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13 Best Water Tables for Kids of 2024

Updated
Make a splash at playtime with one of these top water tables.

Water tables offer some heat-busting relief and encourage sensory processing in young children. But it can be hard to know how big to go or how much to spend on your first water table.

We’ve studied dozens of these fun products and read hundreds of reviews to find you the perfect fit. We’ll answer all your questions about what to look for and review the best water tables for kids.

These water tables are durable and safe for young children. They have multiple uses and will help your children stay cool while experiencing the sensory joys that splashing in water always brings.

It’s time to cool down and have some fun in the sun with one of these 13 water tables for kids.

Our Top Picks

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Image
Model
Product Comparison Table
Features

Product Image of the Step2 Naturally Playful
Best for Playdates
Step2 Naturally Playful
  • Open pavilion design
  • Neutral color palette
  • Includes a sunshade
Product Image of the Step2 Water Table
Crowd Favorite
Step2 Water Table
  • Fun water wall
  • Spacious design
  • Leakproof drain plug
Product Image of the Step2 Seaway
For Deep Sea Lovers
Step2 Seaway
  • Two-tier design
  • Accessories included
  • For indoor & outdoor use
Product Image of the Step2 Dino Dig Sand
Most Visually Appealing
Step2 Dino Dig Sand
  • Double-sided sand & water play
  • Includes 2 scooping buckets
  • 7-piece accessory set
Product Image of the Burgkidz Kids 5-in-1
Most Practical
Burgkidz Kids 5-in-1
  • Sturdy plastic construction
  • Safe round edges
  • Easy snap-together assembly
Product Image of the Little Tikes Magic Flower
Best for Nature Lovers
Little Tikes Magic Flower
  • Made in USA
  • 10 accessories and toys
  • Innovative
Product Image of the Little Tikes Spiralin’
Best for Little Ones
Little Tikes Spiralin’
  • Holds 7 gallons of water
  • Comes with a ball tower
  • Removable legs
Product Image of the Step2 Waterfall Discovery
Best Multifunctional Design
Step2 Waterfall Discovery
  • Open design water activity center
  • Two-sided water play
  • 13-piece accessory set
Product Image of the Edxeducation Sand and Water Play Table
Best Storage Option
Edxeducation Sand and Water Play Table
  • Large capacity of 176 pounds
  • Durable steel construction
  • Lockable casters
Product Image of the Little Tikes Frog Pond
Simple Design, Lots of Fun
Little Tikes Frog Pond
  • Holds 7 gallons of water
  • 8 accessories included
  • Easy-drain plug


The Best Kids’ Water Tables of 2024

Here are 13 great kids’ water tables to consider.

Step2 Naturally Playful Sand & Water Activity Center

Best Water Table for Playdates

If you’re looking for something to complement the rest of your backyard landscape, the Step2 playtime patio may be the best pick for you. This is also a good choice for yards that don’t offer a lot of shade, as it comes with a removable canopy.

Unlike other outdoor playhouses, this one is wheelchair accessible, making it the perfect option for children with disabilities.

It’s made with durable materials and is virtually indestructible. Ours has survived some very rough play by plenty of children and is still going strong many years later.

It’s also a multipurpose unit with areas for sand and water and a 60-inch shade umbrella. It also comes with seven accessories for the water and sand area. This set is suitable for children ages 2 and above.

User Experience

This sand and water play table has been a fantastic addition to our playtime routine. The off-the-ground design keeps it clean and safe for my little ones to enjoy. The included umbrella provides shade, making it perfect for outdoor play on sunny days. However, be prepared for sand and water to mix, and the need to refill the water side with clean water frequently.

Step2 Water Table Playset

Crowd Favorite

This Step2 water table playset is a popular choice among kids and parents. It’s available in two themes: a gender-neutral pond theme and a pink and purple unicorn theme.

It has two tiers. The top tier features a spot to fill with water so you can watch the “rain” fall to the bottom basin, which has plenty of room for multiple children to play.

The playset also comes with two water squirt toys, a bucket, and a 13-piece accessory set. The water maze featured on one of the pillars is a good way to teach tracking skills and cause and effect.

This water table is recommended for children ages 18 months and over.

Personal Perspective

From my experience with this Step2 water table playset, it has been a hit among kids and parents alike. The two available themes, a gender-neutral pond and a pink and purple unicorn, cater to various preferences, while the two-tier design provides engaging play opportunities. The top tier allows for water-filling to create a "rain" effect, and the bottom basin has ample space for multiple children. With an additional 13-piece accessory set, water maze, and water squirt toys, this playset is perfect for children aged 18 months and older to develop tracking skills and learn cause and effect.

Step2 Seaway Water Table for Kids

For the Deep Sea Lovers

If you’re a family with multiples in the toddler stage, or if you operate a home day care, this water table is ideal. It’s recommended for ages 18 months and above and has plenty of space for up to three kids to enjoy the water.

We especially like the two separate basins where kids can play differently. The top basin can hold up to 2.22 gallons of water, and the lower basin will accommodate up to 3.24 gallons.

It comes with 11 accessories and an umbrella for shade. The umbrella only covers half of the table though, so be sure to use sunscreen and other sun protection when playing with this table.

Some adult assembly is required.

Community Feedback

I'm thrilled with this water table, perfect for families with multiple toddlers or home daycares. It's suitable for ages 18 months and up, with ample space for three kids to play simultaneously. I particularly enjoy the two separate basins allowing different play styles, holding 2-2 gallons and 3-4 gallons respectively. This water table comes with 11 accessories and an umbrella for shade, although it only covers half the table, so sunscreen is still necessary. Be prepared for some adult assembly, but it's definitely worth it!

Step2 Dino Dig Sand and Water Table

Most Visually Appealing

Do you have a little paleontologist? This dinosaur-themed table may be just the right toy for them. The prehistoric water table comes with a 7-piece accessory set that includes dinosaur figures, two scoops, and a shovel/rake combo.

It also has a drain plug and a lid for the sand side of the table, to keep away wet weather and outdoor pests.

The Dino Dig table is a good size and design for children to play together. It’s best for children ages 24 months and over.

First-Hand Impression

This water and sand table has been a delightful addition to our child's outdoor playtime, as it provides hours of entertainment. The assembly process was made easier with the use of a power drill, but without one, it could prove challenging. A notable feature flaw is the lack of a drainage hole on the sand side, making it difficult to clean when wet. My child was excited to use the table even without water, as the table itself is well-made and comes with fun accessories. However, the gray cover for the sand side does not securely attach, posing a risk of it flying off.

Burgkidz Kids 6-in-1 Activity Table Set

Most Practical

If you’re looking for a multipurpose option, this activity table by Burgkidz is one of our favorites. This table is unique in that it serves as a water table, standard table, and building blocks table, and it’s also good for storage.

A great feature of this set is that it comes with a chair and 130 building blocks. The table has rounded edges, making it safe for toddlers, and is suitable for children ages 2 years and up.

The set requires some assembly, but the pieces snap into place easily, and the lightweight design makes it easy to transport inside and outside.

User Experience

My experience with this Burgkidz activity table has been quite positive due to its versatility as a water table, standard table, and building blocks table. The inclusion of a chair and 135 building blocks, along with the table's rounded edges for safety, make it suitable for children ages 2 and up. Although some assembly is required, the pieces snap into place easily, and the lightweight design allows for effortless transportation.

Little Tikes Magic Flower Water Table

Best for Nature Lover

If your child has an inclination toward nature, they’ll love this unique water table combo. It comes with scoops, a watering can, rubber ducks, stackable frogs, and attractive spinning turtles.

The table has four platforms that can provide five different activities. Allow your child to witness the wonders of nature when it magically blossoms upon watering the flowers.

The recommended age for this is 2 years and up.

Personal Perspective

My experience with this water table has been delightful, as it provides endless entertainment for my toddler and her friends. The assembly process was straightforward, although some screws were a bit tricky to get in at certain angles, but the overall sturdiness and quality of the table are fantastic. The various features, such as the blooming flower, spinning turtles, and imaginative play with the included accessories, make this water table a fantastic addition to our outdoor playtime collection.

Little Tikes Spiralin’ Seas Waterpark Play Table

Best for Little Ones

This water table offers an additional unique option: a ball tower for added fun. Toddlers can drop the balls at the top and watch them spiral down into the water.

There is also a Ferris wheel they can move, with a crank to pick the balls up out of the water. The Spiralin’ Seas Waterpark play table also comes with a funnel, spinner, water cup, and five balls that can squirt water.

This play table can hold up to 7 gallons of water and is recommended for toddlers starting at 24 months old. However, many users say their children enjoyed it with close supervision at just 12 months old.

It’s low to the ground, so even smaller children can enjoy it, and you can remove the legs and put it on the ground to have a splash party. Some assembly is required.

Community Feedback

From my personal experience, this water table has provided endless entertainment for my children, ranging from 15 months to 4 years old. The interactive elements, such as spinning wheels and a tube for balls, keep them engaged and allow them to grow into the toy. Assembling the water table was a breeze, taking less than 30 minutes, and the design prevents mold growth in the balls. While there are some minor drawbacks, such as the textured bottom making cleaning slightly more difficult and the center tube being prone to getting items stuck, the value and enjoyment this water table brings far outweigh any inconveniences.

Step2 Waterfall Discovery Wall Playset

Best Multifunctional Design

This option is a little different because it isn’t technically a table.

The Step2 Waterfall Discovery Wall is a giant water maze that children can pour water into and then watch as it cascades down the maze to the basin.

The set comes with 13 accessories, and children can manipulate the maze pieces and move them throughout the wall for endless water fun.

Because the wall is double-sided, this playset is optimal for two children to play at once. This is especially good for families with multiples. Suitable for ages 18 months and over.

First-Hand Impression

This Waterfall Discovery Wall has provided endless water fun for my kids, as they enjoy pouring water into the giant maze and watching it cascade down to the basin. The 13 included accessories and adjustable maze pieces make it easy to customize the wall, and the double-sided design is perfect for two children to play simultaneously. As a parent, I appreciate that this playset is suitable for ages 18 months and over, making it a great addition to our outdoor playtime.

Edxeducation Sand and Water Play Table

Best Option for Storage

If brand name is an important feature for you, this Edxeducation product is made of durable, double-walled plastic completely from the United States.

This great multipurpose water table can be used inside or outside, and the lids pull out to reveal storage bins inside.

The plug release button heps easily clean up the water play. It’s recommended for children ages 3 years and above.

User Experience

From personal experience, using this sensory table for childcare has been a hit, as the kids genuinely enjoy the various activities it offers. The table's structure is sturdy, but the drain plug can be tricky to tighten, causing occasional water leakage. One minor design flaw is the lid's two holes and the table's lip that collects water, which can attract bugs, but overall, it's a great addition to our play area.

Little Tikes Frog Pond

Simple Design, Lots of Fun

This water table is ideal if you’re looking for something that’s both simple and stimulating. The circular design holds up to 7 gallons of water and eight accessories.

Kids love the fun game that requires them to launch toy frogs onto the lily pad attachment in the middle of the table. There is also an option to turn the water into a lazy river by turning a spinner on the side to create gentle waves.

This Little Tikes table is suitable for children aged 24 months and above, and some assembly is required.

Personal Perspective

If you're looking for a fun and engaging water table for your little one, this product might be just what you need. I found the setup process to be simple once I figured out the correct way to insert the drainage plug, and it didn't leak at all. My one-year-old daughter absolutely loves splashing around with the included toys, and the table's height is perfect for her to stand and play comfortably. This water table has provided hours of entertainment for my child, and even my husband and I enjoy playing the frog hop game with her.

Little Tikes Fish 'n Splash Water Table

Most Interactive

If you’re a fishing family, this is a great water table to incorporate into your little one’s lifestyle from an early age. The Little Tikes Fish ‘n Splash water table includes a fishing pole, five little critters, a water cup, and a fishing net.

It holds up to 7 gallons of water and is super lightweight for when it’s time to drain the water out. It also has a fun fish-flinging game you can play during water-play time.

This set is recommended for children aged 2 years and up.

Community Feedback

My two-year-old granddaughter absolutely adores this water table, and we couldn't be happier with our purchase. It's the perfect height for her, and she's always outside "fishing" and playing with the included toys, as well as her own additions. While the table was easy to assemble even without instructions, the hardest part was feeding the plug through, but some pliers made that a quick fix. The table seems sturdy, and we've even used it as a sand table during cooler months. Both my granddaughter and my one-year-old grandson have enjoyed this table, and I'm confident they'll continue to get use out of it for a long time.

Kidoozie Sand ‘n’ Splash Activity Table

Best Water Table for Young Toddlers

Parents looking for a small water table that can be easily stored will love the Kidoozie Sand ‘n’ Splash table.

This water table is super lightweight, and while it’s recommended for children ages 24 months and above, it could still be beneficial for toddlers as young as 12 months under careful supervision.

It comes with a bucket, shovel, rake, boat, and crab stamp children can use in the sand. There are also two separate areas, one for sand and one for water.

The legs snap off if you want to place the basin on the ground rather than have it slightly elevated.

First-Hand Impression

I'm pleased with this activity table for my toddler, although I did hope it would be a bit taller. The legs can be a bit flimsy, but they are easily detachable for storage, and it's lightweight enough for portability. My child absolutely loves playing with the water and sand features, and it keeps them entertained for hours.

American Plastic Toys Sand and Water Playset

Most Portable

This set from American Plastic Toys is the perfect water table for parents looking for a portable option. The playset weighs less than 4 pounds and is only around 2 feet wide.

The basin for the water isn’t very deep, accommodating around 2 to 3 inches of water. This makes it great for both indoor and outdoor use, so you’ll still get plenty of use out of it during the winter.

This play set is suitable for children ages 18 months and over.

User Experience

I've recently purchased this water toy for my young child and was pleasantly surprised with its size and the fact that it's made in the USA. The set comes with various pieces that need to be punched out and assembled, which is a fun activity for kids who enjoy putting things together. The colors may differ from the photos, but this doesn't affect the overall enjoyment of the toy. While I haven't tested its full functionality yet, I anticipate that it will provide hours of entertainment for my child, both indoors and outdoors, with water, sand, or even empty.

Benefits of Sand and Water Play

Water tables aren’t just a fun outdoor toy for kids; they also offer extensive educational benefits. Water tables cover just about every aspect of child development, from hand-eye coordination to scientific thinking.

Of all the benefits water tables have to offer, perhaps the most prominent is the sensory experience it provides. In many cases, water tables also allow for spots where sand can be added. This enables children to compare the different textures of water and sand (1).

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How to Choose a Water Table

Water tables come in a variety of styles. Some are equipped with extra features, while others are more simply made.

Depending on your family’s lifestyle and the types of toys you allow in your home, here are some features to look out for.

Canopy Coverage

If you don’t have much shade in your yard, we recommend looking for a water table with a canopy or umbrella to protect your child’s skin and keep the water from getting dangerously hot.

If you plan on spending lots of time outdoors, having adequate shade will not only protect your child, but they’ll be more comfortable too.

Extra Amenities

Another thing to ask yourself is how complex you want your toddler’s water table to be. Do you want one with all the bells and whistles, or would you rather add your own toys?

Some of the more complex water tables have features like strainers, pieces to make a water maze, and water wheels, among other things. If this interests you, you’ll have plenty of options.

These add-ons are not only fun, but they offer many benefits to your child. They encourage cause-and-effect exploration, sensory processing, and scientific thinking.

Storage

Some tables come with lids and extra storage compartments. This will come in handy if you plan on leaving the water table outside.

Bugs and other critters may be lurking, and having a lid to put over the top of the table will keep the pests away and make cleaning much easier.

A lightweight table will be more convenient if you plan on storing your water table in a shed or garage when it isn’t in use.

Additionally, there are several compact water tables on the market that make storage easier for parents.

Drain or No Drain?

Who wants to deal with water build-up, mold, algae, and other yucky grime? Find a water table with a drain to save you some effort.

When water sits in a water table for a while, it starts to accumulate dirt and other particles from nature.

You’ll want to clean it out at least once a month, but some designs are awkward to tip over to release the water. Others will be too heavy for some to move, so having a drain plug to drain out the water will make your job much easier.

How Much Space Do You Have?

Water tables typically live outside, so size isn’t as much of an issue as it may be with other toys. However, if you live in an apartment or share outdoor space with others, you may still want to keep size in mind when shopping.

Most water tables won’t give you an issue as they can easily fit in a corner on a porch or balcony. Some companies also make water tables in smaller sizes that are perfect for younger toddlers.

FAQs

Are Water Tables For Kids Worth It?

Water tables are worth it for many families, as they provide hours of sensory play and exploration. They’re especially great for toddlers and young children, helping develop fine motor skills, understanding of cause and effect, and cooperative play.

What are the Cons of a Water Table?

The cons of a water table include the need for supervision to ensure safety and prevent spills or drowning risks. They also need regular cleaning to prevent any mold and mildew and can take up space when not in use.

What Age is Best For a Water Table?

Water tables are best for kids aged 18 months to six years old. Younger toddlers enjoy splashing and exploring, while older children can engage in more complex imaginative play and experiment with floating and sinking objects.

What Do You Put On a Water Table For Kids?

On a water table for kids, you can put items like cups, funnels, boats, water wheels, toy fish, and floating blocks. Adding soap for bubbles or changing the water color with food coloring can also add an extra element of fun.

How Do I Keep My Kids’ Water Table Clean?

Keep your kids’ water table clean by changing the water regularly and wiping down the surface with a mild disinfectant. Allow it to dry completely before storing, and consider a cover to keep it clean and protected when not in use.


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Headshot of Mary Sweeney, BSN, RN, CEN

Reviewed by

Mary Sweeney, BSN, RN, CEN

Mary Sweeney, BSN, RN, CEN is an oncology nurse navigator and freelance medical writer. Mary has 4 years of experience as an officer in the Navy Nurse Corps. including emergency/trauma, post-anesthesia, and deployment medicine.