These are the best water tables for kids. I have three kids, and we’ve spent the last nine years playing inside and out with water bins and tables. Water play is a staple of their childhood and keeps the day humming. Add a few funnels and measuring cups, and you can plan on pulling up a chair and staying until naptime. But water play and getting the right water table is much more than a way to occupy children. (although that is a huge perk to this water toy!) As a former teacher, I also love to share that sensory play helps toddlers and preschoolers repeat play patterns that develop more pathways in the brain. Play is one of the highest levels of learning. You don’t need an endless list to search through. I’ve done the research and reviews to give you my top five favorites.
Are water tables worth it?
Water tables are absolutely worth it; you don’t need to get the most expensive. They not only interest many age groups (toddlers, preschoolers, and older kids) but also hold high value in learning. Scooping and splashing water help little children hold a steady hand and develop hand-eye coordination. Pouring encourages science skills such as the flow of liquids and capacity. Water tables are also a great toy for collaboration, as each child works parallel or together in the same space.
Remember to stay close and never let your child go unsupervised with any amount of water. Consider reading these guidelines to prevent drowning from the AAP.
How water play benefits learning
Water play benefits learning through fine and gross motor skills, math and science, communication, collaboration, and sensory play. Expand the link below to learn how water play impacts your child’s thinking.
How water play benefits learning
Motor Skills
There are many ways to strengthen small hands before we ask children to write letters and form numbers. (As an educator, I’ve been screaming this for years) What I love about fine motor activities is the majority of the practice can be done through play. When children use a water table, they grasp the features, fill buckets, and move from side to side. This coordination helps both fine and gross motor skills.
Math and Science
How much water can we fill before the bucket topples over? What happens when I pour the water through this funnel? Using a water table for math and science is an excellent tool for applying inquiry-based learning into play. This curiosity will help trigger problem-solving and connections to the real world.
Social Skills
As a child works their way around the water table, they think about how to share, take turns, and communicate needs. Water tables are also a calming way to improve concentration and focus.
Top 5 water tables for kids
This is a unique list of water tables. You do not need a list with 20 options. That’s overwhelming and what Amazon is for. Instead, I narrowed down my top 5 favorites to keep this quick and easy. From sand and water tables to the Step2 Rain Shower Splash Pond, here is a close look at what matters most when picking the best water table for your child.
Water tables should grow with your children over the years—no more one-and-done. When putting together this list, I considered factors important before buying. Each suggestion will review the price, size, style, and how to clean. From toddlers to big kids, I am here for summer fun that goes into all four seasons. Three out of five water tables can be used indoors and as an outside toy for kids.
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Step2 Rain Showers Splash Pond Water Table
This water table is one of the most popular items for families with toddlers and preschoolers. The plastic is easy to wash and comes with 13 accessory pieces. This is your pick if you are looking for a standard, fun water table.
Pros and Cons of Step2 Rain Showers Splash Pond Water Table
Pros:
- Accommodates multiple children in the same play space without overcrowding
- Can be used for multiple seasons and years
- Colorful and inviting
- Good height for toddlers and preschoolers
- Most children enjoy playing with this water table
- Trusted brand
- Under $100
Cons:
- Leaves less room for the imagination
- More parts and pieces to keep up with
- Mostly used outdoors
Step2 Naturally Playful Sand Table
This is another sensory table most of us have seen before. The picture shows sand, but let’s be honest. Who wants to clean up after a group of preschoolers on the sand table? Fill this large water table up with some colorful water or ice instead!
Pros and cons of the Step2 Naturally Playful Sand Table
Pros:
- 16.375”H x 36”W x 26”D fits multiple children at one time
- Brand trusted and loved by many
- Can be used for multiple seasons and years
- Good height for kids to stand and play into
- Includes 8 accessories good for sand or water
- Lid to keep covered when not in use
- Open-ended play
- Under $100
Cons:
- It does not include a drain plug
- Lightweight – may need to secure in bad weather if nothing is inside
Simplay3 Rushing River Falls Multi-Level Outdoor Water Play Table
This is a newer water play table, and I am here for it! I like how you can connect the hose to the back for continued water flow.
Pros and cons of the Simplay3 Rushing River Falls Multi-Level Outdoor Water Play Table
Pros:
- Different design
- The hose connects to keep water flowing
- Includes nine accessories
- Easy to assemble
- Fits small or large places
- Can expand to six feet to accommodate multiple children
- Under $100
Cons:
- Used outside
- Sometimes buckets don’t tip when full
DIY water table for kids
Ah, the OG of water tables. Don’t be fooled by its unassuming play power. Here, children can sit down as they scoop, pour, and transfer water. Use counting bears to make Bear Soup or paint ice inside. You cannot go wrong with this cost-effective option.
Pros and cons of the storage container
Pros:
- Cost-effective
- Durable
- Easy to clean
- Easy to store
- Good size for one or two children
- Indoor or outdoor use
- It can be used for multiple seasons
- Open-ended play
- Under $15
Cons:
- A child sits to play
- It needs a mat or something to catch the overflow
- It does not come with
Sensory Water Table and Stand
If you prefer a water table without all the extras, this one is for you! The water bin is on a stand to accommodate more movement as your child plays.
Pros and cons of the sensory water table and stand
Pros:
- Children can stand as they play
- Easy to clean
- Easy to store
- Good size for one or two children
- Includes a shelf
- Indoor or outdoor use
- It can be used for multiple seasons
- Open-ended play
Cons:
- Not always in stock
- No drain plug
- Over $100
What about a water pump?
Water pumps are a great supply to keep on hand as your child asks to add more water to the play. Here is the water pump and container we like to use. We first found this water pump from Lizzie at The Workspace for Kids.
Portable Water Pump
From experience, water pumps are the best way to prevent 100 requests to refill the water sensory bin.
5 Gallon Container
Fill up this 5-gallon container to use with the water pump.
How to change up your water table play
I like to keep some of my best ideas in my back pocket until needed. Adding a few drops of food coloring to your water or the leftover ice from your freezer is a fun way to give an old toy new life. Save these variations of water play to come back to over time.
- Reusable Water Balloon Play – Have water balloons? Toss them in your water table and add in the counting bears. Now you have a silly bear rescue mission to entertain your preschoolers.
- Scoop the Sea – If you have the diving for a treasure chest toy, add it to any water table for a little extra excitement.
- Recycle Markers into Watercolors – Another way to give the water a pop of color is to make watercolors using dried-out markers. A must-add if you haven’t given this a try!
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- Startup Guide creates your summer routine.
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Water Table FAQ
Always supervise children around any amount of water. With proper supervision, water tables are great for toddlers, preschoolers, and big kids.
I dump the water out after every use. Keep your water table in the sun to dry and fill it with clean water when ready to play again.
Use an under-the-bed storage bin for a quick, easy, entertaining water table for kids.
