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3 Year WarrantyWhich roller coaster is right for your child?
Author: Louise Genna Date Posted:17 August 2026
Step2's roller coasters are a rite of passage for Australian backyards - a sturdy, moulded-plastic car, a gentle rise-and-roll track, and endless "again!" laps. Most share the same well-loved Up & Down design in different themes and characters, so for most families the choice is really about which look your child will love, with a couple of bigger and smaller options at either end.
The short answer: the Up and Down Roller Coaster is the classic pick; the themed versions - Dino Dash, Unicorn, Racing Green - are the same coaster with a character twist; the Extreme Thrill is the big one for older kids; and the Sky Rider Ride-On is the budget-friendly ride-on alternative.
Quick picks
- Best all-rounder / classic: Up and Down Roller Coaster - the original, and the safe default.
- Best for dinosaur fans: Dino Dash Up & Down.
- Best for unicorn fans: Unicorn Up and Down.
- Best with a built-in hideaway: Ride & Hide Up & Down - adds a little hidey-hole to the track.
- Best premium / for older, braver kids: Extreme Thrill Roller Coaster - bigger, faster, ages 3+.
- Best budget ride-on alternative: Sky Rider Foot-to-Floor Ride-On - foot-powered, no track.
- Extend the fun: Farther & Faster Track Expansion Pack - adds length to any Up & Down coaster.
Step2 roller coasters compared
| Coaster | Type / theme | Age | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up and Down Roller Coaster | Classic coaster | 2-5 | The all-round default |
| Dino Dash Up & Down | Dinosaur theme | 2-5 | Dino-mad toddlers |
| Unicorn Up and Down | Unicorn theme | 2-5 | Unicorn fans |
| Racing Green Up & Down | Racing theme | 2-5 | Little speed-lovers |
| Sky Rider Up & Down | Sky Rider theme | 2-5 | A bright, classic look |
| Ride & Hide Up & Down | Coaster + hideaway | 2-5 | Coaster and cubby in one |
| Platinum Edition | Premium-look coaster | 2-5 | A dressier finish |
| Extreme Thrill Roller Coaster | Large coaster | 3+ | Older, more confident kids |
| Sky Rider Foot-to-Floor Ride-On | Ride-on (no track) | 2-5 | Budget, small spaces |
Current prices are shown live in the range below and on each product page. Ages are the manufacturer's recommendation.
Shop the range
Up and Down Roller Coaster - Anniversary Edition
https://www.step2direct.com.au/up-down-roller-coaster-anniversary-edition Now $296.10
Sky Rider Up & Down Roller Coaster
https://www.step2direct.com.au/sky-rider-up-and-down-roller-coaster $329.00
Racing Green Up & Down Roller Coaster
https://www.step2direct.com.au/racing-green-up-down-roller-coaster $329.00
Farther & Faster Coaster Track Expansion Pack
https://www.step2direct.com.au/farther-and-faster-coaster-track-expansion-pack $159.00
Ride & Hide Up & Down Roller Coaster
https://www.step2direct.com.au/up-and-down-roller-coaster-ride-and-hide-edition Now $296.10
Unicorn Up and Down Roller Coaster
https://www.step2direct.com.au/unicorn-up-and-down-roller-coaster $329.00
How to choose a Step2 roller coaster
1. Pick the theme your child will love
Here's the useful truth: most Step2 coasters are the same excellent Up & Down design in different colours and characters. The car, the track, the gentle ride - all the same. So unless you want the bigger or smaller options below, choose on theme: dinosaurs, a unicorn, a racing look, or the classic. It's genuinely the main difference, and it's the one your child will care about most.
2. Match the age and confidence
The standard Up & Down coasters suit children roughly 2 to 5. The larger Extreme Thrill is built for ages 3 and up and gives older, more confident kids a bigger, faster ride. For younger toddlers who aren't ready for a track, the foot-powered Sky Rider Ride-On is a gentle first step.
3. Want a coaster that does more?
The Ride & Hide edition builds a little enclosed hideaway into the track - part coaster, part cubby. And if the track feels too short once your child gets quick, the Farther & Faster Expansion Pack adds length to any Up & Down coaster for longer, faster laps.
4. Space and setup
Roller coasters need a flat run of clear floor - a patio, deck, or a large indoor space works well. All are moulded from weather-resistant plastic, assemble quickly, and can live indoors or out.
Why choose a Step2 roller coaster
Step2 roller coasters are made from durable, double-walled rotationally-moulded plastic - stable, smooth and built to take years of enthusiastic, repeated use. As the authorised Australian Step2 distributor, we import every coaster directly from the manufacturer (not a parallel import), and each carries Step2's standard 3-year manufacturer's warranty. Orders dispatch within 24 hours from our Melbourne warehouse with tracking. See the whole line-up on our roller coasters page.
Frequently asked questions
What age is a Step2 roller coaster for?
The standard Up & Down roller coasters are recommended for children aged around 2 to 5. The larger Extreme Thrill Roller Coaster is designed for ages 3 and up. Always check the specific product page for exact age and weight guidance.
What's the difference between the themed roller coasters?
For the most part, nothing but the look. The Up and Down, Dino Dash, Unicorn, Racing Green and Sky Rider coasters share the same track, car and ride - they differ in colour and character. So choose the theme your child will love; they're otherwise the same coaster.
Can I make the track longer?
Yes - the Farther & Faster Track Expansion Pack adds extra length to any Up & Down roller coaster, for longer and faster laps as your child gets more confident.
Can a roller coaster be used indoors?
Yes - they suit indoor use on a flat, clear floor as well as outdoors, and the moulded plastic wipes clean and tolerates the weather. You just need a clear run of space for the track.
Are these genuine Step2 products, and what warranty applies?
Yes. We're the authorised Australian Step2 distributor, and every roller coaster is imported directly from the manufacturer, not a parallel import. All carry Step2's standard 3-year manufacturer's warranty.
