The best My first slide

Why buy one?

Slides and other outdoor play equipment are all great pieces of gear to get children to play outside, but they are also valuable for teaching good coordination, spatial awareness and balance. Children have to learn to climb up the steps, whilst holding on, and how to position themselves correctly at the top of the slide so they can successfully go down. They’ll also have to remember to stop themselves by putting their feet down at the bottom of the slide! You can visit play areas, but for younger children it’s ideal for them to have a slide at home so they can gain confidence.

What to spend

You can buy very basic plastic ‘first’ slides for as little as £25, which are a good first introduction for young toddlers, or spend anything up to £500 for a structure with other play equipment such as swings or a climbing frame. A standard first slide and playcentre set-up shouldn’t cost more than around the £200 mark.

What to look for

Smaller, more basic slides are cheaper and a good initial buy, but don’t have a huge amount of longevity. They are more portable though and don’t take up as much space as a larger, more expensive structure. 

First Slide, £28, ELC

This simple plastic slide has great features despite its super affordable price; it can fold up compactly for easier storage and can be used inside or out thanks to its compact design. A great first slide for toddlers to master thanks to its chunky design and wide steps.

Hide and slide climber, £124.99, Little Tikes

This play centre will become a great focal point for children’s games as it incorporates a slide, a climbing area, plus a hidden den. Suitable for children aged two and upwards, there’s a wide platform at the top and easy to climb steps so they can move confidently around the structure.

Bug Slide, £23, Chad Valley

A sturdy, plastic slide with the added benefit that it needs no assembly so is ready to use when you buy it! It can be played on by toddlers as young as 18 months old and has a hidden area underneath for creating a den. Its light enough to move around easily, and is compact enough to be used inside your home as well as out.

Scramble ‘n’ Slide Playcentre, £99.99, Grown Up

Full of features and activities, this castle-themed set is perfect if you want to invest in a model with a bit more longevity or if you have more than one child. As well as a slide, there’s a swing with a harness, climbing wall and crawl space plus a basketball hoop and mini football goal. 

3-in-1 rocking boat slide, £215.99, Wayfair

Looking for something to keep your kids busy during the long winter months? This wooden slide is for indoor use only, but it can be used in a variety of ways to justify the slightly hefty price tag. It can not only be used as a slide, but also as a rocking boat and it can also be turned on its side to transform into a shop or cafe counter for role play fun.