Our range of water tables and water trays includes coloured and transparent variations as well as tables that come with additional features such as ramps, slips, water wheels and toys. Despite the seemingly endless activities at the kids’ disposal, this water table is also convenient for parents because it only weighs 10 pounds. Carry it from spot to spot based on the angle of the sun that day, or stash it in your garage when not in use to keep it in prime condition. Features: Every water table should have a drain plug so you can empty it before you put it away. A cover, lid or umbrella are great to keep the water table protected from collecting debris but will add to the price. Look for a water table that has fun play features that help kids explore. This may include pouring cups, parts that float, or a waterfall of some sort. Ideally, most of the features will be attached to the table so they won’t get lost or blown away easily.

This article was written by Senior Parenting & Relationships Editor Marisa LaScala, a pop-culture enthusiast who is also able to test toys with her young daughter. Together with Rothman, LaScala creates age-appropriate toy lists, such as the best toys and gifts for 1-year-olds. Sand and water tables allow open-ended play as your child uses his/her imagination. These sensory play tables help develop children’s fine motor skills, sensory perception, understanding of their environment, early scientific concepts, numeracy and literacy skills. Children are naturally inquisitive and our range of sand and water play tables are designed to further enhance exploration and investigation. Water tables have two big issues: They're mostly used outdoors, so they collect leaves and bugs, and they're, of course, filled with water, which can foster mold growth. It's a good idea to clean and disinfect the table and its associated toys regularly. Start by draining the water table after each use, which is not only important for safety, but helps keep everything cleaner. Always read the manufacturer's instructions for specific cleaning recommendations regarding your product, but in general you can also:

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In addition to all of the soapy fun, the table also comes equipped with a fun spinning Ferris wheel, a foam clapper, and a hand pump to create even more bubbles. This table requires batteries (which are not included) and works with any kind of soap or bubble solution. If your kids are younger, a few simple features—such as cups to pour and/or a water wheel—will do. But if your kids are a bit older and more active, look for a water table with more to do. Think water mazes, fishing rods, and more. If you’re short on space, or you just aren’t a fan of having a big plastic structure sitting out in your yard all summer long, then this compact water and sand table is perfect. It measures 17 inches by 12.5 inches by 11 inches when it’s fully assembled, and since the legs are detachable, it’s easy to move around from room to room. Clean small, hard toys prone to mold with a solution of 1/3 cup bleach to 1 gallon of water. Let toys remain wet for 6 minutes, then rinse and air dry. "Whenever you see mold, a bleach solution is best. That's why they put chlorine in swimming pools," says Home Care & Cleaning Lab Executive Director Carolyn Forte. "If you clean, air-dry and then rinse the toy thoroughly with fresh water, there's no problem using bleach." If the mold doesn't rinse clean, it's time to toss the toy.

Water tables keep kids cool and busy outside by allowing them to splash, pour, and experiment without actually having to be in the water. The best water tables are durable, full of features, like an umbrella for protection from the sun, and accommodate one or multiple children, depending on your needs.

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Toys are most often reviewed by Chief Technologist & Executive Technical Director Rachel Rothman, who is able to test both in the Lab and at home with her three kids ages 6 and younger. She's had hands-on experience with many of the water tables on this list and also uses her skills as a mechanical engineer to write articles explaining if air purifiers actually work and to rank appliances such as the best air conditioners. This article was written by Brigitt Earley, a freelance writer who has spent the last 10-plus years researching the best home goods for various digital publications, including The Spruce and Good Housekeeping. Brigitt has four kids—all under the age of three—so it’s fair to say she’s spent her fair share of time facilitating afternoons playing at water tables. Her family has a Little Tikes water table, though she’s definitely lusting over the more refined option from Crate & Barrel. Durable, one-piece plastic cover with elastic tie-downs keeps sand dry – and doubles up as a play surface with built-in roadways

If you’re planning to leave the water table outside when it’s not in use, you will want one that's made from high-quality material that can withstand changes in temperature, exposure to direct sunlight, and the occasional thunderstorm or windy day. Also, look for a water table that is put together well so you don’t have to worry about it breaking or parts coming off. Everybody craves a bit of nature, but life often gets in the way of a holiday. With Step2’s Cascading Cove, your little ones won’t even have to leave the garden – awake their senses in their very own home with this sand & water table! Little kids can make believe they’re sailing the seas and then arrive on an island to dig for buried treasure: The purpose of a sand and water table in the early years is to provide children with an environment where they can engage in sensory open-ended play. Through pouring, splashing, combining and manipulating materials together they can develop their motor skills and imagination.We were instantly taken by the three-tier design of this water table. Toddlers can safely play no matter their height, thanks to the multi-level play area. Not to mention, the varying heights give kids the option to either stand or sit while they play, which is a nice bonus. The multi-level setup creates a cascading water effect and makes it great for parallel and collaborative play. Bigger isn’t always better. If you have a young baby just barely standing, a small, low-profile water table might be the best, and safest, option. But if you have multiple kids or often host playdates, you may want a larger option that suits a wider range of ages and can accommodate more hands simultaneously. For a toy that’ll grow with your babies, opt for a versatile option, like this one from Little Tikes. It is short enough for younger kids but not too small or boring for older toddlers, earning our top spot on this roundup. We love that this colorful table has plenty of engaging activities including balls they can drop down a spiral slide, a Ferris wheel that scoops up and drops off balls, a cup to fill and pour down a water wheel, and more. Whenever needed—after each play session, or more like once a week if the water table doesn't see a lot of play—fill a bowl with water and a few drops of dish soap, dip a sponge in and use the sponge to wipe down the water table. Rinse it clean with the hose. Alternatively you could use disinfecting wipes or a spray bottle with all-purpose cleaner and then rinse the table clean.