If your kids love going to the park like mine do, you know they would love to spend all day there. Every day. While I love making my little ones happy, spending hours on end at the park just doesn’t work with my life. Playing in our backyard is better, but especially when the weather isn’t cooperating (or when I just have too much to do to spend the day outside) an indoor slide is a lifesaver!
A good toddler slide is a great form of entertainment and exercise for young kids. I love that I can move the slide to whatever room I need it to be in, and my kids can play on it all year long. Also, it is just the right size for my toddler and preschooler so I don’t worry about them getting hurt on it.
I wanted to be sure we were getting a slide that would last long and be safe and functional for our family. I tried out several that my friends and family had as well as looking at my local toy stores. Then I did research to decide which one was best. The following slides are all good options.
What to Look for in A Toddler Slide
There’s a lot to consider when it comes to choosing a toddler slide. Here are some of the things I recommend thinking about before selecting a slide.
- How much space do you have? Your space will help determine how large of a slide or climbing set you can comfortably fit. Our list below details the dimensions of each slide and climbing set.
- Where will the slide be used? If the slide will be used both indoors and out, you will want it to be one you can move easily.
- How long do you anticipate the slide being used? If you anticipate the slide being used by subsequent children, you might want to invest a bit more. Also, if you are buying for a younger toddler, you will probably get more use out of the slide than if you are buying for an older preschool child.
- What material do you prefer? When it comes to toddler slides, there are two materials that are generally used—wood or plastic. If you are going to use the slide outside at all you will want a plastic slide. Both the wood and plastic slides on this list wear well and will last for years.
- Do you want a single slide or a larger climbing set? A climbing set generally takes up more space than a single slide, but it also offers more for a child to do. Some of the sets on this list have a basketball hoop or other activities besides the slide.
Luckily there are lots of options to choose from! Here are 15 toddler slides I recommend. Hopefully this list will help you choose a slide that will best suit your family.
| Product | Features |
|---|---|
Little Tikes Junior Play Slide | |
Little Tikes Red First Slide | |
Little Tikes Go Green! Slide | |
Jupiduu Wood Slide | |
Baby Joy Folding Slide | |
Little Tikes Little Baby Bum Climber | |
Little Tikes 2-in-1 Castle Climber | |
Step2 Game Time Sports Climber | |
Simplay 3 Young Explorers Adventure Climber | |
ECR4Kids Activity Jungle Gym | |
Baby Joy 3-in-1 Slide | |
Costzon 4 in 1 Climber Slide Set | |
Little Tikes Hide and Seek Climber | |
Step2 Lookout Treehouse | |
Eezy Peezy Jungle Gym Play Set | |
Step2 Sportstastic Center |
Top Fun Slides for Young Kids
1. Little Tikes Junior Play Slide
Dimensions: 39 x 18 x 23 inches
Weight: 11 lbs
Easy Storage: Yes
Age Range: 18 months–4 years
Pros:
- Very sturdy
- Folds for easy storage
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Better for kids under 3
- Slide isn’t very tall
What makes the “junior” play slide different from the regular “first slide?” In addition to being slightly smaller, this slide is made of a much sturdier material. Although the slide says it will work for children up to 4 years old (50 lbs), smaller kids may have more fun on it because of its height. The slide does lack handlebars at the top for small toddlers to hold onto, but that’s not a problem for most kids.
This slide folds up for easy storage, which is a plus if you live in a small space. It’s lightweight and easy to move around, so you can move it from room to room and even outside if you like. Although it is a little more expensive than the Little Tikes First Slide, this slide is worth considering because it’s made of a much more durable material. Overall, this is an excellent choice for an indoor slide for toddlers.
2. Little Tikes Red First Slide
Dimensions: 23 x 18 x 39 inches
Weight: 9 lbs
Easy Storage: Yes
Age Range: 18 months–4 years
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Folds for storage
- Less than $40
Con:
- Can be dangerous if not assembled correctly
Perhaps even simpler than the Step 2 Play & Fold Slide is the Little Tikes First Slide. It weighs only 9 pounds, folds for storage, and costs less than $40. That being said, just looking at it you would assume it is made from more flimsy plastic. That’s okay, though, because the slide rides more easily and is still durable despite the way it looks.
There have been some concerns about the slide’s safety, but you just have to be sure to assemble the slide correctly before you let your kids play on it. Particularly make sure the handles snap into the slide correctly. It is made of sturdy, high-quality material you expect from Little Tykes. Although this slide has a smaller age range than the Step 2 Play & Fold Slide, this slide would actually work for a wider range of kids because it’s more accessible for younger kids.
3. Little Tikes Go Green! Slide
Dimensions: 36.5 x 17.5 x 24 inches
Weight: 12 lbs
Easy Storage: Yes
Age Range: 18 months–4 years
Pros:
- Made of recycled materials
- Easy to move and store
- Folds up
- Less than $50
Cons:
- No handles at the top of stairs
- A bit steep for young toddlers
What is immediately appealing about the Little Tikes Go Green! Slide is that it is simple. It’s a small, lightweight slide that’s easy to move around and store. It’s got neutral colors that don’t stand out as much as some slides, and its main function is as a slide rather than a small playground. It’s less than $50, which is also appealing.
One downside of this slide, however, is that it’s not ideal for very young toddlers. Kids under the age of 2 may need some assistance climbing the stairs, sitting on the slide, and even going down. This is because there’s no handle at the top of the stairs for a 1-year-old to grip. It’s a bit steep for a young toddler, but it’s hard to beat the fact that it’s lightweight and stores easily. This is a good choice for kids 2 years old or older.
4. Jupiduu Wood Slide
Dimensions: 57 x 27 x 17 inches
Weight: 42 lbs
Easy Storage: No
Age Range: 18 months–4 years
Pros:
- Excellent quality
- Beautiful design
- Long lasting
Cons:
- More expensive than other options
- Heavy
- Doesn’t fold up
If space isn’t an issue and you don’t mind spending more, get the Jupiduu wood slide. This German-made option is unique and beautiful in addition to being fun for kids to play on. You won’t find a better quality kids slide than this one.
To give you an idea of the quality, the British Royal family purchased this Jupiduu slide for Prince George, son of Prince William and Kate Middleton. It is great for kids ages 1-4. Kids can climb the stairs easily. Because this slide is heavy, you don’t have to worry about it tipping over or about kids pushing it around the room.
This slide is definitely best if used indoors. If you want to use it outside, be sure not to leave it out in the rain or snow.
5. Baby Joy Folding Slide
Dimensions: 43 x 21 x 28 inches
Weight: 9 lbs
Easy Storage: Yes
Age Range: 18 months–4 years
Pros:
- Easy set up
- Folds up
- Lightweight
- Good price
Cons:
- Not as durable as other options
- Rounded stairs can be hard to climb
- Landing can be a bit hard
The Baby Joy Folding Slide is a good choice. It is lightweight, easy to set up, and very easy to fold and store. The colors are fun and the handles are easy for small hands to grab. While the manufacturer claims this works for kids ages 3-8, we find it is much too small for older kids so we recommend it for ages 1-4.
The rounded stairs on the ladder can be tricky for some little feet to climb. Also, kids might experience a hard landing so you might want to place a yoga mat or pillow at the bottom to soften the landing.
This slide is great either for indoors or for the back yard.
6. Little Tikes 2-in-1 Castle Climber
Dimensions: 92 x 68.6 x 48.5 inches
Weight: 40 pounds
Easy Storage: No
Age Range: 2–6 years
Pros:
- Will appeal to older kids
- Good for sliding and climbing
- Cute castle theme
- Great quality
Cons:
- Doesn’t fold for storage
- Not for babies
- Expensive
Do you have a little climber? This unique toy looks like a castle and is for children up to six years of age. It has multiple levels and will allow kids to improve their climbing skills. Most kids seem to like to try to climb up a slide anyway; this toy actually offers a plank to climb up as well as a slide to go down. It comes with two platforms and a ladder, too.
This toy will encourage kids to use their imagination and enjoy lots of activities. It can be used by multiple kids over multiple years. It’s not cheap but has a lot to offer for little climbers.
7. Step2 Game Time Sports Climber
Dimensions: 30.51 x 61.89 x 42.52 inches
Weight: 26 lbs
Easy Storage: No
Age Range: 18 months–5 years
Pros:
- Comes with slide, climbing gym, and basketball hoop
- Good for multiple kids at once
- Great for toddlers
Cons:
- Doesn’t fold for storage
- Instructions aren’t very clear
This climber is fun because it’s more than just a slide; it also has a climbing gym and a basketball hoop! It’s ideal because multiple toddlers could play with it at once, so it would be fun for twins or kids who have friends over often. Unfortunately, it doesn’t fold down for storage, but it’s also not too large. Depending on your space, you could leave it accessible all the time.
The biggest downside to this slide is that it’s a pain to set up. The included instructions aren’t very clear, so plan for some extra time to figure out the construction process.
8. Simplay 3 Young Explorers Adventure Climber
Dimensions: 70.12 x 49.5 x 28.5 inches
Weight: 52.4 pounds
Easy Storage: No
Age Range: 18 months–6 years
Pros:
- Third party safety tested
- Good for multiple kids at once
- Durable
- Weather and UV resistant
Cons:
- Doesn’t fold for storage
- Expensive
This is a pricey one but well worth it. It’s more than a slide, it’s an indoor/outdoor play set that will keep kids entertained year round with all its features. It’s made in the USA and even won the 2019 Parent’s Choice Award. It features doors, hideaway portals to crawl through, a steering wheel and a dashboard for sliding, driving, and hiding!
The slide is designed for safety with an angled slope and extra wide base, as well as handrails. It’s cute, works well for indoors as well as outdoors, and will appeal to kids who like transportation themed toys.
9. ECR4Kids Activity Jungle Gym
Dimensions: 66 x 33 x 40 inches
Weight: 38 lbs
Easy Storage: No
Age Range: 2–6 years
Pros:
- Includes slide and climbing gym
- Durable and sturdy
- Fun for toddlers and preschoolers
Cons:
- Doesn’t fold for storage
- No stairs to slide
This little slide is attached to a small climbing gym, which makes it a little more cumbersome than some of the other slides on this list. It’s about 3 feet tall and 4 feet wide and, unfortunately, doesn’t easily fold down for storage. It is ideal for outdoor use, though those with a big indoor play space may happily use it as well.
It’s heavier than other smaller slides, and although that means it’s not as easy to move, the weight also has its advantages. The slide is very durable and is less likely to tip over than the other slides, even when big kids get rough with it. The climbing gym also leaves a big opening underneath the slide, so kids can use it as a hideout or play place. There are no stairs to get up to the slide, so this is best for kids who can climb well, ages 2-6.
10. Baby Joy 3-in-1 Slide
Dimensions: Varies by design, but between 60″ x 30″ x 28″ and 75″ x 22″ x 28″
Weight: Varies by design, but between 11 and 23 pounds
Easy Storage: Some designs fold; others do not
Age Range: 2–8 years (or 1–6 for the Bear Bike design)
Pros:
- Many designs to choose from
- Sloped slide design
- Has hand rails for safe climbing
Cons:
- The decorative stickers tear easily when peeled off paper
- The neck bumps on the giraffe design can hurt child’s arms on the way down
This adorable slide comes in several different designs to fit your child’s preferences or the decor of your play space—Blue Bear Bike, Pink Bear Bike, Green Bear Bike, Green Dinosaur, Green Giraffe, Yellow Giraffe, Pink Dolphin, and White Moon. While each design varies in size, every version of this slide includes a little basketball hoop on the side for added entertainment and the ability for m0re than one child to play at a time.
The slide itself, which measures between 52″ and 55″ depending on the design, is sloped to allow for a smooth transition from acceleration to deceleration, with a flat buffer zone at the end to enable a safe stop.
Made from sturdy, non-toxic High Density Polyethylene and boasting a stable 4-point triangle structure, this slide can hold up to 110 pounds of weight. And for a safe climbing experience, the steps leading to the top of the slide have a non-slip texture, while the ladder includes handrails to hold onto.
11. Costzon 4 in 1 Climber Slide Set
Dimensions: 55 x 37 x 45 inches
Weight: 24 lbs
Easy Storage: No
Age Range: 2–6 years
Pros:
- Slide, basketball hoop, and telescope
- Fun castle theme
Cons:
- Doesn’t fold for storage
- No basketball included
- Not as sturdy as other options
This climber slide set by Costzon is a fun option for young kids. Not only does it have a slide, it also has a basketball hoop and telescope. This play set for toddlers will provide hours of fun for your little one. The castle theme works for both boys and girls.
There is no way of folding up this toy, so it can’t be stored very easily. If you have the space, this is a good choice. It can be used either indoors or outside. It is not as sturdy as other options. Be aware that while there is a basketball hoop, it doesn’t come with a basketball so you will need to buy one separately.
12. Little Tikes Hide and Seek Climber
Dimensions: 23 x 52 x 40 inches
Weight: 24 lbs
Easy Storage: No
Age Range: 2–4 years
Pros:
- More fun than basic slide
- Durable—weather and UV resistant
Con:
- Rock wall can be tricky for younger toddlers
If you want a slide that’s fun for your little one and is fairly easy to move around, consider the Little Tikes Hide and Seek Climber. It’s durable and well made, as you would expect from Little Tikes. You’ll find that it is easy to assemble, thanks to clear instructions. It shouldn’t take more than 20-30 minutes to put together.
The only drawback to this climber is that the rock wall can be hard for younger toddlers to climb. If your child isn’t a great climber, be sure you stay close until he is comfortable getting up on his own.
13. Step2 Lookout Treehouse
Dimensions: 66.5 x 25 x 57.5 inches
Weight: 30 pounds
Easy Storage: No
Age Range: 18 months–5 years
Pros:
- Can also be used outdoors
- Design encourages imaginative play
Cons:
- Too small for most kids under 3
- Possibility of kids hitting their heads on low roof
With its “shingled” roof and tree house design, this playset slide is great for imaginative indoor or outdoor play for your child and/or a friend (or two). It even includes a functioning periscope that pivots 180 degrees! Designed in a neutral color scheme that will blend in well either inside or outside of your home, this slide boasts a sturdy design and a 19″-high platform that kids can crawl under as they play and imagine all kinds of adventures.
Wide steps leading to the top of the slide provide for a safe ascent, while the smooth slide leads to a fun descent. The set is a cinch to put together and is heavy enough to be sturdy but lightweight enough to be easily moved.
14. Eezy Peezy Jungle Gym Play Set
Dimensions: 56 x 62 x 29 inches
Weight: 20.3 lbs
Easy Storage: No
Age Range: 1–3 years
Pros:
- Includes slide and ball pit
- Fun for toddlers
Cons:
- Expensive
- Comes with only 50 balls
This “3-in-1” playset includes a small slide, a ball pit, and a ball-throwing target. It’s made of durable plastic tubes. As a kid, I loved ball pits, and having one in my own home would have been a blast! Amazon reviewers say this little play set generates hours of fun every single day for their little ones.
My initial concern about the playset is the small age range. The slide is pretty short, so it most certainly won’t be fun for kids older than age 3, which is unfortunate because the playset costs nearly $150. You may also end up spending more on this playset than you anticipate because it only comes with 50 balls. That might sound like a lot, but when you put the balls in the pit, 50 balls doesn’t come close to filling it. You’ll have to go out and buy more balls if you want it to be a true ball play zone. If you’re particularly excited about the ball pit, this playset may be worth it to you, but not so if you’re more interested in a great slide. Personally, I would choose one of the other options on this list.
15. Step2 Sportstastic Center
Dimensions: 27″ x 29″ x 15.5″
Weight: 8 pounds
Easy Storage: No
Age Range: 1–3 years
Pros:
- Added sports-related activities
- Storage space for accessories
- Inexpensive
Cons:
- Very small
- Very lightweight; slides around on non-carpeted floors
With a platform height of 6.5” and a weight limit of 45 pounds, the small size of this slide makes it best for infants or young toddlers. In addition to the slide itself, however, this playset includes a miniature basketball hoop (with included basketball) on one side and a tethered baseball (with included miniature baseball bat) on the other side. The basketball can also be used as a soccer ball for your little one to kick into the molded-in soccer goal below the basketball hoop.
When play time is done, the basketball and baseball bat both easily snap into their own designated storage spaces on the outer wall of the structure, just below the tethered baseball. While its miniature size makes this a short-term toy, your infant or toddler will enjoy hours of fun climbing up the two little stairs and sliding down the little slide or practicing his motor skills with the included sports accessories.
Playground Safety Info for Parents
Taking kids to the park to play can be a lot of fun, but it can also be exhausting and time-consuming. With young children, regular playground equipment is often too big for them to access themselves. That means you as a parent end up lifting your child or climbing up to help your son or daughter.
If you have taken a child to the playground in the hot summer heat (or if you think back to your own childhood), you have no doubt noticed the equipment can get really hot. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warns that children 2 and under are most likely to receive playground burns. To prevent playground burns, always check equipment before allowing children to play.
Playgrounds are also a prime place for other injuries. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), every year in the U.S. there are 200,000 children injured on playgrounds. Most of these injuries include falls, cuts, burns, or even traumatic brain injuries.
No doubt you know of kids who have suffered broken bones or other playground injuries. With an indoor slide, however, your child can enjoy the benefits of a playground in your own home. For you, that means your child is less likely to be injured. It also means less time worrying about hot equipment or having to get on the equipment with your child. It is a win-win for parents and kids, and it is definitely worth the investment.
Toddler Slide Recommendations and Thoughts
Overall, for a plastic slide, the Little Tikes Junior Play Slide is the slide I’d choose to purchase. It’s not too expensive, but it’s sturdy. It will work fairly well for younger kids, but it’ll still grow with them as they get into the preschool age group.
For a wood slide, you can’t go wrong with the Jupiduu. It looks like a classic piece of furniture and it will last through your children and grandchildren.
If I had a little more space or a bigger yard and didn’t have to worry about where to store the slide, I’d definitely pick the Step 2 Panda Climber. It looks so sturdy and fun and absolutely worth it at its price. Oh, and I still think whoever created the Stairwhizzer stair slide is inspired…. I’ll be looking into that as my kids get a little older!
FAQs
Is plastic or wood better for a toddler slide?
Both plastic and wood can be great for toddler slides. If the slide will be used outdoors at all, a plastic slide would be best because it is more durable in the sun, rain, and snow. Plastic slides are often more economical. A quality wood slide can be used indoors for many years. As a renewable resource, wood is a more environmentally friendly option.
What is the best indoor slide for small space?
If you have a small space you’ll want to make sure to purchase a shorter slide which folds up so you can put it away when it’s not in use. The Little Tikes Junior Play Slide is the best option for a compact, indoor toddler slide. It is lightweight – ideal for anyone searching for a slide that won’t take up a lot of room.
What safety features are important in a toddler slide?
There are a few features to look for in slides which will ensure the safety of your toddler. First, rounded corners will prevent little heads from getting bonked. Also, you’ll want to make sure there are anti-slip steps with grips so that your little one won’t tumble down the stairs. Finally, slides with gentle slopes provide the softest landings.
Other Toddler Play and STEM Resources
PBS Kids Education Resources
Building Toys for Toddlers
US Department of Education Early Learning Resources
