From toddlers to preschoolers and even into elementary school, nothing beats splashing around in water on a hot summer’s day.
Water play is not only fun but also a tool for sensory exploration, mathematical learning, understanding of scientific concepts, and even development of social skills as kids play together. Playing with water creates curiosity in children, it makes them ask themselves questions about physics and motion while they are having fun – that’s the best kind of playtime! If you’re interested in reading more about the importance of water play, you should check out this article from the National Association for the Education of Young Children.
Now, when you think of water play, your mind probably goes to paddling pools. And while paddling pools can be a blast, they aren’t the only option. If you want to choose a vehicle for water play that will keep your kid engaged for longer periods of time, then you should definitely consider getting a water table. Water tables come with a range of interactive features, giving kids varied sensory stimulation and helping them learn important concepts like cause and effect.
In this article, we have hand-picked our favorite water tables to keep kids occupied and entertained during the summer months – no screens required! We have made sure to include a wide range to suit different ages, preferences, and budgets. Is your kiddo obsessed with pirates? Cars? Fishing? Frogs? Either way, we’ve got you covered.
From picnic tables to flowing fountains to patio tables and even tables that can be used indoors, these water tables are sure to generate a wave of excitement! And as we have meticulously searched for the genuine reviews among the fakes, you can rest assured the tables included here are truly the best of the best.
The Top 3 Water Tables
Now that we’ve shown you our top picks, it’s time to dive into the full list. We’ll start with the options we think suit slightly older kids best, and then move to those that are best for toddlers. Of course, many of the tables are fun for a wide range of ages, so no need to worry if you have both younger and older kids. Just make sure to choose a table suitable for your youngest child with enough space for everyone to get in on the splashy action!
Best Water Tables for Less Than $60
1. Our Top Pick: Little Tikes Spiralin’ Seas Waterpark Play Table
This Spiralin’ Seas play table is a great choice for folks with limited space. The table is relatively small, but comes with loads of fun interactive features. Kids can drop balls down the spiral and watch them go round and round and drop into the water. They can pick up balls and spin them around with the ferris wheel, pour water down the water wheel, and even make waves!
| Recommended age: 2 years and above |
On top of everything already mentioned, this table comes with a water cup and 5 ball characters that squirt water. This is a great option for toddlers and is super easy to assemble.
What We Love:
❤️ Compact but still has loads of fun features
❤️ Easy to assemble and drain
❤️ Very durable and sturdy
What We Don’t Love:
💔 A few customers found that it leaked through the plughole
💔 The ferris wheel does not always work smoothly
2. Toddler Sensory Table – Kidoozie
If you like the above option but would prefer something more budget-friendly, take a look at this option from Kidoozie. It also has two compartments and comes with a cover so you can keep the sand clean and prevent cats using it as a litter box! However, this one is a lot smaller, which makes it easy to store in smaller spaces or even take on vacation.
| Recommended age: 2 years and above |
If you have just one or two kids, this table should be plenty big enough. It is also a breeze to set up and comes with lots of fun water and sand toys!
What We Love:
❤️ Comes with a cover and several toys
❤️ Great value for money
❤️ Very easy to set up
What We Don’t Love:
💔 The legs come off easily when you pick it up
💔 It is quite small
3. Little Tikes Flowin’ Fun Water Table
Another great option from Little Tikes, this one is perfect for kids who love valves, pipes and figuring out how things work. Older kids will enjoy figuring out which pipe the water will flow out of, while toddlers will have a blast just splashing around in the water. The pipes are also interchangeable, so you can have a different setup each time!
| Recommended age: 2 years and above |
Note that this water table needs to be attached to a garden hose to be enjoyed to the fullest. This one is a good choice if you have a few kids, as there is enough space for everyone!
What We Love:
❤️ You can attach a garden hose so the water keeps flowing
❤️ The water basin is large and fits all the included accessories
❤️ Features lots of fun valves, pipes and sprayers
What We Don’t Love:
💔 The pieces come apart quite easily
💔 Not great for water scarce areas as it requires a constant supply of water
| 💡 Another developmental option for younger kids is this water maze, where they will learn lots about cause and effect as they play. |
4. Little Tikes Fish ‘n Splash Water Table
With this splashy water table from Little Tikes, kids can catch fish with a net or rod and then count them with the built-in counting game. They can also fill the fishbowl till it tips over, launch critters onto the spinning lily pad in the center, and so much more! Whether playing solo or with friends, the fun never stops with this water table.
| Recommended age: 2 years and above |
This table comes with a fishing rod, 5 critters, a water cup and fishing net. It is also very stable, which is great if your kids tend to lean on things or if they are climbers!
What We Love:
❤️ Lots of interactive features and toys
❤️ Super stable and durable
❤️ Easy to put together and clean
What We Don’t Love:
💔 It would be great if you could reel in the fishing rod
💔 A few customers found that the plug did not seal properly
5. Little Tikes Easy Store Outdoor Folding Water Play Table
This super convenient water table easily folds up into a compact flat shape with the accessories snapped in place. This makes it perfect for storage in tight spaces or for taking on vacation! In fact, many customers noted that it is ideal for apartment balconies as the water does not mess everywhere and it can easily be put away at the end of playtime.
| Recommended age: 3 years and above |
The 360 play area means multiple kids can play at once, though the table still fits in a compact space. The rain shower feature is lots of fun and you can add whatever additional accessories you like!
What We Love:
❤️ Room for multiple kids to do their thing
❤️ Easy to put together and fold up for convenient storage and transportation
❤️ Lightweight yet sturdy
What We Don’t Love:
💔 Doesn’t have as many features as some other options
💔 Doesn’t work well with anything besides water as the holes can get clogged
Best Water Tables for Less Than $100
6. Step2 Rain Showers Splash Pond Water Table
Give your kiddos an ocean worth of fun with this Step2 water table. This table is packed with features, including a rainshower effect as well as a waterfall that activates spinners, ramps and buckets as it cascades down. Kids can rearrange these and watch how it changes the course of the waterfall, thus learning cause and effect!
| Recommended age: 18 months and above |
This awesome waterfall comes with no less than 13 accessories, including a water spinning wheel and a flipper kids can use to flip froggies into the pond! Plus, all the accessories means it’s easy for multiple kids to play at the same time.
What We Love:
❤️ There are so many things to do including a mini waterfall
❤️ Very durable and stable
❤️ Comes with enough accessories so a few kids can play together
What We Don’t Love:
💔 Assembly requires a drill
💔 The instructions are only images
| 💡 If your little one is obsessed with unicorns (who isn’t?) then this option from the same brand will make a great alternative. |
7. Little Tikes Island Wavemaker Water Table
This pirate themed water table is packed with features to encourage interactive and imaginative play. Kids can make a waterslide for their characters by pouring water down the skull island and generate waves with the water wheel. On top of that, there are spinning palm trees, hiding places for treasure, and a host of ocean and pirate themed characters and accessories!
| Recommended age: 2 years and above |
This is a large water table with lots of space for several kids to gather around it and it is sturdy enough to withstand rough play. It may be last on the list but it’s certainly not the least!
What We Love:
❤️ Fun pirate theme encourages imaginative play
❤️ Loads of interactive features
❤️ Big and sturdy enough for multiple kids
What We Don’t Love:
💔 A little tricky to fit all the parts together
💔 The wave maker is more of a splasher
| 💡 More into mermaids than pirates? No problem, Little Tikes has got you covered! |
8. Costzon Kids Picnic Table, 3-in-1 Sand & Water Table
This ingenious water table is not only a water and sand table but also doubles as a picnic table! It is designed like a classic picnic table with benches on each side and two tubs for water and sand. Kids can have a blast engaging in sensory play, then simply cover it with the tabletop when it’s time for lunch!
| Recommended age: 3 years and above |
This table is made of quality fir wood, which is sturdy and stands up to long-term use. And no need to worry about the weather, because it also comes with an adjustable umbrella to keep those UV rays and raindrops away!
What We Love:
❤️ Functions as a sand and water table and a picnic table
❤️ Easy and quick to assemble
❤️ The umbrella provides sun protection
What We Don’t Love:
💔 Needs a clear coat if you plan to keep it outdoors
💔 The bench isn’t sturdy enough for older kids
9. Best for Younger kids: Little Tikes Magic Flower Water Table
This adorable water table is ideal if you’d like something that blends into your garden. Each level is a tree branch and at the top there is a flower that blooms when you water it! It also has so many fun animal themed features, including a frog fountain, turtles that spin, floating ducks and swimming fish. Let your kids enter a nature-based wonderland with this fantastic toy!
| Recommended age: 2 years and above |
This fun table comes with over 10 engaging accessories. As there are 3 feature-packed levels, it is easy for several kids to play at once and all have something fun to do.
What We Love:
❤️ A very cute table packed with animal and plant themes
❤️ Loads of fun features and things to do
❤️ Very sturdy despite its 3 levels
What We Don’t Love:
💔 It is a bit too tall for younger toddlers
💔 The water does not stay within the table
10. Step2 Spill & Splash Seaway Water Table
This is another great choice for folks with multiple kids, as there are two levels that both have lots of space and their own built-in activities. For example, the top tier has a starfish spinner that creates a whirlpool and the bottom tier has a diving board! Plus, if you are concerned about UV exposure, the umbrella that comes with this table has you covered.
| Recommended age: 18 months and above |
This awesome table comes with 11 accessories, including swimmer figures, a diving board and a launcher. These are all designed for small hands and help kids develop their hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.
What We Love:
❤️ Accommodates a few children thanks to the different levels and all the accessories
❤️ Very sturdy and stable
❤️ Comes with an umbrella for sun protection
What We Don’t Love:
💔 Does not come with pre-drilled holes
💔 Does not have a drain so you need to tip it over to get rid of the water
| 💡 If flinging frogs is your thing, then this option will be sure to start epic water fights for a budget-friendly price tag. |
Best Water Tables for Less Than $150
11. Step2 Cascading Cove Sand & Water Table with Umbrella
This option from Step2 also comes with an umbrella for sun protection and has two compartments that you can fill with water, sand or even Orbeez. This one is the perfect size for toddlers and offers so many possibilities. If you want a table that can be used indoors as well as outdoors, this is a great choice!
| Recommended age: 18 months and above |
Parents love that this table comes with a cover that makes it easy to keep the table clean and keep bugs and cats out of the sand. The cover secures shut so toddlers can’t open it and start causing chaos with sand unsupervised!
What We Love:
❤️ Comes with a secure cover and umbrella for sun protection
❤️ Has two sections for water and sand
❤️ Both sides are easy to drain
What We Don’t Love:
💔 Does not have pre-drilled holes for assembly
💔 Kids will often end up mixing the sand and water
12. Step2 Car Wash Splash Center
Does your kiddo always want to join when it’s time to wash the car? Now they can have a car wash station of their very own! This unique water table takes the form of a car with built in water features. Kids can pour water into the “gas tank”, watch it cascade down a maze and even clean the windscreen. Turning the steering wheel moves the wipers for a perfect finish!
| Recommended age: 3 years and above |
Thanks to the secure drainage plugs, this water toy doesn’t leak but is easy to drain. You can even get kids to drain the water themselves by “changing the oil”!
What We Love:
❤️ Loads of ways to play solo or with friends
❤️ Sturdy and easy to drain
❤️ Comes with lots of accessories
What We Don’t Love:
💔 Assembly requires a drill
💔 It would be cool if the car wheels could move in between washes
13. Step2 Ball Buddies Adventure Center Water Table
Is your kid obsessed with ball pits? Then they will love this water table. It is also an economical choice as you can use it all year round. In summer, fill it with water and let your kids splash around. When it’s too cold outdoors, simply leave the water out and play with the balls and the friendly vehicles!
| Recommended age: 18 months and above |
This table features multiple stations and accessories so several kids can play at the same time, plus space to keep all the accessories at the end of playtime. The vehicle characters are also adorable and lots of fun to play with!
What We Love:
❤️ Fun to use with or without water
❤️ Large enough for multiple children with enough toys to go around
❤️ Very sturdy with a great variety of features
What We Don’t Love:
💔 Assembly requires tools as there are no pre-drilled holes
💔 The features are not directly water-related like most of the other tables
| 💡 Recreate the ball pit pandamonium with this epic wet or dry play table. |
Frequently Asked Questions About Water Tables
🙋 What age group loves water tables and water play?
The great thing about water tables is that they are one of the few toys that are truly enjoyable for toddlers and older kids alike. Many water tables are suitable for toddlers as young as 18 months, but are still fun for 6 or 7-year-old kids. Of course, the way they play will probably differ – while toddlers engage in sensory play, pouring water through different objects and splashing around, older kids’ play will be more goal directed or imaginative. Either way, a water table is a fantastic toy if you want to make both your toddler and your older child happy!
🙋 Are water tables safe?
Water tables are a lot safer than paddling pools, as they require much less water and kids do not sit in them, so there is little chance of them drowning. However, there are a few things to keep in mind to make sure kids don’t catch illnesses from the water table. First of all, make sure to drain and clean it after each use and let it dry completely before storing it, to avoid growth of bacteria, algae or mold. When it comes to multi-child play, do not allow kids to use the water table if they have a cold or a runny nose or if they have sores on their hands.
So… What Water Table Should I Get?
As always, that depends on your priorities. Do you want something that can easily be stored or transported? Then this folding water table could be ideal. Do you want a multi-purpose table that includes sun protection? This picnic table may be best. And for those who simply want a fun water table that toddlers and older kids alike can enjoy, go for something packed with features and different levels.
We have done our best to put together a varied range of tried and tested water tables. But if you have found a different one that you swear by, give us a shout!
