Top 10 Best Water Tables

It’s very important that you choose the correct table for your child as there are dozens to choose from, and each one offers something unique.

However, it can be difficult to decide which water table is perfect for your child and your situation, so we’ve rounded up the top ten water tables for toddlers.

We’ve placed them side by side in a quick comparison table, and we have more in-depth reviews to help you decide which table is best for you.

Our buyer’s guide will give you more information as to which points you should look for when you buy your child a water table as well.

Our TOP 5 Picks of The Best Water Tables

IMAGE PRODUCT EDITOR’S PICK FEATURES PRICE
Little Tikes Spiralin' Seas Waterpark Play Table Little Tikes Spiralin’ Seas Waterpark Play Table
  • Best Compact Water Table
  • You’ll get multiple moving parts to develop motor skills
  • The table comes with a cup and five characters
  • Kids can drop balls down spiral
  • Holds 7 gallons of water
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Step2 Rain Showers Splash Pond Playset Step2 Rain Showers Splash Pond Playset
  • Best Multi-Level Water Table
  • The water feature can be rearranged for new play
  • Water table features a 13-piece accessory set
  • This table gives a rain sound
  • Holds up to 5 gallons of water
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Little Tikes Anchors Away Pirate Ship Little Tikes Anchors Away Pirate Ship
  • Best Themed Water Table
  • Fun pirate ship, playset loaded with spinning features
  • It’s good for outdoor use due to the water cannon
  • Comes with many fun accessories
  • Holds up to 5 gallons of water
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Step2 787800 Naturally Playful Sand Step2 787800 Naturally Playful Sand
  • Best Sand and Water Table Combination
  • The table features both water and sand
  • The included umbrella will help protect your child from the sun
  • Includes durable, one-piece plastic cover
  • 7-piece Accessory Set
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Step2 Splish Splash Seas Water Table with Umbrella Step2 Splish Splash Seas Water Table with Umbrella
  • Best Water Table with Umbrella
  • The table is a good height for toddlers and younger children
  • The included umbrella is nice to block the sun
  • 10-piece accessory set included
  • Holds 7 gallons of water
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#1 Little Tikes Anchors Away Pirate Ship

Top 10 Best Water Tables

This water table is just the perfect themed water table for outdoor fun! It comes with built-in sections that help create depth for kids to have even more fun. It has wide legs for added durability, and the table comes with   spinning features.  

This table has a water pump which pumps water over to the crows nest and this feature is undoubtedly children’s favorite. It also has a water cannon which squirts water alongside an anchor which raises and lowers when the child will crank the handle.

Pros
  • This table has multiple features
  • The play pieces are large and easy to handle
Cons
  • There is no drain plug on this table

We recommend this table for anyone who is looking for a durable first-time water table for their child due to the range of activities.

#2 Step2 Big Splash Waterpark

Step2 Big Splash Waterpark

Step2’s water table comes with seven fun accessories that allow your kids to explore and play. There’s a waterside that funnels water into a water wheel, an open space for water play, and a diving board. This table also has a drain plug for easy cleanup.

 This table comes with seven additional accessories including a bucket, a tower spinner, two small figurines, a cup to scoop water, and a catapult board.  You get a durable plastic design and three wide-set legs for added stability and durability.

It is also a good height and size, and this allows a few kids to enjoy this water table at the same time. There is higher parts for taller kids and toddlers and the tub itself is lower so smaller kids can play.

Pros
  • You get seven accessories
  • There is a decent sized open space for your child to play
Cons
  • The drain plug tends to leak, even when it’s completely closed
  • The attachments don’t secure to the table

We recommend this water table for anyone who wants a hassle-free table for their kids to enjoy because cleanup is a breeze.

#3 Little Tikes Spiralin’ Seas Waterpark

Little Tikes Spiralin' Seas Waterpark

The Little Tykes water table has bright, vibrant colors and many fun activities. Your child can develop their fine motor skills as they turn on the Ferris wheel to scoop up the balls and drop them down the spiral in the middle.

 You get five characters that squirt water when you squeeze tem and a cup in addition to the table for more fun. 

This fun table also has a drain plug that makes it easy to drain and clean, but it’s not located directly on the bottom so you may have issues trying to get all of the water out.

Also, the round characters are slightly smaller, and this means you may want to supervise any younger children to make sure they don’t put them in their mouths while they play.

Pros
  • You’ll get multiple moving parts to develop motor skills
  • The table comes with a cup and five characters
Cons
  • The table legs have thin reinforcement
  • The table tends to leak around the spiral part

We recommend this table for anyone who has a child that needs to work on their fine motor skills due to the number of activities available in this water table.

#4 Little Tikes Fish ‘n Splash Water Table

Little Tikes Fish 'n Splash Water Table
 This water table allows your child to practice their counting in a fun and interactive way. Catch the fish, count them, and fill the bowl until it tips the fish back into the water and creates a wave.  Your kid can also catapult one of the characters into the water from the attached lilly pad.

You do get a drain plug as well which makes it easy to clean between playing time, and you get several accessories including  five floating animals, a cup, a fishing net, and a fishing pole .

The centerpiece that attaches the Lilly pad to the table has issues with attaching securely, and it may slip off. Also, the catapult feature can easily overshoot the table, so pieces can fly and get lost if your child pushes it down as far as it will go.

Pros
  • Lets your child practice their counting
  • You get several play pieces included with the table
Cons
  • The lilly pad doesn’t connect properly
  • The table legs won’t stand up to wear and tear

We recommend this table for anyone who has a child that needs to practice their counting skills because you can count the fish as you catch them and see how many it takes to dump them back in the water.

#5 Step2 Splash N Scoop Bay

Step2 Splash N Scoop Bay

This table is split in half giving your child the option to play in sand or water. There is also a cover that sits on either side so you can protect one area while it’s not in use.

 You get seven additional pieces including a cup, water tower, slide, spinner, and a shovel or rake.  Cleanup is a breeze with the included drainage plug and drainage system so this table can dry out between uses.

The water table is also on the shorter side, so if you have taller kids, they’ll have to bend to play with it. While this isn’t a deal breaker, it’s something you want to consider.

Also the sand and water split table is great, but the sand side doesn’t have a drainage system if it gets wet unless you scoop it out and lay it out to dry.

Pros
  • You get a lot of accessories
  • You get the choice of sand or water
Cons
  • The water tower is tricky to put together
  • The drain plug doesn’t work and leads to leaking

We recommend this table for anyone whose child likes to play in both water and sand in one convenient place.

#6 Step2 Rain Showers Splash Pond Playset

Step2 Rain Showers Splash Pond Playset

Your kids will be able to rearrange the water feature on this water table for hours of fun. They’ll also be able to enjoy a rainwater effect and a water table springboard that allows them to flip their characters back into the water pool.

 This table is very durable, and it comes with two stories so kids of all sizes can enjoy playing for hours of fun. 

The pieces fit together tightly, and this is great for anyone who has kids that are slightly more rough with their toys. This table was one of the Most Wanted Summer Toys of 2017 due to its versatility and it’s design.

The wide legs and the sturdy, thick plastic design adds to the table’s durability. You kids can lean on it to play without a problem, and it’ll withstand a lot of wear and tear and general use.

Pros
  • The water feature can be rearranged for new play
  • This table gives a rain sound
Cons
  • Can be tricky to put together
  • Water can run into the base of the water table and be difficult to get out

We recommend this table for anyone who has taller toddlers and shorter younger kids due to its multi-level design.

#7 Little Tikes Anchors Away Pirate Ship

Little Tikes Anchors Away Pirate Ship

This outdoor water table features many moving and spinning parts for hours of play.  You child can squirt water from the cannon, raise and lower the anchor, and pour water over the crow’s nest to create waves.  This fun pirate ship comes with several accessories as well.

It also has a drain plug can be slightly difficult to secure properly, but once you get it in place it stays. This is a slightly shorter water table design, so taller kids may have to bend to use everything that is included.

This is also better for outside use as the water cannon can make a mess if you use it indoors or in an enclosed space.

Pros
  • Comes with many fun accessories
  • It’s good for outdoor use due to the water cannon
Cons
  • There are a lot of tight spaces that are difficult to dry
  • A lot of the accessories don’t attach to the table

We recommend this table for anyone who has kids that like pirates because it has a bright, bold design and a fun theme.

#8 Step2 Naturally Playful Sand & Water Center

Step2 787800 Naturally Playful Sand

Your children will get the choice of sand or water play all in one table. You get eight accessories with this water table including an  umbrella, two boats, two bridges, two cups, and a shovel.

 The legs detach for easy storage and the top ties down for added security. You get all of this in a sleek, faux wooden design that fits into a variety of decors.

There is no way to drain the sand out if it gets wet easily, and it can develop an odor if you let it sit.

The middle can sag when it’s completely full of sand and water due to a lack of support in the middle. The umbrella may also warp from constant sun exposure.

Pros
  • The table features both water and sand
  • The included umbrella will help protect your child from the sun
Cons
  • There isn’t a way to easily drain the sand out
  • The table can sag in the middle, causing the water to pool in one spot

We recommend this table for anyone who has bigger toddlers or more than one child because this is a slightly larger water table.

#9 Step2 Spill & Splash Seaway

Step2 Spill & Splash Seaway

This fun water table allows for your child to create a tidal wave for their characters to ride by pouring water in one level and letting it drop to the next. The entire table holds up to five gallons of water and there is a strategically placed umbrella for shade.

 You get two separate tubs that are mounted on a secure plastic bottom, and each tub features a variety of activities to keep your children entertained including characters that squirt water. 

This table is lower to the ground, and your child may have to bend to use it. The wavemaker is also more on the flimsy side, and it has to have a steady stream of water for it to function properly.

Pros
  • You get two water tubs on different levels
  • The umbrella is placed for optimal sun screening
Cons
  • The tubs are lower to the ground
  • There is no drainage system for either tub

We recommend this table for anyone who has kids that like to create waves or push water, so it moves from one tub to the other.

#10 Step2 Splish Splash Seas Table

Step2 Splish Splash Seas Water Table with Umbrella

This water table allows your children to send their characters off the diving board or down the water slide. It’s also a very good height for both smaller children and toddlers.

The water wheel carousel can provide hours of fun, and all of these features are set on three thick plastic legs for added durability.

The mini pool doesn’t have a drain plug, so you have to tip the structure over to drain it completely when your kid is done playing with it. But, this is a more lightweight water table so this shouldn’t be an issue.

 The umbrella helps to protect your children from the sun while they play, and it’s the perfect height for younger children. 
Pros
  • The table is a good height for toddlers and younger children
  • The included umbrella is nice to block the sun
Cons
  • The tower structure doesn’t attach to the table
  • The mini pool has no drainage system

We recommend this table for anyone that has smaller children and toddlers as well due to its height and several bright, moveable parts.

Top 10 Best Water Tables

How to Choose a Water Table

Water tables can provide hours of interactive fun for your child, but there are a few things you want to look for when you’re choosing a water table to ensure you’re picking the best one.

Additional Features

Many tables come with several fun additional features to help catch and hold your child’s attention for hours of fun. You may get a table with additional buckets, water towers or structures, water wheels, and more.

Easy to Clean

A lot of water tables have very tight areas that can be difficult to clean and completely dry between uses. This can quickly lead to mold growth and a breakdown of the affected areas in the table. It is a good idea to make sure that your water table is easy to drain, clean, and dry.

Gallon Size

Several smaller tables can hold around one gallon of water, and you’ll most likely refill it much more often due to this. Other tables can hold up to six gallons of water. This is an important consideration because you’ll most likely be the one to refill it while your child plays.

Material

You want to choose a table that is made out of heavy-duty plastic or similar materials. This will cut down on the risk of the water table breaking or cracking, and it’ll give the table enough support to handle the water and the additional weight of your child holding onto it and leaning on it.

Safety Features

You want the water table’s materials to be child-friendly and safe for your kids to be around. Ideally, they should be BPA free, and they shouldn’t contain any lead, mercury, or other toxic materials. The edges and corners shouldn’t have anything sharp, and you want more rounded areas.

Size

The table’s size is an important consideration you don’t want to forget. If you choose a larger table, it’ll be bulky and difficult to move and store when your child isn’t using it. A smaller water table is easier to store and move about, but fewer children can use it at the same time due to space constraints.

Watertight

Your table should be as watertight as possible, so you don’t have to refill it constantly due to leaking. This will also be better for anything that the water table is set on as it won’t leak out and warp or ruin the flooring or ground. This can be difficult, and you have to make sure all of the pieces fit tightly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all water tables come with accessories?

No, although several tables do come with extra accessories, some don’t. It’s important to read the packaging, so you know exactly what you’re getting with your specific water table.

How important is a drainage system?

drain plug water table

A drainage system makes emptying and cleaning the water table easier and more convenient. It’s also a good way to ensure that you get all of the water out without dumping the table over. So a drainage system is an important feature.

Do water tables come in different sizes?

Yes, there are several different heights for tables. Some come with multi-level structures that allow both younger kids and toddlers to play at the same time comfortably.

Are water tables expensive?

Water tables come in a variety of prices ranging from around $30 USD up to over $100 USD. It depends on how large you want your kid’s water table to be if it comes with a theme or not, and how many additional features you get. You can easily find a table to suit almost any budget.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a water table is an excellent way to entertain your child for hours. It also encourages them to use their imaginations, develop their fine motor skills, and develop their problem-solving abilities.

So, do your research and choose a table from our list for your child to enjoy for hours of fun.

Sarah Collins

I’m the mother of two wonderful children. My oldest son John is 7 years old, and my daughter Jemma is a little seven-month-old girl. My kids are the main reason why I decided to start this website. Having been a mother for the last 7 years, I’d like to share some useful tips with anyone who might be interested.

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