Babble Best: Water Tables

Androni Sand and Water Play Table - $81

Ideal for outdoors but stylish enough for the playroom, this Italian toy impressed us with its design. The shiny red table has lots to offers curious kids: a water pail and lid, shovel, rake, two fish-shaped sand molds, watering can and watermill. With all this, who needs a trip to the shore? What's more, set-up is a no-brainer -- the legs snap in for easy assembly; then fill 'er up with water, sand or a combination of both. When it's time to move inside, the handy plastic cover acts as a second play surface for art activities or a snack tray.

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Jonti Toddler Sand and Water Table - $88

If indoor water play is what you're after, this pint-sized water station should do the trick. Measuring a wee 24" x 24" x 12", this Jonti Craft toy is a nice way to keep a toddler occupied in the kitchen as you try to whip up dinner (or make the call for takeout). Rounded corners make a smart addition to this simple design. At this price, we do feel a bit robbed that basic toys weren't included. And don't be tempted to take this outside; it's constructed of high- pressure laminate with maple hardwood legs, and there's no cover.

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iPlay Sand and Water Table - $74

So much to do! That's what our mini-testers expressed said when they got their little paws on this toy. With ten accessories included (scoop, shovel, rake, boat, sprinkler, two funnels, spinning mills, and waterfall connector) there were plenty of toys to share, sparing me from breaking up fights. We loved the two-piece snap-tight cover — it's a great play surface and keeps things neat and tidy inside. And measuring a manageable 25.5" x 25.5" x 17 3/4", this toy won't overpower your yard or deck.

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Step2: Fun Flow Play Sink - $50

When it's far too hot outside, treat your polliwogs to an afternoon cooling down with this nifty play sink. A pump hidden in the interior keeps the water flowing through the faucet. We're bummed that this requires batteries (the 2D batteries are not included — grrr) to keep the continuous flow of water going. But so be it. Once set up, this sink kept our two testers mesmerized for forty-five minutes (an eternity in toddler time). The toys included are fairly lame (three cups) so we tossed in a boat and tea set to up the ante.

Get it from Step2.

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