7 Best Toddler Water Tables, According to Parents
In a nutshell:
Based on feedback from parents, personal experience and a survey of The Bump community, we chose the Step2 Rain Showers Splash Pond Water Table as a top pick for toddlers. This two-tier table is great for both solo play and group fun, featuring a rainstorm effect, spinning ramps and 13 accessories.
Searching for ways to keep your toddler happily occupied all summer long? Outdoor play—and particularly play that involves water toys—is a wonderful way to engage your child’s senses, boost their confidence and, most importantly, have fun! Our favorite backyard water toy? A toddler water table.
This classic plaything has countless educational and developmental benefits, and even introduces your little one to early science principles (yes, really!) as they splash, pour and sprinkle water. Better yet, these toys keep kids feeling comfortable and refreshed when the weather heats up. The best water tables for toddlers are compact, easy to clean, durable and safe. Although there are tons of options with added interactive features, rest assured that even the simplest model will capture your kiddo’s imagination, providing hours of entertainment. Of course, dirt and grime can build up over time, so opt for a kids water table with a drain plug as it’ll be easier to empty and clean once playtime is over.
Before we reveal our top toddler water tables, it’s important to remember that children must always be supervised near water. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), “Drowning is the leading cause of injury death in children 1 to 4. Young children can drown in as little as an inch or two of water, and it can happen quickly and silently.” While a water table is generally considered a safe water-play alternative, you should still brush up on water safety best practices before investing in one, and empty it after each use.
We took the following steps to help you find the best water table toy:
- We reached out to parents who own a water table in order to learn from their first-hand experiences, and researched what was being said about toddler water tables in The Bump forums to discover what parents liked and disliked about certain brands and products.
- We surveyed nearly 350 parents in April 2025 to gather insights on which water tables their toddlers love—and why.
- We consulted the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to learn about safety guidelines for outdoor play.
- When sourcing products for this article, we considered a list of criteria including durability, ease of cleaning, entertainment value, affordability and safety.
Editorial integrity is at the heart of everything we publish. Read more about how The Bump develops our product reviews.
Overall best toddler water table
- Plenty of play activities
- Good size for young toddlers
- Sturdy construction
- Assembly required
This two-tier toddler water table is a bestseller and our pick for the overall best toddler water table, thanks to its interactive design, durability and parent-approved play value. It offers plenty of room for friends or siblings to splash together, while the low-profile design makes it accessible for younger toddlers to enjoy solo (with adult supervision, of course). Little ones can scoop water from the pond and pour it into the top tray to trigger a rainstorm, activating maze-like spinners and ramps for hands-on fun. It also comes with 13 accessories, including buckets, pails and water toys, adding even more ways to play.
Christine C., a mom of two and regular contributor to The Bump, has this water table in her home and tells us, “This is one of those toys that I can pull out every spring and summer and know that my boys will be entertained for longer durations of time. I can count on a few minutes of sitting with this one!” Many parents in our research also highlighted its sturdy construction, with some saying it’s held up well over multiple seasons.
Dimensions: 39" (L) x 24" (W) x 32" (H) | Capacity: 19 L | Weight: 15 lbs. | Age rating: 18+ months
Our community says:
Really great sensory toy, with a decent amount of pieces to play with! Fairly easy to clean as well. – Kristina, mom and The Bump survey respondent
[It] entertains my kid, and she loves using it daily. – Sabrina*, mom and The Bump survey respondent
Best toddler water table for cognitive development
- Interactive elements help develop motor skills
- Comes with six toys
- Drain plug
- Assembly required
- Textured base tends to collect dirt and grime
Little Tikes Spiralin' Seas Waterpark Play Table is perfectly sized for toddlers and young children. But the real draw is the interactive features that help illustrate basic science principles while developing fine motor skills. Kids can work on their “put-and-take” skills, by dropping a ball into the helter skelter and watching it whirl around and land with a splash. Float one of the included toys down the lazy river, to showcase how buoyancy works and then spin the water wheel for a quick lesson in cause and effect. This water table is overflowing with fun, educational activities.
Dimensions: 29" (L) x 29" (W) x 31.5" (H) | Capacity: 26.5 L | Weight: 11.9 lbs. | Age rating: 2 to 6 years
Our community says:
We have a Little Tikes one and my son LOVES it. We looked for one that had interactive elements. Drain plug is a plus. - Ashley G., mom of one
We got the Little Tikes Spiralin' Seas table, and DD loves it. It had the best reviews on Amazon, too. - P.S.10, The Bump forum member
Best multi-level toddler water table
- Three tier design
- Affordable price point
- Electric whale pump
- Mixed reviews on durability
- Batteries required for the pump
Looking for a toddler water table set over multiple levels? You’re not alone. “We just ordered our first one and the biggest thing I wanted was the multi-level pouring ability,” says mom of one, Jaclyn, who opted for this option from Amazon. The table has three tiers: a small tray at the top, a medium-sized pond at eye-level and a large pool at the bottom. Best of all, a battery-operated pump—shaped like a friendly whale—allows water to gush from the bottom up, so you won’t have to manually top it up. Bonus: It also comes with an adjustable sun umbrella.
Dimensions: 29" (L) x 24" (W) x 49" (H) | Capacity: N/A | Weight: N/A | Age rating: 3+ years
Our community says:
It is three tiered for lots of pouring, it's got an automatic function where I can turn it on and it acts as a fountain, it has a drain, it has a cover (big deal for us) and it has a small umbrella. A lot of the tables I saw had a sand option included and it just sounds like a big mess and not what we were envisioning for our one-year-old daughter's patio play. – Jacyln B., mom of one
Best sand and water table
- Water basin has a drain plug
- Sand section has a boat-shaped lid
- Comes with 10 accessories
- Sun umbrella sold separately
Many parents are wary of sand and water tables as they can turn into a mud bath. However, sensory play with sand is a wonderful way for children to explore new textures and get creative. So if you’re not afraid of a little mess, we recommend investing in this Step2 table. It has two separate basins—one for water and one for sand—both of which are thoughtfully designed. The generously-sized water basin boasts a functional diving board, helter-skelter and a water slide, which kids go wild for. The smaller sand basin has a lid shaped like the bow of a cruise ship, so if you want to block it off and keep sand and water play separate, it’s easy to do so.
Dimensions: 26.5" (L) x 39.5" (W) x 28" (H) | Capacity: 11 L water/25 lbs. sand (front basin); 15 L water/40 lbs. sand (back basin) | Weight: 12.7 lbs. | Age rating: 2+ years
Our community says:
We have a combo table by Step 2, but it mostly just has sand on one side and we add water occasionally to the other side. Yes it makes a mess, but who cares. It's outside and it works well for making sandcastles, mud piles etc. My son loves it. – JenniCollins, The Bump forum member
My son got a water table for his first birthday and it has probably been one of our top five purchases! It was pretty simple, but honestly he didn't know any different and he mostly loved splashing in it. I'd say out of most toys for a one-year-old, this kept him occupied the longest. Ours also turns into a sand table, which at first I was opposed to, but as our son got older (and wasn't eating sand), he really enjoyed being able to dig! – Laura B., mom of one
Best water table for imaginative play
- Activities to encourage imaginative play
- Large enough for multiple children
- Sturdy construction
- Some parents said assembly was difficult
Ahoy there matey! Ready to set sail and embark on an adventure?This unique toddler water table is up to the task. Shaped like a pirate ship, this toy encourages imaginative play as your little sailors can aim and fire the water cannon, raise and lower the anchor using the crank handle and spin the ship’s wheel. We love that it’s large enough for multiple toddlers to play, share and cooperate, accommodating your whole crew!
Dimensions: 40" (L) x 29" (W) x 38" (H) | Capacity: N/A | Weight: 19 lbs. | Age rating: 2+ years
Our community says:
I bought the Little Tikes pirate one. It was a big hit. I think she played with it for almost an hour today. – Wufroggy79, The Bump forum member
[My son] loves it, he got to use it at a year old a couple of times before it got too cold for winter. We have already played with it a couple of times this spring. We have the Pirates water table, aaarrrgggh! – Kitiara5512, the Bump forum member
We have this one and my son literally spends hours at this table playing! There is so much to keep him entertained with. And I love that it's big enough for several kids to fit around it and all play together…helps with play dates! – stargazer77, The Bump forum member
Best convertible toddler water table
- Adjustable umbrella
- Sturdy wooden construction
- Bins are removable for easy cleaning
- Multiple color options
- Assembly can be difficult
- Unsealed wood may be more susceptible to the elements
Next up is a versatile water table designed to last for years. This three-in-one set works as picnic furniture, a water table, and a sandbox—all in one! Simply remove the tabletop to reveal two plastic activity bins that transform the picnic table into a sand or water play station. Perfect for sunny summer days, it comes with a large adjustable sun umbrella to keep your little ones comfortably shaded. Plus, the sturdy wooden table seats four, making it ideal for kids and adults to play—or enjoy snacks—together. It’s available in six vibrant striped colorways to suit any style or backyard vibe.
Dimensions: 37.8" (L) x 37.8" (W) x 19.5" (H) | Capacity: 220 lbs. | Weight: 35.3 lbs. | Age: 3+ years
Best indoor sand and water table
- Made from sustainable bamboo
- Also functions as a chalkboard, train track and craft station
- Basins are removable for easy cleaning
- Expensive
Who says water tables have to be plastic? This charming wooden option from Wonder & Wise is crafted primarily from sustainable bamboo, making it a beautiful and eco-friendly choice—perfect for indoor play. Designed with versatility in mind, it features three collapsible bins that can be filled with water, sand, or other sensory materials like dry rice or beans. On top, two reversible covers add even more fun: one side serves as a blackboard, while the other boasts a train track for imaginative play. This water table offers a variety of ways to keep little ones engaged and learning.
Dimensions: 29" (L) x 19.7" (W) x 21" (H) | Capacity: N/A | Weight: 16.4 lbs. | Age rating: 3+ years
Water Tables Comparison Chart
| Overall best toddler water table | Best toddler water table for cognitive development | Best multi-level toddler water table | Best sand and water table | Best water table for imaginative play | Best convertible toddler water table | Best indoor sand and water table | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Overall Best Step2 Rain Showers Splash Pond Water Table | Little Tikes Spiralin' Seas Waterpark Play Table | Hyes Water Table | Step2 Fiesta Cruise Sand & Water Table | Little Tikes Anchors Away Pirate Ship | Best Choice Products Kids 3-in-1 Outdoor Convertible Wood Activity Sand & Water Picnic Table with Umbrella | Wonder & Wise Land, Sand & Water Table | |||
| Price | $$ | $ | $$ | $$ | $$ | $$ | $$$ | ||
| Dimensions | 39" (L) x 24" (W) x 32" (H) | 29" (L) x 29" (W) x 31.5" (H) | 29" (L) x 24" (W) x 49" (H) | 26.5" (L) x 39.5" (W) x 28" (H) | 40" (L) x 29" (W) x 38" (H) | 37.8" (L) x 37.8" (W) x 19.5" (H) | 29" (L) x 19.7" (W) x 21" (H) | ||
| Weight | 15 lbs. | 26.5 lbs. | N/A | 12.7 lbs. | 19 lbs. | 35.3 lbs. | 16.4 lbs. | ||
| Age rating | 18+ months | 2 to 6 years | 3+ years | 2+ years | 2+ years | 3+ years | 3+ years | ||
| Material | Plastic | Plastic | Plastic | Plastic | Plastic | Hemlock wood | Bamboo | ||
| Umbrella | |||||||||
| Buy NowRead Full Review | Buy NowRead Full Review | Buy NowRead Full Review | Buy NowRead Full Review | Buy NowRead Full Review | Buy NowRead Full Review | Buy NowRead Full Review |
*Note: Some names have been changed due to privacy requests.
We asked parents in our survey why they appreciate about the water tables they bought for their children, and here’s what they told us:
About the writer:
Martina Garvey is a senior editor at The Bump, where she writes and edits e-commerce content for pregnancy, postpartum and parenting. Over a nine plus year career in educational publishing and digital media, Martina has developed a keen eye for detail and robust reporting skills. As a staff member on The Bump for five years, she leverages an in-depth knowledge of must-have toys and outdoor gear to create informative shopping guides parents can trust.
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