Water tables for kids often come with accessories, including buckets and small figurines, that make playing with the table a creative and exciting experience for children. They are ideal for the summer months, as a way to get kids outside to play.
How to Choose a Water Table
These are some important things to consider when choosing the best water tables for babies:
Safety
- Look for a water table that is sturdy and will provide a safe space for your child to play. Also, be wary of any accessories that have small parts that could come loose.
Size of the table
- If you are purchasing a water table for a young child, or one who is on the smaller side, consider the height of any towers and if they will be able to use them. Keep in mind that if you choose a table with a tower, they will be tall enough to use it in time.
- You’ll also want to look at the height of the table to ensure your child will be able to safely stand at that height to play.
Assembly
- Most water tables for kids do not come assembled from the manufacturer, meaning there will be at least some assembly required. Some involve more than others, but once they are assembled, they do not require additional maintenance other than regular cleaning.
Water Tables to Try
Truly Mama Top Pick: Step2 Rain Showers Splash Pond Water Table
The Step2 Rain Showers Splash Pond Water Table creates a mini water park in your backyard. From the waterfall feature to the interactive maze pieces designed to encourage STEM play, this water table for kids will keep your children busy, content, and entertained.
We chose this water table for our top pick, thanks to the sturdy construction and adorable accessories that make it tons of fun for little ones. The optional addition of an umbrella for sun protection is a great feature, and although it may take a bit more work to put together, it’s worth it in the long run.
Why we love it:
- Offers different play stations to keep children entertained.
- Includes a set of toys designed to help your child learn cause and effect through STEM play.
- Table is very sturdy once assembled.
- Large basin is large enough for multiple children to play.
- Rainfall feature is appealing to young children.
- If desired, you can order an umbrella from Step2 to protect children from the sun.
What we didn’t love:
- Water leaves the rainfall feature very quickly, so it has to be refilled often.
- Holes are not pre-drilled, leading to more complicated assembly.
- Rainfall feature is too high for small children to pour water into it.
Truly Mama Runner-Up: Little Tikes Magic Flower Water Table with Blooming Flower and 10+ Accessories
The Little Tikes Magic Flower Water Table is an adorable addition to your backyard that your kids will love. The blooming flower provides a unique, interactive experience that will be especially enjoyed by older children.
We chose this as our runner-up because it features a design that is completely different than most water tables available. If you have older children and want something a little different to add to your backyard play, this is a great option!
Why we love it:
- One of the most unique water tables for kids we have seen.
- A fun and interactive water table that features four platforms with different features on each.
- Allows children to step into the water safely, as it sits on the ground.
- Flower blooms as children water it, capturing the magic of gardening.
- Includes 10 accessories and additional toys to keep the fun going.
- Sturdy construction.
What we didn’t love:
- Not suitable for babies and younger children who may trip on the base or tip it over.
- Too tall for smaller children to interact with the entire tower and water the flower at the top.
- Basin at the bottom isn’t deep enough to hold much water, leading to excess water usage.
Little Tikes Flowin’ Fun Water Table with 13 Interchangeable Pipes
The Little Tikes Flowin’ Fun Water Table is designed for multiple children to engage in creative, entertaining play. With a series of pipe systems, fittings, and switches, this water table is great for older children who can grasp the concept of water movement. This table is recommended for age 24 months and up.
Why we love it:
- Encourages children to play creatively by changing the direction of water flow and creating intricate pipe systems and water works.
- Includes a series of interchangeable pipes, fittings, faucets, and other accessories to keep kids busy.
- Has tons of toys and activities to keep multiple children busy and playing together.
- Can be connected to a standard hose to keep the fun flowing.
What we didn’t love:
- Complex to put together, with lots of pieces.
- Some children may want the hose connected continually, leading to excess water usage.
- May be too complicated for younger toddlers.
Step2 Ball Buddies Adventure Center Water Table
The Step2 Ball Buddies Adventure Center Water Table is a water table for kids that comes with a series of accessories to keep children entertained. The Ball Buddies characters allow children to load and carry balls around the water table to various hoops through a series of roads and paths.
Why we love it:
- Two-tier water table combines two toddler favorites: water play and vehicles.
- Includes a series of molded roads and pathways, as well as a lazy river water basin.
- A series of hoops and balls add another fun element to the water table, and balls can be stored in the legs.
- Lots of space for multiple children to play.
- Option to add a Step2 Umbrella to protect your little ones from the sun.
What we didn’t love:
- Not many interactive features to keep children engaged.
- Shallow basin doesn’t hold much water.
- Holes are not pre-drilled, leading to more complicated assembly.
