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. The diameter of the umbrella that comes with the water table you want to buy impacts on the utility of the toy. Ensure that the umbrella’s size is big enough to provide sufficient shade upon your child and their components while playing. Versatility

We also spoke with Kristin Morency Goldman, senior communications specialist at The Toy Association, to find out more about the benefits of water tables. Moreover, we reviewed guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics on water safety and how to prevent drowning. What to Look For in a Water Table Materials and DurabilityWater 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. 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: Their physical, mental, social, and motor skills get developed as they keep themselves engaged with different creative activities. This water table allows multiple toddlers to play altogether. This helps to flex their communication, sharing, and social skills with each other. Thanks to the large enough umbrella are providing ample coverage to the kids while playing. 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. 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.

Shall we take a look at the more fun-facilitating features? It has several built-in structures like a diving board, water slide, a side springboard that provides an extra bit of fun by launching the action figures dropped on it into the pool and a water spinner that can be turned vigorously to create whirlpools within the tub. Speaking of action figures, the Splish Splash water table comes with 10 dynamic accessories. 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. 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.

Exploring the Wonders of Sand and Water: Our Collection of Tables

When the weather gets cooler, online reviewers say they place this in the shower for kids to play with (with supervision, of course!). This version comes together a little more easily than other water tables. Hint: For many Step2 toys, the brand intentionally does not pre-drill the screw holes, you're trusted to best align the pieces and use a little downward pressure with either your screwdriver or a screw to get the hole started. If you prefer you can use a small nail and a hammer to create the starter hole. Tap each screw with a hammer to start a hole before you turn each screw into place.

With its dimensions resting at 39.5 x 26.5 x 28 inches and its weight at 20 pounds, it is safe to call the Fiesta Cruise a fun machine. To cap it up, our fun machine comes with 9 additional toys and a cool looking umbrella. Now you can breathe. Key FeaturesThere is no greater incentive for them to do all these than the prospect of splashing some water around and getting wet with friends. Interestingly, man’s ingenuity has also provided a perfect tool to make this happen: the children’s water table. My grandsons love this water table and have spent many hours entertained with it this summer. If you have little ones, I highly recommend adding this to your arsenal of outdoor toys! The water table is one of the exciting toys from your kid’s childhood. So, you must find out a durable and long-lasting one that lasts for the entire infancy. Portability One of the most riveting elements it possesses is a spiral slide that looks like something from those water parks with humongous water slides. Kids can have fun by watching their action figures slide from the top all the way down to the ship-shaped pool. This slide is also surrounded by mini slides which are less exciting but extremely handy. 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.