Buying guide for Best kids' water tables
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Whenever I watch my nephews, two things are inevitable: 1) they'll con me into giving them more cookies than my sister would approve and 2) they'll leave the area around my kitchen sink sopping wet, playing with their favorite toys in the water. As much as I love them, constantly drying off my counters and floors gets tiring real fast, which is why I invested in a water table for my yard to keep them busy.
Water tables can provide hours of fun for little ones, plus help them develop fine motor skills and learn basic STEM principles, all without you ending up with a soggy carpet or a flooded bathroom. Finding the right one for your kids can be tricky, though, because they can all look pretty similar at first glance.
At BestReviews, we've done the hard work for you. We've researched and evaluated over a dozen water tables to help identify the best models. Our top pick, Step2 Rain Showers Splash Pond Toddler Water Table, stands out for its two-tiered design that lets children enjoy a fun rainfall effect. Kids can also rearrange the maze-like components in the tub basin and learn about cause and effect.
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.
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
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
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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.
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Look for durability. Water is heavy, so you'll want to select a sturdy, well-made water table to provide adequate support.
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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.
FAQ
Q. What do children learn from a water table?
A. Scooping, pouring and watching water move give children a hands-on way to explore cause and effect. Our pick, the Step2 Rain Showers Splash Pond, makes that especially easy to see: water poured into its upper tray rains down through spinners, ramps and buckets below. Invite your child to predict where the water will go, then rearrange the pieces and try again. There is no need to turn playtime into a lesson; following their curiosity also gives them practice with hand-eye coordination and problem-solving.
Q. How can I choose a water table that siblings can share?
A. Look at the usable play space and the number of activities children can reach at the same time, rather than water capacity alone. The Step2 Pump & Splash Discovery Pond Water Table has three play zones and room for up to four toddlers, so one child can pump while another pours or dumps water. Leave room around the table for everyone to move, and provide enough scoops to reduce waiting. Its tub lacks a drain, so plan how you will empty it before filling it for a group.
Q. Is a sand-and-water table worth the extra cleanup?
A. It can be if your child enjoys digging and building as much as splashing. The Step2 Cascading Cove Sand & Water Table has separate areas for both activities, giving children more ways to play without needing two tables. Expect sand to find its way into the water, though, so choose a spot where spills are easy to manage and budget time for rinsing the compartments. The included cover is useful between sessions, but empty the water after play rather than leaving it standing under the cover.
Q. Does a water table need lots of accessories to keep a child interested?
A. No. A few activities your child enjoys can be more useful than a large collection of pieces that are easily lost. The Little Tikes Frog Pond Water Table combines frog launching with a spinner that moves the water, giving kids different ways to play within a simple setup. Its hard plastic frogs need a reminder about gentle play. You can also add suitable waterproof cups or scoops from home; choose age-appropriate items that are easy to clean, and avoid anything sharp, breakable or small enough to be a choking hazard.
Q. What should I look for if my child likes pretend fishing?
A. Choose a table with fishing pieces your child can comfortably grasp and enough open space to move them through the water. The Little Tikes Fish 'n Splash Water Table includes a fishing rod and floating creatures, so catching and releasing them becomes part of the activity rather than something you need to assemble from separate toys. Its legs are less sturdy on uneven ground, so set it on a level surface before filling it. Keep the game relaxed: scooping up the fish by hand is still useful imaginative play.
Q. How should I clean and store a water table?
A. Empty it after each play session, remove loose toys and rinse away dirt or sand before it dries in the corners. Wipe the table and accessories according to the manufacturer's care instructions, then let them dry before putting them away. Check recesses, spinners and buckets where water can collect. A cover helps keep leaves and debris out between uses, but does not replace emptying and cleaning. Store small pieces together so they are ready next time, and check the table for loose legs or damaged parts before children play again.
Our expertise
Lauren Corona has been a writer at BestReviews for six years. She has extensive knowledge of home design, cooking, kitchen equipment, fashion and pet care. Her work has been featured in Bon Appétit and New York Magazine’s The Strategist.
Jennifer Blair is a writer and product tester who has covered kitchen, home and lifestyle products for BestReviews since 2017. She loves finding great deals on toys to spoil her two young nephews with.
