Water Table for 4 1/2 and 2 1/2 year old girls

[mykidsmom]

My parents are going to get my 4 1/2 year old a water table for her preschool graduation. I think both my girls will like it. They love to mess around in the water and "paint" the patio with water, etc. I don't think I want one that has a sand area, just water b/c I don't want them mess.

I would also love to hear from anyone who bough a water table and it was not a hit with the kids.

There are a few on the Target and BRU website. I was hoping you can all post some recommendations so I can pass a few suggestions to grandma!

Thanks!

[infomama]

I have a 5 1/2 year old and a 20 month old. We have the Step2 naturally playful sand water table and currently it's a big hit with only water. We may decide to add some clean pea gravel to the sand side and see who that goes before we try sand. Good fun.

[Melaine]

We got this one: http://www.walmart.com/catalog/produ...uct_id=2603656
from Aldi last week. I can't remember what day I bought it (tuesday?) but for last week they used it every day with just water in both sides. They loved it and I think we could've gone with just water forever. Reluctantly, over the weekend we added sand to the sand side. The enjoy it, although it is making me a little nuts. I just don't like having to constantly tell them not to mix the sand and water. They can't seem to keep from violently brushing their hands together and spraying sand everywhere.
I honestly think I may dump it out after a couple weeks and go back to just water. The sand was on sale at Lowes for $3, so at least it's not such a huge expense to refill. Gosh, I sound so OCD.
But as far as the table, I really like it. It might be kind of short for your oldest DD, but I love that it has an umbrella. The top is nice and snug, with elastic bands to keep it tight. The girls love the toys that came with it. They don't look like anything special, but the little flower pots have holes in them and they just sift the sand through them again and again. And you can sink the boats by pouring water into them.

[mykidsmom]

do you like the coverage that the umbrella provides? Trying to decide if it is worth the extra money.

[mykidsmom]

for some reason your links to walmart are not working.

[infomama]

The umbrella is worth it. We have the same table as pp (we got in on the Aldi deal).

[mykidsmom]

what do you think about this table but using it for WATER instead of sand?

Step2 Naturally Playful Sand Table
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2316879

I think my girls would be happy with just a basic water table. If I was creative I could make one but am not sure how.

[Melaine]

Well, we got our table for $30 on clearance so it was cheap. But I think I would get it again. The umbrella does quite well at shading everything. If the sun is pretty much right above us, the shade covers the whole area. For morning sun (at our house) the sun is coming in low and isn't at all blocked by trees and so the umbrella will shade one side of the table but not the other. I just tell the girls to play on the shady side. I actually pull up a little tikes chair and sit under it too!

[Melaine]

Sorry try this:
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=2603656

[Melaine]

I think the umbrella one is worth the extra money, definitely. Not just because of the umbrella, but because of the little bridges and tracks and stuff in the other table. I know my girls would do a lot more HUGE aggressive splashing each other if they had just a big full tub of water, ykwim?

[Melaine]

If you have Sam's membership this seems like a very good price as well with free shipping:
http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/navigate.do?dest=5&item=430377

It pretty much looks just like mine. Now that I have it, I would totally pay that much for it.

[mykidsmom]

I wonder what my girls would like? Saw this on the Lakeshore site but probably not as much fun as the ones at TRU

http://www.lakeshorelearning.com/seo/ca%7CsearchResults~~p%7C2534374302095982~~.jsp

[mykidsmom]

If you have Sam's membership this seems like a very good price as well with free shipping:
http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/navigate.do?dest=5&item=430377

It pretty much looks just like mine. Now that I have it, I would totally pay that much for it.


That is a good price. I don't like the color of the umbrella as much but maybe another store will price match.

[infomama]

Look around. We got the same Step2 Naturally Playful table at Aldi but the umbrella is maroon and tan stripes. The box should show the color of the umbrella if you see them IRL.

[mykidsmom]

Does anyone on here have this one? What do you think of it? How long do batteries last and did your pump break like so many of the reviews?

Fun Flow Play Sink
http://www.step2.com/product.cfm?product_id=1498

[mykidsmom]

If you have Sam's membership this seems like a very good price as well with free shipping:
http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/navigate.do?dest=5&item=430377

It pretty much looks just like mine. Now that I have it, I would totally pay that much for it.


I decided this one would work for us and is a great price! If you belong to Sam's club can you PM me?
Thanks!!