Naturally Playful Sand and Water Activity Center Reviews

• Don't hesitate

  
  By A2FTKBZHPBLE1F on 2004-05-02
  This sand box is amazing. Considering that the others are the same price, this is, without a doubt, the one to purchase. The leak-proof top, the toys, the natural look of the toy and the shade umbrella all make this unique.

  Things to know:

  1) do NOT cut the black cord on the outside of the box. This holds the top on and makes it resistant to rain getting into the toy. This is not evident when you purchase it, as the instruction manual is inside the box. (thank you other reviewer for this tip!)

  2) The umbrella is a true navy, not black as it appears in the picture

  3) get over your dreams of a perfect sand and water table, with the sand in one area and the water in the other. My son loves the sand and throws it all around our deck. He mixes the water in the sand area and vise versa. Let it go, as hard as it is.

  4) the sand area holds 40 lbs. of sand. An average bag is 50 lbs (around $5) But get a second bag anyway (see #3)

  Have FUN!
  
  

• Up, up and away

  
  By A3G6A1VQJSSVG0 on 2004-06-05
  (original review: June 5) We purchased this table for our 3 year old daughter and she loves it. It was a smash with all the kids at her birthday party, not so much with the parents of the sand coated kids. My main reason for wanting a table was to prevent killing the grass underneath as a traditional sandbox would. I chose this one because it has an umbrella (which is very stable and adjustable) and because it has a hard cover. The cover attaches very securely thus keeping additional water, bugs, worms, leaves and various other things out...including my daughter, which comes in handy. My daughter is very pleased with the sand/water combo, rather I should say, the sand "in" the water combo. :o) Having a sandbox at her waist level seems to be very convenient for her. She scoots back and forth most of the time but can sit on a little chair and play too. I intend to bring it into the basement in the winter and fill it with rice (uncooked of course) so she can enjoy it year round. The drawback is the legs. They are attached with screws that can easily tear out and are not enough to keep the legs stable. Ours have not torn because I am very watchful of the position of the legs and prop them back up whenever I see them go askew. Other than that, I would highly recommend this table.
  
  (Update: Sept 13) We've had this table for months now and I wanted to make some additional comments. The table is diffucult to move by yourself but I have my 3 yr old help me, she can easily carry the water side as long as there is no water in it. We have also taken this to a couple of family functions to keep my daughter from digging in the dirt or the flower beds, etc. It's quite portable without the water and as long as you make sure the legs are straight and it isn't free floating before you drive off. Another thing that I didn't think of was that because the kids stand to play with the sand, they don't get any sand up the legs of their shorts or in their underpants. Also, the umbrella shades more if you put it very low, just a few inches above your child's head.
  
  

• Fantastic Table- Don't Hesitate to Buy!

  
  By A1DNWA98IV5PMW on 2006-02-23
  Wow- What a wonderful table! I did acres of research on all the different options before buying this one for our youngest child's first birthday present. I'm so glad we bought this one- we couldn't be happier with it. Here are the things we like about this table.
  
  1. Great size. This table is large enough that multiple children can play with it together (some of the ones on the market are really small). BUT, it's not so large it can't be used inside. We've put it in the kitchen on several occasions for the children to play with during nasty weather days.
  2. It is heavy and sturdy. My kids have climbed all over it and haven't been able to tip it over. But, it's not so heavy that I can't lift it on my own. I lifted it over the child safety gate (with the sand in it) to carry it out of the kitchen and back to the deck.
  3. I like the versatility of the table. You can use sand on one side and water on the other as intended. But, I've put in dried beans or dried rice instead of the water or just a tiny bit of water with some leftover spaghetti noodles and that was fun too. It's nice to do on nasty winter days when the kids can't go outside and are bored with playing inside. I just carry this into the kitchen and it gives them something a little new to do.
  4. The umbrella is a nice feature- provides that little bit of shade so that they can play comfortably.
  5. GREAT COVER- it really does stay put! We've had some strong winds and it's never come off. Also, it usually is out on our deck and the cover has never leaked, even during the worst rain storms. The sand is always perfectly dry.
  
  The ONE and only Con (and it's a minor one): I wish that the umbrella would tilt so that I could move it around to block the shade. Other than that, this is the perfect table!
  
  
  

• Unbelievably versatile! Just about the perfect outdoor toy!

  
  By A9MKVIC25KSIU on 2007-05-23
  First of all, we have had this toy for 3 years and it still looks like the first day it came out of the box (in the BLAZING Texas sun). Also, it has been moved around too many times to count and is still as strong as ever. It's durable. Plus, it really does keep water out and the cover stays put tightly even through the most violent and windy thunderstorms. The umbrella is awesome, although I did have to replace it once due to weathering. I soooooooo don't care. Read on...
  
  I'm on my third child now and if there is one thing I'm sick of, it's the toy that's a one-trick pony. I'm really looking for more versatility in a toy. That said, let me tell you why we will keep this toy until the kids outgrow it even though we also have an 8x10 ft. sandbox in the back yard. Sure, it's a sand and water table but we've done it all: (1) sand alone (2) water alone (3) potting soil/trowels/silk plants/plastic pots (4) landscaping stones and small tonka construction vehicles (aka "the quarry)--sometimes the small trucks even deliver to the Tonka Mighty and it goes on for hours (5) bubble solution to use with the large wands and even the small and different wands (so that the kids aren't fighting over the tiny opening of a tiny bottle of bubbles that inevitably gets spilled all over the patio) (6) a Mommy-made iceburg (colored blue) on the hottest summer day with dollar store penguins and polar bears--you can even shave the iceburg to make snow (I used a putty knife) and put crushed ice (if your refrigerator makes it) in the water to make it a happier habitat (7) dishwater and play dishes with sponges and scrubbers to play clean-up without making a mess at the sink like they do inside (8) aquarium gravel/toys/plants with pretend fish (9) sand over buried "fossils" (pretend dinosaur bones found at the local dollar store) (10) sand sifters and dirt with various sizes of rocks that I spray painted gold -- super fun day! (11) measuring spoons/cups/jugs that teach lessons about volume -- pair with bath color tablets to learn about color mixing! (12) Did you know that Little People LOVE to go to the beach? (Off subject, they're also not opposed to a tumble in the dishwasher!) (13) any number of arts and crafts activities that I would rather do outside than inside (making slime, papier mache, etc.) (14) tin pans/muffin cups paired with dirt/sticks/water mud for mud pies (15) sand castles, of course! (16) dinosaurs and various animals add a tremendous amount of play value to your basic sand environment.
  
  Well, that's all that I can remember doing in three years time as I sit here writing this review, although I'm sure there's more. As if all that isn't enough, this table is a great size. No elbowing for more space here. There's room for 6 kids. Yep, one on each end and two on each side. True story.
  
  Do you miss sipping iced tea and reading a magazine or chatting with friends? It can happen again while your toddler plays happily and safely. I LOVE this toy. Can you tell?
  
  

• GREAT FUN but WEAK LEGS

  
  By ACF88C3Y23W7 on 2004-09-23
  Being VERY picky about my purchases, I researched and debated pros and cons of all the sandboxes available,and am very pleased with this one except for the weak legs, which may pose a safety problem as it could collapse on a child. This is a shame because this table is fantastic! Kids play for hours!
  
  This one gets 5 stars for the following:
  *Umbrella is a bonus--but take it down if the wind kicks up
  *Lid strong & secure keeps kids&cats out. DO NOT cut black ties
  *Size and design of the table enables 4-6 kids to play
  *Drain works well--drain daily to avoid mosquitos
  *Price is reasonable--look for sales and coupons
  *Looks nice on the porch, not cheezey looking like most
  
  I found that a sand table is better than sand box because:
  **more kids can play together--4-6 can fit and not kick sand
  **no sand in the shoes or pants = less sand waste, less mess
  **water section adds to the fun--drain it if you want less mess
  **only requires half a small bag of kiddie sand
  **keep on porch to easily sweep up and re-use spilled sand
  **smaller toys = less cost and more use of fine motor skills
  
  I hope the company will fix the problem with the legs on the new models and do a recall with a solution for those of us that own the table already so that no children get hurt. I closely monitor mine right now, but have to fix the legs at least once a day.
  
  
• We use just water in this and LOVE it!!!!
  By on 2004-06-01
  I purchased this table a bit over a week ago and we LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it!!! I have twin 2 1/2 year olds and they can't get enough of it. We are using is as a water table only so I drain the one side and then just tip it up to dump the other, no problem. I love the umbrella to reduce their sun exposure. The nice stone color is great too, it blends in with the house rather than the red/blue/green of other molded plastic toys.

  A couple things other people had concerns about that I found helpful to know-

  Don't cut the black cords holding the lid on, these are elastic and just pull off so you can put the lid on tightly between uses. The instructions are inside so some people have cut it.

  Someone mentioned not being anywhere to store the umbrella?!? I just put in back into the table before I put the lid on like it was when I purchased it.

  As for the legs not being sturdy I think some people have over loaded with sand (only holds 40 lbs) and the other thing is when you install the screws keep turning until the plastic on the legs doesn't buckle in but is pulling back tight against the table frame.

  Enjoy, we sure love it!
  
  

• Nothing better!
  By A30IESBRTPEDMY on 2004-05-04
  I have to start out by saying I'm one of those parents that researches everything before a major purchase, so that I get the best value on the best product. Well, let me tell you, I am SO GLAD I did the research and found this PERFECT activity center! I was all ready to purchase the Little Tykes center - based more on the concept than anything else, until I read the reviews! The opinion of "real people" that use the products matters to me much more than what the company selling the product claims. I was looking for exactly everything this table has to offer - separate sand & water sections, built off the ground and for a toddler's height (though it can also be used directly on the ground, without the legs, and work perfectly), little "extras" included (like the shovel, boats, pots, etc.), a sturdy cover that I wouldn't have to worry about every time it was windy or rained, a sturdy table that wouldn't cave to a toddler's abuse. Boy, this table had it all, PLUS, it has an umbrella! I didn't even know I was looking for that until I saw it was an option - then I thought, "Why didn't anyone else think of this?". My 21 mo. old daughter has more fun with this toy than anything else she's ever had - no question! We've had it for 2 weeks now and, weather permitting, we've played in it every chance we could. (I just can't resist the sand either!) We recently had a pretty severe storm with very heavy rains - for several hours straight - and high winds. I kept checking outside to see if the table was still there - it didn't even budge. As soon as the rain ended, I just had to see inside - I opened the lid expecting at least a little puddle somewhere, but not a drop! What else can I say? It doesn't leak - at all, the lid stays on great, very easy to set up, cute roadways around the water area & down to the sand, not "rainbow" colored . . . I can't even think of any faults, except the toddler nature to mix the sand & water, but that's not the table's fault! In fact, that is a good "educational" part of this table. The only thing they might be able to improve is to have a place for the umbrella when the lid is put on - right on/under the table itself. Kudos to the engineers that developed this table. A VERY valuable purchase!
  
  
• How are you REALLY going to use this?
  By A7BV7A7B50QQD on 2005-04-04
  I bought this for my daughter's first birthday, thinking I would do the sand and water thing together, but actually I ended up buying a sit-in sandpit and separate splash pool just 6 months later, both of which my daughter prefer infinitely. This table is good for making sand castles/pies etc. where you're mixing water and sand together, but if you want to encourage sand and water play as separate activities then this is isn't really the best thing for the job. Also, don't kid yourself like I did that a table would be less messy - it isn't. My daughter loves nothing more than to pour sand and water all over the floor - and herself.
  For the table itself, our plug in the water side leaks, the whole table sags slightly in the middle so the boats get stuck going round the outside edge and if sand does get in the water side (which it does frequently) it's a nightmare to get it back out again as the plug area is raised above the level of the table bottom.
  
  
• Save Money!
  By AKEV9K2OG7ZOS on 2006-01-03
  Buy direct from Step2 and save $15 over Amazon and $10 over Target on-line prices. The shipping costs from Toys r Us/Amazon are outrageous.
  
  
• Well worth the money
  By A1A4M52Z2AH7GC on 2004-09-06
  My 15 month old has a great time splashing in the bath and playing with water at daycare, so I researched the various water tables and decided on this one. I am thrilled with our choice, as his eyes light up every time he sees it. He will crawl over to the door and say "outshiide? outshiiide?" so that he can go play with his water table. We don't fill it with sand, just water, and he loves every little toy it comes with.
  
  Pros:
  * A convenient drain hole in the water side
  * An umbrella (but see cons below)
  
  Cons:
  * Weak legs. They're screwed in but they buckle easily. Don't drag it across any surface, carry it.
  * Given the con above, carrying it would be near impossible if there were sand in it, due to its bulk. If you have a place you can park it or don't plan on using sand, this isn't a problem.
  * The umbrella is great but it's not big enough (or poseable) to block him from the sun at all times of day. It basically only blocks sun at high noon.
  
  Overall this is a fantastic toy and I know it will last him a long time. I especially love that the lid has a race track on it, he already loves matchbox cars and I can see him clearly driving the cars along the race track in another year.
  
  
• The other moms in the neighborhood are jealous
  By A1P51EH7MYTFJW on 2005-10-12
  There are several toddlers in my neighborhood, and we all have sandboxes. All the other moms seem to be inviting themselves and their kids over to play in ours, because standing up to play with the sandbox = WAY less chance of getting sand in the diapers/socks/shirts.
  
  The fact that it bungee-cords shut means that the cover only comes off when I want it to--not when my toddler or a gust of wind want it to.
  
  If you want to use it with water, remember to empty the water out promptly after use. We made the mistake of leaving it in for a couple days, and were rewarded with an algae bloom. I ended up having to scrub the whole thing down with much bleach. We have left the water side empty ever since (using it for toy storage), and my son hasn't missed it. Actually, I haven't missed it either--I found that I was having to change his sopping wet clothes every single time he played in the water, since he would take the included pails (which have holes in the bottom) and repeatedly spill water all down his shirt and arms.
  
  Because the cover has a "racetrack" on it for cars, rain/sprinkler water pools in the recesses and gets nasty, but my son and my dog still want to stand on it and both of them even try to drink from the puddles. {sigh} This is my sole complaint about the sandbox. I wish there was a smooth side to the cover as well as a track side.
  
  We also wish there was some more convenient place to hide/store the umbrella when the cover is on (like a shelf underneath, somehow?)--the act of taking it out and leaning it against the house seems to inspire my child to attempt to drag the umbrella around the yard.
  
  We have found it to be an extremely stable toy (we don't try to move it anywhere since it's got all that heavy sand in it) and look forward to using it next summer too.
  
  
• My son cries when we have to come inside!
  By on 2004-05-15
  My 19 month old son loves this toy so much he gets really upset when it is time to come in. Thanks to the umbrella, we can manage to stay out a little longer on the hotter days. So far we have only used it for water (both sides) because he is not quite ready for sand, but it still is one of his favorites and mine too. I disagree with the posts about it not being sturdy or easy to move around. I have moved it several times by myself and the legs don't budge at all. The best feature of all (and why I chose it over the Tikes one) is the tight lid that can easily be popped on and off. That way I don't have to drain and re-fill the water every time he wants to go out but still keep it cool and protected. Love it!
  
  
• Best table out there
  By A1G2LEN0GYJ431 on 2004-08-21
  We wanted a sand/water table for our 17 month old and this one is the best I've seen. It took five minutes to put together and we put it on our deck, where it blends in like a piece of patio furniture. The umbrella is a *great* idea and so are the tracks on the lid, so kids can still drive their cars over it when the table is not in use. Some parents complain about the sand getting into the water and everywhere else, so here are some possible alternatives to sand --
  
  1) homemade playdough
  2) coffee grounds -- kids will only taste this "dirt" one time
  3) birdseed -- if it gets on the ground, who cares, the birds clean it up
  4) rice
  5) dry oatmeal
  6) Ramen noodles
  7) soap for bubbles
  8) if you're really adventurous -- jello
  9) cornstarch and water
  10) water on both sides and skip the sand.
  
  The list goes on. Just think about what is best for your child's age, and remember that kids do get messy from time to time and it's OK! :) I give it five stars because you can get years out of this table if you use your imagination -- and you can just pull up a chair -- no more slumping over the sandbox :).
  
  
  
• WHITE RICE- NOT SAND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  By A6G0NKWGLWW1R on 2006-02-27
  I just bought this for my three year old son. My friend has it for her son and they both love it! I've been an elementary school teacher for 11 years and here is a helpful hint: Fill up the sand side with WHITE RICE (of course not cooked). This way, it's easy to clean up and won't make a mess. You can also easily pick the rice out of the water side. Hope I helped all you sand haters :)
  
  P.S. You could also use small macaroni shells :)
  
  
• Birdseed Schmirdseed!
  By A25A4RMMMRQTY1 on 2006-02-28
  We purchased this table for our 3yr old at Christmas. Overall we have been quite pleased with it & he really likes it. The elastic bungee cords on either end of the lid were quite snug and did not allow enough slack to attach to the table as easily as I thought it should have, & subsequently they broke off after about a month. The lid seems snug enough without the cords. Also, I thought I'd be clever and use birdseed instead of sand, as several reviewers suggested. Not a great idea if you have squirrels around! Within a matter of 4 days, they had completely gnawed through the lid in 2 places, one hole large enough for me to put my hand through! Keep this in mind if you're thinking about using birdseed. Maybe they wouldn't be as attracted to the dry rice though, as another reviewer suggested. Not sure I'm going to try my luck again...We'll be using sand from now on :0
  
  
• Our table is one year old, and still going strong
  By A3OYENN13F4NCV on 2005-03-24
  Our table has stayed outside for an entire year, and it is still going strong. It is durable and the kids are still fascinated by it and play with it every day. We got it on sale for fifty bucks plus five bucks for the sand. We consider it to be the best bang for the buck toy we have ever bought. The lid is easy to put on and off. I recommend freshening up the sand from time to time.
  
  
• flimsy design, poor quality
  By AGPTMWL8Q2YD5 on 2005-04-05
  I bought 2 of these, one meant as a gift. One umbrella clip was damaged, the other broke on the first application. On closer inspection, the umbrella clip is a flimsy piece of plastic with a tiny bump that's supposed to hold up the entire weight of the metal/fabric umbrella.
  
  The large cover is difficult to handle and could do with a handle. It is held down by two elastic band that's a hassle to fasten and release. The elastic band will deteriote quickly when it's left outdoors in the sun and rain. A simple latch could have been better.
  
  A good idea but poorly designed.
  
  
• HOURS OF FUN FOR A SOON TO BE 3 YEAR OLD
  By A3IE8JRPOGIG54 on 2005-04-18
  We got this for our daughter's 3rd birthday and gave it to her 2 weeks early when the warm weather really hit. Setting it up proved a bit more difficult than other toys because we had to drill the screw holes and put in 16 screws. We filled both sides with water to keep her nice and cool and to keep sand off our new deck. We had to caulk the part where the legs attach to the top because the water leaked a little on both sides, but that only took about 2 minutes! The bridges slide off easily, but the kids don't seem to mind. But don't let any negative stuff scare you off; it is WELL WORTH THE MONEY! It has gotten many, many hours of use already. We do really love the fact that the colors aren't bright and garish, as many kids' toys can be, so it blends in with our deck and patio furniture. The plastic legs even look like wood. Also, the umbrella is very big and pretty sturdy; we even borrowed it for our patio table one day when ours had broken. Our little one loves the table, even with just water, and so do all our guests' kids. A GREAT BUY. If this were lost, stolen, swooped away by a tornado, whatever, we would buy another one ASAP.
  
  
• Not what I imagined
  By A2SECFG425PJ31 on 2004-05-12
  Well, before purchasing this item, I debated on whether to buy just a sand box. After reading the other reviews, I decided to buy this instead. First, the durability...do not buy this item if you plan on moving it often and by yourself. The way the legs are connected is 2, 3 inch screws screwed through each plastic leg. Not very secure since the plastic is thin. I, my husband, and our gardener (believe me, we're all quite strong)have all caused the legs to partially collapse because we didn't know that we shouldn't move it by ourselves. (It's too heavy and big with the sand in it to pick up so you have to scoot it. SAND IS MUCH HEAVIER THAN JUST WATER! I can't imagine trying to move it by myself with both water and sand in it! Yikes!) Since it's connected with screws through the plastic, the plastic tears.

  You should also keep in mind that it only holds 40 pounds of sand and bags are sold in 50 pound increments. We didn't read the fine print and now the table sags a bit in the middle. : (

  Having a short bucket to drain into might be helpful since I made the mistake of draining into the grass a few times. Not a big deal until the next day when the kids wanted to play again and the ground was muddy.

  Before I could like this table, I had to let go of my image of my 1 and 2 year old playing on the the sand side and then going over to the pristine clear water side. Kids will be kids and my two year old has the water murky and swamp-like within minutes. When the water is mixed on the sand side, it takes weeks for the sand to dry out. (This could be another reason my table sags.)Hope for warm weather.

  My kids really do like this table but in hindsight I'd rather have bought a sandbox and brought out the wading pool from time to time.
  
  

• Sagging Center
  By AWWH7LST3KDZS on 2005-05-16
  I haven't read all 42 reviews so this may be a repeat. We have found it necessary to shore up the middle of this wonderfully entertaining toy. We've had it on our patio since early spring of 2004 and it has had a lot of use but the center started to sag. We found a large flower pot that measured the exact height and just pushed it under the center. Works like a charm and we should get many more years of fun.
  
  
• Great fun in the sun!!!
  By on 2004-04-08
  After reading the bad reviews on the other sand and water tables I decided to buy this one. It took me about 5 minutes by myself to put it together and my 16 month old son LOVES IT!! It has a drain for the water, a lid (it hasn't rained yet, so I can't tell you if water leaks through), and my personal favorite an umbrella!! I literally have to peel my son off of the thing! It has been very durable also.
  One word of advice, when you get the table home don't cut off the black tie strapes to open it like I did. They unhook from the bottom and are there to keep the lid attached when not in use. Oh well, I used bugee cards to close it and that works too! :)
  I highly recommend this product!!
  
  
• Great Toy but needs stronger legs
  By A1HT5J0BBQI9EB on 2005-03-19
  We bought this toy last year for my son's second birthday. It was a warm day and all the kids were busy playing during the whole birthday party. Both my kids love it the sand and water combination.
  
  The only negative I see is the weak legs. If you want to move the table to cut the grass, change the location, etc., it seems like the legs are going to fall off. So far, the legs have stayed on, but we'll see.
  
  
• My kids love it!!!
  By A1XUQCJ48Y01D1 on 2005-06-23
  I just bought this for my 2 and 4 1/2 year olds and they just love it. Of course the sand and water gets mixed together, but that's most the fun for them...just like the beach! They could not wait for me to screw the legs in, but I was able to move this table around the back yard without the legs popping out without the screws (I am not recommending this, but that's how I am going to leave it for now). And the lid is very secure...the elastic bands give me the extra security that the lid won't blow off. The umbrella is cool too...you can adjust it pretty low to cover the kids kind of like a tent. This product is way better and easier than the Little Tikes Easy Store Sand and Water Table, plus it looks nice...I am planning a whole back yard full of Step 2 Naturally Playful items!!!
  
  
• Great , fun toy!
  By A2ZZFEE73WSUUS on 2005-03-11
  We had a floor level sand box before and what a mess it was. Sand eveywhere! But what a great change this is! My boys 6,4,and 3 love it and play with it everyday. They love the sand and water combination. What a great idea! It's been three weeks and they haven't gotten bored yet. So worth the money. Only draw back is that the legs and umbrella as mentioned in other reviews are flimsy. Our umbrella did not stay open. But we have alot of shade therefor it wasn't an issue. As long as you are not dragging the toy from place to place, the legs are not an issue. My boys are pretty rough and it hasn't collapsed yet even with 50 lb. sand and water. I believe mfg. suggests less than 50 lbs. Also, the natural colors blend well with my garden. Overall, great toy for the money.
  
  
• BEST SAND AND WATER TABLE OUT THERE
  By A29BLN5TNW62HZ on 2005-03-13
  We bought this for our son when he just turned 4. He had the ground covered sand box, which never kept "things" out, despite the locked cover. We also purchased another sand and water table, above ground, but this is far better. It covers so tightly and keeps critters out. It has a nice umbrella for the shade, which is adjustable. The only issue we have is the legs are a little weak. But, what my son decided to do was, to use it strictly as a water table. When he goes in his slide pool, we put the table next to his pool, so he can go in and out and play with the table too! Its like water world! Much more fun for him. I do reccomend this over and other table.
  
  
• We Love this !!!
  By A1QQ0H453LAFUN on 2005-05-12
  I bought this for my 3 1/2 year old son and he loves it . Actually we all love it ! My 10 , 8 and 5 and 3 year olds had more fun with this than I think anything we have ever bought . This is much better than a typical sandbox which they love but can't all play in at the same time. All four of my kids pulled up a chair around the table and had a blast and plenty of room ! They played for at least 2 hours and didn't even want to come in then . It was a bit messy but what can you expect . Anything can be put in here to spark imagination .You don't have to just use sand and water . The possibilities are endless ! This is going to be a life saver this summer . This was money well spent . I would recommend this to anyone .
  It was easy to put together and I feel the legs were very sturdy . I didn't even put the screws in it because I like the idea of being able to take them out to store it over the winter unless we bring it in for the winter.I just made sure I pushed them all the way in. I already cleaned it out and tipped it over to rinse it and had no trouble with the legs coming loose or out or anything . I am saving the screws just in case I need them later !
  This is an awseome , awesome table !! We love it !!!
  
  
• The greatest sand and water table!
  By A1T6BUZPV7YVI1 on 2005-06-11
  Our twin sons turned a year old a few days ago, and this water table is one of their favorite gifts...
  
  We dont use sand in it because of the sand incidents with sandboxes, but have used all water, and extra rocks for a fish aquarium (NOT USED THOUGH!) and it works great! Its pretty large, but not too tall, so just be careful! We actually noticed the weakness in the middle, and just placed a barrel (PERFECT SIZE!) underneath and have no worries! It has a bridge, tracks, and a whole landscape making it fun for everyone! The water drains out easily, (we put ours on our deck, theres no worry about slipping because it goes right through the cracks between the wooden boards). The cover stays on perfectly, doesnt slip off (and of course we left on the bungy cords, or else it wouldnt stay!) and its still fun because theres tracks for their matchbox cars! Its durable, doesnt fall, doesnt leak, and the umbrella (navy, not black) stays put and does its job...
  
  This toy is just so much fun, its easy to put together and is worth all of the "hassle" to see the twins smiles!
  
  
• Don't belive what you read
  By AJL0GBV2SFR7X on 2005-06-13
  After reading all the reviews about this toy I had to get one for my kids. I didn't want to order one on-line since shipping is almost half the cost of the sand and water activity center. So I started the search by calling all the local toy stores. Of course, everyone was out of it because it's a very popular item. Finally after about a month of searching I found one at Toys R Us (they had just gotten some in).
  
  To my surprise, the activity center seems very sturdy. There are long screws that goes in to safely attach the legs to the table so I don't see how the legs can ever pop out. The cover secures on very tightly so I can't imagine anything crawling inside unless I forget to close the plug on the water side of this table. Toys come with this table but not enough for more than one kid to play at the same time. But that's easily solved. I just put out more sand toys. The sand stayed dried for about 3 minutes and my kids started pouring water on it. Now the sand is completely wet and it just won't dry up again.
  
  Overall, my 20 month old played with it for about 5 minutes and my 4 year old played with it for about 20 minutes. BUT, they haven't played with it since the first day and they're not interested in it anymore.
  
  I'm disappointed because I went through all that and my kids don't want to play with it anymore. It's not as great as I thought it was going to be.
  
  
• Love this sand box
  By A9Z4VTZPXSHRV on 2006-05-08
  We have had this sand and water table now for a year. Our four kids ages, 11yrs,9yrs,5yrs and 3years love it! The 3yr old plays for hours at a time. The table is sturdy and I haven't had any problems with the legs being wobbley like the other reviewers. I put it together with a power drill, so maybe that makes a difference. I slide it all over the patio and move it onto the grass. It was even thrown across the yard and against a retaining wall by a near tornado wind and it is still like new. (the cover even stayed on it) thats how tight the bungee cords hold it on. I love the little toys it comes with too.(shovel, flower pots and boats) My favorite part is that the kids don't sit in it and get sand in their shoes and underwear. I just buy cheap pavers sand at Home Depot and it works great. The umbrella was great too, but got ruined right away because my kids were using it as a parachute to fly off the 5ft retaining wall. The plug on the water side works great,but sometimes the kids accidently pull it out. I don't think I would use it in the house because it still makes a mess. Sand and water all over the place. This has definately been a favorite toy with my kids as well as all the neighbors kids.
  
  
• One of the BEST Summertime toys available!
  By A1S6T83F2NEEIU on 2007-02-20
  We bought this for our son's third birthday last year. It was a total hit, not only with our son, but also with our one and a half year old daughter, and all of our friends' children, all the way up to age 10! By far, one of the best features is that the children do not actually get inside the sandbox to play. This helps prevent sand in diapers/underwear and dumping sand on heads of other children (although this did happen a couple times). My kids love to mix the sand and water, and I had to give up on trying to keep them separate after a few days. Yes, the children do still get rather sandy, but not nearly as much as if they were sitting in the sand. We have found this to be durable, and have had no problems with the umbrella. I love the look of it in the backyard. The neutral colors don't scream at you and blend nicely with the look of a 'grown up' yard. The kids love to run cars on the top of the table even with the lid on. My son did get into the table and jump up and down, and now the water plug leaks. I don't feel this is a design flaw, because it was never made to hold children. We love the secure lid because I don't have to worry about what has been in the sand while we were away. Overall, I highly recommend this toy and would definitely buy it again.
  
  

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