Summer is coming.
And who doesn't love a good splash?
Especially the kids.
It seems like every year, as soon as it starts to get warmer, the kids immediately want to go outside. And how to get cooled off?
Back in the old days, kids used the pool. But what happens when mom is too tired to help them swim?
After all, you have to change clothes, get towels out, and go to the pool. And saying no just leads to a fit.
There is always option number two: turn on the sprinkler. But what happens when the yard has already been watered? Or there’s a drought on, and you can’t water the lawn?
If only there was a kid-sized, parent-friendly solution….
Introducing the best water tables for toddlers and preschoolers.
In A Hurry? Here's The Best Water Table for Toddlers
What is a Child’s Water Table?
A child’s water table contains a small amount of water on a table for hours of fun.
With toys, spinners, slides, and squirt guns a water table ensures that your child can safely play in the water on hot summer days.
The best water tables for toddlers on the market all include three things:
But how to know what water table would be best for your kid? Fear not!
That's precisely why I have gathered the 7 best water tables for toddlers here with reviews - so you can take the hassle out of fun.
Some things to think of as you are making your decision:
Ready to beat the heat with a water table this year? Here are the top 7 best water tables for toddlers and preschoolers.
Overview: Best Water Tables for Toddlers
Top 7 Best Water Tables for Toddlers (2020 Updated)
1. Little Tikes Anchors Away Pirate Ship
Features
This pirate ship themed boat makes a great water table for little kids. From the anchor to the plank, kids are sure to enjoy this realistic replica.
Its many moving parts help kids to develop critical thinking skills. Plus, it is big enough that several kids can play at once.
My Impression
I really like that this table has multiple elements for kids to play with. Out of all the water tables, this table has the most features.
This means that multiple kids will stay interested for longer. Plus, it has a stopper for easy draining.
What Could be Better
This is one of the more complicated tables to assemble due to all the moving parts. Plus, once the pieces have snapped in, they don’t come out easily.
Which is great to keep them from getting lost, but makes it hard to store the table away.
Because of this, it would be great if the table came with a cover.
2. Step2 Paw Patrol Water Table
Features
Have a child that is obsessed with the furry rescuers- the Paw Patrol? Then this might be the perfect water table for them to reenact their latest daring rescue!
Join the crew as they disembark from the tower to save animals stuck in the whirlpool.
This round table has multiple activities to keep your kids engaged.
My Impression
This water table looks like a ton of fun for any kid wanting to save the day. It is easy to assemble. The whirlpool spinner is a great way to teach kids how water moves.
Plus, I love how there are multiple Paw Patrol figures so that each kid can use one.
What Could be Better
The parts set on the table, making it easy for curious kids to remove them.
As it is a cheaper option, there aren’t many spinning attachments besides the one big one.
3. Step2 Dino Dig & Sand Water Table
Features
A great 2 for 1 deal, the dino dig & sand is one of the most unique water tables on the market.
The addition of the removable sandbox makes this the perfect play space. Plus, the volcano lid protects the sand from getting wet when not in use.
It would be an excellent buy for any kid that loves dinosaurs and exploring.
My Impression
A sturdy water table, the dino dig & sand is easy to put together for hours of endless fun.
Its unique style creates additional fun for kids that love dinosaurs. I love that has a sandbox for added sensory fun.
What Could be Better
Younger kids may use the table to mix the sand and water. So, it might be best to use it as a full water table until they get a little older.
Also, unlike other best water tables for toddlers, there are no spinners for kids to enjoy the water falling.
Finally, it is on the shorter side for older kids (4-6 years may be too tall).
4. Little Tikes Spiralin Seas Waterpark Play Table
Features
This colorful water table is great for developing early motor skills. Children will enjoy seeing all the ways they can move the cute aquatic characters around.
Plus, as one of the cheaper water tables on the market, it is a good option for everyone to get into some water fun!
My Impression
This water table is great for endless hours of water fun. I love that it has moving parts that help the kids learn.
This could be one of the best water tables for toddlers since it is simple and they love playing with balls. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that it is easy to assemble.
What Could be Better
This water table doesn’t have as many moving parts as some of the other tables, which might result in your child getting bored quicker.
Plus, once it is put together, it becomes difficult to take apart. Unless you drain it after each use, you will need to watch out for bugs, leaves, and mildew.
It works best if you have a garage or shed for storage.
5. Little Tikes Fish & Splash Water Table
Features
This water table is a tiny pond waiting on its next fisherman!
The colorful fish help children to learn to count as they catch them, and the multiple ways to put them back ensure the play goes on.
The size and interactive nature of this water table make it a perfect fit for multiple kids.
My Impression
The fish & splash table is sure to catch any child’s eye with the moving parts and colorful fish. I really like that it encourages the children to catch the fish and put them back.
Plus, the fishbowl topples over to release the fish once a certain number have been set in- a great way to learn to count.
It is also easy to assemble.
What Could be Better
The water table’s launch pad can potentially launch fish really far.
Because of this, it is important to warn children not to pull it all the way back and don’t aim at each other.
Also, sometimes it ships with a leaky drain plug, so be sure to assemble it before your return period ends in case you have a leak.
6. Step2 Duck Dive Water Table
Features
This blue and green table is sure to capture kids' imagination for hours of fun play.
It is the perfect shape for multiple kids to play together at one time. They will love seeing how moving the spinner and adding water can move the water.
My Impression
I love how this table looks like a lily pad. It is a simpler water table, which is excellent for younger children.
Easy to assemble: no screws needed, everything just snaps together.
What Could be Better
The attachments are easily removable by older kids; however, sometimes they need help putting them back on.
As a simpler water table, it might not have enough parts to keep older kids entertained. Also, if the spinner is spun too hard the water splashes outside the table.
Overall, this table might be better suited for kids toddler age, but it could be the best water table for toddlers we reviewed.
7. Step2 Waterfall Discovery Wall Playset
Features
While more a water wall than the water table, waterfall discovery definitely deserved mention.
The creative use of multiple buckets helps to engage children's critical thinking skills through play.
Plus, this water maze requires less water than some water tables - which might be a good thing depending on how curious your child is.
My Impression
I love how brightly colored this waterfall is. This wall would be super fun for the curious kid who likes to dump water in the tub.
Plus, it would also fit great in a walk-in shower during the winter.
What Could be Better
The removable parts are bound to get lost by little hands, and there aren’t enough to cover both sides of the wall.
While you can order an extra accessory kit, it would be nice if more came included.
Also, sometimes the threaded holes for the screws aren’t made correctly, and you have to fix them after purchase.
If you’re not handy, the potential assembly required may be an issue.
Final Words
I hope that this guide has helped you find the right water table. Or at least, make you more aware of the options out there.
Now that you’ve seen the top 7 best water tables for toddlers and preschoolers, the time has come to pick one. Don’t wait too long, because each day you wait is another day of summer heat!
When using Amazon Prime, you could have your new water table delivered and set up in just a few days.
If you don't have an Amazon Prime account already, click below to start your free 30-days trial now.
Next time, when your little one wants to go to the pool, you can ask them if they want to use their water table instead. You are guaranteed a yes!
What could be more perfect than sitting on the front porch drinking lemonade while listing to your little one’s giggles?
And when you’re done, drain the water table with your little one. Together, you can use the water to water the flowers.
Happy summer.