adults have fun on these slides, but they are not made for adults. Adults carry more weight than little kids. The inflatable slides are made for lighter weight people. Adults can sometimes slide off the end of the original Slip ‘N Slide and get hurt because of the momentum they build up. Note the age groups of the products on our page is limited to kids. Your better choice for adults is to get a slide made for adults.
q: How do we clean the inflatable slides?
Cleaning is pretty easy. Just let it dry off well. Leaving it wet may create a mold problem. If there is someplace you can hang it without tearing it, even better. Then just roll it up and store it.
q: How can we make sure our inflatable slide works well?
Your best plan includes having copious amounts of water available to wet down the surface. Be sure the slide is long enough so no one flies off the end. Having a wading pool at the end helps a bit. Also, make sure you dry it out well after the play is done. Putting a wet slide away can promote mold growth.
Sources
- , The Benefits Of Water Play, Blog
- , Splish, Splash, the Benefits of Water Play for Children, Blog Article
- , 6 Ways Aquatic Therapy Can Help Your Child , Informative Article
- , Water Play: Wet and Wonderful, Informative Article
- , Top 6 Ideas for Slip 'N Slides, About
