Step2 Naturally Playful Sand & Water Activity Center | Kids Sand & Water Table with Umbrella

What I was wondering before the purchase of my Step 2 sand and water table is "How much sand will I need?" I found a 25lb box of Sandtastik to be the perfect start. That's going to give me about two or three fills of the table, I don't fill it all the way up because it will just wind up on the ground that way. The sand that I've put in there has lasted over a month so far. The water siide fills with two gallons.What I knew before the package even arrived is that Step2 is a quality brand. It's sturdy and durable and we've always had good luck with their products. They really hold up to a lot of play and rough and tumble kids! With that expectation I have been completely satisfied with this purchase. It's sturdy and you can tell just by looking at the quality it will last many years. All the kids in the neighborhood play with it ages 2-13! It's a lot of fun and a great sensory activity for kids of all ages (even for moms!)I read problems people had with leaking and something about the plug being in or near the leg. That must have been an older model because there is no such problem with our table. No leaks! I also like the elastic cord that holds the cover on so nothing yucky gets in the table when it's not in use. The umbrella is nice but a little awkward in it's design the way it positions. You could secure it 100% but then not be able to take it off easily to put the cover on. So to be able to take it on and off, it slides sometimes or the kids pull it out. You don't want to leave it in the table unattended because it could literally blow away with a good wind. We don't use it often, our table isn't in a very sunny spot. Unfortunately younger kids see that as an opportunity to pour sand down the umbrella hole. Kids will be kids! I don't know exactly how they could improve on the design there but it's the only flaw I can see with the product. I'm going to fashion some sort of plug to solve the problem for us.Last but not least the assembly was a piece of cake. One person with an electric screwdriver/drill can get the job done. Yes you can use a manual screwdriver but it will take you forever and there are no pilot holes.

LOVE THIS! We have had a basic, round water table from Step 2 for the last 5 years, it has been used practically daily from April-September in Seattle. My kids will play water table all day long with boats, Arctic animals, sea animals, Octonauts, water cans, water wheels, and more! When I bought the first water table, I had 2 boys - nearly 1 & nearly 2. They are now 4 1/2 & 5 1/2 and have a 20 month old sister. The round water table was getting a little crowded and thought we could use an upgrade. This is the tallest & largest one one the market and we love the umbrella and the cover. Still love and use the small round one, and would recommend it as well. This one is just a step up if you have more kids using it or when your kids get bigger or older and still like to play. We don't do the sand, they just like to do all water. I read all the reviews and compared everything out there before buying this, I appreciate all the feedback from other reviewers and couldn't be happier with this purchase, just wish I would have bought it last year! I am truly impressed with the Step 2 products! We have a swing set/climber, playhouse and play kitchen. All are excellent quality, durable and get lots of use at our house. Of note, this took my husband 10 minutes to put together, nothing leaks, the lid fits very snug, and the umbrella is great! Buy one, your kids will love it! You will be able to relax on the deck or patio while they play all afternoon!

Adorable. The big umbrella provides way more shade than I expected. There is a tiny leak around the leg holes but unless you plan to use it with water and indoors (in which case you're asking for a mess either way) then it doesn't effect play at all. The water doesn't leak out fast at all, so it's not like you have to refill it during play. A bead of silicone caulk would fix it but I really don't feel the need. We didn't screw the legs in because i want to be able to pop them out and store everything in the table if I feel like it, and it is more than sturdy without screws in the legs. Great deal, high quality and maybe most of all I liked that the colors aren't obnoxious in my backyard. Very natural and pleasant colors, not cheesy like so many outdoor toys. I think this will last for years to come, and I plan to use it as a sensory table indoors during the winter with rice, pasta, beans, etc. it's a perfect height for my 2 year old too. It entertains him in the shade while I sit in the sun next to him and get a short break-- isn't that the best kind of toy? I read Amazon reviews obsessively before I purchase anything (it's pathological I think) and I can assure you that this table won't disappoint. Buy it.

My son is two and he loves his water table! It keeps him occupied for at least a half an hour at a time so I can do some gardening. The umbrella is nice but if you have any wind you will have to take it down. I really like being able to cover the table when not in use to keep birds out and prevent any little toys from blowing away.My son always puts the sand in the water side so the water is always murky. It takes awhile to hose the sand out of the drain hole but kids don't seem to care if there is sand in the water. The little toys that come with the set are really fun esp the boats.Assembly was easy. I didn't use the screws to attach the legs because you need a drill to punch a hole through first (husband wasn't around). However I find that the weight of the sand and water hold the table down securely without having the legs screwed in.I have had this for a few months (in the hot el paso sun) so far it is holding up nicely. I expect it will eventually be damaged by the sun but if you put yours in a shady area I imaging it would last forever.I think a child who can pull up on the side of this table would be old enough to enjoy it all the way through at least 6 or 7 yrs old.