Our Favorite Water and Sensory Tables for Children


Have I drilled it home yet that I’m totally all about water play? Yeah, we like our water fun around these parts. What can I say? It’s summer—we want to play outdoors and keep ourselves cool as cucumbers. And, so, a water table, while not quite as action-packed as a trip to the water park, still translates to tons of family-friendly fun. Water and sensory tables make great purchases for summer fun. Our favorite water and sensory tables will give your kids hours of unplugged play in your yard or on your deck.

If your summer plans involve letting your kids experiment and enjoy unstructured play time, you're going to love these toys. Start your hunt on Craigslist or other pre-owned sites. Water tables can hold up to a lot of use. If you are buying new, here are my picks.

Related: Best sewing kits for kids

New Water Tables for Sensory Fun

I'm excited about this new toy that offers a great update to a classic toy. KiwiCo is known for their thoughtful subscription kits for kids to stay engaged while playing, so I'm not surprised that the brand's newest offering, the Water & Sand Sensory Table is so well designed. It's a match for kids ages 3+, and features a rearrangeable stick-on pipe set, paint crayons, and the option to use both water and sand. It's adaptable for your family as your kids grown thanks to adjustable height settings, durable construction, and grow-with-me features.

IMHO water tables are a playtime investment that’s built to last. This unique twist on a playtime classic is now available for pre-order. All pre-ordered Water & Sand Sensory Tables will ship between July 1-7. ($159.99)

Pirate Ship Water Table

The Little Tikes Anchors Away Water Pirate Ship has been a favorite around here for years and is another great choice. It has a variety of different activities—so it’s great for solo use, sibling interaction, or group play dates. Everyone can “man” a corner of the ship and play the part of pirate—argh. The ship includes a squirting canon and shark for friendly water battles; and a super-neat spinner helps to create an underwater current that gently moves objects along the bottom. The water fountain keeps flowing—and there are lot of other features and figurines to keep little mateys amused. Get it at Walmart here ($79.99)

Why we love water tables

Water tables are great for babies and toddlers because they help encourage sensory play. You can fill them with cold water out of the house, use warm water with bubbles (cleans those filthy little paws too!), add ice-cubes, or try colored shaving cream. The options are pretty vast and endlessly entertaining.

Water Tables for Summer Fun

I’ve rounded up my top six picks for water table fun (the last one is actually a totally amazing water wall). Get your pint-sized pirates in their swimsuits—and get ready for some splashing! Please note: all the Amazon links are affiliate links.

  1. Little Tikes Wave Maker: A totally unique water table with five built-in play stations including the all-new Wavemaker Wheel. Comes with island-themed characters, including: a shark, a mermaid, a narwhal, a pirate on a boat, a treasure chest, and a water bucket. Get it at Amazon here. ($76.99) 
  2. Step 2 Wild Whirlpool Water Table: Water table features a tower that creates a water vortex as water is poured through. The scoop can also be used to capture the 6 sea creatures. Get it at Amazon here. ($64.99) 
  3. Step 2 Rain Showers & Unicorns Water Table: This kid’s water table with a cute unicorn theme includes three adorable unicorn characters, among an assortment of other fun accessories. Little unicorn lovers can make the unicorns swim and play in this pastel paradise, as they explore a wide variety of engaging features that challenge their fine motor skills. Get it at Target here.($96.99)
  4. Step 2 Splish Splash Seas Water Table With Umbrella: Two-tier water table design creates a waterfall effect when filled. Interactive elements include diving board, spinner, and flipper. Get it at Walmart here. ($85.99)
  5. Step 2 Waterfall Discovery Wall: Scoop up water from the bottom basin and pour into the top to start the water maze fun. Get it on Amazon here. ($59.99)
  6. Land, Sand and Water Wooden Table: 3 removable, collapsible plastic bins hold everything from sand, water, beans, rice, or whatever sensory fun you can imagine. Comes with two reversible covers; one side is a train track (fits most standard trains) and the other side is a chalkboard. Made of beautiful, sustainable bamboo, this table offers many ways to play. Chalk and trains are not included. Maisonette water table ($299)

With all these great options your kids can stay cool and entertained for hours. 

MORE KID-CENTRIC FUN FROM MOMTRENDS

  1. Keep kids busy building a fort
  2. Create a cozy reading nook for kids
  3. Throw a teddy bear tea party

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This is not a sponsored post. It may contain affiliate links. All opinions are our own.