Buying guide for Best kids' water tables
If your child would spend all day in the bath, if given the option, and can often be found playing at the kitchen sink, then she'd probably love a kids' water table. Not only do water tables provide hours of fun for little ones but they can also help restrict water play to a designated area, so you don't end up with a soggy carpet or flooded bathroom.
Perhaps you’ve decided you want to buy a kids' water table, but how do you pick one? Many of them look similar at first glance, so it can be hard to tell how to choose a model your child will love playing with.
We at BestReviews are here to help. We've done the research and written this in-depth guide to kids' water tables to simplify your purchasing choice.
Key considerations
Height
It's important to check the height of your chosen water table to be sure it's not too tall or too short for your child to play at comfortably. If there is no table that’s just the right height for your child, one that's too high is usually preferable to one that's too low. Your little one would have to stoop to use a very low table, which is uncomfortable and could mean your child will be less likely to play with the table. If the table is too high, your child can use a step stool until he’s taller.
Age range
Read through the product description to find out the recommended age range of any kids' water tables you're considering. Some are designed for very young kids and might be too low or too simple for children of six to eight, for example. On the other hand, you'll also find tables with a slightly higher minimum age range that might not be suitable for very young kids. The lowest recommended age we've seen for a water table is one year, but most are recommended for kids two years or older.
Water capacity
How much water can a kids' water table hold? Well, that depends! Some very small models may only hold a couple of gallons, while larger tables can hold eight to ten gallons. Although you don't necessarily need the largest option, we generally wouldn't suggest buying a very small table because it won't be as versatile and your child will soon grow out of it. Of course, larger water capacity usually means larger overall dimensions, so if you opt for a high-capacity table, make sure it will fit in the spot you intend for it.
Caution
Always supervise young children who are playing with a water table. A child can drown face-down in even an inch or two of water.
STAFF
BestReviews
Testing kids' water tables
After spending 68 hours researching 15 different kids' water tables we picked our top five favorites. We also consulted 196 consumers to find out what they needed when shopping for kids' water tables.
STAFF
BestReviews
Kids’ water table features
Water only vs. water and sand
Although most water tables are just that – tables for playing with water — you can also find some that are divided into two sections, one for water and one for sand. Sand-and-water tables bring some of the joy of the beach to your home. They make excellent sensory tables and are perfect for kids who love building sandcastles just as much as they enjoy splashing in the water. The downside is that these tables can get messy, especially when sand gets in the water, which will inevitably happen.
Tools and toys
Don't expect a water table to be a simple square table that you fill with water — they tend to be much more exciting than that. You'll get a range of tools, toys, and other accessories, although the types included vary with the model. All the tables we looked at include some kind of bucket or container for scooping and pouring water. Your kids' water table may also include some or all of the following: shovels, slides, squirting toys, figurines, water wheels, and water towers.
Number of kids
How many children will be regularly playing at your kids' water table? If you have more than one child who'll be playing with the table, make sure it's large enough for them all to play at once. We also recommend having enough space for one or two more kids to play, in case of playdates.
Kids’ water table prices
Inexpensive
Basic kids' water tables start at about $30 to $40. You can find some excellent durable options in this price range, but most of them are fairly small and simple, with only a handful of accessories included.
Mid-range
These water tables cost roughly $40 to $70. You'll find some larger and more inventive choices at this price point.
Expensive
If you want the largest water table with the greatest number of toys, tools, and other accessories included, you'll need to opt for a high-end model. Expect to pay between $70 and $150.
"If you choose a water table that relies on many small, fiddly parts, it's likely they'll get lost over time. Sometimes simpler is better."
STAFF
BestReviews
Tips
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Choose a kids' water table that's easy to empty. It should have an easily accessible drain for emptying out the water. Water left in the table too long will become stagnant.
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Look for durability. Water is heavy, so you'll want to select a sturdy, well-made water table to provide adequate support.
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Consult your child. Unless the water table is a surprise gift, consider allowing your child to choose between two or three tables once you've narrowed down your options. After all, you want to choose the water table that your kid will like best and play with regularly.
- Consider how easy the water table is to clean. Water tables are generally made from plastic, so they're easy to wipe down. However, if they have too many awkward recesses, it can be tough to get them completely clean.
FAQ
Q. Are there any educational benefits to water tables for kids?
A. It might look like kids are simply having fun playing with the water table, but they’re learning, too. One of the main benefits for very young kids is that water tables can help improve motor skills, such as hand-eye coordination. Children will also subconsciously learn about the principles of water flow, gravity, and volume.
Q. Could a kids' water table improve my child's social skills?
A. Yes, children playing together at a water table often like to show each other what they've discovered, which encourages interaction. They may also improve cooperation by creating imaginary games to play with one another or working together to reach certain goals.
Q. My child could use some more accessories for her water table. What should I do?
A. The great news is that anything durable and waterproof can be used as a water table accessory — it doesn't need to be designed for the job. A plastic cup can become a bucket for scooping and pouring water. A rubber duck or plastic figurine can be a visitor to the water park. Get creative!
