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Nov 14, 2024

10 Best Water Tables for Sumer Play

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We believe you should always know the source of the information you're reading. Learn more about our editorial and medical review policies.

What to Expect selects products based on real-life testing conducted by staff, contributors and members our user community, as well as independent research and expert feedback; learn more about our review process. Prices and details are accurate as of the published date. We may earn commissions from shopping links.

When it comes to having fun in the sun, one of the best ways for your kiddo to make a big splash this season is by playing with an awesome, activity-filled water table. It’s an easy activity for parents and caregivers to set up right in the comfort of their own backyard or patio — once it's set up, you can simply drain the table and fill it up again next time.

To help you find the best water tables, we consulted our editors and scoured posts in the What to Expect community to see what water tables other parents love and recommend to others. Then, we compared those lists with the most highly reviewed options online to come up with a master list of water tables that are not only well worth the investment, but are sure to put a smile on your child's face and provide hours of good fun.

Ready to get splashing? Here, the best water tables for toddlers and kids.

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When it comes to steering the course of "wheel" fun in the sun, this Step2 Car Wash Splash Center can't be beat! What child doesn’t love a toy with multiple functions? Depending on her mood, your little one can splash around in the “trunk” of the car (aka the water table portion of this fun backyard toy), sit on the seat to “drive” the car or have a ball giving the whole thing a shiny wash.

The super-interactive table comes with an impressive array of 13 cool water accessories, is large enough for multiple kids to play at once and includes non-leak drain plugs in both basins to make cleanup a breeze, despite the complexity of the table.

Recommended age: 3 years and up

Weight: 15 pounds

Dimensions: 35.5 x 37.5 x 22.25 inches

If happiness comes in waves, then your kid should prepare to be swept away splashing around with this Little Tikes Island Wavemaker Water Table. This activity table features a whirling wavemaker wheel, twirling trees, a waterfall slide and plenty of island-themed accessories for a fun-filled playdate with friends. It also comes with a plastic shark, mermaid, narwhal, pirate, treasure chest and a water bucket.

Parents with multiple kids — and those who often host backyard play dates — will love the shape of this water table. Unlike other traditional round alternatives, this one has a long, oblong shape that makes it easier to accommodate multiple playmates without the type of crowding that will cause sharing issues and arguments.

Recommended age: 2 years and up

Weight: 14 pounds

Dimensions: 38 x 24 x 26.5 inches

Little ones will have it made in the shade, enjoying some outdoor water fun under the umbrella of this Best Choice Products Kids 3-in-1 Outdoor Wood Activity and Picnic Table. This top-rated convertible table seats up to four kids and features a removable section that uncovers a small sandbox and water tub beneath, so your child will get the most out of playtime with two fun sensory activities all in one. (Of course, you can opt to fill both tubs with water if you prefer.)

Parents, especially those with smaller spaces, will love the dual-functionality of this water table. When the sensory bins are covered, the shaded table provides the perfect perch for lunchtime and other playful activities like arts and crafts.

Recommended age: 3 to 7 years

Weight: 35.3 pounds

Dimensions: 38 x 37.75 x 19.5 inches

Ahoy, matey! Your little adventurer will love exploring the deck of this Little Tikes Anchors Away Pirate Ship. Packed with plenty of spinning maritime parts along with an awesome cannon that shoots water, there’s something new to explore at every turn of this table. Spinning features cause a current in the ship, and your little one will love wheeling out the plastic anchor. There’s no doubt it will be smooth sailing keeping your toddler entertained all afternoon.

This activity-filled, pirate-themed table has a few features the parents will appreciate, too. Though there are many parts to keep track of, the table is relatively easy to assemble and has a drain plug to help make cleanup a little bit easier.

Recommended age: 2 to 6 years

Weight: 19.48 pounds

Dimensions: 9 x 39 x 29 inches

Short on space? There’s no need to come up dry when looking to spring for a water station to keep the kids happily entertained. By scaling down on the width, this double-sided Step2 Waterfall goes over swimmingly well within a relatively small section of your yard or patio.

Still, there’s no shortage of fun to be had. It’s double-sided, meaning more than one kiddo can easily play at the same time. This fun water wall also features a 13-piece accessory set, all of which can be arranged to your little one’s liking, so no two playtime adventures are ever the same — guaranteeing nothing but buckets of fun!

Recommended age: 18 months and up

Weight: 12 pounds

Dimensions: 33.25 x 28 x 16.25 inches

This Little Tikes Spiralin' Seas Waterpark Play Table is perfect for toddlers in the process of developing hand-eye coordination and problem-solving skills, since it has a nice, low profile and doesn’t have too many overwhelming components. Your little one can splash all day in the water as she sends five colorful, plastic balls (included with this set) spiraling down the central tube into the "lazy river" and scoop water in and out with the cup.

Like other great water tables, this one has a drain for easy cleanup, but it’s worth noting that the spiral component may have to be removed for thorough cleaning — especially before storing the table for the off-season.

Recommended age: 2 years and up

Weight: 10 pounds

Dimensions: 29 x 29 x 31.5 inches

You may be hesitant to shell out $200 on a toy — especially a seasonal one — but we promise you the KiwiCo water table is worth every penny. For starters, it’s made from a durable wood that’s coated for water-resistant durability, extending its longevity. Speaking of longevity, the table’s legs can be adjusted so the table can grow with your child.

The multiple uses also give this toy a long play life. Featuring a double-duty plastic tub, an innovative drawing surface and 20 accessories that enhance playtime, the play possibilities are truly endless with KiwiCo’s multipurpose table. Plus, it’s not just a warm weather toy: The table's ability to transform into a sensory bin means it can be used indoors during the colder months.

Stephanie Fisher, What to Expect’s Social Director, bought the KiwiCo water table after a fellow mom (and fellow shopping enthusiast) recommended it. And she’s more than pleased with the investment.

“The table has practically eliminated the word ‘bored’ from my kids’ vocabulary,” she wrote in a review of the KiwiCo water table. “The setup is super simple, with each piece screwing together without the use of tools.” She also adds that the table comes with an illustrated instruction booklet that offers play ideas to keep the fun going.

Recommended age: 3 years and up

Weight: 19.18 pounds

Dimensions: 21.6 x 22 x 32-37 inches

There’s no question that your toddler will love getting her hands wet with this pint-sized water table. It’s just six inches off the ground, so she can even sit and play — or you can place it on a tiny table for an added height boost.

The table comes with a number of accessories, like rakes, buckets and cups to add to the fun. And although it may not serve as a water table that enraptures your tot well into childhood due to its small size, it will certainly double as a great pool and beach toy for years to come.

Recommended age: 2 to 10 years

Weight: 2.59 pounds

Dimensions: 18.5 x 12.6 x 5.9 inches

You can’t beat the convenience of a baby pool and a water table all in one — and that’s exactly what you get with this outdoor toy by Step2. It looks just like the traditional plastic backyard pool, but it has an added play area off to the side where little ones can use the included cups and spinners to create their very own waterfall (and learn cause and effect while they’re at it!).

Another great bonus: This is one of the few water tables (and toddler pools, for that matter) that comes with an attached umbrella to keep your tots shaded from the blazing hot summer sun.

Recommended age: 2 years and up

Weight: 14.25 pounds

Dimensions: 37.5 x 37.5 x 7.75 inches

The price tag on this water table is steep — there’s no questioning that. But it has a lot going for it. For starters, it’s a great choice for anyone concerned about the aesthetics of traditional plastic water tables. The base and legs are made of a super-sturdy 100 percent powder-coated iron that will blend in with the rest of your backyard furniture.

It’s highly functional, too, thanks to two separate areas: one for water, one for sand. Each bin has its own plug to help make cleanup easier. And it even comes with one large wooden lid to cover both spots, so that you can keep the contents inside clean when not in use. (You’ll want to drain the water when playtime is done, but this is an especially great feature for the sand.)

Recommended age: 3 years and up

Weight: 90 pounds (68 pounds for the table, 22 pounds for the lid)

Dimensions: 42 x 24 x 22 inches

With so many sizes and accessories available, there are plenty of adorable water tables for parents to choose from. But what every parent really wants to know is which ones will keep your kids engaged the longest. Here’s what to look for when shopping:

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