Kids Slides

Like any outdoor play equipment, slides can be prone to gathering dirt and grime, which can affect durability. If your outdoor slide is left out in the rain, there's also the risk of moisture build-up leading to mould or mildew. To keep your slide looking as good as new and in a safe condition, you should clean it at least once every couple of weeks. If it's excessively muddy or dusty, cleaning sooner rather than later will make the job much easier.

To keep your child's slide at its slippery best, opt for a solution of mild detergent and warm water to wash the structure, scrubbing any stubborn marks with a damp cloth. Avoid harsh cleaning chemicals or abrasive materials, as these can cause unwanted damage. A power washer or garden hose might speed this process up. When the accumulated dirt is gone, let the surface dry before applying a coat of wax.

Waxing the slide makes the experience smoother and offers great fun, but only if you use a child-safe wax product. You can use a wax spray, or even rub wax paper onto the sliding surface, but always check that whatever you use won't degrade the slide material. It must also be non-toxic, non-irritating, and non-staining, as it will come into contact with clothing and skin – and the last thing you want to do is cause skin irritation or ruin clothes.

Slides for kids offer a fun way to access speed and freedom, without having to worry about safety risks. Of course, the more a child grows, the less fun smaller slides will become, and they'll want to move on to something more adventurous. Whichever model you choose, you should always check the product description for different ages and size limits.

The selection of children's slides we supply at Wicken Toys is generally suitable for 3 years of age and up. This means that children should be able to slide safely if they are at least 36 months old. However, adult supervision should always be a top priority with toddlers and young children.

It's not advised for adults to attempt to use slides for kids. Older children and teenagers may be able to continue using slides and climbing frames as they age, as long as they don't exceed the maximum weight load. The height, width, and weight capacity vary according to each product, so always check the specifications before buying.

For slides that are designed to attach to play structures, make sure that both of the products are compatible with each other beforehand. The range of Creative Playthings slides we stock is designed for Creative Playthings wooden climbing frames.

When you apply common sense and show your children how to use a kids' slide correctly, these structures are just as safe as they are fun. For the utmost safety, only one child should be on the ladder or waiting platform, or going down the slide, at any given time. Teach them to always slide down feet-first, in a sitting position – never headfirst, and never lying on their back or stomach, as this increases the risk of them accidentally hurting themselves.

Children should also be aware that safe sliding means waiting for the bottom of the slide to be clear before taking their turn sliding down, and then moving away from the area to make room for the next person. An adult should always be present to keep an eye on younger children, especially around taller slides. A few seconds without supervision can be all it takes for someone to slip or fall, but being supervised should ensure that children follow the rules you've taught them.

Of course, before anybody uses the slide, you should ensure it's installed safely. There must be a clear landing area free of obstacles, with a soft shock-absorbing ground material such as wood chips or sand. You should secure the bottom of the slide to the ground if possible. After rainy or hot weather, always wipe down outdoor play equipment and check its temperature before allowing children to use it to prevent possible injuries.

In addition to traditional models, we also offer inflatable slides at Wicken Toys, which come as part of multi-purpose inflatable play centres. Just like regular children's slides, these are perfectly safe for kids to play on, as long as everyone involved follows the instructions for their set-up and use. Always clear the ground of obstacles or sharp objects before positioning the bouncy castle - not just where it will sit, but in the wider area at least 2 metres around it, too.

Your product will come with an instruction manual showing you how to use the air blower to inflate the outdoor play centre and anchor it to the ground, and how to deflate it and pack it away safely in its carry bag. Though these play structures also come with simple repair kits, you shouldn't leave them out when you're not using them. It may be tempting to leave them outside for convenience, but this will only increase the risk of punctures or other damage.

Each product description will also tell you how many children can safely use the inflatable play set at one time, and what the maximum weight load is. You should not exceed these limits, and though an adult should always supervise, no adults should attempt to use the inflatable play equipment themselves.

Make sure all children using the inflatable play centre remove their shoes before entering, as well as any pointy items such as belt buckles or jewellery that could puncture the inflatable structure or cause injuries during bouncing. Don't allow anyone to take food or drink onto the bouncy castle, and discourage children from climbing up the sides.

Safety nets and soft mats should prevent children from falling off, so they don't hurt themselves. You may want to lay down an additional safety surface, such as rubber mats or pads.

Lots of outdoor play equipment can encourage active play and physical exercise, but outdoor slides remain one of the most popular options in the park for many little ones. Not only does this physical play keep them fit and build excitement, playgrounds (and slides in particular) also encourage the development of important motor skills and adventure.

In order to use a children's slide, the child must first climb up some sort of ladder or climbing feature to reach the top, sit down smoothly, then push off and slide down before getting back to their feet at the bottom and moving aside for the next user. All of this requires growing spatial awareness, sense of balance, stability, and coordination. The repetitive stretching required to climb up before sliding down is a brilliant way to strengthen your child's muscles and improve their flexibility.

The rush of going down the slide will keep kids going back for another turn, ensuring that they always get their recommended daily amount of physical activity. If you have multiple children, or your child brings friends round to play, using equipment such as slides and climbing frames is the perfect addition to encourage positive social skills. They'll have to learn how to share and take turns, developing patience and tolerance so everyone can have a good time.