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Best Inflatable Water Slide
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Features
Fun is the name of the game when it comes to these products, so we tried to stick to designs that looked to be the most fun. We were drawn to designs that had things like dual ramps, sprinklers, wading pools, basketball hoops, tunnels, and climbing walls. Furthermore, we also tried to find the designs that have the tallest ramps because the taller the ramp, the faster you will go riding down it. We also wanted to make sure that we selected a few designs that had a smaller footprint for smaller yards. Many of the options out there take up a lot of room, and if you are working with a small backyard you might not have enough room for the entire unit. That’s why we ensured to pick a few designs such as the Banzai Double Drop Raceway to save you a little bit of room in your yard for picnic tables and BBQs.
Overall the more features that come with these inflatable water slides the better as when you have a number of little ones playing, the more things for them to use the more fun they will have. The products we have listed in our guide provide a variety of different activities and features so you should have no trouble finding the perfect one!
Ease of Use
One of the reasons that some people are apprehensive about taking the plunge on these products has to do with putting them up and taking them down. Items that take up a lot of room once assemble just seem to scream ‘high maintenance’. That’s why we made sure to select products that came with all of the tools that you will need to put it up in a matter of seconds, as well as be able to pack it away just as fast. Almost all of the options on our list come with a thing called a blower. This unit will not only help keep help inflate it in a matter of minutes, but it will also keep air flowing on the inside to mitigate natural air loss while it is in use. We also liked to select designs that come with a carrying case to make it easy to zip up and put in a cool dry place while your family waits out the cold winter months.
Durability
Durability is an important thing we looked out for because there is a myriad of things that could go wrong with dealing with products that you fill with air. While we made sure that the materials used for these products were high quality, there was only one way to really test if they could stand the test of time- and that was by reading product reviews. If there were only a handful of reviews that complained of massive leaking tears, we chalked that up as normal occurrences that the companies typically made an effort to rectify. If there was an overwhelming number of complaints about leaks, we typically moved onto the next product. We were drawn to products that had user reviews that claimed they used their products summer after summer. There were even some users that claimed their product lasted more than 5 years!
Value
We never want you to spend more money than necessary, which is why we tried to keep prices as low as we could. There were some designs out there on the market that had price tags that may even rival the cost of your cedar swingset! Considering that most of these companies use the same types of materials and component parts, we just couldn’t see a justifiable reason why anyone should ever spend that amount of money on a product such as this. That’s why we made sure to select products that ran about in the middle of the road in terms of price. There were some more affordable options that we included, but these designs cut cost by not including important components such as a blower (however users could substitute a blower for something that they already have around the house)
Top Ten Inflatable Water Slides
1. Little Tikes Rocky Mountain River
If Little Tikes knows one thing, it’s how to have fun. Users have come to depend on their high-quality products since their founding in 1969, and are still one of the leading names in the toy market even today. What we loved most about the Rocky Mount River design is that it has dual declines, a rock wall, and a play area at the bottom so your little ones will never grow tired of it all summer.
Read moreDesign:
This unit can hold up to 350 pounds at one time, so if you wanted to give it a try while your kids are at school, you would have that option. It has two declines located on each side of the unit and a rock climbing wall in the center. The rock climbing wall also has a bucket that intermittently dumps cool water on climbers for a little bit of extra fun.
Ease of Use:
One of the things that users like best about this model is that it is really easy to set up. It comes with plastic stakes to place in the ground the holds the unit in place (so that it doesn’t end up in the neighbors' yard when a random summer thunderstorm blows up). Once you have it securely in place, use the pump that was included with purchase the blow it up in a matter of a minute, turn the hose on to create water flow, and it’s ready to go. When you’re done for the summer or want to take the fun on the road, it packs up neatly into a carrying case that is included with purchase.
Value:
As far as cost is concerned, this unit runs about in the middle of the road. It isn’t the least expensive out there, but it is far from the most expensive. Generally, the price of these products is a bit steep, so be prepared to dish out a good deal of money. However, investing in a Little Tikes product is never a gamble, and this unit should last for many summers of fun.
Summary:
This summer, if you want to keep things wet and wild while still keeping costs down, Little Tikes is a great company that provides well-made products that hold up over the years. Plus, this unit comes with a repairs kit if accidents happen that would cause a hole to happen.
2. Costzon
For some, the price tag of these units can be a little bit shocking. However, before you consider that they are too expensive for your budget, the Costzon design might be worth a look. It is considerably more affordable than most of the other options out there on the market, and it is still made from high-quality materials that will hold up over time. It doesn’t have all of the extra bells and whistles as some of the other models, but it’s price makes it worth it.
Read moreDesign:
This unit has a really simple design that doesn't go above and beyond like some of the units out there on the market. It has a simple rock climbing wall that users scale to get to the ramp and a decline that is curved slightly. The ramp is just a little bit taller than some of the others on the market, which is a definite plus.
Ease of use:
The lower cost of this unit has nothing to do with lower quality of materials used, but it has to do with the fact that it doesn’t come with a blower. To get this unit from deflated to inflated, you are going to have to employ the use of your own blower that you already have on hand. If you have a generator or an air mattress the comes with a pump, then you should be able to inflate this unit rather quickly. Once it is inflated, hook up a running garden hose and you are ready to go.
Value:
As we stated earlier, the fact that it doesn’t come with a blower included with purchase is the reason that it is one of the most affordable options out there on the market. You can save yourself a little bit of cash if you already have to tools on hand to fill this unit up with air.
Summary:
For those that are looking to save a little bit of money, this is going to be the best option for you. It has a fun design and is made from strong materials that will last for a long time, but it just doesn’t come with all of the tools that you will need to get it up and running.
3. Little Tikes Slam'n Curve
Little Tikes tops our list yet again with this really fun design. It doesn’t have a lot of the additional features like some of the others that we have seen that have rock climbing walls or sprayers, but this design has a decline that is a little bit taller and wider than a lot of the other designs out there on the market.
Read moreDesign:
This unit is just a little bit more simple than some of the others, but it is made to be incredibly durable and has a decline that is a lot higher than many of the others out there on the market- making it perfect for not only your adventurous little ones, but it is perfect for the adult kids in your family. It can hold a combined weight of up to about 350 pounds- which is quite impressive when you compare it to some of the others that can only hold about 200 pounds. It has a simple ladder running up the sides and is curves slightly as users ride it down to the shallow pool at the bottom.
Ease of use:
Setting this unit up couldn’t be any easier. Use the stakes that are included with purchase to fasten it to the ground to make sure that it stays put even on windy days. Once it is fastened to the ground, use the blower that is included with purchase to fill the unit with air- it typically only takes minutes from going from deflated to fully inflated and ready to go.
Value:
The cost of this unit is just slightly more affordable than some of the other Little Tikes designs out there on the market, but it still isn’t considered to be one of the more affordable options.
Summary:
If you are looking for something from a quality name brand such as Little Tikes, and you just want something simple and easy that doesn’t have all of the extra bells and whistles that you might find on some of the other designs, this is an excellent choice that is slightly more affordable than some of the other Little Tikes designs.
4. Magic Time Twin Falls
This is a really great design that combines all the things that users love in these designs and puts it all into one package. Plus, it has a price point that is only slightly higher than the typical price that users are willing to pay for these types of products.
Read moreDesign:
This model comes in a solid blue PVC machine-woven fabric that has electric green accents along the edges. It has side by side dual ramps so users can race to the bottom. The bottom of the unit has a shallow wading pool for cooling off before climbing up the climbing wall for another trip down.
Ease of use:
This unit comes with a blower so that all you will need to do it plug the blower into the unit to go from deflated to fully inflated in a matter of minutes. Then, simply hook up a garden hose to the base to provide a source for the sprinkler and hydro cannon. When you are done, simply deflate the unit, dry it off and pack it away for the winter.
Value:
While the price tag is slightly higher than some of the similar designs, users seem more than willing to pay the uptick in price due to all the extra features that are included such as the sprinklers, hydro cannon, and basketball hoop.
Summary:
For those that want something large that will provide their kids with something that will keep them cool and having fun all summer long, the Magic Time Twin Falls is an excellent investment that will last for many summers to come.
5. Banzai Sidewinder Falls
The Banzai Sidewinder Falls is another great addition to the Banzai lineup. What’s great about this design is that it has a ramp that is slightly higher than some of the others on the market, and it has a few features that you don’t see elsewhere. Users love that it is made from really durable materials that will last for multiple summers of outdoor enjoyments.
Read moreDesign:
This unit has a tall and long ramp that curves off to the side. Riders access it by climbing up a rock wall and climbing through a small overhang. It also has a small tunnel under the ramp and opens up to a small decline. At the base of the unit is a shallow pool for cooling off before climbing back up the ramp for another ride. It is capable of holding about 200 pounds at a time.
Ease of use:
Filling this up with air is one of the fastest out there on the market. Simply attach the hose to the blower that is included in purchase, and sit back as it fills up in about 3 minutes. Then, attach a standard garden hose to the base to allow for a constant flow while in use. Past customers claim that the instructions that are included are really simple and easy to follow.
Value:
The cost of this unit runs about in the middle of the road. It isn’t the most expensive out there, but it falls just below the price of many of the standards designs.
Summary:
If you need something that is incredibly durable and will hold up to whatever your kids can throw at it this summer, the Banzai Sidewinder Falls will be an excellent addition to your backyard fun.
6. Banzai The Plunge
Banzi might not be a brand name that you are familiar with, but users that have purchased summer toys for the backyard in the past might recognize their name. Users love that Banzai makes a ton of fun and unique designs, and they use high-quality materials that are designed to be used summer after summer.
Read moreDesign:
The Plunge has a modest size decline that has a covered top that sprays a mist down on riders before they ride it down to the base. Where this model differs slightly is found on the base. While most models only have a very shallow pool found at the base. The Plunge as deeper pools where users can just sit in and cool off before climbing back up and riding it down. What’s also great about this design is that it’s great for adults, too!
Ease of use:
Everything that you need to set up this unit is found right in the box. To inflate it, simply hook it up to the blower that is included with purchase. It will take about 5 minutes to go from deflated to fully inflated. Then, fill the base up and hook the hose to the attachment found on the base of the unit, and you are ready to cool off.
Value:
This unit falls more in the affordable range in terms of price. It is still going to set you back a decent chunk of change, but compared to many of the other units out there on the market, this is one of the more affordable options.
Summary:
Whether you are buying this for your kids, or you are buying this for yourself because you are a kid at heart- The Plunge is sure to not disappoint. Users love how durable the materials are and they have used them summer after summer without running into many problems.
7. Banzai Double Drop Raceway
Banzai is making our list yet again with their really fun Double Drop Raceway design. This pick is just a little different because it doesn’t have the same footprint as many of the other models. It won’t take up all that much room in your backyard because it doesn’t have a large wading pool at the base, making it perfect for smaller outdoor spaces.
Read moreDesign:
What users love most about this model is that the ramp is a lot higher than some of the other options out there- standing at about 10 feet tall. It has a double ramp so that two riders can race down at the same time.
Ease of use:
Just like with any other Banzai product, getting this unit set up is a snap. Simply affix the blower to the base of the unit and plug it into a power source. It typically takes under 5 minutes to go from completely flat to ready to use. Once it is inflated, hook a running garden hose to the nozzle at the base and are ready to cool off.
Value:
The cost of this unit is surprisingly more expensive than many of the other Banzai designs out there on the market. However, if you short on space in your backyard and need something with just a little smaller footprint but still delivers on the fun- this is going to be well worth the padded price tag.
Summary:
As we stated earlier, this unit is going to be a perfect fit for those are working with little space in their backyard. Users love the height of the ramp, as well as the speed that users can really generate when traveling down.
8. Blast Zone Crocodile Isle
This unit is perfect for those that have a big yard and want something that has a lot of things to do. This unit is priced a little bit higher than some of the average priced options out there on the market, but users find the extra price is worth the quality and fun design that this product offers both kids and adults.
Read moreDesign:
This unit has an all green frame with a blue base. What we liked about it is that has dual ramps so that two people can ride down it at the same time. It has a fun rock climbing wall the runs up the center, and a large wading pool at the base.
Ease of use:
Installing this unit takes no time at all, and it really easy to do. Simply plug the blower into the port located at the base, and wait for about 2 minutes for the entire unit to fill up with air. After it is inflated, hook up a standard garden hose to the port along the bottom, turn it on and you are ready to cool off.
Value:
The price of this unit is pretty steep, but users feel that the size as well as the materials used to make this design make it well worth the slightly padded price tag.
Summary:
If you are looking something big that is perfect for the little ones as well as the young at heart, the Blast Zone Crocodile Isle will be an excellent way to turn your backyard into a summertime paradise.
9. Blast Zone Hydro Rush
The Blast Zone Hydro Rush us another great option that has a few unique features that you might not see anywhere else with other designs. Users love how easy it is to install, and how easy it is to pack away in storage for the winter.
Read moreDesign:
This unit has one main decline that is accessed via a rock climbing wall along the back of the unit. At the top, there is an overhang that sprays down on passengers, and users ride it down into a shallow pool at the base. It also has a hydro cannon that kids can use to spray friends as they make their way to the top of the rock climbing wall. It can hold about 6 kids at one time.
Ease of use:
Everything that you need to get this unit up and running is found right in the kit. To set it up, simply attached the UL blower that is included with purchase to the air hose port located on the unit, and sit back while it goes from deflated to fully inflated in a matter of minutes. Use a standard garden hose to fill the base, and hook the hose to the hose port to generate water flow to the hydro cannon and sprayers at the top of the rock wall. When you are ready to pack it away, be sure that it is completely dry, and place it into the carrying case that is included with purchase.
Value:
While it isn’t the most affordable unit on the market, it is far from being the most expensive. If you were looking for something that fell about in the middle of the road in terms of price, the Blast Zone Hydro Rush is going to be your best bet.
Summary:
With a maximum weight capacity of 200 pounds, the fun doesn’t just have to be for your little ones- you can climb aboard as well! We like how easy it is to set up, and users love the quality of materials used that make it hold up nicely over the years.
10. Kahuna Mega Blast
Looks can be deceiving when it comes to the Kahuna Mega Blast. While it is a really fun design that looks like a miniature version that you would find at a water park, users report that it isn’t as big as it looks. However, the additional fun features, as well as the wide ramp, will give your family countless hours of fun this summer.
Read moreDesign:
The edges of the unit are made from a green material that has a bright blue ramp and a purple awning at the top. Three riders can climb up the rock wall on the back and race to the bottom of the unit to land in a shallow wading pool. It also has a hydro cannon at the base that kids can spray riders as they ride down.
Ease of use:
Blowing up this unit is simple and easy, and can go from the package to be ready to use in a matter of minutes. Simply plug the blower that is included with purchase to the base of the model and wait for a few minutes while it fills up with air. Then, attach a standard garden hose to the base, turn it on, and you and your family will be all ready to cool off.
Value:
While it isn’t the most expensive unit out there on the market, it is still considered to be one of the more expensive models out there. However, users love how durable this design is, as well as how easy it is to set up and take down.
Summary:
If you are in the market for something that will be able to supply a summertime of fun for your kids, but it big enough to host some of the neighborhood kids as well, the Kahuna Mega Blast will we well worth the slightly padded price tag.