Like trikes and wagons, slides are also one of toddlers’ favorite toys. When you are looking for one, you may have come across Little Tikes vs Step 2 Slide. Which one is more fun for kids and more convenient for parents? Let’s find out.
As the top brands for indoors and outdoor playground slides, Little Tikes and Step 2 both have many options. In this guide, we will select the most popular slides from both brands, compare them side by side, and then help you determine the best one for you with our product reviews.
Our Final Verdict
Little Tikes First Slide is the best plastic toddler slide for parents who are on a budget
Little Tikes Easy Store Large Slide is the best slide for kids who prefer longer and higher slopes.
Step 2 Play and Fold Jr. Kids Slide is the easiest slide for small toddlers.
Step 2 Naturally Playful Big Folding Slide is the most comfortable and stable large slide for older toddlers.
Benefits of Playground Slides
Besides being fun and entertaining to toddlers and kids, playground equipment such as slides has many physical and developmental benefits. The key benefits of climbing and playing on a slide are:
Important Features to Look For in the Best Kids Slide
Slides are equipment for kids to engage in physical activities. Besides being attractive and fun, there are many other features to consider. In this section, we will cover the most important criteria you should consider when looking for the best slides for kids.
Why Little Tikes and Step 2 Slides?
Little Tikes and Step 2 are known for their plastic slides for toddlers and kids. Most of their slides can be used both indoors and outdoors. Additionally, many of their popular models can fold flat, thus easy to carry around and store away.
Besides the reputable brand name, Little Tikes and Step 2 have a wide range of slide options. Their designs use vibrant colors that are attractive to kids.
Beyond Just Slides – Slide Combos
Rather than buying a single-purpose slide, many parents also love combo playground toys that offer a lot more activities. Since they cover a wide range of ways to use, they also stay interesting and useful for many years. Here are some great alternatives to slides that your child would adore as well.
Slide Safety Tips for Toddlers and Kids
There are some guidelines to keep in mind when letting your child use a slide
Comparison of Little Tikes vs Step 2 Slide
What are the similarities and differences between Little Tikes vs Step 2 slide? In this section, we will do a thorough comparison between these four top models: Little Tikes First Slide, Little Tikes Easy Store Large Slide, Step 2 Play and Fold Jr. Kids Slide, Step 2 Naturally Playful Big Folding Slide.
1. Suitable Age Range
Similarities: Both Little Tikes and Step 2 slides are suitable for kids between 1.5 to 4 years.
Differences: Among all four slides, Little Tikes First Slide has the longest suitable age range while Step 2 Jr. has the shortest.
The age range for Little Tikes First Slide is 18 months to 6 years (duration of 4.5 years) and the weight limit is 60 pounds. The age range for Little Tikes Easy Store Large Slide is 2 to 6 years (duration of 4 years). However, it also has a weight limit of up to 50 pounds, which is the average weight of 7 years olds.
Step 2 Jr. Kids Slide has the shortest age range, which is 18 months to 4 years (a total of 2.5 years). Lastly, Step 2 Naturally Playful can last from 2 to 5 years (a total of 3 years).
2. Portability
Similarities: Both Little Tikes and Step 2 slides can fold flat and are made with lightweight plastic.
Differences: When it comes to portability, there are two criteria to keep in mind. One is the length of the slide once folded, the other is the weight. On average, the width of a regular sedan is about 70″. Therefore, a slide shorter than 70″ can fit inside easily. Let’s take a look.
Little Tikes First Slide measures 38″ long when folded and weighs 9 pounds. It can easily be carried around. Little Tikes Easy Store measures 60″ and weighs 26 pounds. Therefore, it is not meant to be moved from place to place.
Step 2 Jr. Kids Slide is the most portable one because it only measures 30″ and weighs 10 pounds. Comparatively, Step 2 Naturally Playful is the heaviest one that measures 60 inches and weighs 28 pounds.
3. Dimension and Space Required
Differences: Little Tikes First Slide and Step 2 Jr. kids Slide require much less space than Little Tikes Easy Store and Step 2 Naturally Playful. Here are the dimensions of each slide:
- Little Tikes First Slide measures 23″L x 18″W x 39″H
- Little Tikes Easy Store measures 60″L x 39″W x 39″H
- Step 2 Jr. Kids Slide measures 30″L x 15″W x 22″H
- Step 2 Naturally Playful measures 60″L x 17″W x 35″H
4. Indoors or Outdoors
Similarities: Both Little Tikes and Step 2 slides can be used both indoors and outdoors. Even though the Little Tikes Easy Store and Step 2 Naturally Playful require much more space.
Additionally, these slides can station securely on carpets. If you use the slides on hardwood floors or tiles, you need to place them on an area rug or a yoga mat. For one, it can prevent the slide from slipping away. Secondly, it won’t hurt your child’s bottom too much when they land on the hard floor.
5. Ease of Store
Similarities: Both Little Tikes and Step 2 slides can fold flat and don’t require too much space for storage. Additionally, they are all light enough to be placed on a hanger bar.
6. Unique Features
Differences: Little Tikes Easy Store Large slide features an extra-wide base to increase stability. Step 2 Play and Fold is the lowest slide with large steps and easy to grab handrails. Therefore, It is more suitable for young toddlers. Additionally, unlike Little Tike’s big slide, Step 2 Naturally Playful has a raised platform at the bottom of the slope. Therefore, it is more suitable for outdoors to stay away from dirty grass or leaves.
7. Price
Differences: Little Tikes First Slide is the least expensive option that costs only around $35. Step 2 Naturally Playful is the most expensive option that costs around $150. The small slide of Step 2 costs $60 and the Little Tikes Easy Store Large slide costs around $100.
Little Tikes vs Step 2 Slide Reviewed
1. Little Tikes First Slide
Top Pros:
Top Cons:
Little Tikes First Slide is a simple and inexpensive option for most parents. It is designed specifically for small toddlers who just reached the age when they can play safely on slides.
The assembly is intuitive and doesn’t require any hand tools. It is also easy to fold flat so that you can bring it with you for day trips. The bottom of the slope has a platform that’s extended out so that your child won’t land on dirty grounds.
The only complaint we have heard is that some parents found sharp edges on the plastic. You can remove them by cutting them with scissors or a blade.
Who Is It for?
We recommend Little Tikes First Slide for parents who are conscious about keeping a budget.
2. Little Tikes Easy Store Large Slide
Top Pros:
Top Cons:
Little Tikes Easy Store Large Slide is for bigger toddlers who are ready for longer slides.
Even though this slide measures 5 feet long, its height is the same as that of the First Slide. That means it is easy to climb and is low to the ground.
You can use this slide inside the house or in the backyard. The wide stand on the ladder makes the slide sturdy on carpets as well as the lawn.
You should take note that this slide is not snap on. You will need a screwdriver to put it together.
Who Is This For?
We recommend Little Tikes Easy Store Large Slide for kids who prefer longer slopes.
3. Step 2 Play and Fold Jr. Kids Slide
Top Pros:
Top Cons:
Among all four slides that we compared today, Step 2 Play & Fold Jr. Slide is easiest to use for small kids.
It measures 22 inches high, therefore, the closest to the ground among all models. Additionally, it only has two steps for kids to climb to the top of the slide. And the steps have large stepping platforms for your kids to securely land her feet on.
Comparing to Little Tikes, this plastic slide is only suitable for kids up to 4 years. Therefore, even though it’s more expensive, it will last a shorter period of time.
Who Is This For?
We recommend Step 2 Play & Fold Jr. Slide for small toddlers who are new to slides.
4. Step 2 Naturally Playful Big Folding Slide
Top Pros:
Top Cons:
Step 2 Naturally Playful Large slide is a popular choice for using outdoors, thanks to its neutral style that complements the backyard colors.
Even though the slope is as long as the Little Tike’s big slide, this model is only 35 inches tall, which is 4 inches closer to the ground.
Additionally, Step 2 Large Slide features a double-wall design that is easier to hold and grip. The side rails on the climber are also designed with high grip handles so that your child can reach the top with less effort.
Another thing is that the end of the slope features a raised platform. This can help keep the slide clean when the backyard is wet, moist, or grassy.
Who Is This For?
We recommend Step 2 Naturally Playful Big Folding Slide for parents who are looking for a big slide that is also comfortable for kids to use.
FAQs about Kids Slides
When Can Kids Use A Slide?
Healthy toddlers can start using a plastic kids’ slide around 18 months. Bigger slides that are 5 feet or longer are usually for kids 2 years or older.
In addition to the age limit, the maximum weight capacity is also important. Contrary to common belief, large slides usually have a lower weight limit than smaller slides. But most slides can accommodate one child at a time and the maximum weight is between 50 to 60 pounds.
What Is the Best Material for A Slide
Slides can be made with many different types of material, the most common one is plastic. Other common materials are wood, inflatable fabric, steel, and fiberglass.
The most common slides for home are usually made with plastic. It is not as durable as steel but it is cheaper, more lightweight, and more convenient. Polyethylene plastic slides are also rust-resistant so that you can station them outdoors even during rainy seasons.
Final Words
Slides are great childhood toys that promote physical movements, social engagement with friends, and bring lots of laughter. Our research shows that the best plastic dual-use slide is the Little Tikes First Slide and the most comfortable big slide is the Step 2 Naturally Playful Folding Slide.
Allen Yeung is a technology enthusiast and has over 10 years of experience in advanced engineering, IoT, and supply chain management. He is an expert in the field of robotics and automation. He is an expert in the field of STEM education for children.
