The Best Sensory Tables for Toddlers 2024

Longer days mean more time for outdoor play, like jumping on the best trampolines and classic games like hide-and-seek. But what about sensory play?

With the right gear like sensory toys, fun activities and a happy mindset, the best sensory tables are some of the most beneficial for your toddler year-round.

What to look for in the best sensory tables for toddlers

Sensory tables allow children to explore different materials and textures using tools or their hands. “They provide opportunities for open-ended play, which helps expand imagination and creativity, promote exploration and encourages problem-solving,” says Sarah Estudillo, OTD, OTR/L, a pediatric occupational therapist at Children’s Nebraska.

“Sensory tables are a wonderful way to help [toddlers] explore messy play in a way that is exciting and engaging. They can be as simple as coloured water and cups for when you need a quick but fun activity to keep your toddler busy.”

While there are various sensory tables on the market, Estudillo recommends ones with an adjustable height to ensure little ones can sit or stand and a cover lid to prevent unsupervised play.

“Sensory tables typically have bins built into the structure of the table to contain the contents of the sensory play,” explains Estudillo. Often, sand and water are used in sensory tables, but there are endless possibilities for materials such as wood chips, leaves or soil.

Most importantly, let your little one have fun! “Sensory tables have no requirements, allowing for endless play ideas. Switch up the items in your sensory table every two to three weeks to keep your child engaged and excited about sensory play,” says Estudillo.

“Consider your child’s interests and let your imagination run wild! Anything goes with sensory play.”

The best sensory tables for toddlers 2024

• Best overall: Kidoozie Toddler Sensory Kids Table with Lid
• Best budget-friendly:deAO Sand Water Table for Kids
• Best design: Best Choice Products Kids 3-in-1 Sand & Water Activity Table
• Best rated: SOOPURKIDS Sensory Tables for Toddlers
• Easiest to put together: Children's Factory 18" Small Sensory Table
• Most durable: Special Supplies Sensory Activity Table for Kids and Toddlers

Best overall

Kidoozie Toddler Sensory Kids Table with Lid

If you don’t live near the beach (or can’t get there enough) this sensory table is the perfect toy to bring the beach to your backyard! Toddlers can play in the sand and the water with all kinds of beach toys, including a bucket, boat and shovel. For under $30, it’s a must-have sensory table.

When playtime is over, pack everything into the sand and water wells and place the lid on top of it from taking up space in your yard and losing any pieces. Measuring 17.5” x 12.5” x 11”, the table is perfect for taking on the go with you so they can have beach time anywhere!

Pros

• Easy to set-up
• Perfect for on-the-go
• Features two sections
• Removable top
• Ideal for sand and water play
• Includes beach toys/accessories
• Affordable price

Cons

• Some reviewers say it’s on the smaller side

Best budget-friendly

deAO Sand Water Table for Kids

This sand-water sensory table is perfect for little ones to explore with tools and their hands. Suitable for kids from 36 months, the table helps them develop problem-solving and motor skills while stimulating creativity and imagination.

Perfect for indoor and outdoor use, toddlers can even play with it in the bath, thanks to the floating tray. Fill it with play sand, corn, or even snow in winter for year-round use. Whether they’re splashing with water or sculpting with sand, the fun never stops.

Pros

• Ideal for sand and water play
• Includes beach accessories/toys
• No sharp edges
• Works for indoor and outdoor use
• Builds problem-solving and motor skills
• Under $20

Cons

• Some reviewers say it’s on the smaller side

Best design

Best Choice Products Kids 3-in-1 Sand & Water Activity Table

Perfect for sunny days, this outdoor sensory table is ideal for eating lunch, playing and learning. The 3-in-1 design features a removable table top to reveal two plastic activity bins — it’s easy to turn this picnic set into either a sand table or a water table.

Crafted with 100% wood, expect years of building, playing or munching on tasty outdoor meals while comfortably seating four toddlers. Bonus: it includes an adjustable umbrella to provide shade as your little one grows.

Pros

• 3-in-1 design
• Ideal for outdoor use
• Includes two plastic activity bins
• Comfortably sits four toddlers
• Removable top
• Crafted with 100% wood
• Adjustable umbrella
• BPA-free

Cons

• On the pricier side

Best rated

SOOPURKIDS Sensory Tables for Toddlers

This sensory table is parent-approved, with an almost five-star rating. Toddlers can play with anything in the three storage bins, including sand, water, building blocks, and other sensory toys. It’s easy for your toddler to develop fine motor skills and engage in imaginative play.

Crafted with premium solid wood, the table has a smooth, rounded finish to prevent children from bumping into it. As many parents pointed out, it’s a breeze to build.

“Easy to use and easy to assemble,” says verified Amazon shopper Kevin Sutherlin. “Quality made and comes with decent compartments for kids' fun! Decent height as well!”

Pros

• Easy to assemble
• Smooth, rounded finish
• Includes three storage bins
• Includes seven sand-playing tools
• Multi-functional table
• Crafted with premium solid wood
• Strong load-bearing capacity

Cons

• The wood is not sealed

Easiest to put together

Children's Factory 18" Small Sensory Table

Engage all the senses with this stress-reducing sensory table. Fill the versatile surface with water, sand or Kidfetti to provide a relaxing experience for toddlers. Looking to level it up? Add a few digging toys to keep things engaging for your little one.

Made with sturdy, weather-proof plastic, the tub features a rust-resistant, galvanized steel frame, making it great for indoor or outdoor use. On the bottom, four protective boots make it easy to change locations and secure in place. It’s a different playtime experience every time.

Pros

• Ideal for water, sand, Kidfetti
• Perfect for indoor and outdoor use
• Made of sturdy plastic
• Easy to assemble
• Removable lid
• Protective white boots provide stability

Cons

• On the pricier side
• Doesn’t include toys/accessories

Most durable

Special Supplies Sensory Activity Table for Kids and Toddlers

Complete with two deep, plastic buckets with lids, seven beach toys and an adjustable table, our activity table is made for hands-on learning and education. This interactive activity center table bodes well with sand, water and other sensory materials — perfect for toddlers.

With snap-tight lids and enhanced stability, the tables are easy to set up inside or outside for toddler-approved STEM science and engineering activities. Bonus: They feature four height options to support growing little ones.

Pros

• Bright colors
• Includes two deep buckets
• Includes seven beach toys
• Adjustable height options
• Indoor and outdoor use
• Snap-tight lids
• Strong legs for enhanced stability

Cons

• On the pricier side