Kids Slides

Static slides for backyard and indoor play, sorted by age and height so you can match one to your child's stage. Toddler slides start around 1m and go up to 3m backyard slides for confident climbers. You'll also find practical guidance on what should sit at the bottom so your little one can slide on their own without you hovering.

Slides by age, starting with toddler slides

Easiest way to shop is by your child's stage, not by the tallest slide that'll fit in the yard. Use the Shop by Age filter at the top of the page to narrow it down.

• Toddler slides, 1 to 3 years. Low platforms around 1m, wide steps, short runs. A solid first outdoor buy.
• Slides for 3 to 5 years. Around 1.8m. Still low enough that you can spot from a few steps away.
• Slides for 5 and up. 2.2m and 3m slides for kids who climb confidently and want a bit more speed.

Not sure which band your child sits in? Go by confidence, not birthday. Some 3 year olds are ready for a 1.8m slide, others are happier on something shorter for another six months. If you want to see what else fits their stage, browse the wider outdoor play equipment collection.

How tall a slide should be for your child

Match the height to your child, not to the yard. A slide that's too tall gets used once and then sits there.

• Around 1m suits 1 to 3 year olds. Low enough for you to lift them off if they freeze at the top.
• 1.8m is the sweet spot for 3 to 5 year olds who can climb steps unassisted.
• 2.2m and 3m are for older kids who are steady on ladders and want a longer ride.

Check the step width and the handrails before you buy. Wider steps and full handrails matter more than the length of the slide itself, because that's where little hands and feet actually need support. Bigger isn't better. Right-sized is.

Standalone slide or part of a set

A standalone slide is often enough for one child in a smaller yard, and it's the cheaper, quicker option. Once you've got two kids, or one child who's outgrown the slide alone, a swing set or play centre starts earning its space.

If you were searching for a swing set with a slide, head to swing sets instead. That's what you're actually buying.

Indoor slides for wet weather

Compact plastic slides work well indoors on rainy days. Look for something that packs down or tucks against a wall, and put it on a rug or play mat rather than bare floorboards. Most indoor slides sit around 1m tall, which is fine for toddlers and easy to shift room to room.

Where to put it and what surface underneath

The surface at the bottom matters as much as the slide itself. Aim for:

• Level ground. A slight lean makes the slide wobble on the dismount.
• A soft landing. Grass, a rubber mat or soft-fall bark. Avoid concrete and pavers.
• Clearance at the bottom. Leave at least a couple of metres clear at the exit so your child doesn't crash into a fence, wall or garden bed.
• Space around the sides. Enough room for you to stand next to them while they get the hang of it.

Slides that come with a cubby house or climbing frame

If the slide is really part of a bigger setup, shop that setup instead. Cubby houses with a slide attached live on the cubby houses and playhouses page. Larger multi-part sets belong with the climbing frames. A climbing frame with a slide is often the natural next step once your child has outgrown their first standalone slide.

A quick note on water slides

Inflatable and water slides are a separate seasonal collection, not part of this page.

Frequently asked questions

What height slide is safe for a 2 year old?

A slide around 1m is the right pick for a 2 year old. At that height the steps are shallow, the handrails are within reach, and you can lift your child off the top if they change their mind. Save the 1.8m and taller slides for when they're climbing confidently on their own.

Can you use a plastic slide indoors?

Yes. Plastic slides are the standard indoor pick because they're light, easy to wipe down and safe to move. Place it on a rug or play mat rather than a hard floor, and leave clearance at the bottom so your child doesn't slide into furniture. Most indoor plastic slides sit around 1m tall.

What should go under a backyard slide?

Grass, a rubber mat or soft-fall bark. Avoid concrete, pavers and hard-packed dirt, because that's where falls actually hurt. Make sure the ground is level so the slide doesn't wobble, and leave a couple of metres clear at the exit for a safe landing.

Are standalone slides worth it, or should I buy a set?

A standalone slide is worth it for one child under 4, or for a smaller yard, and you'll get two or three good years out of it. If you've got multiple kids or you're planning for the long run, a swing set or play centre gives you more play value per square metre.

How long will a toddler use a slide?

A well-sized toddler slide gets used for two to three years, roughly 18 months to 4. After that most kids want a taller slide, a swing set or a climbing frame. Starting with a 1m slide and moving up to 1.8m later is a common path.

Do slides need to be anchored?

Standalone toddler slides usually don't need anchoring because they're low and light. Taller slides, and slides that form part of a swing set or climbing frame, do need anchoring. The instructions in the box will tell you how. Always check the manufacturer's guidance before first use.

What's the difference between a kids slide and a water slide?

Kids slides on this page are static plastic or metal slides for everyday backyard and indoor play. Water slides are inflatable, seasonal and used with a hose. Different product, different purpose, and they live on the water slides collection page.

Still not sure which slide suits your child? Our team is on hand five days a week if you'd like a quick second opinion before you order.