Best Water Table For Toddlers Age 3-5

by Denise & Alan Fields (Yes, we run this site!) | Apr 13, 2021 | summer, Z

Last Updated: Jun 1, 2023 @ 11:14 am.

What's the best water table for toddlers age 3-5? To find out, we asked experts—kids themselves! We tested out water tables with actual three, four and five year olds to see which ones were most fun. Then we asked our parent readers which water tables they liked best (easiest to assemble, clean and more). Here are the ones we recommend.

FYI: We've been reviewing and rating products for the home and families since 1994. To keep things independent, we don't take money or freebies from brands we review! Our work is 100% reader-supported!

Finding the Best Water Table For Toddlers Age 3-5: Tips & Tricks!

It’s a hot summer day—time to break out water fun!

We asked our parent readers for their advice and tips when it comes to water tables, those affordable toys that can provide hours of fun on a summer day.

What we found is that the same water tables that work well for younger toddlers (most water tables are designed for kids aged 18 months and up) can bore older kids.

Likewise, water tables for kids aged 3 to 5 may frustrate a younger toddler who can’t reach the top to pour water in, or easily scoot around the table. This article focuses on water tables for kids aged 3 to 5.

After trying out several water tables with actual kids and asking our parent readers for their comments, we learned a few key tips and tricks to buying the best water table. Here’s some advice:

• Many of these tables are taller than you might think. This is something to keep in mind if you are buying a water table for a smaller toddler—they may not be able to reach the top to pour in water.

• How easy is the table to clean? Watch out for water tables with lots of crevices and cracks, which can be hard to clean.

• Look carefully at how the table drains. The best water tables have built-in drains with plugs that makes this easy.

Here are the water tables for older toddlers we recommend:

Best For Play Dates

Step2 Rain Showers Splash Pond Toddler Water Table, Outdoor Kids Water Sensory Table, Ages 1.5+ Years Old, 13 Piece Water Toy Accessories, Blue & Green (Toy)

Easy to drain and clean

Standing tall at 39", this water table is big enough for 2-3 kids to use at the same time. Our testers loved all the many activities and toys. Parents thought it was easy enough to assemble.

$72.99

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Best Interactive

Little Tikes Magic Flower Water Table with Blooming Flower and 10+ Accessories, Multicolor, (Model: 651342M), Medium (Toy)

Super cute gift

Our kid testers loved this multi-level water table, complete with a flower that blooms when you add water—fun! Sturdy design and easy to assemble, although we wish there was a drain at the lower level.

$91.54

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Best Water And Sand Table

Water on one side, sand on the other

We loved all the included toys (27 pieces in all). Our kid testers thought the sand/water combo was most fun. We liked how easy it was to drain the water side.

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Why Trust Us

We’ve been rating and reviewing products for the home and families since 1994. We do extensive research, evaluating products with an eye toward quality, ease of use and affordability. When we purchase a product for hands-on testing, we do so with our own money.

Here’s another key point: we don’t take money from the brands we review. No free samples, no sponsors, no “partnerships.” Our work is 100% reader-supported!