My 11 Favorite Water Tables for Toddlers Aren't Just for Summer

Little Tikes makes a ton of water tables at relatively affordable price points — even a Bluey-themed design! — which is why you’ll see the brand pop up a few more times below. But if I had to pick just one, it’d have to be the Flowin’ Fun. The colorful, relatively compact contraption wows kids of all ages, making it great for sibling play. 

For instance, the youngest in your crew will enjoy pouring water through the central tower to create a waterfall, while your oldest will happily spend hours rearranging eight different pipes and faucets to create new water flows. But don’t just take my word for it — it’s a favorite of momfluencer @meganlbrown22 and her kiddos, too! 

Other parents appreciate the fact that this can be hooked up directly to a gardening hose, something that separates it from most other options on this list. You'll never have to worry about the fun drying up!The drain is accessible the same way, making for easy cleanup, and all you have to do is chuck the accompanying parts and toys into the water basin to ensure no loose accessories go missing in storage.

When it comes to steering the course of "wheel" fun in the sun, this Step2 Car Wash Splash Center can't be beat! What child doesn’t love a toy with multiple functions? Depending on her mood, your little one can splash around in the “trunk” of the car (aka the water table portion of this fun backyard toy), sit on the seat to “drive” the car or have a ball giving the whole thing a shiny wash.

The super-interactive table comes with an impressive array of 13 cool water accessories, is large enough for multiple kids to play at once and includes non-leak drain plugs in both basins to make cleanup a breeze, despite the complexity of the table.

If happiness comes in waves, then your kid should prepare to be swept away splashing around with this Little Tikes Island Wavemaker Water Table. This activity table features a whirling wavemaker wheel, twirling trees, a waterfall slide and plenty of island-themed accessories for a fun-filled playdate with friends. It also comes with a plastic shark, mermaid, narwhal, pirate, treasure chest and a water bucket.

Parents with multiple kids — and those who often host backyard play dates — will love the shape of this water table. Unlike other traditional round alternatives, this one has a long, oblong shape that makes it easier to accommodate multiple playmates without the type of crowding that will cause sharing issues and arguments.

Step2 is a serious Little Tikes contender as runner-up for the best water table. The brand comes just as highly recommended by parents in the What to Expect community, earning top praises for its durable, low-maintenance design, which includes a handy drainage plug for easy storage. But aside from its quality construction, it’s also a bit larger, featuring a tiered frame to delight a range of ages, including those as young as 1.5 years (no wonder it’s one of our favorite toys for 18-month-olds!), inviting multiple tots — or siblings! — to play simultaneously.  

Aside from providing hours of entertainment, plenty of parents add they’ve had theirs for years now, noting zero concerns with warping, cracking or fading over time — whether it’s been left indoors or out! Many also point out it’s become a go-to of their kiddos season after season. In fact, one mom writes their child enjoys interacting with it sans water! It also earns points for coming in three different fun colorways and themes. 

Little ones will have it made in the shade, enjoying some outdoor water fun under the umbrella of this Best Choice water table. This top-rated convertible table seats up to four kids and features a removable section that uncovers a small sandbox and water tub beneath, so your child will get the most out of playtime with two fun sensory activities all in one. (Of course, you can opt to fill both tubs with water if you prefer.)

Parents, especially those with smaller spaces, will love the dual-functionality of this water table. When the sensory bins are covered, the shaded table provides the perfect perch for lunchtime and other playful activities like arts and crafts.

Ahoy, matey! Your little adventurer will love exploring the deck of this Little Tikes Anchors Away Pirate Ship. Packed with plenty of spinning maritime parts along with an awesome cannon that shoots water, there’s something new to explore at every turn of this table. Spinning features cause a current in the ship, and your little one will love wheeling out the plastic anchor. There’s no doubt it will be smooth sailing keeping your toddler entertained all afternoon.

This activity-filled, pirate-themed table has a few features the parents will appreciate, too. Though there are many parts to keep track of, the table is relatively easy to assemble and has a drain plug to help make cleanup a little bit easier.

There’s no need to come up dry when looking to spring for a water station to keep the kids happily entertained, even if you're short on space. This pint-sized product is just 19 inches tall, earning a double thumbs up for its compact dimensions. (Your little one can play with it simply seated on the floor or at a tabletop!). It’s also incredibly lightweight, making it easy to bring indoors and out — or to grandma's house! All of these features also make it a breeze to stow away in a closet, playroom or basement. 

Despite its small stature, it boasts just as many features and extra accessories as the larger options on this list — 15 in total, to be exact, including three floating boat toys — as well as a two-tier frame for equally delightful waterfall action. Parents share their curious tots have loved rearranging the included attachments — tubes, spinners, wheels and buckets — to switch up water flow and explore elements of gravity, watching water cascade from the top and into the base. 

The only downside, because it is on the smaller side, is that its parts are just as small, which may pose a choking hazard to those 3 years and younger.   

You may be hesitant to shell out $200 on a toy — especially a seasonal one — but we promise you the KiwiCo water table is worth every penny. For starters, it’s made from a durable wood that’s coated for water-resistant durability, extending its longevity. Speaking of longevity, the table’s legs can be adjusted so the table can grow with your child. 

The multiple uses also give this toy a long play life. Featuring a double-duty plastic tub, an innovative drawing surface and 20 accessories that enhance playtime, the play possibilities are truly endless with KiwiCo’s multipurpose table. Plus, it’s not just a warm weather toy: The table's ability to transform into a sensory bin means it can be used indoors during the colder months. 

Stephanie Fisher, What to Expect’s Social Director, bought the KiwiCo water table after a fellow mom (and fellow shopping enthusiast) recommended it. And she’s more than pleased with the investment. 

“The table has practically eliminated the word ‘bored’ from my kids’ vocabulary,” she wrote in a review of the KiwiCo water table. “The setup is super simple, with each piece screwing together without the use of tools.” She also adds that the table comes with an illustrated instruction booklet that offers play ideas to keep the fun going.

After combing through the What to Expect community boards in search of the best water tables for toddlers, it became abundantly clear that many moms prefer a “simplest is best” approach. This tiny activity table delivers two empty compartments that can be filled up with water (or sand!), and enjoyed with the accompanying toys, including a bucket and boat.  

Parents love that the legs come off, making it travel-friendly and easy to store. But the best part? The unbeatable price point. For just $20, you little kid will love splishing, splashing and even digging, indoors or out. Plus, this delivers something a bit more colorful than a piece of Tupperware or random plastic bin.

You can’t beat the convenience of a baby pool and a water table all in one — and that’s exactly what you get with this outdoor toy by Step2. It looks just like the traditional plastic backyard pool, but it has an added play area off to the side where little ones can use the included cups and spinners to create their very own waterfall (and learn cause and effect while they’re at it!).

Another great bonus: This is one of the few water tables (and toddler pools, for that matter) that comes with an attached umbrella to keep your tots shaded from the blazing hot summer sun.

For the best of both worlds, go with Dolu’s unique twist on a water table. At first glance, the design is similar — three-legged support and toys — but with a divider that parents can fill with water and sand for double the sensory stimulation.

It isn’t the only differentiating detail, however. Little ones can pour water down the top of the structure and watch waterfalls run along the sides rather than the middle, forcing the wheels to spin as the water cascades down. Parents also appreciate the built-in cup holders, so toys don’t end up in one big messy pile at the end of the day. Another major perk? The neutral color scheme is a bit easier on the eyes compared to popular, bright palettes, a big bonus if you plan to play with this one indoors as much as out. But don’t worry if not; it's constructed with durable plastic that’s designed to withstand the elements if you happen to leave it out all summer. 

Shopping editor Leah Rocketto contributed to this article in a recent update.