Best 10 Water Tables for Kids

Do you want to give your toddler endless hours of fun this summer? Babies love water, that’s a fact. Just let them free in the pool or bathtub, and you will have water splashing all over the house. So why not give them the best of both worlds during the hot weather with a water table? They will have immense fun and will stay cool during the heat. 

Before setting your eyes on one, it is best to know what you are looking for in such a toy. You need to consider how spacious your garden or home is and your baby's age. Plus, don't forget to take into account the material as it would be nice to keep it for at least a season!

Go through our comprehensive buying guide to ensure you have all the necessary information before adding one in your cart. Choosing the best one for your child has never been easier! 

Why Do You Need a Water Table 

A water table is a toy made for young kids. It can only provide your little bundle of joy with fun but also help them improve their motor skills. Here are a few more reasons why you should invest in one: 

• Have hours of play.

They are more of an activity table with several playing features and water. These are bound to keep your children busy and entertained for a while. If you are lucky enough to afford one that doubles as a sand & water table, then they will even have more playing options throughout the year. 

• They are eco-friendly.

Are you looking to save water and time by avoiding the inflatable water slides? Water tables are the next best thing you can use to keep your baby splashing in the water during the summer heat while learning and having fun. Once assembled, you do not have to waste your time inflating and deflating the table or spending litres of water. 

• They are safe.

Compared to pools, water cannons, and water fights involving buckets, bombs and pistols, water tables are considered safer for a toddler. Still, you need to keep an eye on your child, especially when they are young. Pay close attention to your baby throughout when using the table regardless of their age.  

How Old Should Your Kids Be To Play With a Water Table?

Most are ideal for kids from 18 months up to 4 years. But, some models are suitable for older kids, up to around 6 years. Others might accommodate babies under 18 months. Still, you need to be extra careful with the age limit. It is best to not leave your baby unsupervised when using it.

We recommend checking the manufacturer's age recommendations as you scroll through the options. Every manufacturer lists the appropriate age for its product to help you make the right choice. 

What To Look For When Buying a Water Table For Your Kid

Some features to look for when you are in the market for a water table are: 

1. Material & Durability 

You want a water table that's easy to assemble and steady, so you do not have to worry about it falling apart with your child around. Also, if you are looking for one that you can leave in the yard when not in use, you will want to get one that's weatherproofed. Such materials are durable as they can withstand rain, windy days, changes in temperature and the scorching sun.  

2. Design & Size 

What is the size of your yard or garden? Do you have enough space to accommodate the water table when it is in use or not? Also, consider how many children will be using the toy at a time. 

You might have one child, but do the neighbours' kids or your loved ones bring their children around for playtime? Lastly, you need to take into account your child's age. You do not want to get a water table that is either too tall or too deep for their comfort. 

Design-wise, if you are too concerned about your yard's aesthetics, consider getting a water play table made from high-end wood. It is not only better looking than its plastic counterparts but also sturdier and more durable. 

3. Adjustable Height 

Height-adjustable tables allow your child to grow with the toy. These are also the best choice if you have children of different ages. Rather than invest in several water tables for each child’s size, get one with an adjustable height and change it accordingly when needed.  

4. Playing Features 

They are more than a water play toy for kids. They come incorporated with other games that help enhance a kid's motor and visual skills. Brands have different types of game features for their tables. 

Regardless of what you choose, it is best to get a water play table with multiple playing features that enable your child to explore and have fun while at it. Think of features like cups, waterfalls and floating parts. Also, the older your child is, the more engaging features you need. 

While on playing features, what’s the storage system like? Some models have attachable features for safer and easier storage, saving you a lot of hassle from blown away or lost parts. 

5. Accessories 

Every table you will come across has playing features, but what's even more important are the additional accessories that make the table more comfortable. For example, think of umbrellas that shelter children from the sun or several drains for a simple draining and cleaning. 

How Can Your Child Benefit From Playing With a Water table?

While you see it as a playtoy investment, we assure you that it does more than keep your tiny one entertained. There are things you cannot teach your child, and exploring them through some of the best toys, like a water table, is an excellent way for them to learn. These include:  

• Enhancing Motor Skills 

From the fetching bowls to locking and spinning wheels cascades, pumps and taps, they are the epitome of building fine motor skills for children. Every little movement their hands and legs are involved in is an opportunity to grow their muscles, physical strengths and body movements. 

• Improving Social Skills

There is no better way for your child to build social skills than a few minutes of playing with their peers. Humans are social beings, and by the time your child has grown into adulthood, they will have better skills than one Sheldon Cooper (just saying). But we digress… with such a fun toy and a group of other kids from the neighbourhood, your child will learn how to communicate, share and interact with others. 

• Enhancing Imagination & Creativity 

Creativity and imagination go beyond the art classes as we are made to believe. Every aspect of life requires one to have these capabilities. They have accessories that need introducing different characters in the game, which will help them grow their imagination and creativity. 

• Sensory Play 

Sensory play, which involves multiple senses simultaneously, enables children to learn and explore more through sound, sight and touch. For example, a water table offers many sensory exploration options, from the spinning wheels, to the waterfall sounds, running water, and the feeling of holding items with their tiny fingers, not forgetting all the laughter! 

• STEM Learning 

They also introduce babies to the STEM education system from an early age. For instance, they can learn about floating, the flow of water, volume, and motions.  

Can You Use Sand on Your Water Table?

It depends on the design. Some are made for explicit use with water while others are versatile, that you can use as sand and water tables. But, brace yourself for the mess that ensues when your little one mixes the sand and water. 

Your kid will definitely have more fun and creativity mixing water and sand, but you should consider investing in a separate sand table if you are not ready to deal with the mess. 

Ways To Keep Your Kids’ Water Table Clean

Entertaining as these toysmight be, they are also a breeding ground for all sorts of germs and bacteria. If you do not clean yours properly, your child might soon be picking up infections. The best way to keep it clean is wiping all the parts of the water table, including the accessories, with warm soapy water. If there are stubborn stains, grime or debris, try using a hosepipe. 

Also, keep an eye on moulds that might grow inside the parts of detachable accessories. If any, clean with water and vinegar. Sometimes, there is only too much you can do to ensure all the mould is gone. But, when it is impossible to get rid of all the mould, maybe it is time to replace the parts. 

When not in use, ensure you cover it with a weatherproofed cover. It will keep it from accumulating dust, dew and other debris and protecting it from weather elements. 

Closure

It’s time to let your children enjoy the outdoors with a splash of water here and a playing toy there without worrying about them getting bored after a few minutes of playing. Let them explore all the wonders of the water, science, and their senses. Plus, with the interactive playsets, they can finally start building a social life with their playmates. 

The best water tables for kids are here to ensure your toddler gets all the above. Our guide and top picks will make your shopping effortless. Take a look and choose the right option for your kid! Ready to have fun?