Aimed at kids between 12-months to four-years-old, our tester was racing up the climbing-frame-style steps in no time.

Slides aren’t just something children get to enjoy in the park these days, many have their own play set in the garden or at their grandparents. We paid special attention to the “bridge” which can be used as a slide or ladder, or bridge if you expand the range. Slippiness is matched by safety, with high-side bolsters and embedded rounded steps also make it easy for younger sliders to navigate. And the sandpit is small but sweet and, of course, has a nicely fitting lid to keep the sand dry if it rains. The ladders of this toy slide provide a safe and easy challenge for children as they have a non-slip coating on the texture.Most children's slides are made of PVC, so you may want to look for one where the plastic has been UV-treated so the colours won't fade so rapidly after repeated exposure to the sun. Okay, this might be elaborating on the humble slide somewhat, but why have just a slide when you can have a bed with a slide? Taking about 20 minutes to build – following the clearly laid out instructions – it’s easy to see why this slide has garnered such a following. It can be assembled in under an hour if 2 people work together and at least 1 of you has an electric screwdriver and a spanner but it's definitely not a 'pop it up out of the box' job, and it's clearly something that's going to have to stay put in your garden, rather than be kept it a shed and then brought out whenever you want it.

This play center is made of 100% PP material, making it UV-resistant, lightweight, and easy to move.Standing at 75cm tall, it has the biggest descent of all the standalone slides we tested, and the 90cm slide saw our little tester whizzing down in no time at all. This slide caused quite the reaction for our Frozen fanatic, and while it wouldn’t be high on the grown-up list, we can’t deny its appeal. The steps are wide which makes for an easy ascent to bed… but of course, the best bit is sliding out. They rely on a number of sources, including our testing during the MadeForMums awards and feedback from our home testing panel and Top Testers Club. This is a great add on to the climbing frame and allows us to have a climbing wall on one side of the frame and then a slide down the other.

It’s worth bearing in mind that you’ll need to set aside some serious assembly time as it arrives flat packed in three boxes. Available in a pink and purple or blue and green colourway, the pops of colours are sure to catch a young one’s attention.

Be it inflatable slides with water sprayers or interactive slip-and-slide adventures, we’ve got a lot to choose from. Coming in four parts, you simply connect the slide to steps and slot the left and right handles in place and then the fun is ready to commence. With options like adaptable 2-in-1 designs for your growing toddler and larger, wavy 9ft slides for the older kids, we’ve got something exciting for every little adventurer. It feels sturdy and safe, and the handrails ensure effective climbing while the flared run off warrants a secure finish.