The Best Water Tables for Toddlers

Step 2 Rain Showers Water Table

Make it Rain

Let your little one splash the day away in this water table as the top level rains down for an added fun feature.

Best Overall

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This water table for toddlers is all about fun, sensory exploration. It’s got the typical water table setup on the bottom, including a few floating creatures and a water mill for early STEM exploration. Up top, there’s an extra level that creates a rainfall effect and presents yet another option for play space.

This water table is made by Step2, a brand that’s been making high-quality kids’ toys for years. It’s designed for outdoor use, but you can pull it in the house when you need some indoor water play, too.

Pros:

• This water table is the perfect height for the youngest tots on the bottom, and the upper level brings new excitement for older children as they grow
• The legs are sturdy enough for early walkers to hold onto as they learn to balance themselves
• There’s a drain in the bottom level for easy emptying

Cons:

• Water needs to be poured into the top layer whenever you’d like it to rain

Little Tikes Fish n’ Splash Water Table

No Space? No Problem.

This compact water table will fit just about anywhere.

Best for Smaller Spaces

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If space is an issue, but you still want to give your little one the perfect spot to splash, this water table from Little Tikes is an excellent choice. Its compact design makes it much more affordable than most water tables, too.

Even though it’s small, this water table has plenty of fun features. The table’s fishing theme lets your tot cast their line and hope to catch a bright-colored aquatic creature. It’s got a “fishbowl” on top that tips over when it’s full, so your child can see water pouring down and learn all about cause and effect while they’re at it.

Pros:

• This water table has a lily pad launcher to toss creatures into the “pond”
• It’s got a spot to hole the fishing pole when it’s not in use
• Use indoors or outdoors, though it’s designed for outside use and to weather the elements

Cons:

• This water table is small, but it’s still got plenty of fun features for your little one to explore

Best Choice Kids 3-in-1 Outdoor Water Table

Form and Function

This adorable wooden water table for kids won't take away from the look of your beautiful backyard.

Best for Outdoors

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Water tables are fun for kids, but they don’t always blend in with our backyard decor. Luckily, this water table from Best Choice Kids is here to change that. It looks just like a wooden picnic table, but its top opens up to reveal a place to play. It’s even got a cute umbrella to keep your kids cool on hot days.

Another great feature of this water table is that you can use it for multiple purposes. You can put water in its bins, of course, but you can also use them for sand or even just storing extra toys that your kids like to play with while they’re outside.

Pros:

• This is a large water table that can be used by up to 4 kids at a time
• Real wood is an attractive, natural, long-lasting choice

Cons:

• The quality wood construction and yard-friendly aesthetic give this water table a higher price than some other models

Step2 Paw Patrol Water Table

Paw Patrol Is on a Roll

Include these fan-favorite pups in your child's sensory play with this fun, Paw Patrol-themed water table.

Best Characters

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Join the Paw Patrol (the Sea Patrol, to be exact) in a super splashy mission with this fun water table from Step2. It’s just like any other plastic water table, but it’s designed for play with all your child’s favorite pups from the hit television show. It even comes with a few Paw Patrol characters to get your tot started on their water adventure.

This water table includes a Paw Patrol lookout tower that doubles as a place to pour water. It contains other fun gadgets to explore and learn from, including a spinning device, a flipper, and squirt toys.

Pros:

• Affordable price
• It’s short enough for the youngest tots and still engaging enough for older kids to enjoy

Cons:

• This water table is just one level, but its Paw Patrol theme is sure to keep your child having fun nonetheless

Step2 Car Wash Water Table

Workin' at the Car Wash

Your little lover of all things automotive is sure to be impressed by this car wash-themed water table.

Most Unique

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If your child loves pretend play, “things that go,” or just being able to do what their parents do, this water table is definitely worth checking out. The table itself looks like a car, and kids get to wash it up in a variety of different ways. They can even sit inside the car and steer the wheel, making the windshield wipers move back and forth.

This water table has space for standing water in the front and back, as well as a spot to pour water on top and watch it rain down. It comes with buckets, spray bottles, and more, so your little one can play the day away while washing this unique car-shaped water table.

Pros:

• This water table has a fun and educational water wall on the back activated by pouring water into the top level
• It has drain plugs in the front and back for easy cleanup
• It doubles as a tool for sensory exploration and dramatic play

Cons:

• This water table is best for outdoor use since it’s likely to get water all over and not just in the basins

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What age range are water tables designed for?

A: Water tables can be used with adult supervision as soon as your child can stand and reach the water, which may be around 1 year old. After that, these tables can be used as long as they hold the child’s interest, and if the kids we know are any indication, that could be for many years to come.

Q: Can water tables be used for anything other than water?

A: These versatile tables can be easily repurposed if you want to change it up. You can fill your water table up with bubbles, sand, and more. Getting creative will give you even more use out of this classic toy.