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Best Kids' Water Tables

Updated September 2022
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Step2 Rain Showers Splash Pond
Step2
Rain Showers Splash Pond
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Feature-Packed
Bottom Line

This sensory-rich water table allows kids to explore cause and effect when they interact.

Pros

Kids use the bucket to create rainfall, which activates spinners and ramps. Accessory toys included. Rich tactile and visual experience. Large enough for multiple kids to play and develop social skills.

Cons

Some assembly is required, though it's not too difficult.

Best Bang for the Buck
Little Tikes Frog Pond Water Table
Little Tikes
Frog Pond Water Table
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Simple Yet Solid
Bottom Line

This model includes plenty of accessories for fun and engagement and comes at an exceptional price.

Pros

A well-made table that holds 7 gallons of water for fun and games. Includes 5 frogs, 2 floating lily pads, and 1 fill cup. Turning the spinner powers the “lazy river.” Table sides include launchers for the frogs.

Cons

Some reports that it stains easily from outdoor debris.

Little Tikes Spiralin’ Seas Waterpark Play Table
Little Tikes
Spiralin’ Seas Waterpark Play Table
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Fun Characters
Bottom Line

A table with fun ways to engage and versatile, squeezable characters for endless entertainment.

Pros

Table helps develop “put-and-take” and early motor skills. Includes 5 ball-shaped characters that squirt water and 1 water cup. Kids love the scoop-and-drop Ferris wheel and spiral tube for characters.

Cons

Some have reported that attachments do not stay securely in place.

Little Tikes Sandy Lagoon Sand & Water Table
Little Tikes
Sandy Lagoon Sand & Water Table
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Versatile Use
Bottom Line

Kids enjoy playing with water and sand while developing hand-eye coordination and having fun.

Pros

Holds up to 50 pounds of sand in addition to water. Fun accessories included. Has a cover to help protect it from the elements. Comes with 2 water slides for mini characters to go down.

Cons

Adult assembly is required. Table becomes very heavy when filled with sand and water.

Step2 Cascading Cove Sand & Water Table with Umbrella
Step2
Cascading Cove Sand & Water Table with Umbrella
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Handy Features
Bottom Line

This table is an excellent choice with a design that is both fun and functional.

Pros

Two-sided design for both sand and water. Included umbrella provides shade during play. Anti-leak drain plug makes cleanup easy. Includes a table cover that doubles as an additional play surface.

Cons

A couple users have reported receiving tables with no umbrella included.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

30
Models
Considered
60
Consumers
Consulted
28
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Researched
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Buying guide for Best kids' water tables

If your child would spend all day in the bath, if given the option, and can often be found playing at the kitchen sink, then she'd probably love a kids' water table. Not only do water tables provide hours of fun for little ones but they can also help restrict water play to a designated area, so you don't end up with a soggy carpet or flooded bathroom.

Perhaps you’ve decided you want to buy a kids' water table, but how do you pick one? Many of them look similar at first glance, so it can be hard to tell how to choose a model your child will love playing with.

We at BestReviews are here to help. We've done the research and written this in-depth guide to kids' water tables to simplify your purchasing choice.

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Some kids' water tables have a theme, such as pirate, beach, or water park.

Key considerations

Height

It's important to check the height of your chosen water table to be sure it's not too tall or too short for your child to play at comfortably. If there is no table that’s just the right height for your child, one that's too high is usually preferable to one that's too low. Your little one would have to stoop to use a very low table, which is uncomfortable and could mean your child will be less likely to play with the table. If the table is too high, your child can use a step stool until he’s taller.

Age range

Read through the product description to find out the recommended age range of any kids' water tables you're considering. Some are designed for very young kids and might be too low or too simple for children of six to eight, for example. On the other hand, you'll also find tables with a slightly higher minimum age range that might not be suitable for very young kids. The lowest recommended age we've seen for a water table is one year, but most are recommended for kids two years or older.

Water capacity

How much water can a kids' water table hold? Well, that depends! Some very small models may only hold a couple of gallons, while larger tables can hold eight to ten gallons. Although you don't necessarily need the largest option, we generally wouldn't suggest buying a very small table because it won't be as versatile and your child will soon grow out of it. Of course, larger water capacity usually means larger overall dimensions, so if you opt for a high-capacity table, make sure it will fit in the spot you intend for it.

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Caution
Always supervise young children who are playing with a water table. A child can drown face-down in even an inch or two of water.
STAFF
BestReviews
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Testing kids' water tables
After spending 68 hours researching 15 different kids' water tables we picked our top five favorites. We also consulted 196 consumers to find out what they needed when shopping for kids' water tables.
STAFF
BestReviews

Kids’ water table features

Water only vs. water and sand

Although most water tables are just that – tables for playing with water — you can also find some that are divided into two sections, one for water and one for sand. Sand-and-water tables bring some of the joy of the beach to your home. They make excellent sensory tables and are perfect for kids who love building sandcastles just as much as they enjoy splashing in the water. The downside is that these tables can get messy, especially when sand gets in the water, which will inevitably happen.

Tools and toys

Don't expect a water table to be a simple square table that you fill with water — they tend to be much more exciting than that. You'll get a range of tools, toys, and other accessories, although the types included vary with the model. All the tables we looked at include some kind of bucket or container for scooping and pouring water. Your kids' water table may also include some or all of the following: shovels, slides, squirting toys, figurines, water wheels, and water towers.

Number of kids

How many children will be regularly playing at your kids' water table? If you have more than one child who'll be playing with the table, make sure it's large enough for them all to play at once. We also recommend having enough space for one or two more kids to play, in case of playdates.

Kids’ water table prices

Inexpensive

Basic kids' water tables start at about $30 to $40. You can find some excellent durable options in this price range, but most of them are fairly small and simple, with only a handful of accessories included.

Mid-range

These water tables cost roughly $40 to $70. You'll find some larger and more inventive choices at this price point.

Expensive

If you want the largest water table with the greatest number of toys, tools, and other accessories included, you'll need to opt for a high-end model. Expect to pay between $70 and $150.

"If you choose a water table that relies on many small, fiddly parts, it's likely they'll get lost over time. Sometimes simpler is better."
STAFF
BestReviews

Tips

  • Choose a kids' water table that's easy to empty. It should have an easily accessible drain for emptying out the water. Water left in the table too long will become stagnant.

  • Look for durability. Water is heavy, so you'll want to select a sturdy, well-made water table to provide adequate support.

  • Consult your child. Unless the water table is a surprise gift, consider allowing your child to choose between two or three tables once you've narrowed down your options. After all, you want to choose the water table that your kid will like best and play with regularly.

  • Consider how easy the water table is to clean. Water tables are generally made from plastic, so they're easy to wipe down. However, if they have too many awkward recesses, it can be tough to get them completely clean.
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Kids' water tables are ideal for creative play. Children tend to invent imaginary games while playing, even if it looks like they're just scooping and pouring.

FAQ

Q. Are there any educational benefits to water tables for kids?

A. It might look like kids are simply having fun playing with the water table, but they’re learning, too. One of the main benefits for very young kids is that water tables can help improve motor skills, such as hand-eye coordination. Children will also subconsciously learn about the principles of water flow, gravity, and volume.

Q. Could a kids' water table improve my child's social skills?

A. Yes, children playing together at a water table often like to show each other what they've discovered, which encourages interaction. They may also improve cooperation by creating imaginary games to play with one another or working together to reach certain goals.

Q. My child could use some more accessories for her water table. What should I do?

A. The great news is that anything durable and waterproof can be used as a water table accessory — it doesn't need to be designed for the job. A plastic cup can become a bucket for scooping and pouring water. A rubber duck or plastic figurine can be a visitor to the water park. Get creative!

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