Buying guide for best kids' picnic tables
It's great for kids to spend plenty of time outdoors, but certain activities can be trickier without the right gear. Kids' picnic tables make al fresco eating a breeze for your little ones. They're ideal for times when your child has friends over, for siblings eating together, or for family gatherings, especially in the summertime. It's much easier to get kids to sit nicely and eat outside at a kids' picnic table compared to a blanket on the ground.
It's important to pick a kids' picnic table that's the right size for your children, preferably with a little room to grow into it.
Decide what material you prefer, too — do you want a classic wooden picnic table, easy-clean plastic, or something else? Consider whether you want integrated or separate seating, whether you need a foldable table, and what color or finish appeals to the kids.
Key considerations
Integrated vs. separate bench
Some kids' picnic tables are all one piece with built-in benches on either side (or occasionally all the way around the table). Other models have separate benches that aren't attached to the table. Integrated picnic tables tend to have a lower price tag, plus there's no chance the benches become lost or misplaced. On the other hand, some children find it easier to get up and down from a picnic table with a separate bench. They're often stronger than integrated benches, which is handy if you want to sit down with your child.
Size
Children's picnic tables are kid-sized, so they're much smaller than standard picnic tables. That said, they're not of a universal size or height. Some models are extremely small and are designed with the needs of toddlers and preschoolers in mind. Others are larger and better suited to children between five and 10. Choose a picnic table according to the age and size of your children, bearing in mind that they grow quickly. You don't want a table that's way too large for your kid now, but you don't want your child to grow out of their picnic table within six months, so you need to find a happy medium.
Material
Although you can find a small number of other options, the bulk of kids' picnic tables are made from wood, plastic, or a combination of plastic and metal. Wooden kids' picnic tables look great and can be extremely sturdy if you choose a quality option. They do tend to be more expensive than other materials and might not weather well unless treated. Plastic models are lightweight and easy to clean, but they appear cheaper than wooden picnic tables, and some people prefer to avoid plastic due to the environmental impact. Kids' picnic tables with a plastic tabletop and seats with a metal frame are often foldable and are strong and sturdy. You need to make sure the metal is coated; otherwise, you could have issues with rust.
Features
Shape
The majority of kids' picnic tables are square or rectangular. Rectangular tables have more room down the long sides, while square tables have seating on all four sides to increase capacity. Although less common, you can also find a handful of round and oval tables.
Color
You can find kids' picnic tables in a wide range of hues, from bright rainbow colors to more muted shades. It's likely that children will prefer the brightly colored options, especially young kids, although parents might prefer something more in keeping with the decor in their yard.
Foldability
Some kids' picnic tables are foldable. This makes it easier to store your table when your little ones aren't using it. Not only is it great for winter storage, it's also a huge advantage if you don't have much outdoor space.
Umbrella
It's important that kids don't spend too much time outdoors without any kind of protection from the sun, which is why you may prefer to choose a kids' picnic table that includes an umbrella or a hole for an umbrella, if you choose to buy one separately.
Kids’ picnic table prices
On the lower end of the price spectrum, kids' picnic tables prices are between $30 and $50. These are generally small plastic models designed for preschoolers. Mid-priced options tend to retail between $50 and $80, including larger plastic tables and some wooden models. High-end kids' picnic tables cost $80 to $150. At this price point, you'll find extra large plastic tables along with high quality wooden models.
Did you know?
The vast majority of kids' picnic tables arrive flat packed, so some assembly is required.
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Tips
Find out whether your kids' picnic table is suitable for all-weather use. Some may crack or warp if left out in cold, wet weather, so think about where you'll store them during the winter.
Consider the durability of your kids' picnic table. Not all are equally durable — the sturdiest might cost more, but they last far longer.
Work out the capacity of any picnic tables you're considering. How many children does it fit? Of course, the exact capacity of the table depends on the size of the children who sit at it, but you might choose to look at the measurements and estimate.
- Choose a kids' picnic table that's easy to clean. Some surfaces are easier to clean than others. Plastic is the easiest to wipe down, followed by painted or treated wood, with unfinished wood coming in last.
FAQ
Q. Do kids really need their own picnic tables?
A. They certainly can benefit from them. Small children don't fit well on adult-size furniture, so it's hard to sit down and eat lunch or partake in some messy play. A kids' picnic table is made in just the right proportions to suit little bodies, so kids are more likely to sit still and engage in whatever they're supposed to be doing.
Q. Are kids' picnic tables difficult to assemble?
A. Some kids' picnic tables are more difficult to assemble than others, but you still only need an hour or two and some basic tools to assemble the trickiest of the bunch. A handful of models are so easy to assemble they don't require any tools at all.
Q. Can I take a kids' picnic table on a camping trip?
A. Kids' picnic tables can be useful on camping trips to encourage kids to sit still and eat at mealtimes, rather than running around. Some tables fold quickly and easily — these are the best ones to take on camping trips.
