Water tables, sometimes called sand and water tables, or sensory tables are play centers that offer children the opportunity to learn through water play. They often pair with manipulative items, like funnels, and buckets to enhance sensory experiences for kids.
These tables are made of a variety of materials and vary in quality and price. If you are considering buying a water table this article will layout everything you need to know about your up coming purchase.
Table of Contents
- What is a water table?
- What is the best material for a water table?
- What are the dimensions of a standard water table?
- How much water does it take to fill a water table?
- What are some Water Play Accessory Ideas?
- Sensory table and a water table what’s the difference?
- What are some alternative uses for a water table?
- Do you have to use a water table outdoors?
- How to set up a water table Indoors?
- Water Table Comparison Chart
- Summary of the top 12 Water Tables on the market
What is a Sand and Water Table?
A sand and water table is a play station that allows children to learn through a hands-on experience with water, sand or other sensory play items. A sand and water table is usually plastic and may have adjustable legs to grow with children. The center of the table is a tub that can be filled with water, sand or any manipulative materials perfect for children.
What is the best material for a Sand and Water Tables?
Sand and water tables come in a variety of materials. Some are made of plastic, while others are made of a combination of materials. You can find kid’s water tables made of metal, wood, and various plastics. So what is the best material for a water play table? Keep reading to find the benefits and disadvantages of each material.
Plastic Water Tables for Kids
Many standard home water tables, like those made by Fischer Price and Little Tikes are made of polyurethane plastic. Plastic tables are perfect for children ages 1-5. Plastic tables are lightweight and easy to move from place to place.
These tables usually have toys built in for easy play. The plastic tables are good for home use, but will not stand up to heavy use in places like childcare centers or classrooms. Standard plastic water tables offer little warranty, if at all.
Plastic water tables are not the best option if you are looking for a table you can use indoors. They are shallow and will make for a wet floor; they are intended for outdoor use.
If you are using your water play table outdoors, these tables may be the best fit for you. You can leave them outdoors without damaging the table. You can fill them quickly with a hose. However, many do not have a drain and have to be dumped out. If you keep your table outdoors, you will need to cover it when not in use, so it does not collect pollen, dirt and bugs. But, these tables rarely come with covers.
Metal and Plastic Sand and Water Tables for Kids
Water tables with metal frames are more durable than those made of polyurethane plastic. These tables are typically larger and of higher quality than plastic water tables. They do not have built in toys, so you will have to purchase water table toys separately. However, this allows for more imaginative play and alternative uses, such as using sand or other sensory items.
Metal and plastic sand and water tables often have adjustable leg height to grow with children. Most metal framed water tables will require basic assembly. Metal water tables usually have caster wheels for easy maneuverability. Most come with a cover or top to keep the table clean when not in use. Metal frame water tables are durable and will withstand use in homes and in a childcare center or classroom these tables come with a warranty.
You can use metal framed water tables indoors, they are typically deeper than a standard polyurethane table which allows kids to splash and play while keeping water in the tub.
If you want to use a metal frame play water table outdoors, you need to check the manufacturer’s recommendations. High quality metal framed tables are rust proof, however some may be intended for indoor use only and may rust if left outdoors in the elements. Using a water table outside allows you to fill the table easily with a hose. Some metal tables offer a drain while others are must be dumped out. Tables with a drain are easier to clean.
Wood and Plastic Sand and Water Tables for Kids
If you are purchasing a water table that will get a lot of use, such as one for a child care center, classrooms or a home with a lot of child interaction you will want a higher quality water tables, like those made from jonti-craft, they are made of Baltic birch and deep acrylic tubs. Wooden and plastic water tables do not have built in toys.
Water play toys will need to be purchased separately, however just like the metal frame table this allows for imaginative play. It also lets you use the table for different sensory activities beyond water. The height of a wood water table is stationary, it can not be manipulated for height. A wood table is heavy, and will require some assembly, however the wooden tables are on caster wheels to allow easy maneuverability after it is assembled. High quality wood water tables will come with a cover to keep the table clean. Most quality tables have a lifetime warranty.
Some wooden water tables are meant for indoor and outdoor use however most are intended to be used indoors. The deep tub allows for easy indoor play with limited water splash outside the water table. Because wooden tables are often used indoors most do not offer a drain.
Kid’s Water Table Material Comparison Chart
| Wood and Plastic Tables | Metal & Plastic Tables | Plastic Tables | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Durability | High Durability & Quality | High Durability & Quality | Average Durability & Quality |
| Size | Large size | Large Size | Size Varies |
| Ages | 3+ | 3+ | 1-5 |
| Classroom Use | Good for Classroom Use | Good for Classroom Use | Not Recommended for Classroom Use |
| Toys Included | No Toys included | No Toys included | Usually has built in water toys |
| Alternative Use | Can be used for other sensory Items | Can be used for other sensory Items | Intended for water use only |
| Assembly | Assembly May be Required | Assembly May be Required | Usually Comes as one Piece |
| Indoor/Outdoor | Usually Indoor | Can be Indoor & Outdoor | Outdoor |
| Portability | Caster Wheels | Caster Wheels | Light weight |
| Cover | Offers a Cover | Offers a Cover | Cover is not Standard |
| Warranty | Lifetime Warranty | Includes some Warranty | Little to no Warranty |
| Drain | Some have Drains | Some have Drains | Most do not have Drains |
What is the typical size of a water table?
The average dimensions of a water table are 20 inches wide by 45 inches long by 24 inches high. The average depth of the tub is 9 inches.
How much water does it take to fill a kids water play table?
Using the average dimensions of a kids sand and water table tub (20inx45inx9). If you fill the tub to the top it will hold 35 gallons. However, manufactures suggest that you fill a water table with only 4” of water. That would equal a little more than 15 ½ gallons of water.
Water Table Play Ideas
Kids can use a cup and have hours of fun with a water table. But what other materials can you use to add to add fun and exploratory play? Check out this list. You can also click here for a printable PDF below.
What is the difference between a water table and a sensory table?
The only difference between a sensory table and a water or sand table is what you put into the table. You can absolutely use your water table for other sensory items. In fact, it’s a good idea to switch out your learning materials on a regular basis. This keeps the table new and interesting, and engaging for kids.
What are Alternative Uses for a water table?
Water tables are great for sensory and exploratory play. You can use it for it’s intended purpose by filling it with water, but you can also use the table for other sensory items. Many people put sand in their table, this is why they are sometimes called sand and water tables.
Some other sensory ideas items you can put into a water table are listed here with links to Amazon for you to check out.
Do you have to use a water table outdoors?
No, many water tables are for both indoor and outdoor use. It may surprise you that many water tables are intended for indoor use only. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations on a product to know for sure. Or keep reading to see our recommendations that list the intended use location.
How to set up a water table Indoors?
When thinking about the location for your indoor water table consider:
- How close is it to the water source?
- What kind of flooring is available?
- Can you store towels, aprons, and cleanup materials near by?
You will want your water table to be set up close to a water source on flooring that is easy to clean up. Avoid places that are have carpet or that become slippery when wet. Make sure you have a place near the water table to store clean up supplies like towels, sponges or small mops.
Best Selling Water Tables Comparison Chart
| Table Name | Dimensions | Price | Warranty | Image |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wood Designs® Outdoor Sand and Water Table with Tub | 41”L x 27”W x 25"H | $$$$ | 1 year on Tub lifetime on frame |  |
| See-Thru Sensory Table | 37"L x 23"W x 24-1/2"H | $$$$ | 1 year on Tub lifetime on frame |  |
| Sand and Water Table | 42"L x 22"W x 24"H | $$$ | Lifetime Warranty |  |
| Whitney Plus Sand and Water Table | 31"L x 43-1/2"W x 23-1/2"H | $$$$$ | Lifetime Warranty |  |
| MyPerfectClassroom Sand and Water Table | 47-3/4"L x 14-1/2"W x 29-1/2"H | $$$ | Limited Lifetime |  |
| Neptune Sand and Water Table with Lid | 24"W x 35"L x 24"H | $ | 2 Year Warranty |  |
| 24" Sand and Water Activity Center with Solid Red Liner with 2 Casters | 46"L x 21"W x 24"H | $$ | 1 Year Warranty |  |
| Large Best Value Sand and Water Activity Table | 36"L x 24"W x 24"H | $ | 2 Year Warranty |  |
| Sand and Water Activity Table | 43”L x 23-4/5”W x "25H | $$ | None |  |
| Sand & Water Activity Tubs - Set of 4 | 28"L x 19-1/2"W x 6"H | $ | None |  |
| Toddler Water Play Structure | 24"W x 39"D x 32"H | $ | 3 Year |  |
| Busy Ball Play Table | 31-1/2"W x 28"H x 31'Dia | $ | 3 Year |  |
See-Thru Sensory Table by Jonti-Craft
- Material: Wood & Acrylic Plastic
- Size: 23″W x 37″L x 24-1/2″H
- Water Capacity: 9 inch depth = 34.6 gallons
- Indoor/outdoor: Indoor
- Ages: 3-school age
- Warranty: 1 year on Tub lifetime on frame
- Features: Locking Caster Wheels, drain, see through tank and lid
- Cons: The wheel locks break off easily, the table sits low making it difficult for large buckets to fit under it.
- Pros: Kids enjoy the see through tank, the see through lid keeps things clean inside
This water table is a popular choice. The most unique feature of this table is the see through tank and lid to make supervision easy and allows for a unique play experience for kids.
The tub is average depth at 9”. This size is a little smaller than average, yet stands a half inch taller. This table offers a in tub drain. However, the table sits close to the ground and you will need to use a small bucket if you would like to use the drain.
If locking the table in place is important this table is not for you, the locking mechanism on the wheels are poorly made and can break off easily.
Wood Designs Outdoor Sand and Water Table with Tub
- Material: wood & plastic tub
- Size: 25”H x 41”L x 27”D
- Water capacity: 9 inch depth = 34.6 gallons
- Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor & outdoor use
- Age appropriateness: 3-school age
- Warranty: 1 year on Tub lifetime on frame
- Features: removable tub, faucet, drain & American Made
- Pros: Build for the outdoors, easy to assemble, easy to drain
- Cons: No cover, not really pretty
The wood design outdoor sand and water table is a popular choice because it is intended to be used outdoors and is easy to assemble.
They construct it of treated lumber with sanded down corners for safely. The treated wood is meant to withstand the outdoor elements. You can use the table indoors as well, but its major benefit is the outdoor durability.
This table does not have a cover, however, it offers a removable tub to make cleaning easy. It has a faucet and drain to make filling and emptying the bin easy and best of all it is American Made.
Sand and Water Table by Jonti-Craft
- Material: wood & plastic tub
- Size: 42″L x 23″W x 24″H
- Water capacity: 10 inch depth = 45 gallons
- Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor
- Age appropriateness: 3-school age
- Warranty: Lifetime Warranty
- Features: 2 locking Caster wheels, Drain & Lid
- Pros: Solid Lid is durable and easy to remove
- Cons: The red tub can easily scratch
This sand and water table is commonly found in classroom. It comes with a durable cover to let children easily know when the table is available for play. They make it of high quality birch with strong maple legs. It features a red tub, that is deep to allow a better user experience, however the tub can scratch with everyday use. This sand and water table requires minimal Assembly.
The locking caster wheels make this sand and water table easy to move around. It is intended for indoor use, but can be used for outdoors temporarily. The drain offers an easy way to empty the tub, and the plastic tub makes for easy cleaning.
Whitney Plus Sand and Water Table
- Material: wood & plastic tub
- Size: 31″L x 43 1/2″W x 23 1/2″H
- Water capacity: 2 – 12 gallon Tubs
- Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor
- Age appropriateness: 3-school age
- Warranty: Lifetime Warranty
- Features: 2 removable tubs, 2 covers, 4 locking caster wheels, Comes fully assembled
- Pros: Solidly built, two tubes allow for dual use
- Cons: Price
Whitney Brothers have been crafting childhood furniture for over 100 years. They pride themselves on quality. This product from the Whitney Brothers is made of birch wood with a non-toxic UV finish which makes it very durable and able to stand up to a lot of use.
This sensory table offers 2 tubs to allow for dual play, you can fill each tub with different materials to keep kids engaged and learning through play. Each tub comes with a lid that can easily be stored on the bottom shelf during use.This table features 4 locking caster wheels that makes moving it around very easy. Best of all, it comes fully assembled! The only down side to this table is the price, but if you are willing to pay for quality this table is your best option.
MyPerfectClassroom Sand and Water Table
- Material: wood & plastic tub
- Size: 47-3/4″L x 14-1/2″W x 29-1/2″H
- Water capacity: = 2 – 6 gallon
- Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor
- Age appropriateness: 3-school age
- Warranty: Lifetime Warranty
- Features: Cover, 4 locking caster wheels, comes fully assembled
- Pros: Two compartments for dual play, the shelf underneath is great for organizing accessories
- Cons: the compartments are shallow
My Perfect Classroom Furniture is manufactured by Discount School Supply. They promise quality and safety by producing the strongest and most durable items with smooth edges and concealed hardware.
The My Perfect Classroom table features dual compartments for double to fun, however, the compartments are not very deep. The shallow tubs would make this table perfect for sand and sensory play.
This table has a cover to help communicate to children when the table is available for play. The shelf under the table is the perfect place to store your sensory table accessories.
It also has four caster wheels to easily move the table around the room. The best part is that it comes completely assembled and includes a lifetime warranty!
Neptune Sand and Water Table with Lid – 24″H
- Material: Metal & plastic tub
- Size: 24″W x 35″L x 24″H
- Water capacity: 6 inch depth = gallon
- Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor & Outdoor
- Age appropriateness: 3-school age
- Warranty: 2 year
- Features: Cover, 2 separate basins, 2 drains, water slide
- Pros: Kids love the water slide, easy to assemble
- Cons: The bumpy bottom makes standing water toys like water wheels fall over
The Neptune sand and water table is easy to assemble. It featured two separate basins for play. This allows you to put two different sensory items in each side to optimize play.
The bottom of the table is textured with a unique crab and fish design. This design is adorable, however, it makes some accessory toys like water wheels fall over when you try and stand them up in the tub. The Neptune table has a fun “water slide” in the center where kids can pour water and watch it run down the “slide”.
This table comes with a lid that helps you indicate when the play table is open for play. Each bin has its own drain that allows you to put water in each side if you choose. This table has some unique features although is more shallow than a standard table, and only offers a 2 year warranty.
Sand and Water Activity Center with Solid Red Liner
- Material: High impact Resin
- Size: 46″L x 21″W x 24″H
- Water capacity: 6″ deep = 25 Gallons
- Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor or Outdoor use
- Age appropriateness: 3-school age
- Warranty: 1 year
- Features: snap on caddies, 2 locking caster wheels, super drain, made in America
- Pros: It is easy to clean and has a sturdy build
- Cons: Caster locks break easily, The lid does not fit well
This water table is the perfect indoor/outdoor sensory table. They make it of high impact resin which means it is sturdy and can stand up to the elements outdoors. The vibrant colors allow you to keep it indoors without it being an eye sore.
This sand and water table has two locking caster wheels which makes it easy to move indoors and outdoors. However, the lock on the caster wheels are cheap and can easily break.
One unique feature is the super drain, this allows the water to drain more quickly. The table also includes two snap on caddies to keep toys out of the bin when not in use. This sand and water table is easy to clean and comes with a cover. However, the cover does not fit on the table well.
Best of all this table is made in America! This table’s indoor outdoor capabilities makes it versatile however it’s one-year warranty is inferior to other sensory table manufacturers.
Large Best Value Sand and Water Activity Table
- Material: Metal & Plastic
- Size: 36″L x 24″W x 24″H
- Water capacity: 8″ Deep = 30 Gallons
- Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor or Outdoor use
- Age appropriateness: 3-School Age
- Warranty: 2 year
- Features: 4 locking caster wheels, rustproof metal
- Pros: Easy to assemble, large enough for multiple children to use at once
- Cons: The lock on the casters can get stuck, It’s difficult to move around outdoors
This easy to assemble water table is the a quality item for the price. It is made of weather proof plastic and rustproof metal. So it it good option for an outdoor table, however, you may have a difficult time with the caster wheels outdoors. It is very basic in design and can be used for water or any other sensory items.
This budget table features four locking caster wheels to make moving it easy, but the wheels locks can get stuck. If you are looking for a basic water table this is an affordable option. The down side to this table is that it does not have a drain in the basin, and the warranty is only two years.
Sand and Water Activity Table and Frame
- Material: Metal & Plastic
- Size: 43” x 23-4/5” x “25H
- Water capacity: 8-1/4″ Deep = 38 Gallons
- Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor or Outdoor Use
- Age appropriateness: 3-School Age
- Warranty: None
- Features: 2 locking caster wheels, a lid
- Pros: Large tub allows for multiple children to play at one time
- Cons: Two large hole in the lid
This water table is made of metal and plastic, an can be used indoors our outdoors. It is very basic in design allows kids to use imaginative play with the water table. The large table allows multiple children to play at one time.
This table offers two locking caster wheels, these wheels allow you to easily tuck it away when not in use. It also has a lid to clearly indicate to children when the tables are available for play. The lid has two holes in the top, the holes are there to make it easy to remove the lid, however, if you are using the table outdoors, the holes allow for things to get into the water table.
While the basic design can be great for play, this item does not offer a warranty and runs a bit pricier than others. In my opinion this table is not the best option.
Sand & Water Activity Tubs – Set of 4
- Material: Plastic
- Size: 28″L x 19-1/2″W x 6″H
- Water capacity: 6″ Deep = 14 Gallons
- Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor or Outdoor use
- Age appropriateness: 12mo-School Age
- Warranty: None
- Features: 4 bins
- Pros: easy to clean and to move around
- Cons: very basic design
If you are looking for a budget way to provide sensory play for kids you may only need a simple sensory tub. You can use this small tubs indoors or outdoors and they allow you to offer water, sand or sensory play in a simple way. These tubs are easy to move around and easy to clean.
Toddler Water Play Structure
- Material: Plastic
- Size: 24″W x 39″D x 32″H
- Water capacity: N/A
- Indoor/Outdoor: Outdoor use
- Age appropriateness: 18mo-Toddler
- Warranty: 3 Year
- Features: light weight, drain, spinners, funnels, ramps, cascading waterfall, includes 13 piece accessory kit
- Pros: The play accessories make play easy
- Cons: Assembly instructions are vague, there is no cover, it does not drain all the way
If you have toddlers to entertain this water play table is a great option to stimulate and engage children. This table does not have alot of parts to assemble however the instructions are vague and do require some extra effort to understand.
This toddler table offers a drain for easy cleanup, however it does not completely drain. You will have to tip it to get all of the water to drain properly. and storage and is lightweight to allow you to move it easily. This activity center is intended to be used outdoors, however it does not have any cover and nothing to protect it from the outdoor elements. I would keep it indoors when not in use.
This table comes with many water-play options for young children. They can pour water down a cascading water fall, use ramps and funnels or any of the 13 accessories to engaged in imaginative play. This table is a great option for children up to school age, but not suitable for children over 5 years old.
Busy Ball Play Table
- Material: Plastic
- Size: 31-1/2″W x 28″H x 31’Dia
- Water capacity: 4 Gallons
- Indoor/Outdoor: Outdoor use
- Age appropriateness: 12mo-Toddler
- Warranty: 3 Year
- Features: Comes with 10 balls and a scoop, “Slide” for the balls, has a drain
- Pros: Comes with everything kids need to play
- Cons: Directions are vague, no pre-drilled holes and the slides are difficult to snap on
This water activity table is perfect for cognitively advanced young children. The biggest issues you will have with this table are during assembly. The directions are vague. It does come with hardware like screws, however the screw holes are not pre-drilled, and the slides are difficult to snap into place.
This table comes with 10 balls to send down the three “water slides” This table also has a center spinner that twirls the balls around and around. This sensory activity center has two catapults that allows kids to try and shoot the balls into the table with a splash!
This table allows kids to explore their world through water play. It is age appropriate for children age one year through pre-K, and not suitable for children over 5 years old.
