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. Dual adventure table holds 4.5kgsand and 11.4L water with an easy-to-use drain plug for mess-free exploration – build sand castles on one side, and steer boats on the other! Everybody craves a bit of nature, but life often gets in the way of a holiday. With Step2’s Cascading Cove, your little ones won’t even have to leave the garden – awake their senses in their very own home with this sand & water table! Little kids can make believe they’re sailing the seas and then arrive on an island to dig for buried treasure:

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:

In addition to all of the soapy fun, the table also comes equipped with a fun spinning Ferris wheel, a foam clapper, and a hand pump to create even more bubbles. This table requires batteries (which are not included) and works with any kind of soap or bubble solution. The purpose of a sand and water table in the early years is to provide children with an environment where they can engage in sensory open-ended play. Through pouring, splashing, combining and manipulating materials together they can develop their motor skills and imagination. 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 Durability

When deciding on which materials to use, consider the age of the children, their developmental needs and the intended learning objectives. Another consideration is safety and ensuring that you choose materials that are child-safe. What is the purpose of a sand and water table?This article was written by Brigitt Earley, a freelance writer who has spent the last 10-plus years researching the best home goods for various digital publications, including The Spruce and Good Housekeeping. Brigitt has four kids—all under the age of three—so it’s fair to say she’s spent her fair share of time facilitating afternoons playing at water tables. Her family has a Little Tikes water table, though she’s definitely lusting over the more refined option from Crate & Barrel. Water 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. 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.

If you’re planning to leave the water table outside when it’s not in use, you will want one that's made from high-quality material that can withstand changes in temperature, exposure to direct sunlight, and the occasional thunderstorm or windy day. Also, look for a water table that is put together well so you don’t have to worry about it breaking or parts coming off.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.