We researched dozens of water tables from top toy brands, judging them on sturdiness, level of engagement, and safety. Our top choice is the Little Tikes Spiralin’ Seas Waterpark Play Table, which stands out for its compact size, range of activities, and durability. Here are the best water tables on the market. 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. Despite the seemingly endless activities at the kids’ disposal, this water table is also convenient for parents because it’s 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. Thousands of satisfied users report that assembly only takes about 15 minutes and this pick holds up well over time. One thing to note is that the bumpy texture of the water table may be hard to clean, but with proper upkeep and storage, your child will be enjoying this toy for years to come. Price at time of publish: $55 Dimensions: 29 x 29 x 31.5 inches | Weight: 10 pounds | Material: Plastic | Age Range: 24 months and up Plus, there’s ample room for more than one child—at least two to three toddlers can fit comfortably at this engaging water table. What’s more, though interactive enough for older toddlers, the table has a low profile that’s suitable for younger babies just learning to pull themselves up. It’s the perfect combination for sibling pairs with different age-based needs. Price at time of publish: $57 Dimensions: 28 x 28 x 26.5 inches | Material: Plastic | Assembled Weight: 9.5 pounds | Age Range: 24 months and up If you have space constraints, you’ll love that the overall footprint of this water table is a bit smaller, since the fun goes up rather than out. Price at time of publish: $75 Dimensions: 16.25 x 28 x 33.25 inches | Weight: 12 pounds | Material: Plastic | Age Range: 18 months and up While there’s plenty of standing room for splashing fun using your own variety of water-safe toys, the pool also has two seats on either side of the umbrella, so kids can nestle in and play with the included accessories. Price at time of publish: $100 Dimensions: 7.75 x 37.5 x 37.5 inches | Weight: 13 pounds | Material: Plastic | Age Range: 24 months to 10 years Once your child is ready to take on a larger water table, this one still has a usable life as a toy for the beach or the pool, since at just about 2.6 pounds, it’s extremely portable. Price at time of publish: $30 Dimensions: 21.85 x 16.3 x 22.4 inches | Weight: 2.59 pounds | Material: Plastic | Age Range: 2 to 10 years old The best part is that you can simply place the extra included wooden piece over the bins to transform the water table into a small picnic table suitable for playtime, arts and crafts, or a snack or meal. Price at time of publish: $110 Dimensions: 38 x 37.75 x 19.5 inches | Weight: 35.3 pounds | Material: Wood | Age Range: 3 to 10 years old Like other great water tables, this one has a low profile that makes it a suitable option for the younger set. It also has a long, soft triangular shape that makes it suitable for a small group of kids—think three to four—to play simultaneously. Price at time of publish: $80 Dimensions: 40 x 29 x 38 inches | Weight: 19.48 pounds | Material: Plastic | Age Range: 24 months to 6 years old The sturdy 100 percent powder-coated iron base and the legs have two separate areas—one for water, one for sand—that are separated by a metal divider with two drain plugs per bin for easy cleanup. It also comes with a very aesthetically pleasing protective solid wood lid with handles that can be used as a play surface when the water table is covered. Price at time of publish: $399 Dimensions: 42 x 24 x 22 inches | Weight: Not listed | Material: Wood | Age Range: Not listed
Design
If backyard aesthetics matter, it may be worth splurging on one of the pricier wood or iron water tables. They’re more attractive than the colorful plastic alternatives, plus they are very sturdy, so they’ll last a long time with proper care.
Activities
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.
Accessories
Most water tables come with their fair share of activities and accessories like scooping cups, but less common accessories like umbrellas are arguably even more important. You may also want to keep an eye out for tables with special features, like multiple drain plugs to make emptying and cleaning easier, or seats for comfortable playtime.
Why Trust The Spruce?
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. Additional reporting was done by Julia Fields a lifestyle writer for The Spruce covering all things surrounding toys, gifts, and the holidays since October 2021. Before that, she covered similar topics including toy reviews, product round-ups, expert-focused articles, and more.
