I really don't think it matters which one. I bet you could put a plastic tote of water on a table and your DS would love it. I would stay away from a sand/water mix because that is just asking for a huge mess.
I got the Step 2 Arctic Splash one last year because it seemed to have the best price to sturdiness ratio. Target regularly has it on sale for under $30. Our neighbors have had theirs at least 3 or 4 summers now and it's holding up great.
From what I've read online, the Step 2 water tables get the highest ratings. After that it's all personal preference. We have the Step 2 Artic Splash and dd loves it, but now that we have it, I wish I would have bought something larger and a model with an umbrella for shade.
I'm actually going to buy a larger step 2 Sand & water table. I will never put sand in the sand part...but being larger it allows for more play space. I want one that has an umbrella to provide shade. I love the green naturally playful model, but the "play up" model is appealing because it's adjustable. I just need to read about it to see how high it goes before I make my final decision. HTH!
Re: Best Water Table?
We don't own this but the only on DD has been exposed to she loves to play with (a friend owns it)
https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3927524
DH just bought this one and the kids love it:
https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3987667
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DD has this one and she LOVES it! The sand/water mess doesn't bother me.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Naturally-Playful-Sand-Water-Table/10983986
From what I've read online, the Step 2 water tables get the highest ratings. After that it's all personal preference. We have the Step 2 Artic Splash and dd loves it, but now that we have it, I wish I would have bought something larger and a model with an umbrella for shade.
I'm actually going to buy a larger step 2 Sand & water table. I will never put sand in the sand part...but being larger it allows for more play space. I want one that has an umbrella to provide shade. I love the green naturally playful model, but the "play up" model is appealing because it's adjustable. I just need to read about it to see how high it goes before I make my final decision. HTH!