It's getting hot out there which means is a perfect time to visit some options for keeping cool and enjoying a fun activity. I found a wonderful water-and-sand table, (you can see the link to Amazon at the end of the post) but really, if you are crafty, you can save some money. I checked out the plastic kiddie pools, both blow-up and solid, and they are pretty reasonable in price. (Think dollar store or discount chains). That way you can even make your own water center for outdoor play at a fraction of the price. Put it up on a table outdoors at your kids height, add a few inches of water, then load it with water toys. They can have imaginary play for hours and keep cool.
I'm not saying that the first little pre-made table is not a fantastic idea. To be honest, I might be inclined to just order one and turn it into a crafting play table in the winter for indoor play, (playdough or water painting perhaps) but there are options that will work just as well as purchasing one. I also consider the Step2 Play and Shade pool a great alternative since you can use it as a pool some days and a water table on others. It comes with a few toys and a shade as well, so that gives it bonus points.
Just remember to watch little ones around water. Even a few inches in a bad situation can be a drowning hazard. It's ok to be rolling your eyes at me, I know you all know
that. It's just the mother in me coming out.
OLDER KIDS and FAMILY PLAY : Forget the water table and host a squirt-gun water fight. You might think that this will not keep them occupied long, but you will be surprised. Even teens love this idea. Pick up the cheap assorted-style water guns, a few sand buckets filled with water for quick refills, and a large enough area to run and play. The kids WILL knock over at least one bucket as they run to fill up, so always have extras. Throw in assorted popsicles and you are all set.
I'm not saying that the first little pre-made table is not a fantastic idea. To be honest, I might be inclined to just order one and turn it into a crafting play table in the winter for indoor play, (playdough or water painting perhaps) but there are options that will work just as well as purchasing one. I also consider the Step2 Play and Shade pool a great alternative since you can use it as a pool some days and a water table on others. It comes with a few toys and a shade as well, so that gives it bonus points.
Just remember to watch little ones around water. Even a few inches in a bad situation can be a drowning hazard. It's ok to be rolling your eyes at me, I know you all know
that. It's just the mother in me coming out.
OLDER KIDS and FAMILY PLAY : Forget the water table and host a squirt-gun water fight. You might think that this will not keep them occupied long, but you will be surprised. Even teens love this idea. Pick up the cheap assorted-style water guns, a few sand buckets filled with water for quick refills, and a large enough area to run and play. The kids WILL knock over at least one bucket as they run to fill up, so always have extras. Throw in assorted popsicles and you are all set.
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