Everybody craves a bit of nature, but life often gets in the way of a holiday. With Step2’s Cascading Cove, your little ones won’t even have to leave the garden – awake their senses in their very own home with this sand & water table! Little kids can make believe they’re sailing the seas and then arrive on an island to dig for buried treasure: When the weather gets cooler, online reviewers say they place this in the shower for kids to play with (with supervision, of course!). This version comes together a little more easily than other water tables. Hint: For many Step2 toys, the brand intentionally does not pre-drill the screw holes, you're trusted to best align the pieces and use a little downward pressure with either your screwdriver or a screw to get the hole started. If you prefer you can use a small nail and a hammer to create the starter hole. Tap each screw with a hammer to start a hole before you turn each screw into place. If you’re short on space, or you just aren’t a fan of having a big plastic structure sitting out in your yard all summer long, then this compact water and sand table is perfect. It measures 17 inches by 12.5 inches by 11 inches when it’s fully assembled, and since the legs are detachable, it’s easy to move around from room to room. Our selection of sand tables includes raised sandboxes, sand tables with lids, outdoor sand play tables and more!

If you’re planning to leave the water table outside when it’s not in use, you will want one that's made from high-quality material that can withstand changes in temperature, exposure to direct sunlight, and the occasional thunderstorm or windy day. Also, look for a water table that is put together well so you don’t have to worry about it breaking or parts coming off. The purpose of a sand and water table in the early years is to provide children with an environment where they can engage in sensory open-ended play. Through pouring, splashing, combining and manipulating materials together they can develop their motor skills and imagination. For a toy that’ll grow with your babies, opt for a versatile option, like this one from Little Tikes. It is short enough for younger kids but not too small or boring for older toddlers, earning our top spot on this roundup. We love that this colorful table has plenty of engaging activities including balls they can drop down a spiral slide, a Ferris wheel that scoops up and drops off balls, a cup to fill and pour down a water wheel, and more. Sand and water tables allow open-ended play as your child uses his/her imagination. These sensory play tables help develop children’s fine motor skills, sensory perception, understanding of their environment, early scientific concepts, numeracy and literacy skills. Children are naturally inquisitive and our range of sand and water play tables are designed to further enhance exploration and investigation. Features: Every water table should have a drain plug so you can empty it before you put it away. A cover, lid or umbrella are great to keep the water table protected from collecting debris but will add to the price.Despite the seemingly endless activities at the kids’ disposal, this water table is also convenient for parents because it only weighs 10 pounds. Carry it from spot to spot based on the angle of the sun that day, or stash it in your garage when not in use to keep it in prime condition.

This article was written by Senior Parenting & Relationships Editor Marisa LaScala, a pop-culture enthusiast who is also able to test toys with her young daughter. Together with Rothman, LaScala creates age-appropriate toy lists, such as the best toys and gifts for 1-year-olds. We were instantly taken by the three-tier design of this water table. Toddlers can safely play no matter their height, thanks to the multi-level play area. Not to mention, the varying heights give kids the option to either stand or sit while they play, which is a nice bonus. The multi-level setup creates a cascading water effect and makes it great for parallel and collaborative play. This article was written by Brigitt Earley, a freelance writer who has spent the last 10-plus years researching the best home goods for various digital publications, including The Spruce and Good Housekeeping. Brigitt has four kids—all under the age of three—so it’s fair to say she’s spent her fair share of time facilitating afternoons playing at water tables. Her family has a Little Tikes water table, though she’s definitely lusting over the more refined option from Crate & Barrel. In addition to being a great alternative to a pool, they're also educational. According to Kristin Morency Goldman, senior communications specialist at The Toy Association, water tables are like early science wrapped in summer fun. While keeping kids cool, they help introduce early physics concepts through splashing and flowing water. For example, parents and caregivers can ask children to predict if an object will sink or float, Goldman explains. You can put a wide variety of materials in a sand and water table for your children to play with. The sand and water table is truly versatile and can be used during playtime with materials such as water, beads, ice cubes, soap, foam, shaving cream, pasta, pebbles, sand, dirt and much more!

We also spoke with Kristin Morency Goldman, senior communications specialist at The Toy Association, to find out more about the benefits of water tables. Moreover, we reviewed guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics on water safety and how to prevent drowning. What to Look For in a Water Table Materials and Durability Dual adventure table holds 4.5kgsand and 11.4L water with an easy-to-use drain plug for mess-free exploration – build sand castles on one side, and steer boats on the other! As children play with their friends, they will likely try and explain what they are building. This helps to develop social skills and further their language and speech abilities. What are the benefits of a water table? Toys are most often reviewed by Chief Technologist & Executive Technical Director Rachel Rothman, who is able to test both in the Lab and at home with her three kids ages 6 and younger. She's had hands-on experience with many of the water tables on this list and also uses her skills as a mechanical engineer to write articles explaining if air purifiers actually work and to rank appliances such as the best air conditioners. For more than 100 years, the experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute have tested consumer products for safety, ease of use and value. Our staff of engineers, trained cooks, chemists and product experts of all sorts regularly publish lists, such as the best air fryers tested by kitchen pros and the most comfortable air mattresses.

If your kids are younger, a few simple features—such as cups to pour and/or a water wheel—will do. But if your kids are a bit older and more active, look for a water table with more to do. Think water mazes, fishing rods, and more. Water tables keep kids cool and busy outside by allowing them to splash, pour, and experiment without actually having to be in the water. The best water tables are durable, full of features, like an umbrella for protection from the sun, and accommodate one or multiple children, depending on your needs.

Our range of water tables and water trays includes coloured and transparent variations as well as tables that come with additional features such as ramps, slips, water wheels and toys. When deciding on which materials to use, consider the age of the children, their developmental needs and the intended learning objectives. Another consideration is safety and ensuring that you choose materials that are child-safe. What is the purpose of a sand and water table? Hose down the entire water table, with the drain plug unplugged, to remove debris when needed, perhaps each time before you refill the table for play if the table stays outdoors and isn't well covered. In addition to all of the soapy fun, the table also comes equipped with a fun spinning Ferris wheel, a foam clapper, and a hand pump to create even more bubbles. This table requires batteries (which are not included) and works with any kind of soap or bubble solution.