Summer is for sunshine, giggles, and soaking up the simple joys of childhood. We’ve curated our favorite backyard water toys to help you keep the kids cool, active, and smiling.
Creative Ways to Use a Water Tables for Summer Fun and Learning
A water table is a versatile and engaging toy that can bring endless joy and educational value to outdoor play during the summer months. Its simple design allows children to explore, experiment, and develop important skills while having a great time.
One of my favorite ways to enhance the use of a water table is by placing it on the pool deck. This setup allows little ones to scoop, pour, and splash water directly into the table, fostering sensory development and fine motor skills. It’s a wonderful way for children to enjoy water play safely in a controlled environment. However, safety always comes first—when using the water table on the pool deck, I make sure to keep life preservers on and never leave the kids unattended near the pool to prevent any unexpected tumbles into the water.
Another fun idea is transforming the water table into a “car wash” station for Hot Wheels or other small toy cars. Kids love washing their miniature vehicles with water, soap, and brushes, which sparks their imagination and role-playing skills. It’s a simple activity that keeps them entertained for hours and makes clean-up time part of the fun
Durability is key when it comes to outdoor toys. I’ve found that quality water tables last for years—especially if you store them in the shed or garage during the winter months. Keeping them protected from harsh weather helps preserve their vibrant colors and structural integrity, ensuring they remain a favorite toy season after season. If you don’t have a place to store them, consider a BBQ cover, it’s often long enough. They make specialized ones, but you can find one that fits for a better price.
Shop the Off-Season: How to Find Water Tables for Half the Price
If you’re thinking about adding a water table to your outdoor toy lineup, the best time to buy is often when no one else is thinking about it. In my experience, the deepest discounts show up in the non-summer months, when stores are clearing space for holiday inventory or spring resets. I’ve picked up water tables for about half price simply by watching end-of-season markdowns and snagging them when summer displays disappear. The off-season is also a great time to keep an eye on brand-wide promotions. When companies like Step2 run sales, water tables are often included, and the discounts can be surprisingly strong compared to peak season pricing.
Beyond brand sites, don’t overlook big box stores and bargain retailers. Clearance aisles, online flash deals, and “limited stock” listings can be goldmines, especially if you’re flexible on color or exact features. I’ve also had great luck with secondhand finds. Garage sales, consignment shops, and local resale listings often have water tables that are barely used, sometimes because kids outgrow them quickly. And if the one you find is a little sun-faded or scuffed, don’t let that stop you. A quick wash and a coat of plastic-safe spray paint can make it look fresh again, and you’ll still come out far ahead on cost. Buying off-season and secondhand is one of the easiest ways to get a high-value outdoor toy without paying peak-season prices.