Kids Activity Tables: What Parents Should Look For

Instead of setting up a tablecloth, finding art supplies and getting ready to manage the mess for new playtime projects, activity tables make exploring, creating and experimenting easy for parents and kids. They also nurture development by stimulating cognitive, physical and social skills.

Veronica West founded My Thriving Mind, a website for mental health professionals. According to West, activity tables are like tiny hubs of creativity where kids can get hands-on without taking over the entire house.

“They help kids develop focus, build fine motor skills and spark the imagination, all while keeping the glitter and Play-Doh (mostly) contained,” said West.

By dedicating a space to creativity and filling the table with sensory objects—like beads, blocks and crayons—parents encourage children to strengthen their coordination and dexterity. Children can also practice reasoning and problem-solving skills when activities like puzzles and shape-sorting are involved.

What is an activity table?

Unlike general-purpose kids' tables, suitable for dinnertime or casual play, activity tables enhance specific skills, often including design elements and accessories created specifically for play. There are four basic categories—art, play, sensory and multifunctional.

Toddler activity desks – often featuring interactive light and sound – are particularly focused on tasks like reading whereas activity tables are more varied and include space for group interaction. Activity tables also feature more storage and multi-functional elements than regular kids' tables.

Types of children's activity tables

Play tables

Play tables are designed for hands-on fun with toys and games. They encourage imaginative play, problem-solving and social interaction with other kids.

The best play tables have sturdy surfaces, game-piece or building block storage and interactive elements like built-in train tracks.

Art tables

Art tables are made for drawing, painting, colouring and crafts, promoting creativity, self-expression and the development of fine motor skills. Spacious and adjustable, they come with features like paper rolls, built-in easels and storage compartments for art supplies.

Sensory tables

Sensory tables provide kids with tactile experiences, employing materials like sand, beads, rice or water to stimulate multiple senses. They encourage sensory exploration while helping children understand cause and effect.

Key features include bins, water toys and tools like scoops or funnels. According to West, these tables deserve a special shout-out.

“They’re the rock stars of early learning, helping kids dive into textures, sounds and messy materials. Sensory play lets kids get their hands dirty in a calming and educational way,” said West.

Convertible or multifunctional tables

Convertible or multifunctional tables support different activities—like play, study or art—through adjustable surfaces and interchangeable, detachable parts. They are designed for versatility, letting kids grow with the table from preschool to middle school.

Regardless of the type, activity tables are available in a variety of materials. The wooden ones are less likely to tip over. Whether solid or engineered, they are designed to be sturdy, long-lasting, eco-friendly and weighty. Plastic activity tables, on the other hand, are lightweight, portable, durable and easy to clean. Plus, they come in eye-catching colours!

Other non-porous surfaces like laminate resist stains are waterproof and scratch-resistant, while tables with soft rubber or foam features provide non-slip safety.

Benefits of children's activity tables

Check out this full list of the many advantages of activity tables with expert-approved tips for making the most of your space.

Promote independent play by encouraging children to engage with the activities on their own.

Sheryl Ziegler is a play therapist and clinical psychologist.  “There’s nothing like watching a child's mind figuring things out in a diverse learning environment,” she said.

Stimulate creativity by supporting artistic and imaginative play while encouraging creative thinking skills.

Enhance fine motor skills through drawing and building-based play.

“When toddlers and young children are pouring water from one container to another, squeezing sponges and squirt toys, playing with floating boats or even interacting with things you can find in your house, they are developing hand-eye coordination and dexterity,” said Ziegler.

Support cognitive development using activity tables decorated with numbers, letters and problem-solving activities.

Promote cause and effect understanding through play. Water toys, for example, help children understand what sinks and what floats.

“It's great fun to watch a child pour water into dry dirt and turn that into mud. These are marvels for them and wire their brain to understand how their actions affect the environment,” said Ziegler.

Encourage social interaction by making larger activity tables a spot to play with siblings and friends. Ziegler says these tables are a perfect place to practice taking turns, sharing toys and communicating verbally or nonverbally.

Develop emotional regulation through water-based play. Ziegler says water elements in the table can be soothing, evoke relaxation and promote mindfulness.

“Water is often (but not always) a calming element and can help children manage stress or anxiety,” said Ziegler.

Promote concentration by giving kids a designated space for play or study, strengthening the ability and room to focus.

What to consider when choosing an activity table

As with any smart shopping, there are several boxes to tick when buying an activity table.

Size is an important consideration. Make sure the table is accessible for your growing child and think about adjustability for long-term use. Make sure the table is large enough and deep enough for the shift in growing children’s play.

Budget with quality and affordability in mind. You can always create an activity table with household objects.

Durability is the key to long-lasting activity tables which need to handle all the wear and tear of playtime.

Stability is a necessary safety consideration. Toddlers will lean on the table during use so it needs to be heavy enough to handle their weight, along with full bins of water and sand. For a safer experience, look for round edges and non-slip surfaces.

Multi-functionality is an activity table bonus for kids and parents alike. Look for adjustable and removable legs to accommodate standing and sitting play.

Storage is another factor to consider before purchasing an activity table. Consider whether your child can manage sorting materials into an activity table’s bins and shelves.

Choose easy-to-clean materials, especially if things can get messy in your house. Some tables may be offered in eco-friendly or non-toxic materials, too.

The type of activities available on your table should match your child's interests. Favourite crafts and hobbies are a good place to start.

Consider portability when assembling an activity table. Do you have to move this? Will it go outside in fair weather or stay put in the playroom? Is it easy to take apart and set up?

Group potential is something to consider if you want to encourage collaborative play. Big tables bring the kids together.

Aesthetics may not matter much to kids, but parents should keep in mind that an activity table is like a piece of furniture, part of your home.

Age-Appropriate Activity Tables

Toddler Activity Tables (ages 1-3)

Skip Hop Explore & More 3-Stage Activity Center

This adorable activity centre converts into a toddler table. With five detachable, multi-sensory stations and a musical keyboard, its versatile design is highly rated.

Oribel PortaPlay Activity Center

The Oribel PortaPlay Activity Center includes six detachable toys and converts to a play table with four height options. Parents like its compact and foldable design.

Evenflo ExerSaucer Playful Pastures

The Evenflo ExerSaucer features a 360-degree swivel seat, three adjustable height positions and removable toys for sensory development.

IKEA Flisat

West says the IKEA Flisat is sturdy, low and toddler-proof, making it a great fit for younger ages. Made from durable and natural materials, the table will seamlessly blend into all sorts of home decor.

Preschooler Activity Tables (ages 3-5)

Amazon Basics Rectangular School Activity Table

Sometimes simple and sturdy is all you need. These popular adjustable-height tables are perfect for collaborative fun.

ECR4Kids Square Dry-Erase Activity Table

Sturdy and adjustable, these tables stimulate the creative mind. Its dry-erase surface is like an endless blank canvas. The product is known for its stability and durability.

INNOVART Dry Erase Rectangle Activity Table

This table’s large, dry-erase surface area provides plenty of room for writing and drawing with easy cleanup. Parent-reviews mention its versatility and convenience, as well as durability.

Step2's Adjustable Height Tables

West says Step2’s adjustable height tables are versatile enough to accommodate all sorts of activities, from finger painting to snack time.

Little Tikes Build & Splash Water Table

Ziegler says she loves the Little Tikes Build & Splash Water Table.

“It has a lot of variety, so you’re really hitting all the developmental potential and creativity with all the pieces, whether it’s blocks, funnels, pipes, elbow pipes, boats or other accessories. It also includes adjustable legs – a must-have set for grow-with-me-play.”

School-Age Activity Tables (ages 5+)

Flash Furniture Rectangular Activity Table

This table features a thermal laminate surface and adjustable legs with multiple colour-options. Its versatile design is perfect for educational and play-based activities.

FDP Rectangle Activity Table

These tables are adjustable, durable and spacious – perfect for schoolwork and group sessions. With easy assembly and sturdy design, parents can enjoy a worry-free setup.

Melissa & Doug's Art Table

“For school-age kids, tables with storage like Melissa & Doug's art table are lifesavers for organizing crayons, markers and endless masterpieces,” said West.

DIY activity tables

Creating custom activity surfaces by upcycling existing furniture or adding personalized touches to store-bought items can really level-up a play area. Check out these do-it-yourself ideas for inspiration.

Upcycle a coffee table

Sand and paint an old coffee table, then attach storage bins underneath for tools and toys. Chalkboard paint will transform the table into a fun drawing board.

Build a LEGO activity table

Glue LEGO baseplates onto an old table’s surface to create a building block zone. Add storage buckets for bricks and your favourite LEGO-themed characters to really lock-in the theme.

Create a sensory table

Cut a hole in the middle of a simple flat table and fit it with a removable plastic bin. Add in materials like sand, rice or beads for a sensory activity wonderland. Consider decorating the table with a beach or nature scene.

Create a dual-purpose table

Take an old desk and give one side a dry-erase or chalkboard surface for artwork, then give the other side a smooth surface for homework. Add paper rolls, cork boards or clipboards to suit.

Upcycle a wooden pallet

Sand and paint a wooden pallet, then top with plywood or a sheet of acrylic. The pallet slots make for great toy storage compartments. Add casters to make it mobile.

Maximizing the use of activity tables

West encourages parents to schedule daily play sessions as part of children’s day to day routines.

“Keep things exciting by rotating supplies – today it's kinetic sand, tomorrow it's finger paints,” said West. Remember that supplies aren’t limited to store-brought toys.

“I love bringing in elements from nature such as snow, rainwater, dirt, leaves, rocks, even candy corn to play with,” said Ziegler. “When my kids would enter into their class on Monday morning, their activity tables would have a different theme.”

Parents should evaluate activity tables based on their child’s age, developmental stage, preferences and interests to make playtime fun and developmentally supportive.

Experts

Dr. Sheryl Gonzalez Ziegler is a licensed clinical psychologist in private practice in Denver, with more than two decades of experience treating tweens, teens and their families in the areas of anxiety, trauma, depression, chronic stress and adjustment disorders.

Veronica West is a registered and practicing psychologist with degrees in psychological science and public health. She works with a diverse range of clients from versatile backgrounds, assisting them in overcoming a range of barriers.