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11 best water slides in Australia for 2025

Invest in the inflatable water slide that turned one dad into “the best party thrower in the area” for less than $100.

Avoid the summer traffic and turn your backyard into a water park. Picture: iStock
Avoid the summer traffic and turn your backyard into a water park. Picture: iStock

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If you have a child and a backyard then you definitely need one of these in your life during summer – and for any blazing hot day that pops up throughout the year!

I’m going to level with you: I never really pictured myself as one of those parents with a backyard full of things for kids to play with … but here I am, with a trampoline, a basket ball and a netball hoop and – yes – an inflatable water slide.

You know what? I cannot imagine getting through those scorching summer days without it. Everyone gets to cool off and it’s easier than fighting traffic to the beach – and definitely cheaper than a pool! Plus you can stash it out of sight when summer is over and pull it back out when a random heatwaves strikes again.

If your kids are young, then the Intex Dinosaur Inflatable Play Centre is the perfect option. It’s the ideal size with lots of fun activities including a slide into a paddling pool and a palm tree water sprayer! Best of all, it’s $79 so it definitely ticks the budget box. One shopper had huge success and left a review saying, “This product allowed me to host the greatest party ever”. Other five-star reviewers left such comments as “the kids just love it”, “the perfect size” and “totally obsessed”.

At the other end of the scale, you might want to go all out and purchase something to keep your older kid and a couple of their friends entertained. The Crocadoo Slide & Splash from Lifespan Kids, currently on sale at Myer, is a great option as it offers hours of fun water play with two big slides and a waterblower. “What a hit!” raved one five-star reviewer. “Robust and easy to set up. Inflates in a couple of minutes. Hours of fun for the kids; they love it!”. Another wrote, “Excellent quality. Great fun, my kids love it. I’ve had a few different brands and the material used to make this one is the best so far”.

To help you keep your cool throughout summer, we’ve rounded up the best of the best for all ages and back gardens, big or small. So read on and get ready steady for those hot days …

OUR TOP PICKS

BEST INFLATABLE WATER SLIDES FOR LITTLE KIDS

Intex Dinosaur Inflatable Play Centre, $79 at Big W

Intex Dinosaur Inflatable Play Centre will elevate your next birthday party. Picture: Big W
Intex Dinosaur Inflatable Play Centre will elevate your next birthday party. Picture: Big W

Why we love it: It includes lots of age-appropriate activities

What to consider: Some customers found it a little slippery

Dimensions: 2.49m x 1.91m x 1.09m (inflated) | Material: Vinyl | Age range: 2 years upwards

What you need to know:

Your kids can have heaps of fun over summer with this prehistoric water park, splashing in the pool and volcano slide. The built-in palm-sprayer and waterfall attach to the garden hose for even more cool water play and there are six colourful balls to feed the hungry dinosaur.

“This product allowed me to host the greatest party ever,” gushed one reviewer. “And thanks to my new-found fame as the best party thrower in the area with the best inflatable, I get all the single mothers asking to try see my water park.”

“My 18-month-old is totally obsessed – perfect for summer time,” wrote another parent. “Perfect size for the smaller kiddies.”

SHOP HERE


Splish Splash Water Park, $194.34 (down from $243.30) at Amazon Australia

Have fun in the sun this summer with the Splish Splash Water Park. Picture: Amazon Australia
Have fun in the sun this summer with the Splish Splash Water Park. Picture: Amazon Australia

Why we love it: Perfect size for toddlers

What to consider: Invest in an air pump to inflate

Dimensions: ‎37.15cm x 6.99cm x 41.28cm | Material: PVC | Age range: 18 months+

What you need to know:

This pint-sized water park set-up featuring a splash mat, inflatable dolphin, inflatable slide and four inflatable starfish rings, offers a fun place for little ones to cool off on a hot summer’s day. It doesn’t take up much room and it’s the perfect size for toddlers. One purchaser commented, “Super sturdy, easy to inflate and my grandson had a blast with it. Great purchase!”.

SHOP HERE


Sprinkler Pad Water Splash Play Mat, $39.95 at Amazon Australia

Sprinkler Pad Water Splash Play Mat is great for hot summer days in the backyard. Picture: Amazon Australia
Sprinkler Pad Water Splash Play Mat is great for hot summer days in the backyard. Picture: Amazon Australia

Why we love it: Durable PVC with a one-year warranty

What to consider: Some customers needed a connection part to hook the hose to it

Dimensions: 22cm x 15cm x 8cm | Material: Heavy duty PVC | Age range: Good for babies onwards (under supervision)

What you need to know:

Okay, so it’s not a slide, but if you want to keep it simple, this best-selling sprinkler splash pad is the way to go. It has a shallow depth and you can adjust the height and pressure of the water sprays by turning your garden hose up or down. It’s made of heavy-duty PVC material that prevents leaks and damage – and when you’re done, it folds up nice and small for easy storage. Plus it features a choice of fun images to keep little minds engaged. Shoppers have been very happy with this mat as it’s a “good size” and “easy to set up”.

“Fantastic outdoor water play mat for kids,” enthused one five-star reviewer. “The 170cm size provides ample space for splashing and cooling off on hot days.”

SHOP HERE


Intex Inflatable Jungle Adventure Water Play Centre, from $72.24 from Amazon Australia

The Intex Inflatable Jungle Adventure Play Centre will delight your little ones. Picture: Amazon Australia
The Intex Inflatable Jungle Adventure Play Centre will delight your little ones. Picture: Amazon Australia

Why we love it: Perfect size for the backyard

What to consider: Blowing it up is a massive job, you might need an electric pump

Dimensions: Various | Material: Vinyl | Age range: 24 months and up

What you need to know:

Kids can go down the slide and make a splash in their very own aquatic jungle wonderland. This water play centre comes complete with a monkey, hippopotamus, crocodile and a flamingo ring toss game. It’s also able to be connected to the hose to add a sprinkler to the fun and games.

Sturdy and safe – not to mention great summer fun – this is the most gifted swimming pool on Amazon and has attracted over 20,000 five-star reviews.

“It’s the perfect size for the backyard and can handle a handful of kiddos in there at one time,” wrote one shopper. Another raved, “I ordered this back in 2022, and it was a total hit! My daughter was 2 at the time, absolutely loved it.”

SHOP HERE


BEST INFLATABLE WATER SLIDES FOR BIG KIDS

Lifespan Kids Crocodoo Slide & Splash, $746 (down from $886) at Myer

You can't go wrong with the Crocadoo Slide & Splash by Lifespan Kids. Picture: Myer
You can't go wrong with the Crocadoo Slide & Splash by Lifespan Kids. Picture: Myer

Why we love it: Offers two slides – and electric pump included

What to consider: It has a hefty price tag

Dimensions: 490cm x 285cm x 249cm | Material: Heavy duty puncture proof materials with double stitching | Max number of kids: 3

What you need to know:

This water slide offers incredible quality and customers have reported that it has never punctured or torn. Featuring two slides – one 2.8m and the other 2.2m – as well as a water blower and large splash pool, this is the ideal summer purchase.

It’s also space savvy when it’s time to stow away.

“No need to take my kids to Water Park with this amazing Crocadoo Slide and Splash,” said a five star reviewer. “I could easily set up a water park in my backyard for my kids with it. They now stay entertained for hours enjoying its double slides and water pool! Definitely the addition to our backyard we needed to stay entertained during the lockdown. Highly recommended to help kid enjoy their summer.”

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Surrey 2 Slide and Splash, $531.25 (down from $625) at Yardgames

Your kids will love the Surrey 2 Slide and Splash this summer. Picture: Yardgames
Your kids will love the Surrey 2 Slide and Splash this summer. Picture: Yardgames

Why we love it: Generous size includes a jumping castle

What to consider: Large size requires some backyard space (and storage for later)

Dimensions: 310cm x 280cm x 210cm | Material: Heavy duty PVC with UV coating | Max number of kids: 4

What you need to know:

This excellent inflatable features not only a slide and water gun but also a jumping castle, and is super strong and resistant to the elements. Large enough for your kid plus three friends, this allows for hours of backyard water entertainment. Electric pump is included.

“From the moment we set it up, the kids didn’t want to get off it,” said one five-star reviewer on Google Reviews. “They have loved it both dry and wet. Great combination of sections for all ages.”

SHOP HERE


Living Fusion Tom Inflatable Water Play Centre, $599 (down from $699) at Temple & Webster

Living Fusion Tom Inflatable Water Play Centre. Picture: Temple & Webster
Living Fusion Tom Inflatable Water Play Centre. Picture: Temple & Webster

Why we love it: There are 12 different play zones

What to consider: Takes a little effort to pack away

Dimensions: 250cm x 320cm x 480cm | Material: Oxford fabric, PVC plastic | Age group: 3-5 years

What you need to know:

This awesome inflatable water play centre will completely transform your backyard and crown your house the most popular on the street. With a water blower, two slides and 12 fun play areas, this will keep your summer super fun and cool, year after year.

“Love, love, love this item,” wrote a five-star reviewer. “It’s quite pricey but probably worth it to be honest. I just want it bigger so I can play on it. The kids love it …”

SHOP HERE


AirMyFun Inflatable Castle Trampoline Bounce House Splash Jumping Toy, $559.92 (down from $699) at Big W

AirMyFun Inflatable Castle Trampoline Bounce House Splash Jumping Toy. Picture: Big W
AirMyFun Inflatable Castle Trampoline Bounce House Splash Jumping Toy. Picture: Big W

Why we love it: Plenty of activities with 11 fun play zones

What to consider: Suitable for just 3-5 kids at a time

Dimensions: 5.1m x 4m x 2.3m | Material: high-quality Oxford materials and wear-resistant PVC | Age group: 3 years onwards

What you need to know:

This inflatable water slide offers a heap of surprises with 11 play zones, including a jumping bounce house, a bonus slide and a water blower. Made from super strong materials, it’s resistant to punctures – and it inflates in less than three minutes.

It’s suitable for three to five kids at a time with a total weight of 90kg.

SHOP HERE


Costway Inflatable Bouncy Castle Outdoor Trampoline Jumping Playhouse w/Blower, $356.95 at Big W

The Costway Inflatable Jumping Playhouse is the way to go this summer. Picture: Big W
The Costway Inflatable Jumping Playhouse is the way to go this summer. Picture: Big W

Why we love it: Features dual slides and a ball pit

What to consider: Should not be used in windy, rainy or gusty conditions

Dimensions: 424cm x 297cm x 240cm | Material: Tear-resistant Oxford cloth | Weight limit: 120kg

What you need to know:

This awesome inflatable playhouse has dual slides for double the fun, as well as a water blower, ball pit, bounce house and football goal.

Kids can enjoy a multitude of activities including jumping, sliding, climbing, shooting, kicking and throwing rings. There’s hours of entertainment to be had! Plus, the play area features protective mesh as well as shade to keep things cool.

SHOP HERE


BEST INFLATABLE WATER ALTERNATIVES

Wahu Mega 7.5m Double Slide, $49.99 (down from $59.99) at Amazon Australia

Wahu Mega 7.5m Double Slide is double the fun – yet easy to store. Picture: Amazon Australia
Wahu Mega 7.5m Double Slide is double the fun – yet easy to store. Picture: Amazon Australia

Why we love it: Awesome sliding fun

What to consider: You need a long stretch of grass, preferably with a slight slope

Dimensions: ‎30cm x 7cm x 37 cm | Materials: Vinyl | Age range: 3 to 12 years

What you need to know:

This isn’t a traditional inflatable slide, but a backyard toy that will still cool the kids down and get them moving. With a long track and in-built sprinkler system, they can slip and slide down the grass to their heart’s content.

We’ve bought many different slip ‘n slides over the years, however this option from Wahu is strong and also double the fun so kids can race each other down the garden.

SHOP HERE


Dino Giant Sprinkler, $109.99 at Sunnylife

The Dino Giant Sprinkler will help the little ones keep cool. Picture: Sunnylife
The Dino Giant Sprinkler will help the little ones keep cool. Picture: Sunnylife

Why we love it: Like a sprinkler but so much better

What to consider: Not for jumping or diving

Dimensions: 200cm x 90cm x 200cm | Material: Non-toxic phthalate-free PVC |

What you need to know:

Okay, this is not an inflatable slide either but it’s still a super popular water play toy for the backyard that allows you to cool off in the summer holidays.

With a height of over 1.8m, this fun sprinkler showers water from the dino’s mouth. It’s made of durable and safe PVC to last the summer months and comes with a hose adaptor that fits most garden hoses.

One happy shopper left a five-star review saying, “My kids all loved this, but especially my younger boys, they thought it was the best thing ever and ask for their ‘rackosaurus’ sprinkler most days!”.

SHOP HERE


WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A WATER SLIDE

Age of kids: One of the main considerations is the age of your children. While most of the large inflatables listed here have an age range from about 3 to 12 years, just be sure to double-check, as some have maximum weight limits and older kids might simply be too big to play safely. Parent supervision is always essential, whatever your kid’s age.

Size: Some of these inflatable sides are large so you need to see how much room there is in your backyard, and if there are any slopes or overhanging trees in the way. Similarly, some slides and water play centres may appear larger in pictures but fall short when they arrive on your doorstep. Always check dimensions advertised and ensure the toy is the right size for you, your kids and your outdoor area.

Materials: What is it made from? Is it a durable material that will last more than one summer? Look out for strong PVC or vinyl that is tear resistant, UV protected and with double stitching.

Storage: As with any larger toy, you need to consider how much room you have to store it. Many of these will fold up into something you can easily store in the garage or a backyard shed.

Maintenance: Remember that you’ll always need time to dry out the slide before folding it and stowing it away in order to reduce the risk of mould.


HOW WE CHOOSE PRODUCTS

To help you find the best water slides, our team of experienced writers spent hours researching products to include in this article.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT ARE THE SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS OF BACKYARD WATER SLIDES?

While inflatable water slides are no doubt fantastic for an afternoon of summer fun, children have drowned in kiddie/splash pools and they should never, ever be used without adult supervision.

As a general rule, if there’s water involved, with kids five and under, an adult should always be within an arm’s reach. However in this case, considering height is also factor and there’s always the potential to fall and/or slip, an adult should always be present when children up to 10 are anywhere near the slide.

Always make sure to drain and store your slide as soon as you’ve finished using it. Any water left unsupervised – whatever the depth – is a potential drowning hazard.


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Susannah Hardy
Susannah HardyParenting Shopping Writer

Susannah loves nothing more than finding great deals to help make life easier for parents. She has written extensively on all things parenting for publications such as Practical Parenting, Babyology and Tell Me Baby and has worked for Finder, reporting on best buys for families. Susannah is a busy mum of two fast-growing girls, and uses her work finding the best products at the right price in her daily life.

Original URL: https://www.news.com.au/checkout/life/kids/toys/best-water-slides/news-story/88435cbb11a281696109d0dccf08e56c