Home >> Toys >> Backyard Toys

How to Build Your Own Slip 'n Slide

A Slip 'n Slide is a great way for kids to have fun and cool down during the summer months. Purchasing a backyard water slide off the shelf is expensive, and the quality of the materials is frequently poor. Fortunately, a homemade version of this hot-weather favorite is quick and inexpensive to create from readily available materials.

Things You'll Need

6-foot-by-30-foot heavy-duty lawn tarp
12 foam pool noodles
Duct tape
4 garden stakes
75-inch sprinkler hose

Instructions

- 1
  Clear an area of lawn large enough to accommodate the unfolded tarp. Remember that once the slide is completed, you will not be able to move it. The best surface for a slide is a well-kept lawn with moderate to long grass. It's important to remove any small branches or rocks that could puncture the slide.
- 2
  Lay out the tarp. Smooth out any wrinkles and pull the edges as tight as possible.
- 3
  Place the pool noodles along the long edges of the tarp. Equally space six noodles along each side, leaving a margin of 12 inches at each end.
- 4
  Roll the edges of the tarp up and over the pool noodles. Use the duct tape to firmly secure the edges in place. After the edges are taped down, flip the entire tarp over, so the seams are on the underside. Flipping the tarp is easiest to accomplish if four or five people work together.
- 5
  Layer 10 layers of duct tape along the short sides of the tarp. The completed slide will be secured to the ground at the ends, and reinforcing these areas will help prevent ripping and tearing.
- 6
  Secure the slide on one side by pushing a stake through each corner and all the way into the ground. Pull the other side of the tarp as taut as possible, and then stake the last two corners.
- 7
  Lay the sprinkler hose in a U-shape around the perimeter of the slide. The mouth of the U should be at the start of the slide. Turn on the sprinkler when you are ready to use your homemade Slip 'n Slide.

Backyard Toys