The strength of our imagination as children is unrivalled. A simple patch of grass in the garden can double up as a sprawling fairy kingdom, while a set of standard garden sprinklers might represent rapid, majestic waterfalls.
While little ones are certainly capable of making their own fun, there’s nothing more spectacular than watching eyes and smiles widen at the sight of an inflatable outdoor garden accessory fit for summertime adventures.
For decades now, parents have been crafting makeshift Slip-N-Slides to keep kids cool and entertained during heatwaves by using tarpaulin, sprinklers and oodles of fairy liquid. While these DIY garden accessories are all well and good, they simply can’t compare to extra-large inflatable waterslides and bouncy castles.
With ample supervision, inflatable outdoor water parks of all sizes mean that children can have fun in the sun all day long without ever leaving the house. Not only do inflatable water slides provide endless entertainment while allowing kids of all ages to beat the heat, but they also offer a brilliant activity for birthday parties and barbeques.
When it comes to inflatable water slides and bouncy castles, make sure you’re investing in a quality piece of kit that will last harsh winters in storage and can withstand daily wear and tear during the summer months. You’ll also want to purchase an option that has a fuss-free set-up with secure anchor points to keep the slide in place at all times.
With proper care, standard inflatable slides and bounce houses can last up to five years or more. Always remember to only set up inflatables on soft, grass-covered surfaces and keep an eye on little ones as they embark on imaginative, aquatic adventures.
Keep scrolling for a selection of the best inflatable slides and bouncy castles to invest in this summer.
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Outsunny Bounce House
Pool parties just got the upgrade of a lifetime thanks to Outsunny’s Bounce House. The UV-resistant inflatable has an array of mesh-covered play areas to keep kiddos busy and safe during warm weather, as well as a water cannon and sprinkler at the top of the slide. It comes with a handy storage bag, 12 anchor stakes, net and air blower for simple set-up.
Buy now £319.99, Wayfair
Happy Hop Inflatable Shark Slide
Complete with an adorable cartoon-like shark at the top of the slide, the Happy Hop inflatable connects to your hosepipe to spray water from the cannonball at the base of the paddling pool all day long. It also comes with accessories for a fun game of ring toss with the shark fin. Ground anchors keep the piece of kit in place, while the added repair kit means that any holes or tears can be speedily fixed.
Buy now £599.99, John Lewis
Costway Inflatable Water Slide
Costway’s six-in-one inflatable island paradise has a play area surrounded by an ultra-safe mesh wall. It’s also fitted with a climbing wall, sprinkler-adorned flamingo slide, basketball hoop, water gun and splash pool. It’s truly like having an extravagant water park in the comfort of your own home.
Buy now £299.95, Amazon
Slip, Slide and Body Board Set
This delightful pastel tie-dye slip-and-slide comes with two matching body boards for endless summer fun. The body boards also double up as handy, portable beach accessories. Just attach the slide to your garden hose and enjoy water showers which spray from both sides.
Buy now £55.00, SunnyLife
Bestway H2OGO! Splash Course Mega Water Park
The extra-large, aquatic bouncy castle of dreams, Bestway’s Splash Course is complete with sprinklers, a waterslide and a pool. The castle at the top of the slide has a safety mesh to protect little ones from going overboard, and the inflatable comes with a handy air blower which sets up the accessory in under two minutes.
Buy now £374.00, Currys
Funsicle 18ft 2-Lane Water Slide, Fresh Lime
A value-for-money slip-and-slide which is a whopping 18ft long, the Funsicle has two lanes so little ones can race to the cushioned finish line. It also sprays cooling showers of water thanks to hose pipe connectivity.
Buy now £14.39, John Lewis
Plum Water Park Splash Station
The Plum Splash Station has an impressive three different water play accessories including a water blaster, bubble blower and eight-pattern sprinkler One particularly cool feature is the colour wall, which kids can aim the water blaster at to reveal technicolour underwater creatures.
Buy now £180.00, Argos
Bestway Inflatable Beach Bouncy Water Park
For those looking for an extra-large paddling pool with a small, safe yet fantastically fun slide, Bestway’s inflatable Beach Bouncy Water Park is set to be your summertime hero. It’s made from colourful and durable PVC-coated polyester with double stitching for premium durability.
Buy now £300.00, Argos
