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Hot summer days can make it hard to get kids away from their screens and into the great outdoors, but an inflatable water slide can help. Inflatable slides amp up the standard backyard kiddie pool or slip and slide to create a backyard water park complete with 5-foot slides, integrated water guns, bounce houses, and splash pools.
The massive inflatables can cover a 20-foot-long by 15-foot-wide space, reach heights of up to 10 feet, and accommodate up to five kids at a time. Large electric blowers and durable PVC material ensure these playscapes stay inflated and withstand the punishment doled out by kids.
With this guide, you’ll slide into the world of backyard inflatable water slides and identify what features you’ll want to consider when shopping for one. Our favorite is the Little Tikes Rocky Mountain River Race Slide thanks to its smart design, multiple sprayers, and cool waterfall effects. Take a look at all of the best inflatable water slide options on the market.
- BEST OVERALL: Little Tikes Rocky Mountain River Race Slide
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Bountech Inflatable Water Slide
↓ Jump to Review - UPGRADE PICK: Blast Zone Pirate Bay Inflatable Water Park
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FEATURES: WellFunTime Inflatable Water Slide Park With Pool
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR TODDLERS Intex Rainbow Ring Inflatable Play Center With Slide
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR OLDER KIDS: Banzai Big Blast Water Park
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR GROUPS: Bountech Mega Inflatable Water Slide Park
↓ Jump to Review - BEST WITH BOUNCE HOUSE: Bounceland Jump and Splash Adventure Bounce House
↓ Jump to Review - BEST DUAL SLIDE: Costzon Inflatable Crocodile Water Park Double Slides
↓ Jump to Review - ALSO CONSIDER: Sunny & Fun Inflatable Water Triple Slide Park
↓ Jump to Review
How We Chose the Best Inflatable Water Slides
We reviewed more than two dozen slide options, and a variety of criteria figured into our choices for the best inflatable water slides. Since a blow-up pool with a slide should support multiple children at once, we chose models that could occupy four to five kids with multiple play stations.
Safety was also key, so we only considered models with safeguards to prevent falls and injury. Although the water slide is the main attraction, we favored those that offered a variety of extra pool features, including climbing walls, soaking pools, water cannons, basketball hoops, and bounce houses.
Our Top Picks
In the list below, we’ve narrowed the field to some of the top inflatable water slides on the market. These slides range from small models designed for young children to large water parks that cover nearly 250 square feet of space.
Best Overall
Little Tikes Rocky Mountain River Race Slide
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 161 inches long by 169 inches wide by 103 inches high
- Age range: 5 to 10 years old
- Weight limit: 350 pounds
What We Like
- Includes dual slides, a climbing wall, and a large splashing pool
- Multiple sprayers and waterfall effects are integrated to keep the slides slick
- Comes with 10 stakes, a blower with a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) plug, a storage bag, and a repair kit
What We Don’t Like
- Not suitable for kids ages 11 and up despite its large construction
- May tear with heavy-duty use (but a repair kit is included)
Little Tikes Rocky Mountain River Race inflatable slide safely entertains multiple kids all at once thanks to its smart design. The slides plunge into the pool from opposite sides, allowing two kids to slide at once without the risk of collision. A climbing wall and a large wading pool in the center of the park provide additional recreation for kids waiting their turn for the slide.
Dual water sprinklers on each blow-up water slide ensure the sliding surfaces stay slick. A waterfall above the climbing wall makes the ascent a challenge. A large inflatable cushion at the wall’s base serves as a soft landing for kids who fall off.
Get the Little Tikes inflatable water slide at Amazon or Walmart.
Best Bang For The Buck
Bountech Inflatable Water Slide
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 178 inches long by 144 inches wide by 92 inches high
- Age range: 3 to 8 years old
- Weight limit: 330 pounds
What We Like
- Includes 2 slides, a climbing wall, a very large splashing pool, and a water cannon for complete backyard fun
- Made with tear-resistant 420D oxford cloth for maximum durability
- Comes with a repair pack, 7 stakes, a hose assembly, a carrying bag, and an air blower
- Affordably priced compared to other options currently available
What We Don’t Like
- Not suitable for bigger kids; does not accommodate children over 8 years old
An inflatable kids water slide can cost well over $500, making it a considerable investment for backyard summertime entertainment. But inflatable slides for kids don’t have to cost that much. Bountech’s inflatable water slide offers an impressive number of attractions to keep the kiddies entertained at a reasonable price.
The slide’s main features include a climbing wall that leads to two slides, both of which empty into a large wading pool. Enclosures protected by netting at the top of the park ensure kids don’t fall as they prepare to slide down. Other attractions include a water cannon, a blower, a storage bag, and a repair kit.
Get the Bountech inflatable water slide at Amazon.
Upgrade Pick
Blast Zone Pirate Bay Inflatable Water Park
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 240 inches long by 144 inches wide by 96 inches high
- Age range: 3 and up
- Weight limit: 500 pounds
What We Like
- Large size supports numerous kids at a time; suitable for neighborhood parties and pool parties
- Includes bounce house, a crawl tunnel, 2 water cannons, a climbing wall, and a splash pool
- Made with double and quadruple stitching to prevent any rips and tears
What We Don’t Like
- Kids must exit water park to access the climbing wall; grass and dirt may get tracked in easily
- Expensive compared to other options on the market
Blast Zone’s massive pirate-themed inflatable water park provides enough space for a kids’ blow-up water slide, an ample pool area, and a bounce house complete with basketball net. A climbing wall leads to the top of the slide while a tunnel underneath leads to the bounce house. Bear in mind that kids must exit the park to access both the tunnel and the climbing wall, which means they may track dirt and grass into the pool.
With the two water cannons, kids can blast sliders and bathers from the park’s opposing corners. Since this bounce house water slide is made for multiple children at a time, the whole construction is either double or quadruple stitched, which provides the durability of a commercial water slide. This is also one of the best-looking water parks, and Pirate Bay flags give the whole thing a theme-park feel.
Get the Blast Zone inflatable water slide at Amazon or Walmart.
Best Features
WellFunTime Inflatable Water Slide Park With Splash Pool
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 191 inches long by 157.5 inches wide by 100 inches high
- Age range: 3 to 10
- Weight limit: 464 pounds
What We Like
- Multiple activities, including a climbing wall, 2 slides, waterfalls, and water cannons
- Comes with sports balls, water guns, a blower, a hose assembly kit, a storage bag, and more
- Made with double stitching and double liners to prevent pops, tears, and holes
What We Don’t Like
- Expensive price point compared to some of our other top picks
Inflatable water parks should pack in as many attractions as possible, and few do this as well as WellFunTime. This inflatable kids’ water slide, which measures about 16 feet long by 13 feet wide, includes two slides, a separate deeper bathing pool, and a climbing wall. The park also comes equipped with an impressive number of sprayers that include a bucket-style waterfall and giant arch.
WellFunTime also throws in numerous accessories with the park, including four water guns and three inflatable balls. With a max capacity of 464 pounds, this park supports plenty of kids on its attractions.
Get the WellFunTime inflatable water slide at Amazon.
Best For Toddlers
Intex Rainbow Ring Inflatable Play Center With Slide
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 117 inches long by 64 inches wide by 53 inches high
- Age range: 2+ (toddlers)
- Weight limit: 178 pounds
What We Like
- Includes a compact wading pool and main pool with a slide for small children
- Comes with a ring toss and ball games
- Affordably priced compared to other inflatable pool slides
What We Don’t Like
- Smaller size accommodates fewer kids
With its small size, this water park makes an ideal choice for toddlers who need to stay within arm’s reach of Mom or Dad. Despite measuring about 10 feet long by 5 feet wide, Intex’s Rainbow Ring packs in a lot of activities. The park includes smaller and larger pools connected by a short slide that drops onto a soft landing mat. An inflatable rainbow arch holds a water sprayer that keeps the slide slick.
Other attractions of this kiddie pool include a ring toss and ball roller games. Better suited for young children, this blow-up pool sells for a reasonable price, which makes it a great choice for those looking to get their tots outdoors during hot summer days.
Get the Intex inflatable water slide at Walmart, Amazon, or Target.
Best for Older Kids
Banzai Big Blast Water Park
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 173 inches long by 127 inches wide by 95 inches high
- Age range: 5 to 12
- Weight limit: 150 pounds
What We Like
- Comes with a long water slide, a large wading pool, a water cannon, and a climbing wall
- Multiple sprayers keep the slide slick and dirt- and grass-free when in use
- Comes with a blower motor with a GFCI for reliability; blows up in just 2 minutes
- Includes 4 stakes, a storage bag, and a hose assembly kit
What We Don’t Like
- Does not include any games or other attractions
- Low weight limit of 150 pounds; may not be ideal for a lot of kids at once
Banzai’s long, narrow design provides a faster and steeper slide that kids up to age 12 will enjoy. Lacking the variety of attractions of other water parks, it uses nearly all of its nearly 14.5-foot length to house a water slide that drops from 6 feet to ground level.
High-pressure water sprayers that shoot from the top of the slide keep it slick and give each rider a good soaking as they pass. A climbing wall leads to the top of the slide, and the slide ends in a large splash pool. Plus, this inflatable slide comes with four stakes, a blower with a GFCI, a storage bag, and a hose assembly kit.
Get the Banzai inflatable water slide at Amazon or Walmart.
Best for Groups
Bountech Mega Inflatable Water Slide Park
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 183 inches long by 197 inches wide by 78 inches high
- Age range: 3 to 12
- Weight limit: 330 pounds
What We Like
- Comes with a slide, climbing wall, a splash pool, a soccer zone, 2 water cannons, 2 targets, and 8 balls
- Made with 420D and 840D oxford cloth that is nonfading and tear- and wear-resistant
- Includes a 750-watt blower, 10 stakes, an air pump, and a repair kit
What We Don’t Like
- No storage bag included with purchase; may need to be purchased separately
Those who love a good backyard party will love the Bountech Mega inflatable water slide park. This huge water slide park comes with a slide, a climbing wall, a soccer zone, dual water cannons, two wall targets, eight balls, and two large splash pools. Plus, the top of the climbing wall and slide comes with netting to keep children within the enclosure and out of harm. Wow!
The American Society for Testing and Materials–certified water slide park can hold up to five children of up to 12 years of age at a time. For durability, it is made with 420D and 840D oxford cloth that is nonfading, waterproof, and tear- and wear-resistant. This extra-large water slide park comes with a 735-watt blower, 10 stakes, an air pump (for the included balls), and a repair kit.
Get the Bountech Mega inflatable water slide at Amazon.
Best With Bounce House
Bounceland Jump and Splash Adventure Bounce House
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 138 inches long by 108 inches wide by 72 inches high
- Age range: 3 to 10
- Weight limit: 300 pounds
What We Like
- Includes a water slide, large wading pool, large bounce house, and basketball net
- Netting prevents kids from falling off the bounce house or slide
- Comes with a blower with a GFCI plug and a 25-foot-long power cord
- Reasonably priced for the size and features included
What We Don’t Like
- Bounce house is only large enough for 1 or 2 kids at a time
Bounceland gives kids the best of both worlds thanks to a full-size bounce house with a water slide. Keep in mind, the bounce house only holds two kids at a time at most. Both the slide and bounce house open to a 6.5-foot-long by 5-foot-wide wading pool. A climbing wall inside the bounce house leads to the slide. Plus, a sprayer mounted above the slide ensures the surface stays slick.
Kids can also shoot hoops inside the bounce house. Protective netting around the bounce house and at the top of the slide keeps kids safely inside the play area, making Bounceland a great choice for younger kids. The whole package comes with a blower that has a GFCI plug and a 25-foot power cord, a pack of ground stakes, a carrying bag, a water hose and nozzle, a repair kit, and an instruction manual.
Get the Bounceland inflatable water slide at Amazon.
Best Dual Slide
Costzon Inflatable Crocodile Water Park Double Slides
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 224.5 inches long by 203 inches wide by 94.5 inches high
- Age range: 3 to 10
- Weight limit: 298 pounds
What We Like
- Includes dual slides, a climbing wall, a water cannon, and an extra-large splash pool
- 840D oxford cloth and a PVC waterproof coating provide a lot of durability
- Includes a storage bag, 8 stakes, a repair kit, and a hose assembly kit
- Made with a cool crocodile design that stands out from the competition
What We Don’t Like
- Expensive compared to other inflatable water slides on the market
At about 19 feet long by 17 feet wide, this massive water park provides enough space to house two large slides. Kids climb to the top of the slides on a climbing wall that bisects the two. They then slide through the open maw of a giant crocodile or down its scaly back. Since the slides empty onto opposite ends of the water park, kids can fly down simultaneously without the risk of collision.
Other cool features include a tunnel that runs under one slide, a basketball goal, and a water cannon. A big swimming area provides a place for kids to splash while others slide. The large inflatable water slide includes eight stakes, a storage bag, a repair kit, and a hose assembly kit.
Get the Costzon inflatable water slide at Amazon.
Also Consider
Sunny & Fun Inflatable Water Triple Slide Park
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 217 inches long by 190 feet wide by 120 feet high
- Age range: 3 and up
- Weight limit: 468 pounds
What We Like
- Comes with 3 slides, a large wading pool, a climbing wall, a water cannon, and a basketball ring
- Each slide includes a sprayer for keeping the surface slick and clean
- Puncture-resistant nylon will stand up to heavy-duty use
- Includes a blower and a carrying case with purchase
What We Don’t Like
- No additional attractions that some other water slides include
- High price point compared to other options on the market
Sunny & Fun’s giant backyard water park eschews most secondary attractions to include three giant water slides for kids. Two steep slides sit side by side in the park’s center, and a third curvy slide wraps around the side.
Three water jets keep all slides adequately slick while a water cannon allows kids to spray riders as they come down the slide. High walls ensure kids stay within the confines of each slide while nylon walls at the top of the slide prevent kids from falling off while they wait their turn.
The whole package includes a blower and a carrying bag for easy storage in the winter months. Kids access all three slides from a single climbing wall.
Get the Sunny & Fun inflatable water slide at Amazon or Target.
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing an Inflatable Water Slide
Purchase a water slide that’s suitable for the children who’ll be using it. That means you’ll want to consider both the size of the water slide and the quality of its construction. Ahead, learn more about these and other crucial attributes of kids’ inflatable water slides.
Size and Available Space
Inflatable water slides leave a sizable footprint in the backyard, so buyers will want to consider the size and available space when shopping for one. Larger water slides may create a footprint as big as 250 square feet. Even a smaller pool slide for toddlers takes up a fair amount of real estate.
Most measure around 10 feet long by 6 feet wide. Buyers will also want to consider the slide’s dimensions when broken down, as the slide will need a home in a basement, garage, or shed when not in use. Many slides include handy carrying bags for storage and transport.
Material
Inflatable water slides come in a variety of materials, including PVC, synthetic rubber, neoprene, laminated polyester, and chemical-grade nylon. PVC material makes for the best option; durable and elastic, it resists punctures. Chemical-grade nylon offers a similar quality in a lighter weight.
In addition to choice of material, specific construction methods may also make the slide more durable. Much like those included in inflatable hot tubs, look for additional stitching and double layers of material.
Blower
Since they’re much larger than average pool floats, inflatable water slides require a fair amount of time for setup. Lung power won’t inflate these behemoths; they come with blowers that fully inflate the slides in about 5 to 7 minutes. These powerful blowers continue to run while the kids play in order to keep the slide properly inflated throughout its operation.
Blowers play a critical role as many slides elevate kids up 5 feet or more off the ground. The slide must maintain proper pressure to avoid a dangerous collapse under the weight of its users. Make sure the slide includes its own blower, or purchase a compatible one if it does not.
Recommended Ages and Weight Limits
All inflatable water slide specs include weight capacities for their inflated parts as well as a maximum number of occupants that can use the slide at one time. It’s important to adhere to these guidelines for safe use of the slide and to prevent damage such as punctures and tears. Medium-size slides typically have a weight capacity of around 350 pounds with a maximum occupancy of four children. Larger models support around five children and up to 500 pounds.
Additional Attractions
In addition to the slide itself, most inflatable water parks come with other attractions, including climbing walls, bounce houses, water cannons, soaking pools, and basketball hoops. These add-ons engage multiple children at once.
Safety and Maintenance Tips for an Inflatable Water Slide
Inflatable slides provide hours of backyard entertainment. To get the most out of yours, make sure you adhere to the following guidelines to prevent damage to your slide and injury to its users.
- Keep sharp objects away from the slide to avoid tears and other damage.
- Stick strictly to the slide’s weight and occupancy limits to avoid damage and injury.
- Never leave children unattended on the slide. Kids can drown in less than 2 inches of water.
- Don’t allow roughhousing on the slide, which can lead to accident, injury, and damage.
FAQs
Wondering how long inflatable water slides last or whether Dad can use it, too? Read on for answers to these and other commonly asked questions about backyard water parks.
Pressure-washing inflatables is one of the easiest and most effective ways to keep these toys clean. Simply use a small amount of water pressure to rinse off any dirt or grass and wait for the inflatable to dry before putting it away for storage.
Inflatables could easily start to grow mold if they are left in a moist environment without proper cleaning. While rinsing after every use is the rule of thumb, scrubbing with an equal parts bleach-and-water mixture and a sponge, brush, or rag can help prevent any mold or mildew growth.
A child’s water slide typically uses about 3 to 4 liters of water per minute. However, some of the larger units on the market can use up to 5 liters of water per minute.
Most inflatable water slides come with age and weight limits that restrict adults from using them. However, some of the larger inflatable options are considered adult water slides.
After the fun is over, simply deflate the inflatable, rinse it off with bleach and water or pressure-wash it, then fold it up for storing. Many products on the market come with a convenient storage bag for keeping these toys safe when not in use.
An inflatable water slide lasts between 5 and 10 years, depending on how well you maintain it. As with any product, an inflatable water slide will last longer if maintained properly.