The best slides in the UK 2023

If at the beginning, slides were found in public places, since a few years, it became domestic. More appreciated than the swing with the children, there is a multitude of slides which can find their place as well inside (in a room) as outside (in the garden). In addition to being fun, it allows the child to be more active, to gain confidence in him to not be afraid of falling, to help him find his balance and his limits, to improve his reflexes. Through this article, we will help you choose the best slide.

Children's slide with basket DRIPEX 1
9/10

Editor's Choice

Children's slide with basket DRIPEX

The best slide

The DRIPEX slide with basketball hoop can support up to 25 kg. With a dimension of 115 x 66 x 125 cm, it has wide non-slip steps, a handrail and a guardrail for optimal safety.

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The DRIPEX kids slide is innovative and fun. It has 2 ways of entertainment: the slide for sliding and the mini basket for playing basketball. It is easy to assemble and is extremely stable, being able to support a load of up to 25 kg. It is supported by its 4 side deflector feet to maximize the safety of children. The steps are wide and non-slip, with a handrail to help your toddler climb. It also comes with a guardrail to protect him. Thanks to its triangular design, the set is perfectly balanced. Measuring 115 x 66 x 125 cm, this slide is not at all cumbersome and folds up with a simple gesture for easy storage. You can install it indoors, in the bedroom, or outdoors.

First indoor and outdoor slide - LITTLE TIKES 2
8/10

Best cheapest

First indoor and outdoor slide - LITTLE TIKES

The best entry-level slide

The LITTLE TIKES indoor and outdoor slide has all the technical features to ensure the safety of your children. Its 110cm slide will amuse the little ones from 18 months.

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The LITTLE TIKES slide can be installed both indoors and outdoors. It is suitable for children from 1 year and a half. It has the advantage of being very safe: the steps have been designed so that the ascent is very easy; the large runners on the end of the slide keep the children during the slide; a wide base welcomes them at the landing. The slide is made with great stability. It is both sturdy and durable, made to last over time. In addition, the game is easy to assemble and disassemble. You can store it to save space when you are not using it anymore. The slide is 39 x 120 x 77 cm with a slide length of 110cm.

Super Megagliss Slide - SMOBY 3
7/10

Best high end

Super Megagliss Slide - SMOBY

The best premium slide

The Super Megaliss slide from SMOBY will entertain children from 2 to 4 years old thanks to its 3 adjustable waves. Its non-slip steps and ergonomic slide ensure safety. The slide offers up to 3.75 m of sliding.

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The SMOBY Super Megagliss slide is suitable for children from 2 to 8 years old. The sliding height is adaptable. It can go from one to three waves: the first wave is intended for children from 2 to 4 years. From 4 years old, you can add the second wave to provide more height. The slide can go up to 3.75m of sliding. The non-slip steps ensure safety. A high and ergonomic slide is placed above the game allowing the child to find his balance and support. A small module accompanies the bottom of the slide so that children can land smoothly. This French made game has the advantage of being very easy to assemble. The small model is 177 x 100 cm while the large model is 352 x 186 cm. The slide is made of plastic with anti UV treatment, allowing it to keep its colors.

Wooden playground with swing, slide, sandbox, ladder, indoor house - BACKYARD DISCOVERY HILL 4
8/10

Multi-game toggle

Wooden playground with swing, slide, sandbox, ladder, indoor house - BACKYARD DISCOVERY HILL

The best multi-game, playful, fun slide

The BACKYAD DISCOVERY HILL playground includes two swings, a slide with 1.83m of sliding, a house with sandbox and a climbing ladder. It entertains children from 3 years old to 10 years old. Measuring 310 x 20 x 230 cm, it meets the EN71 safety standards.

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This BACKYARD DISCOVERY HILL playground guarantees total fun for children. It is perfect for children from 3 to 10 years old. Everyone can have fun on the same playground. It has a slide with a sliding length of 1.83 m, two swings, a playhouse and sandbox as well as a climbing ladder. It lets the children's imagination run free. This playground meets the EN71 safety standards, allowing children to play safely. Made of high quality pre-stained cedar wood, it is both sturdy and durable and resists bad weather and wood rot. With a dimension of 310 x 20 x 230 cm, it has the necessary space to let your children play in complete freedom.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best slide

Any specific needs?

The best slide

The best entry-level slide

The best premium slide

The best multi-game, playful, fun slide

Your guide : Samuel

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Comparison table of the best slides

THE BEST LESS EXPENSIVE TOP OF THE RANGE Multi-game tote bag
Children's slide with basket DRIPEX 5
9/10
First indoor and outdoor slide - LITTLE TIKES 6
8/10
Super Megagliss Slide - SMOBY 7
7/10
Wooden playground with swing, slide, sandbox, ladder, indoor house - BACKYARD DISCOVERY HILL 8
8/10
OUR SELECTION
Children's slide with basket DRIPEX
First indoor and outdoor slide - LITTLE TIKES
Super Megagliss Slide - SMOBY
Wooden playground with swing, slide, sandbox, ladder, indoor house - BACKYARD DISCOVERY HILL
The DRIPEX slide with basketball hoop can support up to 25 kg. With a dimension of 115 x 66 x 125 cm, it has wide non-slip steps, a handrail and a guardrail for optimal safety.
The LITTLE TIKES indoor and outdoor slide has all the technical features to ensure the safety of your children. Its 110cm slide will amuse the little ones from 18 months.
The Super Megaliss slide from SMOBY will entertain children from 2 to 4 years old thanks to its 3 adjustable waves. Its non-slip steps and ergonomic slide ensure safety. The slide offers up to 3.75 m of sliding.
The BACKYAD DISCOVERY HILL playground includes two swings, a slide with 1.83m of sliding, a house with sandbox and a climbing ladder. It entertains children from 3 years old to 10 years old. Measuring 310 x 20 x 230 cm, it meets the EN71 safety standards.
comes with a basketball hoop
Stable, sturdy and durable
adjustable
5 playing fields
supports up to 25 kg
secure
slide up to 3.75 m
meets EN71 safety standards
safe and secure
110 cm slide
plastic with UV protection
durable and resistant

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How to choose your slide

There are different models of slides on the toy market. It should be noted, however, that there is a slide for every age. A slide for a 9 year old child will not necessarily be suitable for a 2 year old. Some parameters should also be taken into account before buying one. Here are some important criteria that could be used:

#1 - Security

Safety is very important when it comes to a toy for children. To avoid any danger, it must comply with the European and French standards NF EN 1176-3. They concern the safety obligations and test means specifically related to slides.

To allow the child to have a support to hold on to and maintain its balance, opt for models with handles at the entrance to the slide as well as a ramp. The existence of an edge on the ends of the slide ramp provides additional safety. Also, be sure to place it on a flat area or ground to maintain its stability. Look for models that have a structure with a base.

Also choose a model with a ladder with an anti-slip system to avoid slipping.

#2 - The materials

There

are different models of slides designed in plastic, wood, or even metal. The choice of material is also based on the size of the construction. In general, slides for toddlers are made of plastic and with bright colors. They allow the child to awaken their senses and play without the risk of injury. Alternatively, there are gantry structures that combine wood with metal. This model has the advantage of being much more resistant. For the safety of the child as well as the durability of your slide, it is also important to consider the weight that it can accept. For a child between the ages of 3 and 7, for example, you would need a structure that can support between 25 and 35 kg.

#3 - Your child's age

As

we mentioned above: to each age its own slide. The goal in offering one to your little one is for him to find the pleasure of play, the joy of having fun, not to scare him. There are models specially designed for children from 0 to 2 years old; from 3 to 5 years old; from 6 to 8 years old and from 9 to 12 years old.
For older children, the models are distinguished by higher and more accentuated slide ramps. For children under 5 years old, the ramps are generally less than 3 meters.

For children over 6 years old, there are models that can go to more than 3 meters.

#4 - The shape

The

shapes and types of slides vary greatly. The most common form is the trestle slide. It has a step (usually a ladder) for the child to climb up. The slide ramp can be symmetrical or with waves. The handsets are accompanied by a small house, a trapeze or a swing. This model allows the child to have other play areas at his disposal. The ring finger comes with a tunnel. It is perfect for letting the child play hide and seek.

#5 - The length

Length is one of the parameters to consider if you want the little ones to find pleasure in sliding. Of course, the sorting is done by age group. An older child will definitely want a slide with a longer sliding distance. Just to guide you

:- For a child from 3 to 7 years old : he should have a sliding length of 2 to 3m-
For a child from 7 years old : he should have a sliding length of 2 to 4m

The different types of slides

When it comes to slides, we can say that there is a wide variety whether it is in terms of color, model or materials. Today, we are going to turn more to the types of slides designed according to their materials, and that will allow you to better guide you in your choice. In addition to the 3 types of slides we are going to mention, there are also fiberglass slides but they are more intended for water parks.

Plastic slides

The plastic material is more commonly used because of its light weight, lower price, and durability. Another advantage of plastic slides is that they do not heat up as much as metal slides during hot weather. In addition, they are much safer. They are commonly designed for children.

The most commonly used plastic for slide design is HDPE or high density polyethylene. It is very easy to maintain. We also have LDPE or low density polyethylene. The shape of the slide ramp is obtained using a process called rotational molding. Stabilizers and inhibitors are added to ensure comfort when sliding. Plastic slides for children are sometimes presented in bright colors. In order to preserve the colors, the plastics are UV stabilized.

Metal slides

Three

materials are used in the design of metal slides: hot-dipped galvanized steel, stainless steel, anodized or painted aluminum. These have undergone epoxy resin treatment or powder coating. Galvanized steel has the particularity of resisting corrosion and stress. It serves as a support for the slide. The addition of paint protects it against rust. Stainless steel has a strong capacity to resist rust and corrosion. Anodized aluminum has a protective and decorative role: it brings to the other materials a good capacity to resist heat and wear. Sandblasting provides a smooth metal surface.

Wooden slides

Wooden slides were the first to be made. They were later neglected to the detriment of steel and plastic slides. Currently, they are coming back in fashion to bring a more natural touch to the play area or garden. The wood is sanded to obtain a smooth and fine surface. A treatment with a sealer is then done to protect it from aging.
For modern woods, they are often coated with very thin plastic to cover the sliding surface. This way, the slide is much safer. To keep its natural look, a metal sheet is sometimes used to cover its surface. Although rare, wooden slides can still be found on the market.

Slide or swing?

Whether it's a slide or a swing, you'll be able to enjoy the fun of play, favorite distractions that will appeal to young and old alike. When looking to install a playground in your home, you are probably hesitating between the two. This section will help you make your choice. In any case, if the choice is not made, you should know that there are models that combine both

The slide

With the slide, the child will be able to improve his balance, better know his body and increase his reflexes. More than a play element, it is also a means of learning. This fun equipment requires a certain physical effort. It is also a sport: running, climbing the steps, pushing, and finally sliding to relax. And here we go again for a ride! The child's excitement at this euphoria will push him to do more. Thus, it prevents him from being sedentary.

It brings the child physical and intellectual well-being by letting his imagination work.

The swing

The swing increases the child's knowledge of his or her body, makes the senses work, increases muscle tone, coordination and balance: running, jumping, pushing, leg movement in order to launch himself or herself even higher... It also allows the child to mingle with others thanks to the exchanges: playing by turns, while one pushes, the other swings. It is sometimes used by therapists to improve the child's skills in a playful and original way. Apparently, the movements of the swing (swinging, turning, ...) stimulate the vestibular system and help to improve the child's posture. However, care must be taken to ensure that the child does not fall. For this purpose, there are swings with a backrest.

Verdict

Between the swing and the slide, you have the choice. Both are fun and playful, and develop the child's senses and psychomotor skills. However, if the decision is difficult, you should know that there are gantries where these two play elements are combined. The child can then move from the swing to the slide.

Tips

To give color to a plastic slide

To give your plastic slide a new lease on life, you can repaint it. It is however to note that it is not enough to pass directly the paint on top. In order for the paint to stick to the plastic, use a quick blowtorch on the area to be painted. Then run a fine sandpaper over it as a sanding operation. Apply a first coat of acrylic primer, then a second coat once the first has dried. You now have a good surface ready to attach the paint. Choose satin acrylic paint. Once this is done, and dried, consider protecting the surface with a matte acrylic varnish. You can at the end put a shot of plastic renovator and shine well with a cloth so that it is well slippery.

To clean a slide

To maintain a plastic slide, you can :

  • Soak a clay stone in water. Once it is well diluted, you can clean the slide with the liquid, using a cloth or sponge.
  • White vinegar also works well: a mixture of water and vinegar. The slide will shine better with this tip. You can then rinse and dry with a clean, dry cloth.
  • You can also clean the slide simply with water. Once washed, rinse with hydrogen peroxide and let dry.
  • With household alcohol, you can clean the plastic with a cloth. Not only does it clean, but it adds shine to the plastic.
  • Mix baking soda with water to make a paste. Rub the slide with it and rinse. Then dry with a clean, dry cloth.

To install the slide outside

Slides come in different models and depending on the age. To make sure it's stable and safe, make sure it's installed in a straight, flat surface. Secure it to the ground at least 50 cm deep. Use heavy concrete if necessary. To soften the arrival of the children after the slide, lay out a foam cushioning slab, a sandbox or a lawn.

To repair a crack on plastic

A special glue can help you repair a crack in your plastic slide and get a better result. There are glues for plastic but intended for large jobs, and others that correspond to very specific plastics. Special cyanoacrylate adhesives are generally suitable for all plastics. Clean the area to be repaired so that there are no traces of grease, dust or dirt. Let it dry thoroughly. Make sure that the parts to be bonded fit together perfectly. Scrub with sandpaper and apply glue activator. Apply the glue.

DIY: To make your own slide

Sometimes,

we can have a clear idea of what kind of slide we would like to have in our home. But sometimes this model we have in mind is not on the market, or we do not have the means to buy a slide. In this case, let's create our own slide. To do this, first choose the right location, an airy area not too close to a piece of garden furniture or other; and well visible so you can keep an eye on your children. Fix 4 posts at the corners, and install rigid beams inside. They will serve as a support for the floors. Attach an OBS roof to the slide. Install the ready-to-assemble slides, which you can find in stores. The height of the platform should be about half the height of the slide to smooth the slope. Attach the top edge to the edge of the slide with galvanized screws. To increase safety, the screws should be capped with a protection. And finally, place a sandbox, grass or rubber on the finish area of the slide.

Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

See more
Our selection
Children's slide with basket DRIPEX 9
Children's slide with basket DRIPEX
First indoor and outdoor slide - LITTLE TIKES 10
First indoor and outdoor slide - LITTLE TIKES
Super Megagliss Slide - SMOBY 11
Super Megagliss Slide - SMOBY
Wooden playground with swing, slide, sandbox, ladder, indoor house - BACKYARD DISCOVERY HILL 12
Wooden playground with swing, slide, sandbox, ladder, indoor house - BACKYARD DISCOVERY HILL

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