I purchased an indoor slide during Covid, when we couldn’t get outside to play every day. It was great to allow them to burn off energy, and I now recommend an indoor slide for every household with kids and toddlers.
As with any product, you will want to make sure to choose the right one for your home and your kids. This guide was put together to help you think about what you would want in a slide and to lead you in the right direction in choosing the best one for you. Take a look at some of the key features that I mention to pinpoint what is most important to you, so you don’t end up buying a slide that doesn’t work out.
Carry on reading or jump straight to our number #1 pick here.
Table of Contents
- What Should I Look for When Buying a Kids’ Slide?
- Here’s How We’ve Determined the Best Slides for Kids
- #1: Costzon Toddler 4-in-1 Climber Slide Playset (Best Value)
- #2: Step2 Play Up Double Slide Kids Climber (Best Overall and for Multiple Children)
- #3: Step2 Play Ball Fun Climber with Slide(Best for Stimulation)
- #4: Little Tikes First Slide (Best Low Cost)
- #5 Eezy Peezy Active Play 3 in 1 Jungle Gym PlaySet (Best for Toddlers)
- #6 Step2 Play & Fold Jr. Slide (Best for Small Spaces)
- #7 Lil Monkey Climb N Slide Olympus (Easiest to Store)
- #8 Sit and Slide First Toddler Chair and Slide (Best for Babies)
- What Other Toys Can Babies and Toddlers Climb On?
- Indoor Slide Safety Tips
- Verdict: Your Best Indoor Slide for Kids
What Should I Look for When Buying a Kids’ Slide?
When you’re on the lookout for a kid indoor slide, there are some key features that you’ll notice with each one. Here are some things that other parents have mentioned loving about the slide they chose.
Material
Most slides for kids are made out of plastic PE material. This is important because they are easy to wipe down, keep sanitized, and are safe for your kids. If the slides can be used both indoors and outdoors, make sure that the plastic is UV resistant. Also, metal parts can rust, so try to stay away from that if you’re planning to also use the slide outdoors.
Size
Some of our picks are quite large, so you have to choose a slide that fits the space you intend to put it in. Always look at the dimensions before purchasing and measure the area first.
Multiple Children
Keep in mind that most kids in the 1- to 5-year-old age group will have difficulty sharing. A slide that has extra features such as a climbing wall might be a better option in case one of your children becomes impatient – which will happen from time to time. I have two boys under 5, so I’m speaking from experience.
Safety
Always look at the manufacturer’s recommendations for weight limit and appropriate age. All kid slides have different limits, including the ones on this list.
Fun
It doesn’t make sense to buy something unless you know that your kids are going to love it. Think of it as an investment in your kids’ imagination. If they’re happy, you’ll be able to relax.
Extra Features
Sometimes the slide alone may not sell you, if you feel like it isn’t enough for your children. Think about what other features you may want with the slide such as a basketball hoop or swing set.
Of course, there may be some features that are on your own list. Whether you are looking for a toddler slide or any other kids’ slides, these details should be taken into consideration before you make your final decision.
Here’s How We’ve Determined the Best Slides for Kids
During our research, we figured out what matters most to parents. Of course, this includes safety, longevity, and – probably the most important to your children – fun. What’s the point of buying a slide if your child finds it boring? I have two children myself, and I had to take into consideration what they both like when I purchased our slide. As long as you know that you are going to get great use out of the slide in comparison to the cost, then that alone will help you to reinforce your ultimate decision.
Here are our top 8 picks for the best indoor slide for kids.
#1: Costzon Toddler 4-in-1 Climber Slide Playset (Best Value)
You really get a lot with this playset. As you can see from the name, it offers 4 different functions for an endless amount of fun. When you look at the price, it may seem high, but trust me, you are getting a lot of value for your money. Your children are going to get a lot of use out of it. Let’s start with the top reasons we love this indoor slide.
There’s So Much to Do
This playset has 4 different functions. It will keep your little one occupied for hours. I know from experience. My kids love this indoor slide because it isn’t just a slide. One of them can sit in the swing set, while the other plays with the basketball hoop.
Having options is very helpful because toddlers and young children have short attention spans. This slide is more than just a slide and allows them to switch between activities if they become bored. Also, this is the only slide on this list that includes a swing set.
It Was Designed with Safety in Mind
There are many elements that this product has that make it safe and give you peace of mind. First, it is made with environmentally friendly, non-toxic, and sturdy HDPE plastic material. The swing has a safety bar for young toddlers that you can remove when your child is over the age of 3. There are side rails with the slide, making it easy for your child to hold on to and climb the ladder safely.
What else is there to love about our #1 pick?
- Non-slip ladder
- 110 lbs. weight limit for the slide
- 66-in. weight limit for the swing
- Easy to assemble (comes with all of the necessary tools)
- Removable basketball hoop
- Extended slide with a buffer zone
- Made of non-toxic plastic material
This indoor slide is also safe to use outdoors. As long as you have plenty of space, this playset is a perfect choice. It is the only slide to include a basketball hoop out of all our top picks. Even if you don’t have multiple children, your child will grow with this product and love all of the activities that they have to choose from.
#2: Step2 Play Up Double Slide Kids Climber (Best Overall and for Multiple Children)
This is the biggest splurge out of all the other slides and playsets. If you don’t have a strict budget, the Step2 Double Slide Kids Climber is a great product. It has so much going on that it’s more fun than a roller coaster ride! You’ll notice that the product description mentions it’s for outdoor use. Many parent testimonials are about this slide being used indoors, but because of its size, you’ll need a separate playroom. However, it is definitely worth it if you have more than one child in your household.
It Has Two Slides
Yes, it has 2 slides! Anyone who has at least 3 children should have this slide in the running. Kids are full of energy and what better way to release it than with an indoor double slide playset? If you can’t get outside for your kids to run around, this double slide climber is a great alternative. Just think about it, two of your kids sliding down each slide at the same time, while the third enjoys the view from the second tier.
It Holds a Lot of Weight
The weight limit for this slide is 180 lbs. This is great if you have a few kids, or if they have their friends over for a playdate. With its durable poly construction, you won’t have to worry about whether or not they are safe. With such a high weight limit, you know that it can take a lot of use.
Some other features that make this the best overall kids slide are…
- Climbing wall
- Steering wheel for added fun
- Durable climbing ladder
- Recommended for age range 2-6
- Made of non-toxic, plastic material
Although this is expensive, you can get years of use out of this double slide kids’ climber. With everything going on in the world right now, it is becoming more difficult to be able to get your kids out of the house. If your budget allows, this double slide would be a great investment to get your children up off the couch and be active. As you’ll see mentioned with other slides, these playsets are also good for imaginative play. This is crucial for the healthy development of kids of any age.
#3: Step2 Play Ball Fun Climber with Slide(Best for Stimulation)
It can take a lot to keep a toddler’s attention. You can compare them to a ping pong ball, where they are constantly bouncing from one toy or activity to the next. This slide was designed to help with that, as well as their hand-eye coordination. With different ways to play, your child will have endless fun. Additionally, you’ll see that it is much lower in price when compared to the Costzon Climber Playset and the Step2 Double Slide Climber. Take a look at the top reasons to purchase this slide and climber playing set.
A Ball Pit with Multiple Uses
The ball pit on its own is great for developing fine and gross motor skills. Your child will have to figure out how to grip the ball to make it roll down the maze and into the pit. It has a drain plug at the bottom that is guaranteed not to leak, so you can add water or sand to make it more stable.
It Promotes Social Skills
Sharing and communicating between our children is a crucial part of development for toddlers. They can work together to keep the balls going through the maze and also learn to take turns. The best part is that you can purchase additional balls if needed. (It comes with only 10.)
What other features made this #3 on our list?
- Made of BPA free, non-toxic, plastic material
- Durable double-wall plastic construction
- Can also be used outdoors
- Space under the slide to play hide and seek
- Recommended for age range 18 months to 4 years
This play slide is a great bargain for what it has to offer your child. It’s great for hours of entertainment and stimulation. One of the best parts is that it is even great for young toddlers.
#4: Little Tikes First Slide (Best Low Cost)
Out of all of the other slides on the list, this one is the cheapest at just under $35. However, that doesn’t mean it’s lower quality. It is a great choice for a young toddler when you are trying to decide how to keep them entertained on a rainy day. Keep reading to see why this slide made our list.
Great for Beginners
If your little one has never used a slide before, this would be a great place to start. It is easy and simple to use the toddler slide. It can be easily moved indoors or outdoors to keep the playtime going. The slide itself is only 3 feet long and is made for children age range 18 months to 6 years.
Easy to Store
This slide folds up easily for storage when not in use. Because of its small size at 23 inches long and 18 inches wide, you don’t need a lot of space for it. I would say it is a great option if you have one young toddler. You can just set this up for them in your living room, if the weather doesn’t allow for outside play. It could also be helpful while you are looking to enjoy a hot cup of coffee or fold a load of laundry.
Here are some other important details to mention.
- Easy to assemble with no tools required
- Side rails snap into place for safety
- 60 lbs. weight limit
- Folds and unfolds in seconds
- Promotes balance and coordination
- Great for outdoor use
- Made of non-toxic, plastic material
The Little Tikes First Slide is a steal for both a tight budget and a tight living space. It has a very simple design and is free of bells and whistles. However, it’s still a lot of fun for a young child if you are looking to keep them entertained for a short while.
#5 Eezy Peezy Active Play 3 in 1 Jungle Gym PlaySet (Best for Toddlers)
Looking back, I see how much my boys would have really enjoyed this jungle gym. The main reason is that it has a ball pit and multiple activities. If most kids are like mine, this would be one of the deciding factors for purchase. They are a little older now and have outgrown this, but it would be a fantastic choice if you are in the market for a toddler slide. Let’s break down the top reasons this jungle gym made our list.
Multiple Activities
Not only do you have a slide and ball pit, but there is also a ring toss game and a climbing structure. This is nice if you have more than one toddler in your family, as I did at one point. The recommended age range for this play structure is 1 to 3 years old. There’s so much to do that promotes exercise and for your children to use their imagination. Anything that offers a chance to help your child grow physically as well as mentally is worth checking out.
Unique Structure Makes It Easy to Assemble
The design of this playing set is different from the other top picks. It consists of durable interlocking plastic tubes and connectors with double self-locking springs. It is easy to assemble and just as safe as the other plastic slides. This special design makes it ideal for climbing.
What else do you need to know about this slide?
- Safe and sturdy plastic construction
- Made of non-toxic materials
- Not made for outdoor use
- 150 lbs. maximum weight
- 50 colorful balls included
This toddler slide is a great choice for your children’s playroom. It will provide a lot of fun and entertainment while still ensuring safety. Even though it isn’t intended for outdoor use, that’s alright because the goal of this guide is to help you find the right indoor slide. It may sound silly, but it’s not a requirement. In this case, it’s just an awesome perk.
Like the Little Tikes and the Step2 Play & Fold, this is a great slide for toddlers. The difference between those and this one is the added fun of the ball pit and the ring toss game. If you are interested in those additional activity elements that this slide offers, then this would be a better choice for you.
#6 Step2 Play & Fold Jr. Slide (Best for Small Spaces)
This play slide is the second smallest on our list, behind the Little Tikes Slide. What makes this one the best for small spaces is that not only does it fold up for storage, but you can hang it up as well. The Step2 Play & Fold Junior Slide can hang from a rack in a closet or even in the garage if you have one. It is the exact definition of out of sight and out of mind when not in use. What makes this slide special? Read on and find out.
Easiest to Clean
We are living in a time where disinfecting things we use every day has become even more important than before. It is the easiest slide to clean on this list, because of how simple it is to take apart. To clean this slide, you can use almost any household cleaner or even just some disinfectant wipes. Being able to quickly wipe it down at the of the day is really helpful if you are a busy parent.
Easiest Assembly
This slide only weighs 10 lbs. once it is put together, so it can be lifted and moved around easily. You don’t need any tools, all the pieces just snap into place. It’s the easiest to put together compared to any of the other slides on this list. I love products for kids that don’t require screwdrivers or hammers to assemble. Simple is always better, and if you’re like me, once your children know they are getting a slide, the patience is gone.
Let’s go over a few more important details.
- Can hold 43 lbs. per child, one at a time
- Intended for indoor and outdoor use
- Large, non-slip steps for safety
- Recommended for 1.5 to 4 year age range
- Made of non-toxic, plastic material
Out of all of the toddler slides on this list, this may be the second greatest option. It doesn’t take up very much space, so you can let your little one play with it in the living room. It goes for a great price at $50 and with Step2, you know that you are getting high quality and safe, non-toxic materials.
#7 Lil Monkey Climb N Slide Olympus (Easiest to Store)
This indoor slide had a lot of great reviews from other parents. The main reason it made this list is because of how easy it is to put away when your children aren’t using it. You can also use this slide outdoors safely, if you want to get your little ones out and active on a sunny weekend. So let’s dive in and get into detail about why this made the cut to be on our list.
Folds in Less Than a Minute
You’re probably wondering how this is possible. Well, this slide and climbing set is made of special polypropylene with glass fiber resin plastic. It is very durable, and the pole design allows you to easily collapse it and store it under a bed or transport it in the back of your car.
Promotes Imaginative Play
Allowing your child’s creativity and imagination to grow at this age is very important for their development. The climbing structure is made to cling to and hang from for physical exercise, but you also can throw a sheet over it so your kids can pretend it’s a castle or a cave.
What are the slide’s other important features?
- Tested for ASTM and EN-71 children safety standards
- UV resistant and weatherproof
- Recommended for age range 1.5 to 5 years
- Can hold a maximum weight of 176 lbs.
- Improves a child’s motor skills and strength
- Made of non-toxic, plastic material
It is a great perk that this slide and playset includes a small jungle gym for your children to climb on and swing from, in addition to the slide. If you have multiple children in your household, this would be a great option. However, it isn’t as compact as the Step2 Play & Fold slide, so it would be ideal to have a separate room to set up this playset.
#8 Sit and Slide First Toddler Chair and Slide (Best for Babies)
This slide is probably the most unique on this list. The slide doubles as a toddler chair. It is designed to help with your child’s posture while also adding in some fun playtime. Read on and see what some of its best features are.
It’s Very Versatile
Not only can this be a great place for your little one to sit and have some quiet time or have a bit of sliding fun, but it can also be used as a ramp for toys. Your child, or even several children, can use this to race their favorite cars and trucks. That in itself is a very cool feature because it adds to the experience.
It’s Compact
The main reason that this is a great option for babies and very young toddlers is its size. It is only 27 inches by 12 inches, making it the smallest on our list. Since it is small in size, it is a great option for the tiniest kids. Plus, the seat height is only 6 inches, making it easy for your child to get in and out of it without any assistance from you. It is great to promote independent play whenever possible, to help foster their imagination.
What else makes this a great choice?
- Made of durable wood material
- Intended for indoor use only
- Weighs 7.25 lbs.
- Recommended by parents for children under 2 years of age
This chair/slide combo is the only one on our list that isn’t made of plastic material. The wood does provide maximum durability for small toddlers and allows for a lot of different kinds of use. Our best advice is that, if you have a child that is still learning balance, this would be the best choice for you out of all of our other picks. It has only one step, and the top is very close to the floor to prevent injury.
What Other Toys Can Babies and Toddlers Climb On?
Slides aren’t the only toys out there that you can buy for your child to climb on. There are other kids’ indoor play structures that are entertaining and promote the development of motor skills. Let’s go over those next.
Foam Climber
These are soft and safe for even babies to crawl on and climb on. They are low to the ground and don’t take up a lot of space. Check out a great option for a foam climber here.
Tunnel
Tunnels are a lot of fun. There are some out there like this one here where your child can climb and crawl through. A lot of them or great for both indoor and outdoor use.
Monkey Bars/Jungle Gym
If you have a little monkey at home and all they want to do is climb, you can consider an indoor jungle gym like this one here. Your children can climb, hang, swing – whatever their heart desires. It can also be moved outside for some outdoor use as well.
Wooden Climbing Ladder
This is intended for older toddlers, but you can check out the ladder here. It’s great for learning balance and control. Plus, it’s waterproof.
Indoor Slide Safety Tips
Here are some important guidelines to know before you let your children play on their indoor slide or any other playground equipment. You shouldn’t take these lightly as you must ensure the safest environment possible.
Always be sure there is adult supervision
This will ensure that your kids are playing safely and not doing anything that will get them hurt. Kids will try to go down the slide the wrong way – kids will be kids. It is also good that you keep an eye out so if an accident does happen, you can respond accordingly.
Only age-appropriate children should play on the structure
Now, this probably goes without saying, but not every household has all their kids within the same age group. To prevent injury, follow the recommendations for age and weight and don’t allow a child who doesn’t fall within those limits to use the slide (or other parts of the playset).
Inspect the equipment often
Wear and tear are normal but you must regularly make sure everything is safe to use. Things can crack, break, or become loose. Inspect the plastic material to ensure there is no damage present, and if there are repairs needed, take care of them immediately.
Make sure there is plenty of space
For the larger structures, you want to be sure that there is enough space to set it up safely. This will include not being able to bump into or trip over other toys. Not having enough space increases the chance of one of your kids getting hurt, which no parent wants to see happen.
Check your flooring
You wouldn’t want to set up your child’s slide in a way that could cause it to tip. Place it on even ground, not something like a shaggy rug. It must lie flat so it can be as sturdy as possible.
Safety should always be your number one priority, as it most likely already is. As long as you follow these important tips, you should have no worries about getting your child their slide. Kids sometimes do get hurt, but it should put your mind at ease knowing that you are doing everything you can to prevent any serious injuries.
Verdict: Your Best Indoor Slide for Kids
If you want the best value for your money that includes a lot of great features (like a swing set), pick the Costzon Toddler 4-in-1 Climber Slide Playset.
For the best overall and biggest splurge, pick the Step2 Play Up Double Slide Kids Climber. It is also our top pick if you have multiple children.
If you want to keep the spend under $50, pick the Little Tikes First Slide. It is a great cost-effective option for a tight budget and tight space.
If you are looking for a slide to help with stimulation and coordination, the Step2 Play Ball Fun Climber with Slide is a great choice to work on your child’s gross and fine motor skills.
If you are exclusively shopping for the best indoor slide for a toddler, pick the Eezy Peezy Active Play 3 in 1 Jungle Gym PlaySet, especially if you have multiple toddlers.
For an indoor slide that is best for small spaces, pick the Step2 Play & Fold Jr. Slide. It is so easy to assemble, easy to store, and great for toddlers.
If you are looking for the kids’ slide that is easiest to store, pick the Lil Monkey Climb N Slide Olympus . It folds flat and is more fun than just a slide on its own.
For a bit of extra fun and a slide that is best designed for babies and small toddlers, pick the Sit and Slide First Toddler Chair and Slide. Its versatility is great for their development.
You can’t go wrong with any of the kids’ indoor slides on this list. Each of these slides has plenty of reasons to choose them, and this guide was put together to best help you with that decision. Some of the biggest factors that will most influence what you should purchase are size, price, whether you have multiple children, and what their age ranges are. We hope that this guide will relieve some of the stress because of all the different options out there.
