Playground inflatables slides are found in parks, schools, playgrounds and backyards. The slide may be flat, or half cylindrical or tubular to prevent falls. Slides are usually constructed of plastic or metal and they have a smooth surface that is either straight or wavy. The user, typically a child, climbs to the top of the slide via a ladder or stairs and sits down on the top of the slide and "slides" down the slide. In Australia the playground slide is known as a slippery slide or slippery dip.

Sliding pond or sliding pon is a term used in the New York City area to denote a playground inflatable slide. A playground slide is called Ghasargundi in Marathi (a language in India). An archaic word for the slide in Marathi is "Fisal Patti". This word was used decades back by those couldn't pronounce Ghasargundi well.