The 9 Best Water Tables To Keep Kids Cool And Entertained

Forbes

07-05-2025

My three kids love a good water table, and we've tested quite a few over the years in our backyard. The best water tables are easy to drain and clean, and they don't tip over easily when kids are playing with them. Beyond that, the best choice is the one that appeals to your child— whether it sports a fun theme like the Step2 Dino Dig Sand And Water Table or is a more open-ended option like the Best Choice Products Kids 3-In-1 Sand And Water Table . Our top pick, the Step2 Rain Showers Splash Pond Water Table is a Forbes Vetted staff favorite, because it appeals to a wide range of age groups, offers so many fun play features and a solid base to prevent tipping.
The best water tables have ample accessories for kids and provide a stable base. ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTO: RETAILER
'Water tables offer an opportunity for young children to learn by engaging in their environment utilizing different senses. Water tables encourage children to creatively and actively explore their world through tactile (touch), auditory (hearing) and visual (seeing) senses,' says Dr. Michael Glazier, CMO of Bluebird Kids Health. To help you find a water table that provides fun for your kids for years to come, we curated a list of the nine best options.
Amazon Step2 Rain Showers Splash Pond Water Table
Size: 32 x 24 x 39 inches | Accessories: 13 total, including a bucket, squirt toys and spinners
I've had this water table for years, and it has certainly proved its durability over time. It comes with a variety of accessories that can extend playtime, including a bucket, scoops and squirt toys. My kids love making a rain shower and pouring water on the gears to make them spin—all actions that are helpful for developing gross motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
It's designed for kids ages 1.5 and older, but in my experience, kids that young tend to get frustrated with it because they can't reach the top section very well. My kids enjoyed it more once they were 2 to 2.5. The overall size is ideal for a family with a few kids since multiple kids can play at once and there are enough accessories to share.
Size: 29 x 29 x 28.5 inches | Accessories: 8 total, including a fishing pole, fish and a water cup
With a built-in fishing game and fun accessories, the Little Tikes Fish 'N Splash Water Table stands out as an excellent value. Kids play by catching fish with their fishing pole or net, and then release them via the attached launcher or from the fishbowl to the lily pad. This is a great way for kids to work on their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Glazier explains that kids can develop their hand and finger dexterity by playing with different parts of water tables.
The table is touted for its simple assembly, and it's nice that it doesn't take up too much room. However, because it's pretty low to the ground and on the smaller side, your kids might outgrow this table faster than some of our other picks.
KiwiCo Water And Sand Sensory Table
Size: 21.6 x 22 x 32-37 inches (adjustable legs) | Accessories: 20 total, including a spray bottle, a sponge and spinners
My favorite thing about this water table is that it works just as well as a water table as it does a sensory bin. My kids have been using it for over a year, and some of their favorite activities include creating a toy car washing station, playing with rainbow rice and creating mud soup. Because it's such an open-ended water table, it gives kids space to be more creative with their play and can still be engaging well beyond the toddler years. Forbes Vetted editor and mom of three Esther Carlstone says her 5-year-old still regularly plays with this table, making it ideal for parents of kids of different ages.
The water table has adjustable legs, so it can grow with your kids, and it includes a clear panel they can use to create water features or color on. When you remove the clear panel, you're left with a large bin to hold the water. While my kids really get creative with this table and it's a staple in our household, if you don't plan on using the accessories much, you're left with a plain bin on a platform. If you're looking for something high-quality and open-ended, this is definitely the pick for you. If you want your kid's play to be a bit more directed, however, check out one of our picks that has a theme, like the Step2 Dino Dig Sand And Water Table .
Amazon Step2 Dino Dig Sand And Water Table
Size: 30 x 29.5 x 33 inches | Accessories: 7 total, including dinosaurs, scoops and a shovel
My kids and I can vouch for this water table as it's been in our backyard for a few years and has seen some pretty heavy play. We've also left it outside through all seasons, and it's still sturdy without any cracks or damage. As a themed play space, it has some really fun features, like a covered sand area, a palm tree that creates a rain shower when kids pour water over it and a mountain for the dinosaurs to climb on.
The table is separated into two areas so you can keep the sand and water separate if you want. It sits relatively low, so it's an ideal height for toddlers. When my kids were younger, they never got frustrated with this one like they did with other water tables that had features that were too high for them to reach.
Amazon Aquaplay Mountain Lake Water Playset
Size: 49 x 34 x 13 inches | Accessories: At least 5, including boats and figures
While this water play set isn't elevated like a traditional water table, it's too much fun to leave off the list. The set is built as a canal system that includes a waterfall, bridges and a cave. With a water pump and lock system, kids can explore how waterways work—at the top of the set, kids pump water into a reservoir, and then they release it with the lock—and it can provide immersive learning opportunities for older kids. Once the water is released, it flows through the rest of the canal and pushes the boats along.
If your kids love pushing cars down ramps, they'll probably really enjoy this set. It's also great for multiple kids due to the variety of play features and overall size.
Size: 29 x 29 x 31.5 inches | Accessories: 7 total, including balls and a scoop
For many toddlers—and even big kids—there is something so fascinating about watching balls float down the current. With this set, they can make their own lazy river and waves via a spinner. They can also pour water to turn water wheels, scoop balls on a ferris wheel and drop balls into a spiral tube. The water table itself is pretty close to the ground, but shorter toddlers might struggle to reach the top of the spiral tube. If you're looking for a small and simple water table that still packs a lot of fun, this is a good choice for you. 'This small but mighty water table was always the hit of our toddler playdates and easily fit on our patio without taking up too much space,' says Carlstone. Families with multiple kids or older kids might want to choose one of the bigger water table options.
Amazon Little Tikes Build And Splash Water Table
Size: 36.3 x 27.3 x 19 inches | Accessories: Over 25, including blocks, boats and a pitcher
In terms of versatility and value, you get so much out of the Little Tikes Build And Splash Water Table. This indoor-outdoor table functions as a typical water table with a raised platform, but it also includes building blocks so kids can combine block building with water play or play with each separately. I appreciate this option for younger kids, because sometimes my toddlers get too carried away with water. You can also remove the legs for floor play, which is great for younger toddlers who aren't quite steady on their feet yet. It's also great for kids who just love to build.
Accessories include blocks, funnels, pipes, boats and a pitcher that can be conveniently stashed in the center area. It also comes with a mesh storage bag, which is helpful for drying out all of those pieces and preventing mold.
Amazon Best Choice Products Kids 3-In-1 Sand And Water Table Picnic Table
Size: 38 x 37.8 x 19.5 inches | Accessories: None
Protecting kids from the sun is important, especially during high UV days. Fortunately, this hybrid picnic table and water table provides ample shade thanks to an adorable adjustable umbrella. The table opens up to reveal two bins, which you can fill with water, sand or other sensory materials. I like that you can fill the bins with whatever you want, making it simple to create a themed bin based on what your child is interested in or learning about at the moment.
The table doesn't come with any accessories, and it requires more assembly than most water tables, so if you're looking for something a little more hands off, you might want to go for a more traditional option. An added bonus: It's available in various colors, so you can pick something that matches the aesthetic of your backyard.
Amazon Step2 Pump And Splash Discovery Pond
Size: 38.25 x 40 x 30 inches | Accessories: 10 total, including a bucket, squirt toys and a watering can
For active kids who are constantly looking to explore, pour and play in water, this water table is a fantastic pick. It has a lot of different water features, including a rain shower tray, a fill-and- spill bucket, a water wheel and a water pump. Since it's a large set with play features at various heights, it's ideal for multiple kids. In addition to the play features toward the top of the set, the large pond at the bottom is a fun place for kids to splash and play with their toys, too. The pump can be a bit tricky for younger kids to operate, so they might need some help to get the water flowing.
According to Ashley Blonder, a pediatrician at Tribeca Pediatrics in New York, water play 'can be a source of early STEM learning and promote cognitive development through exploring concepts such as gravity, cause-and-effect and motion.' With so many flowing interactive features on this table, this is a great one for budding scientists.
The Forbes Vetted baby and kids gear team is deeply experienced in researching, testing and recommending toys and kids products. We've spent countless hours testing toys and products with our kids, including water tables. The author of this article, Alicia Betz , has tested a variety of water tables over the past seven years, many of which are featured in this guide. She also frequently reviews and writes about other toys and products, like the best dinosaur toys and the best children's books .
, has tested a variety of water tables over the past seven years, many of which are featured in this guide. She also frequently reviews and writes about other toys and products, like the best and the best . This article is overseen by Esther Carlstone , a longtime parenting editor. She's a mom to three who has tested and reviewed countless baby and kids products including many water tables.
, a longtime parenting editor. She's a mom to three who has tested and reviewed countless baby and kids products including many water tables. To learn more about water safety and what to look for when choosing a water table, we spoke to three experts: Marisa Abbe, director of injury prevention at Children's Health in Texas; Dr. Michael Glazier , a pediatrician and chief medical officer of Bluebird Kids Health in Florida; and Dr. Ashley Blonder , a pediatrician at Tribeca Pediatrics in New York.
To find the best water tables, we conducted research, testing and expert interviews. Many of the water tables on our list have been in our backyards for years. We considered water tables from a variety of brands, but paid particular attention to those made by companies known to make quality and durable outdoor toddler toys, such as Little Tikes and Step2.
We took customer reviews and ratings into account, eliminating water tables that have an average rating below four out of five stars.
To include different options that appeal to a wide audience, we considered water tables with various features and accessories. We also included a few options that don't fit the traditional water table mold.
We considered our own experience. Betz has tested many of the water tables on this list, and other members of the Forbes Vetted baby and kids gear team have used some as well.
Here are some key factors to consider when shopping for a water table. Age Appropriateness
Most water tables are designed for toddlers and preschoolers. Sometimes, a water table is approved for a younger age, but it has features that younger toddlers can't reach. This can lead to frustration and potentially be dangerous if they try to pull down the table to reach higher features. Be sure to follow age recommendations when purchasing a water table and use your own judgment as well. If your toddler is on the shorter side, consider a water table without a second tier. Safety
Safety around water is incredibly important. 'Water tables are generally safe, but there are a few things to keep in mind,' says Abbe. She advises supervising children at all times when playing with water tables and draining the water when playtime is over. 'Ensure the water table is sturdy and won't tip over when your little one is pushing or leaning on it,' she says.
Blonder also recommends using tables with rounded edges to prevent injuries and to make sure the table is appropriate for your child's age and developmental level. 'Only allow toys that are safe and free of choking hazards particularly for younger children,' she says. Durability
Most families use the same water table for years. Because it's a toy that often sits out in the sun and heat for long periods of time, you want something that is going to last. Many plastic water tables are durable and last for years. Look for something that is thick and sturdy. When purchasing a wooden water table, follow the manufacturer's instructions for upkeep. You may need to coat the wood with stain or a water repellent annually. Ease Of Cleaning
Water tables can get gross pretty quickly if you don't empty and clean them, and can become breeding grounds for mosquitos and bacteria. 'Since children often explore the world not just with their hands but their mouths, this can lead to illness and the quick spread of infection when multiple children are using them,' says Glazier. Look for water tables that have a drain or are otherwise easy to hose down or clean. Size
Most water tables don't take up too much space, but some are larger than others. If you only have a small yard or balcony, you'll want to choose something that has a smaller footprint or can easily be stored away. You might also consider a multipurpose water table, like the Best Choice Products Kids 3-In-1 Sand And Water Table . Additional Features
Some water tables come loaded with features, such as scoops, figures and boats. Others don't include much other than the basin that holds the water. Consider how your child likes to play and whether you want something more bare bones that encourages creative play or something that provides a play theme for them.
Are Water Tables Worth It?> Are Water Tables Worth It?
Water tables are definitely worth it, according to my three kids and all of their friends and cousins. It's often the first toy my kids gravitate toward in the yard, and they often engage in extended, focused play when they use a water table. 'Water tables, without intricate electronics, offer an activity which promotes interaction with the environment through different senses, as well as teaches children to make connections, create stories and think divergently and creatively as they grow and develop,' says Glazier. Blonder also explained that water tables can be relaxing and help with emotional regulation.
What Are The Best Water Tables?> What Are The Best Water Tables?
The best water tables provide a sturdy base to prevent tipping and are easy to clean. Many of the best water tables have fun themes or an abundance of accessories. We think the Step2 Rain Showers Splash Pond Water Table is the best overall, because it's large enough for a few kids to play, it's sturdy and safe and it comes with a few different accessories. It has also held up for years with regular use in multiple editors' yards.
What Is The Best Age For A Water Table?> What Is The Best Age For A Water Table?
Toddlers love water tables, but so do preschoolers and younger elementary schoolers, too. Most water tables are recommended for kids ages 18 months or 2 years and up. Water tables aren't typically recommended for babies. If your baby wants to splash and play in the water, consider a baby bath seat instead.