1. 1.
   Blast Zone Hydro Rush Backyard Water Slide

   

   
   

   Pros:

   • Colorful and fun design
   • Sprayer at the top
   • Spash pool at the bottom
   • Cooling water cannon

   Cons:

   • Not as durable as some
   • Water attachment tends to leak
   • Short cord on blower

   There’s definitely an influx of brand new backyard inflatables over the past couple of years, and if it’s quality you’re looking for, check out the Blast Zone Hydro Rush water slide. This sizeable slide is perfect for the hot summer days ahead, as it also has a large slide, side mounted water cannon, and sizeable splash pool as well.

   At the top of the slide, there are two streams of water. At the bottom of the slide, there’s a pool for splashing around. It inflates in less than two minutes, so you can have it up and running in the time it takes your kids to get their swimsuits on. It’s recommended for ages 3+.

   Measures: 18’L x 8’H x 11’W

   Buy the Blast Zone Hydro Rush Inflatable Water Park here.

2. 2.
   Pogo Inflatable Bounce House and Wet/Dry Slide

   

   
   

   Pros:

   • Dual entertainment option
   • Bounce house feature thick mattress for high jumps and soft landings
   • Water slide can be used wet or dry
   • Detachable splash pool available separately
   • Super durable PVC vinyl

   Cons:

   • Heavy to move
   • Quite expensive compared to many
   • Not enough water play unless you add optional splash pool

   No matter what the weather, this fun backyard attraction will keep your kids entertained with a variety of activities. At 12 x 12 feet, The inflatable bounce house is fun for jumping and all manner of kid hijinx and it inflates in just two minutes. Made of heavy-duty PVC vinyl, it’s made to stand up to the most rambunctious play. The extra tall mattress in the bounce house makes for high jumps and soft landings.

   But we’re here to talk about water slides and that’s what’s so cool about this fun unit. You can use the slide with or without water, so slippery kids can bounce and play inside and then slither down the slide when you add water to the mix. A built-in water sprinkling system makes things simple because there aren’t any parts to keep track of. 

   This setup includes everything you’ll need to give your kids a summertime distraction including the blower, anchor stakes, and a storage bag. You can even get a detachable splash pool for this bounce house to add to the water play. You can also get this design with a double slide combo for a few hundred dollars more.

   Find more Pogo Inflatable Bounce House and Wet/Dry Slide information and reviews here.

3. 3.
   Blast Zone Pirate Blaster Inflatable Combo Slide

   

   
   

   Pros:

   • Big enough for up to six kids under 100 pounds
   • Dual water cannons make for lots of cooling spray
   • Fun pirate theme
   • Includes a bounce house as well as a slide and crawl through tunnel

   Cons:

   • Not as durable as some for the price
   • Patch kit is lacking
   • Too large for smaller yards

   The Blast Zone Pirate Blaster Inflatable is an awesome water slide and bounce house combo – perfect for multiple kids (it has a max occupancy of 6 kids or a weight capacity of  600 pounds.) Not only does it have a great water slide, water cannons, and a sizeable pool, it also has a great bounce house and crawl through tunnel incorporated into the design that kids will absolutely love!

   Its setup is also super easy, as it inflates in less than two minutes. Storage is also not an issue as it rolls up to the size of a standard sleeping bag. When you pair all of that with its well-designed pirate aesthetic, your kids will be playing with it for years to come.

   Measures 20′ x 12′ x 8′

   Find more Blast Zone Pirate Bay Inflatable Combo Slide information and reviews here.

4. 5.
   Rainbow Castle Combo with Wet Pool

   

   
   

   Pros:

   • Multiple play options
   • Big bounce house with thick and durable mattress
   • Wet/dry slide with built in sprinkling system
   • Splash pool included

   Cons:

   • Too large for smaller spaces
   • Quite spendy
   • Commercial use voids warranty

   Your kids can enter their own world of fun and fantasy with the Pogo Rainbow Castle bounce house and water slide. This cool castle has literally everything your kids want in a backyard attraction. The bounce house has a big 12 x 12 foot jumping area, netted roof to add UV protection while they’re playing, and even a basketball hoop inside. Kids can easily crawl into the bounce house through a zippered door, and it’s bright and light inside thanks to the mesh windows.

   When it comes to the water fun, this inflatable play structure includes a fun slide that ends in a shallow wall splash pool and a cushy two layer bumper for soft landings. While the slide can be used dry as well, the structure incorporates a built-in sprinkling system to keep things super simple. The whole thing is made of commercial grade PVC vinyl which is durable and super long lasting.

   Keep in mind, you’ll need quite a bit of space to accommodate this unit which measures 14.5 feet tall by 12 feet wide and 26.5 feet long.  

    

   Find more Rainbow Castle Combo with Wet Pool information and reviews here.

5. 6.
   Little Tikes Rocky Mountain River Race Slide Bouncer

   

   
   

   Pros:

   • Very well made
   • Two slides plus a splash pool at the bottom
   • Surprise dump bucket for added water fun
   • Climbing wall in the center

   Cons:

   • More expensive than some
   • Can be difficult to empty completely
   • Hard to get back into carrying bag

   The #1 best-selling backyard water slide comes from Little Tikes, and it’s their Rocky Mountain River Race. It includes a climbing wall, two different slides, and a splash pool at the bottom. It has a maximum number of kids of 4 and has a total weight limit of 350 pounds. It also has a surprise dump pocket atop the water slide which fills on its own and dumps water on the kids climbing up the wall!

   It measures 161″L x 169″W x 103″H. As it’s the most well-known brand name on this list, you should expect super high quality. In fact, it’s the highest-reviewed of the backyard water slides on Amazon.

   Note: Little Tikes has this very same model with an L.O.L.Surprise skin on it, but that model is higher priced with relatively few in stock from a third party seller. 

   Buy the Little Tikes Water Slide Bouncer on Amazon.

6. 7.
   WELLFUNTIME Inflatable Water Slide Park

   

   
   

   Pros:

   • Big enough to accommodate quite a few kids at once
   • Fun climbing wall with dump bucket on top
   • Comes with balls and water guns
   • Dual slides with sprayers top and bottom

   Cons:

   • Occasional pump issues reported
   • Some appearances of loose seams
   • Pretty costly

   If you’re “those parents” who don’t mind having all the neighbors’ kids playing in your backyard, the WELLFUNTIME inflatable backyard waterpark is going to make your place the most popular on the block. This is a backyard water slide that is so much more. It features two pools, a deep pool, and a wading pool at the bottom of dual slides. 

   But wait – there’s more. This inflatable waterpark also has a sizeable climbing wall with a fun dumping water bucket at the top. Multiple sprayers make sure kids keep cool despite their robust play, with sprayers built into the arches at the top and bottom of the slides. A basketball hoop adds the fun, and this waterpark comes with three different balls to play with. It also includes four water guns to ensure there are plenty of them to share.

   Easy to set up and sturdy enough for most water play, this setup comes with a blower, ground stakes for the waterpark and blower, a patch kit, hose assembly, and a carrying bag to store the whole lot of it during the off-season.

   Size: 15.92′ x 13.125′ x 8.3′

   Find more WELLFUNTIME Inflatable Water Slide Park information and reviews here.

7. 8.
   Little Tikes Slam ‘n Curve Slide

   

   
   

   Pros:

   • Inflatable climing feature plus a big slide
   • Splash are includes a basketball hoop
   • Large splash area
   • Open design make parental supervision easy

   Cons:

   • For kids 10 and under
   • Requires continuous power to maintain inflation
   • Bright colors may attract bees

   We all know the brand Little Tikes, and it’s likely that you have one or two of their toys already in your child’s toy box. The Slam n’ Curve Slide is a great backyard water slide that also serves as something for them to climb on, thanks to its inflatable rock wall. The gentle curve slide leads right into a landing pool (we put lots of plastic balls in ours as well for some added kid fun).

   It also has a small hoop so that they can play a game of basketball. It uses stakes to anchor the bouncer to your lawn, and it can hold up to 3 kids and/or a maximum weight of 350 pounds.

   Measures: 14’L x 9’W x 7’H

    

   Find more Little Tikes Slam ‘n Curve Slide information and reviews here.

8. 9.
   Costzon Inflatable 7-in-1 Jungle Water Park

   

   
   

   Pros:

   • Combines a bouncy feature along with the water feature
   • Two slides plus a climbing wall
   • Splash pool and ball pit
   • Inflates completely in under two minutes

   Cons:

   • Water slide is quite steep for smaller kids
   • Better for toddlers and younger children
   • Pool bottom is quite slippery

   When versatility is what you’re looking for, the Costzon inflatable waterpark gives your kids seven different activity zones to make the most of their summertime fun. Loaded with fun options for up to five kids at once, this waterpark includes a smooth short slide for littler humans, as well as a larger water slide with a big water cannon at the bottom. 

   A large jumping area provides hours of bouncy fun, while a climbing wall provides extra challenges. A soft basketball hoop adds another layer of fun inside the bouncy area and both slides land into a shallow splash pool that offers a separate ball pit in the corner. This portable waterpark is quick to set up and comes with all the necessities including the blower, patch kit, water hose, stakes, and a carrying bag.  

   That blower is definitely worth a separate mention as this waterpark can be completely inflated in just two minutes. Perfect for any family with a group of impatient kids. The durable construction resists punctures and tears so your kids will get lots of years of play.

   Dimensions: 169.5 x 148 x 81 inches

   Find more Costzon Inflatable 7-in-1 Jungle Water Park information and reviews here.

9. 10.
   BANZAI Sidewinder Blast Water Park

   

   
   

   Pros:

   • Allows for many kids to play at one time
   • Long curving water slide
   • Sizeable splash pool
   • Two water cannons
   • Vortex tunnel

   Cons:

   • Pricey
   • Requires a sizeable space
   • Some issues with blower shelf life

   Another great outdoor Banzai water slide is their mega-sized Banzai Sidewinder Blast. It’s the ULTIMATE backyard inflatable that your kids will use for years to come. Not only does it have an ultra-long curving water slide, but it also has a crawl through vortex tunnel, two awesome water canons, a climbing wall, and a clubhouse.

   This water park will keep your kids entertained for hours every day because it offers so many different options for water play. 

   It’s perfect if you frequently have a lot of kids at your house over the summer, as it can accommodate many kids at a time. Best of all is its super easy setup; you’ll have it fully inflated in less than three minutes total. 

   Measures: 15 feet long x 16.8 feet wide x 10.4 feet tall (also known as massive!) Banzai has another inflatable giant water slide with a slightly smaller footprint if this one is just too large. (Is there even such a “thing” as too large when it comes to backyard water slides??)

   Buy the Banzai Pipeline Water Slide here.

10. 11.
    Turbo Slide Inflatable Water Slide

    

    
    

    Pros:

    • Steep and fast equals fun
    • Water cannon and splash pool at the bottom
    • Heavy duty polyester denier
    • Inflates in just two minutes

    Cons:

    • Too big for smaller backyards
    • Lower weight limit than many
    • Splash pool is very small

    The Turbo Slide has the steepest decline you’ll find on any of the inflatables you’ll find on Amazon. It’s also super durable, made out of 600D, 300D and 200D polyester with a PVC coating. The colorful slide has a stream of water at the top and a small splash pool at the bottom.

    What’s more, there’s a water cannon aimed right at the slide. As far as bang for your buck is concerned, the Turbo Slide is probably the best option if you have the room for it in your yard, and it’s an inflatable that they’re going to use for years to come. The inflatable measures 15.5’L x 6.6’W x 7’H. It’s recommended for ages 3 years to 8 years, and it has a maximum weight limit of 135 pounds.

    Buy the Turbo Slide Inflatable Water Slide here.

11. 12.
    WOW Super Slide 25′

    

    
    

    Pros:

    • Simple but Effective
    • 25 Feet
    • High-Quality, Thick PVC Material

    Cons:

    • No Frills
    • Would Like More Color Options
    • Only Connects to Other WOW slides

    There’s absolutely nothing wrong with going basic, and if you’re looking for a no-frills-necessary water slide, the WOW Super Slide is probably your best option.

    It’s great for backyards, especially if you have a slight hill. It doesn’t come with any bells-and-whistles, it’s just a super basic water slide. But it’s super effective, with 25 feet of sliding potential for your kids. The slide, itself, is made up of extra-thick, heavy-duty PVC material that will last for multiple summers. It also comes with two sliders and a pump for easy inflation.

    What’s great about the newer WOW slides like this one is that they can all be connected to each other, allowing you to build one that’s the perfect size for your yard. Connect two and you’ve got a 50′ slide; connect three and you’ve got 75′ of non-stop sliding action.

     

    Find more WOW Super Slide 25′ information and reviews here.

12. 13.
    Intex Surf N’ Slide Inflatable Play Center

    

    
    

    Pros:

    • Kids will love diving through the shark mouth
    • Hand holds add more stability for younger kids
    • Includes two inflatable surf riders
    • Padded landing area

    Cons:

    • Mostly for younger kids
    • Requires a running hose at all times
    • You’ll need your own compressor

    Intex has a lot of great backyard water toys for your kids, and one of the favorites that we’ve seen is the Intex Surf N’ Slide Inflatable Play Center. If you’re looking for a cheap water slide that won’t break the bank, this one from Intex is a great option. It measures roughly 13’L x 5.5’W x 5.3’H, so it’s not super huge, making it great for smaller yards. It comes with two inflatable surfboards to slide on, but it can be used with or without (some kids actually prefer it without the boards).

    Your kids will love jumping through the maw of the giant shark to cool down. It’s recommended for ages six and up, but we’d say the cutoff is around ten years old, although it says it’s viable for kids up to 176 pounds. It doesn’t come with an air compressor, so if you don’t have one already, keep that in mind (you can get a decent one for a very small investment on Amazon).

    Buy the Intex Surf n’ Slide Play Center here.

13. 14.
    Intex Ocean Inflatable Play Center

    

    
    

    Pros:

    • Easy to adjust pressue to keep sprayers gentle on little ones
    • Two pools in one including a tiny shaded pool that’s great for infants
    • Comes with extra toys to use inside or outside the pool and waterslide

    Cons:

    • Pretty much for smaller kids only
    • The slide isn’t very slippery
    • Slide is very short and steep

    Perfect for families who have babies and toddlers, this clever Intex Ocean Play Center has everything you’ll need to keep them cool and happy in the heat of the summer. It features two pools in one with a tiny wading pool hidden under a shady inflatable palm tree and a larger pool adjacent to the water slide feature. That tiny pool is perfect for giving your infants a dip thanks to the shade. 

    The larger pool features water sprayers all the way around that deliver a gentle stream on anyone near. It has an adjustable control valve to ensure it’s set at the right level for even the youngest users. The pool also comes with an inflatable turtle, whale, and ring toss game that can be played with either inside or outside the pool. 

    Drain plugs in both pools make it easy to empty and put away for the season. It also comes with a patch kit just in case you have an unintended puncture. The Jungle Island Play Center is a similar design sans the inflatable palm tree but with a few additional activities built in. The Candy Zone Play Center is another fun choice for smaller kids with a ball toss and other activities and accessories as well.

    Find more Intex Ocean Inflatable Play Center information and reviews here.

14. 15.
    Wahii Waterslide 50

    

    
    

    Pros:

    • Good for kids and adults
    • Durable UV protected plastic
    • So simple your kids can get it set up
    • A super affordable option

    Cons:

    • Basic compared to the inflatables
    • Difficult to keep slide secured to the ground
    • You’ll need a running start if your lawn is level

    For slightly smaller yards, Wahii has a 50 foot version of their water slide that’s 12 feet wide. Kids love it for cooling down, and set up is super easy, so literally the kids can do it themselves. It works especially well in yards that have a bit of a downhill slope, but it’s super fun, even in level spaces, because it’s so seriously slippery.

    This slide is constructed of thick specially formulated, UV protected plastic. Because the surface is extremely smooth, once it’s wet there won’t be any friction irritation on bare skin. And since it’s rated to hold 256lbs per square foot, parents can experience the same slippery fun as their kids. For a budget buy, this one’s a keeper for sure.

    Buy the Wahii Waterslide 50 here.

Why Is Outdoor Play So Important for Kids?

If you’re shopping for a backyard water slide, it’s likely you’re looking for ways to convince your kids that playing outside is more fun than sitting in front of a screen. But heaven forbid, you’d tell them to do it because it’s healthy!

Of course, you know there are lots of ways your kids benefit from being outside, and if you need even more convincing, the experts at Harvard Medical School say that in addition to exercise, playing outside helps kids learn to take risks, be aware and make decisions. 

What Should I Look For in a Backyard Water Slide?

Since these waterslides vary greatly, you’ll first want to consider the age of the kids you’re shopping for. You can literally find water slides that accommodate tiny ones and toddlers from 2 years old and up, but if you’re shopping for bigger kids there are definitely some items that should be on your checklist. 

Materials – What is the slide made of, and can it stand up to the rough wear and tear of bigger kids? If you want durability, we’d highly recommend heavy-duty PVC vinyl as the best and most durable puncture-resistant material for all sorts of applications per the experts at Herculite.com.

Accessories – Many of the best backyard water slides come with added features, from vortex tunnels to water cannons and climbing walls. Those keep bigger kids occupied and having fun for longer periods of time, but keep in mind, they generally have a larger footprint so you’ll want to consider your space limitations before buying.

What’s Included – if the water slide is inflatable, does it require a compressor or a blower to maintain that inflation and does the slide come with that included? Does it come with a repair kit? How does it maintain stability once inflated? Are there included ground stakes to secure it? And, lastly, how easy is it to deflate, clean, and store?

Backyard water slides can be a blast, and as the adults in the house, you can still sit in the pool section of the larger ones while your kids splash around you, so snag one early this year as these have a tendency to sell out long before the hottest days of summer have arrived.

Have fun!

See Also: