Children should always be supervised when they are playing with or near water. We recommend draining the water out of your table when each playtime is over. A secure lid or cover will prevent cats from pooping in the sand and sharp debris from getting in. It’s also essential to keep the toy as clean as possible to avoid a build-up of bacteria. Where do you put a water table?

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. With sturdy legs, generously sized tubs for the sand and water and a solid build, this table is the right size for a few children to play together. Additionally, it’s easy to assemble and take apart for storage and cleaning and is made with lots of tools and toys to help your children develop essential motor skills. This Picnic Table and Sandpit is a fantastic idea for small gardens as it combines seating and playtime for up to four children. It’s beautifully made and will look fab in your garden or on a patio.The center mast is a constant-flow water fountain. Kids add water to the crows’ nest to activate the spinning accessories; the battery-operated pump creates the continuous flow of water. Its sturdy design ensures stability and no tipping during play. Not exactly a water table for kids, but these little Ocean Sea Creatures are a wonderful addition to aquatic play. Try throwing a few of these little critters into your water table. It’s the perfect way to create opportunities for your child to get creative and start asking a myriad of marine questions. Other popular accessories: Water tables are geared toward babies and toddlers. Babies who can sit up, generally starting at around six months, are old enough to enjoy a water table. Be sure to pay attention to the product label before buying to make sure that the water table you are purchasing is age appropriate for your child and any other children who might be sharing it on playdates, and to determine how long they will be able to use it. Agree with the child-size picnic table! We have one with a lid that doubles up as a sandpit and it’s great.” (Product suggested by Mumsner user Bim2021) Our verdict Age: From 6 months to 12 years | Size: H 14.6; W 44. 5; D 9.8 cm | Capacity: Not specified | Material: Polypropylene | Cover: No | Accessories included: One water tower; one spin water spiral; one water slide; two corner toys What we love

While it can be tempting to just keep your water table outside, leaving it exposed to the elements means that it can become covered with pollen, dirt, leaves, and other unwanted grime and gunk. Plastic water tables are lightweight and can be emptied, scrubbed clean, and wiped dry after use and stored in a garage or other storage area. You can also cover your dry water table with plastic or a tarp before storing to keep it from getting dirty or dusty. Wood options should always be stored inside because they won't hold up to the elements as well as plastic ones. To prevent this, consider using a sealant on your table to protect it from rusting or staining when it rains or snows. The GYMAX Water & Sand Table is a sturdy outdoor toy that combines a sand pit with a water play area and large water tower. It’s generously sized, so can comfortably accommodate three to four children and the extra wide legs are designed to ensure it won’t topple over, even on windy days. Water tables are best kept in the garden so you won’t be worried about the mess. Place them away from overhanging trees and dripping roofs and keep them in a shed or garage if they don’t have a lid. How often should I empty a water table? 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. I got this for my two-and-a-half-year-old. He is enjoying it. It's not the fanciest one and is a little basic but it does the job well. It depends on how much you want to spend. It comes with a cover which is useful and the little spade, fork, boats etc.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user eyesbiggerthanstomach) Our verdict

Tuff Spots are used in many nursery settings as they’re a hardy, versatile play tray and can be used with or without a stand. It’s evident from the Mumsnet Forum, that many parents find these tables helpful until well beyond a child’s toddler years. Which are best, paddling pools or water tables? The answer will depend on you and your child (or you might decide on both!). A paddling pool provides hours of physical activity and fun, while a water table encourages quieter, more creative play. Perhaps you're researching the best outdoor toys for your garden, and are weighing up the pros and cons of toys such as trampolines, mud kitchens and climbing frames. With our handy round-ups, based on authentic recommendations from real parents and curated by expert writers, we've got you covered. Just a tip, I don't use sand and water at the same time on different sides, or it becomes one big slush as my one tips sand into water and vice versa. One day is the sand day, and another is water day!” (Useful advice from Mumsnet user eyesbiggerthanstomach) Plus, there’s ample room for more than one child—at least two to three toddlers can fit comfortably at this engaging water table. What’s more, though interactive enough for older toddlers, the table has a low profile that’s suitable for younger babies just learning to pull themselves up. It’s the perfect combination for sibling pairs with different age-based needs.

Code valid on full price items only and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or promotion. Sign up We have this Little Tikes sand and water table. It's good because it has both plus a lid to keep cats out. Looks a bit random folded closed but is brilliant when unfolded.” (Water table with lid suggested by PurpleCrazyHorse) Our verdict Develop hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills to fling critters onto the lily pad with the launchers or hook critters with the fishing pole or fishing net. Use the water cup to fill the fishbowl and watch how it tips over when full; the water splashes down in a wave!Age: 18 months to 5 years old | Size: H 70; W 52.5; D 52.5 cm| Capacity: 15.2 Litres | Material: Plastic | Cover: Yes | Accessories included: Two moulds; one sand rake; one scoop; two boats What we love A non-leak drain plug situated at the bottom of the water table conveniently drains the pond for cleaning and storage. Made from solid polyethylene, the water table is sturdy to carry the amount of water. The lower basin stands 17 inches from the floor and the top tier 32 inches. It is light enough to transport for storage. Stagnant water is especially grim! Most tables have plugs through which they can be drained without fuss. The sand and water tubs can usually be removed entirely on simple tables without many attached toys. Plastic is easy to clean with hot soapy water, and if you choose a wooden model, ensure the wood has been treated and maintained every two years. What water tables for kids have you bought for your family or school? Let us know your recommendations in the comments below. Mumsnet has been helping parents make their lives easier since 2000 and, in that time, we've investigated, tried and reviewed thousands of products. As the mother of two children, Jasmine and Liam, our writer Gemma was determined to provide honest and independent advice on the water play tables your little ones will love using.

Though not technically a water table, the Step2 Play & Shade Pool suits little ones who really like the water aspect of this type of play. Like a traditional water table, this small wading pool features an interactive play element (three funnel cups and a fun spinning water wheel) that easily attaches to the included umbrella, so you won't have to worry about sunburn on sunny days. Accessories, toys and tools: Most water tables will come with attached toys and accessories like watering cans, creatures and pouring cups. What's included should be durable and add something to the quality of the play, like pirate characters with the Little Tikes Anchors Away set. Always ensure the accessories in the picture of the toy you’re interested in are included in the price. The Little Tikes Spiralin Seas Waterpark with its Ferris wheel, squirt ball characters, and spinners provide hours of dynamic, imaginative fun while developing early motor skills. It holds seven gallons of water. Top Features A great water table provides outdoor entertainment options for small children, plus it's a fun way to cool off on warm days without having to go to the pool.Though undoubtedly expensive, this water table has two really great perks. One, it looks attractive in your yard since it’s not a bulky and bright plastic toy. Plus, it’s on the bigger side, so it can accommodate more children, say the six or so kids at the family barbecue. Though a slight departure from your standard water table, this vertical water maze is no less fun. In fact, it’s an arguably more age-appropriate option for older toddlers who need a bit more stimulation to stay busy, since the maze can be assembled and disassembled to their liking. Providing hours upon hours of new and interesting activity, it's a great tool for fostering imagination, while also helping kids understand cause and effect. Get a Tuff Spot. Then you can use it for loads of things” (Recommended by Mumsnet user LooseLipsSinkShips) Our verdict