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The Best Inflatable Water Slide


If you have space in your backyard, an inflatable water slide is something your kids can appreciate any day it’s warm enough out. It will keep them cool and having fun. Below, you’ll find our top picks for best inflatable water slides and a useful guide that will help you choose the right one for your family’s summer fun. 

Best Large Inflatable Water Slide:
Best Inflatable Water Slide with Bumpers:
Best Racing Inflatable Water Slide:
Best Inflatable Water Slide Park:
Best Inflatable Water Slide for Pool:


Best Inflatable Water Slides

The Super Waterslide 25 x 6 Feet Giant Backyard Waterslide with Sprinkler, 20-2212 is a 25′ x 6′, durable slide for a very reasonable price, yet does not include other activities besides the slide.  However, the Doctor Dolphin Water Park, Mount Splashmore Water Park, L.O.L. Surprise River Race Water Slide, and the Kool Splash Play Center are all durable, multi-activity play centers but do come with a higher price tag.

Wow World of Watersports Super Slide

Wow Sports Super Slide Giant Backyard Slip and Slide with Sprinkler, Extra Long Water Slide 25 x 6 ft
Popularity

The Wow World of Watersports Super Slide is not a true inflatable water slide, however, it is a  good option if you’re limited on space. The sides are inflatable to keep the water on the slide while it is in use. As an added benefit, this comes with a customizable connection system, which lets you attach other WOW giant slides including the Mega Slide, Strike Zone, and Super Slide for added fun. 

This water slide features a zig-zag spray pattern connected to a sprinkler. The unique pattern provides good water coverage so there’s all sliding and no friction. It works easily just by attaching to a water hose.

The most difficult part of setting this up is inflating the two sides. While you could do this with an air pump, the slide is 25′ long and that will take some time. Attaching it to an air compressor would be much more efficient. 

For parents worried about durability, this is made of an extra-thick PVC material that is double the thickness of many other slides. In addition to being durable, the PVC is very slippery. This, paired with the pattern of the sprinklers, means that you can easily slide. 

Two mega-sleds that are 24″ x 36″ also come with this slide to add to the fun. As this isn’t completely inflated, this is also a water slide that the whole family can enjoy. It’s also perfect for summer parties. 

One thing to note is that unless you put it on a slight incline, there isn’t enough speed to go the entire length of the slide. However, this also prevents you from tumbling out into the grass since there isn’t a bumper at the end. 

Pros

  • Thick, PVC material that makes up the slide is very durable
  • Works for the kids, parties, and the whole family
  • Zig-zag pattern of sprinkler gets the entire slide wet
  • Inflatables on the side to keep the water on the slide
  • Comes with two mega-sleds for added fun
  • Connector system for attaching to other WOW slides

Cons

  • Too long to reach the end of the slide unless it’s set up on a slight incline
  • Can take a while to hand pump the side bumpers

Laulry Inflatable Bouncing House

The Laulry Inflatable Bouncing House has several features, including a jumping castle, water slide, and dunk playhouse that comes with a basketball rim. Another benefit is the full-size entryway, which allows even taller kids to play on it comfortably. 

Even though this has three good-sized play areas, the manufacturer recommends limiting the kids on the slide to three. In addition to being limited to three kids, they should be between ages 3-10 and under 110 pounds each. This is good for a family with a few children or who have play dates, however, it’s not a good choice for parties or if the adults want to be included. 

This needs to be connected to a blower and your hose while it’s in use. This will keep the bouncy castle inflated and the slide wet, giving your children hours of play. Stakes are also included, which adds stability to the bounce house.

The tube that connects the bounce house to the blower is also long, which lets you keep the structure away from the blower and prevent accidents. 

In addition to all the fun that can be had with this, playing with features like the water shooter and basketball hoop encourages the development of critical skills like hand-eye coordination. It will also last for years, with the bounce house being made of PVC and the rest of the structure being made from durable 420D Oxford polyester. 

This does require a 480W or 680W blower. You’ll need to purchase this separately. 

Pros

  • Three separate play areas including a water slide, jump house, and basketball area
  • Comes with a water shooter and balls
  • Made of durable fabrics 
  • Stakes included for added stability
  • Lengthy tube where the blower connects to the house
  • Big enough for three kids ages 3-10 to play on

Cons

  • Only recommended for use by three kids
  • Need to purchase blower separately

Doctor Dolphin Inflatable Bouncy Slide House 

Inflatable Bounce Slide Water Park Backyard Bouncy Slide House with Air Blower for Kids Outdoor
Price$$$$
Quality
Popularity

The Doctor Dolphin Inflatable Bounce Slide is perfect for younger kids and parties. Additionally, the water slide goes down into a small water pool that is perfect for splashing while your little one waits for their turn on the slide. 

Another benefit of this best water slide bounce house is that it comes with a blower that inflates the entire structure in less than two minutes. It also deflates quickly and can be carried in the included bag, which makes clean up much more convenient. The air blower is also waterproof. 

This inflatable slide is made from durable materials including PVC tarpaulin and 420D nylon. It is also double-sewn at the seams for improved durability and resistance to pinholes, rips, and tears. 

Finally, your child will appreciate the water spray function that makes this more fun to play with. It comes with a long piece of tubing that sprays water. Extras like stakes for added stability and repair patches are also included. This is best for toddler-aged kids, especially if you plan to have 3-4 of them on the structure at once.

Pros

  • Comes with a waterproof air blower
  • Inflates and deflates quickly
  • Made of durable materials with double-stitched seams
  • Comes with extras like a water spray tube, stakes, and repair patches 
  • Large pool at the bottom of the slide 
  • Comes with a carrying bag

Cons

  • Not a good choice for older, larger kids

Wow Watersports Strike Zone Giant 25 Foot Water Slide

Wow Sports Mega Slide, Slip and Slide for Adults and Kids, Giant Backyard Waterslide with Sprinkler, Extra Long 25 ft x 6 ft
Price$$
Popularity

The Wow Watersports Strike Zone Giant 25 Foot Water Slide is the perfect slide for the whole family to have fun. It can easily be a favorite at parties, gatherings, or just for a family fun night. In addition to the large water slide, this comes with inflatable pins and sleds so you can knock down the pins as you go flying down the slide. 

Like the WoW slide mentioned above, this uses a zig-zag sprinkler system that keeps the entire slide wet. This makes it easy to climb on the sleds and go sliding toward the pins.

It also connects to other sets, including Mega Slide, Strike Zone, and Super Slide. However, this might be improved by allowing a few more inches of material to overlap when connecting so that the plastic on the slide doesn’t need to be adjusted. 

There are two sleds on either side of the slide to keep sliders moving forward and keep the water on the slide. These can be blown up with a hand pump, which can take quite some time since the slide is 25′ long. The bowling pins will also need to be blown up, each of them being 2-feet tall and 10″ across.

Additionally, some report that the hand pump is missing from the box sometimes. 

Parents will appreciate the durability of this. With proper care, this water slide can easily become a family favorite for years. It is made of an extra-thick PVC. It’s heavy-duty design means the slide is a little heavy, however, it is twice as thick and more durable than many other options. The slide also comes with a 1-year hassle-free warranty. 

Pros

  • Added fun with inflatable pins and sleds
  • Zig zag sprinkler system to keep the whole slide wet
  • Connects to other World of Watersports slides
  • Fun for the entire family to play with 
  • Extra-thick PVC is durable 
  • Comes with a 1-year warranty 

Cons

  • Could use more overlap for connecting slides
  • Hand pump is not always included in the box

Mount Splashmore Inflatable Water Park

Bestway H2OGO! Mount Splashmore Kids Inflatable Outdoor Backyard Water Slide Splash Mega Park Toy w/Climbing Wall, Slide, Splash Zone, & Spray Blaster.
Price$$$$
Quality
Popularity

The  Mount Splashmore Inflatable Water Park comes with a climbing wall and several water features including the slide, splash pool, surprise soak bucket, and water blaster. This is a large inflatable water park, with the base being 14′ x 9′ and the entire structure standing 9′ tall. 

The manufacturer recommends this for ages 5-10 years. Several kids can play at once, which makes it a good choice for kids and their siblings. It has a 600-pound weight capacity, with a limit of 120 pounds per child. This also encourages kids to play together, as the slide has two sides so kids can race or slide down together.

One way this could be improved is with some padding under the climbing wall, as it’s hard to climb with slippery feet, and falling down can hurt on many surfaces. One parent recommended putting a tumbling mat under this area for a little extra padding. 

Some of the other extras that come with this include stakes, a storage bag, and a 120-volt air blower. While it doesn’t inflate as fast as some of the other slides mentioned, it can be inflated in about ten minutes. This is no time at all for this large structure, which is over 14-feet long and 9-feet wide. 

Pros

  • Blows up in just ten minutes with its large size
  • Big enough for several kids to play at once
  • Comes with stakes, an air blower, and a storage bag
  • Weight limit of 600 total pounds
  • Climbing the rock wall is a challenge
  • Several fun things to play with including the soaker bucket, water sprayer, and more
  • Two kids can slide down at once

Cons

  • Climbing wall could be challenging for younger kids
  • Not enough padding under the climbing wall

L.O.L. Surprise Inflatable River Race Water Slide 

Little Tikes Rocky Mountain River Race Inflatable Slide Bouncer Multicolor, 161.00''L x 169.00''W x 103.00''H --- Weight: 50.00lbs.
Price$$$$
Quality
Popularity

The L.O.L. Surprise Inflatable River Race Water Slide is over 13-feet on each side and comes with two separate slides so two kids can race or slide down together. This is designed for use by a maximum of four kids, with an overall weight limit of 350 pounds. 

Some of the other fun features of this slide include the climbing wall and a surprise dump bucket. The dump bucket works well to surprise kids with a splash from above while they play. The climbing wall is positioned between the two slides and wide enough that both kids can race to the top at once, adding to the fun. 

There are also extras included with this, including stakes for the blower, the blower itself, a hose assembly kit, 7 stakes for the water park, a carrying bag, and 4 repair patches. The included repair patches are nice so you don’t have to miss out on fun waiting for patches if there are any tears.

Setting up the slide for fun is fairly simple and the entire process can take between 10-20 minutes.

Deflating it and putting it away is a little bit more challenging. There are several areas where the water pools even when deflated, which makes it hard to dry out. One option is to deflate the entire thing and then hang it up to dry somewhere. Alternatively, you could deflate the area and let the water drain, then move it to a second area and reinflate so it can dry for a few hours. 

Pros

  • Two separate slides so kids can race or slide down together
  • Wide climbing wall between the two slides for added fun
  • Also has a dump bucket
  • Quick and easy to set the slide up
  • Comes with extras including the blower, stakes, a carrying bag, and repair patches 
  • Over 13-feet on each side

Cons

  • Very hard to dry out after play time

Intex Water Slide Inflatable Play Center

Intex 58849EP Kool Splash Durable Inflatable Play Center Swimming Pool with Built In Sprayers for Kids and Adults, Age 6 and Up , Blue
Price$$
Quality
Popularity

The Intex Water Slide, Inflatable Play Center is designed for ages 6 and up, with a weight limit of 176 pounds. This means kids, teens, and even some adults can slide down it. Something to note is that this water slide is not part of an entire water park, so it’s best when used poolside. 

Being a smaller slide, this is great if you are limited on space but still want the fun of a water slide. This is especially true if you have a pool. For younger kids, you could even use this with a smaller splash pool if you’d like. 

Even though this is a simpler slide, it does have a place where you can attach the hose so sprayers wet the slide and you can have fun sliding into the pool. There are five separate air chambers so the slide stays inflated without being attached to an air blower. It also has six heavy-duty handles, which makes it easy to move this slide around without dragging it around on the ground. 

On the backside of the slide, there is a climbing area with steps and handles. There is also an inflatable mat at the base of the climbing area. 

The durable slide is made of 20-gauge vinyl. It also comes from Intex, which is known for their other inflatable products including air mattresses. This also comes with a repair patch in case there are any punctures. While it is durable, it can develop pinholes in the seams with rough play which is a problem because it’s not attached to the constant blower.

It is nice sized, being 10’11” long, 6’9″ wide, and 3’10” tall. 

Pros

  • Made of durable 20-gauge vinyl
  • Affordable inflatable water slide because it is just the slide and not the whole water park
  • Long enough and tall enough to make sliding into the pool fun
  • Five separate chambers for air so you don’t need a constant blower
  • Comes with a repair patch
  • Works with a full-size or kiddie-sized pool
  • Water sprayers keep the slide wet when attached to the hose

Cons

  • Not attached to a blower, so will need even pinholes repaired

Comparing the Best Inflatable Water Slides

The table below compares only the recommended products on this page. A low or high Price means it is low or high compared to the other products listed. The Popularity Score reflects how often readers click on and buy the product. The Quality Score is our assessment of the overall performance and satisfaction with the product compared to others in the table.


How We Selected Inflatable Water Slides

Age Range and Maximum Users

Following the recommended age and weight range for any inflatables is important for both safety and preventing damage to the inflatable. For example, if an adult goes on a child’s water slide, chances are it could be damaged at the seams. It might rip or tear from the excess weight. 

If the larger kids and adults in your family are going to want to play on the water slide, be sure it is sturdy enough to support the extra weight. This is one of the first things you’ll want to consider before your purchase. Be realistic about who is going to use the water slide and find a slide that meets those guidelines. 

Additionally, you’ll want to consider how many people will be using the slide at once. If you plan on using the inflatable water slide for a party, you should choose something that accommodates several children. Otherwise, it can be hard to manage the party while you’re also monitoring to make sure everyone gets a fair turn. 

Size and Location

Inflatable water slides take up a lot of space. This is especially true if you choose an inflatable water slide with a pool attached. As most inflatable water slides come with a pool, you’ll need a flat area for both. If you don’t have a large enough flat area in your yard, then adding sand to even some of the surfaces out might be a good choice. 

Before you start shopping, find out the maximum amount of space you have for a water slide. As you think about where you’re setting it up, keep in mind most slides need water and electricity to run. If you can’t keep it nearby the house, you’ll need to run an extension cord or purchase a generator to power the slide. After you know where you’ll be setting the inflatable water slide up at, you can measure the length and width on each side and look for a slide that falls within these measurements. 

Durability

Your family’s summer fun will come to a screeching halt if jumping and having fun on the slide causes rips and tears. Many inflatable water slides can be repaired, however, taking the time to find the damage and seal it again can be a hassle. The biggest factor affecting the durability of an inflatable water slide is the materials used. Polyester and vinyl are the most popular choices. 

Something else to consider when you look at overall durability is if the manufacturer offers a warranty. A warranty means that the company trusts their product enough that they stand behind it. Choosing a slide with a warranty is important for protecting your investment, especially since the best inflatable water slides might cost a few hundred dollars or more. 

Ease of Use

Getting the water slide ready can be easy or a total pain. Larger, more durable slides are often heavier and more difficult to lug around.

The way the slide inflates and deflates is also important. Since you’ll want to take the slide down when it’s not in use, being able to easily inflate and deflate it is important. This is especially true if your kids are going to have you dragging it out several times a week. 

If you want the option to bring the slide to entertain the kids when you’re at cookouts during the summer, you’ll need something that is easy to carry. Most water slides are going to be heavy, even when they are dry.

You’ll also want to consider how long it takes to deflate the slide and if you can dry it adequately before storing it again. If not, consider bringing along a plastic storage tote to fold the slide up in until you can get home and lay it out to dry properly.

Something else to consider is if the air blower or a pump is included. If not, you’ll want to consider the extra cost of purchasing a blower along with the water slide before you make your decision. You may find it is more affordable to find a company that bundles these items together for you unless you already have an air compressor.  

Features and Extras

Many slides (especially water parks) come with extra features to make them more fun.

For example, water sprayers and splash buckets add to the fun. Some slides also have fun climbing areas, dual slides, and even bounce house features.

Think about what your child is going to enjoy most and ensure that you are getting the most out of your purchase. 

There are also often features included to add to the convenience. For example, included patches ensure playtime doesn’t have to stop while you wait on repair patches from the company to ship. Carrying bags are also nice since they are usually roomier than the box the slide is sold in from the manufacturer. 

FAQs – Inflatable Water Slides

Does the water slide need to stay plugged in?

Many larger water slides are connected to a blower, especially if they’re made for commercial use. This means they’ll need air continuously blown inside for them to stay inflated.

However, there are others that require you to inflate, and then they do not need to stay plugged in. One of the benefits of those with a blower, however, is that you don’t have to worry about them deflating from small punctures or tears. 

In addition to inflatables, there are plenty of other outdoor water toys that you can choose if you don’t have the space or accommodations for a larger slide. Sprinklers, slip ‘n slides, water tables, and other water toys can also be used to stay cool outdoors in the summer. 

Can I leave my water slide up all summer?

Inflatable water slides are large structures that are bulky to carry around.

However, if you leave your inflatable out in the sun for weeks at a time, the harmful rays can cause the colors to fade and the material to weaken. It’s likely you will not get the years of use you want out of this investment if you don’t take the time to store it properly after it’s had time to dry out.

Additionally, leaving any structure up on top of the grass in your backyard can cause dry, brown patchy areas in your yard. 

Something to note is that you’ll need to let the slide dry out completely before storing it. If you roll up the structure while it is still wet, it can cause mildew growth that will ruin your inflatable water slide.

How many people can use an inflatable water slide? 

The maximum number of people is going to vary from slide to slide. Some might only have enough room for 2-3 kids on them, while others might be attached to a water park that has room for many others to play on.

It’s important to refer to the user manual and manufacturer instructions for this information. Failing to use the water slide properly can result in damage to the slide. 

If you’re looking for commercial inflatable water slides for parties, one option might be renting the slide from an inflatables company. Usually, they’ll help with setup and train you to use the slide. Then, you can choose a smaller one for when the kids are playing in your backyard. 

What surface is best for setting up an inflatable water slide? 

One of the most important factors is that the area you are setting the water slide up on is even. Otherwise, water can pool unevenly across the inflatable.

Grass is a good material because it is soft. Many people prefer the soft feeling of grass under the inflatable compared to asphalt or sand.

Something to note is that you should avoid setting the inflatable on hard, uneven areas like gravel or anywhere there are big rocks. Even though the rocks may not puncture the material, the uneven surface will rub against the bottom of the inflatable and cause faster wear and tear. 

Of course, you’ll want to default to manufacturer instructions to decide where it would be best to set up the water slide. A slide installed on sand, asphalt, or pebbles might need a harder bottom than one installed on a grassy surface. 

What’s the best way to store an inflatable water slide? 

In most cases, you’ll want to fold up the inflatable water slide to store it. Before you fold it, be sure it has had enough time to dry completely. In the case of some slides, the water will get underneath so you’ll want to dry the top and the bottom before storage. 

If you are struggling with fitting the slide in the box or bag that it came with, consider getting a large plastic tote to store it in. While you’ll still want to dry it out completely, it might be easier to fold up if you don’t have to make it so compact. Additionally, folding it looser when you store it can prevent creases and wear spots. With a lid on the plastic tote, it will also provide the same (if not better) protection as the box that it came in. 

How can I stop my inflatable water slide from tearing or popping? 

Many parents aren’t sure if they want to invest in a water slide because they aren’t sure if it will be worth it. With any type of inflatable, particularly one designed for children or teens, there is a risk of them jumping too rough.

Additionally, when you put the inflatable on an outdoor surface, rocks and sticks can puncture it. 

Before you set the water slide up for your kids the first time, talk about some rules that they must follow to play on it. Explain that they’ll need to be cautious when using the slide to stop it from popping.

Additionally, be sure all children playing are wearing appropriate swimwear. 

Something else you can do when setting up the slide is put it on top of a tarp. While you’ll be able to walk around and pick up larger rocks, sticks, and debris from the area you are setting it up in, a tarp will cover any small things you may have missed. 

Is there any way to make a Slip ‘n Slide more slippery? 

Some people recommend putting a little bit of dish soap on the Slip ‘n Slide to make it more slippery. Something to keep in mind is that unless you rinse this very thoroughly, putting anything on your slide can build up residue. Additionally, anything you put on your slide will also end up on your lawn and could damage your grass

The easiest way to pick up more speed on a Slip ‘n Slide style inflatable water slide is to place it on an incline. Even a small hill will have kids and adults zooming across the lawn in no time at all. 

Sources

  1. Dish Soap Can Damage Your Plants, www.gardenmyths.com

Samantha Davis is a part-time writer and a full-time mommy of two boys, Apollo (age 5) and Adrien (age 7). She has been working as a writer for seven years and loves the freedom it gives her to spend time with her boys and fiance.and do things like camping, swimming, and painting. She is also a parent to three fur babies- two dogs and a cat!



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