Trail Blazing Scooters For 10-Year Olds

10-year olds want to leave a mark! They want to make an impression wherever they go! This is especially true when it comes to impressing older kids around the neighborhood, making new friends in an unfamiliar community, or gaining popularity at school. With that in mind, it would only make sense that the best scooters for 10-year olds are unique, creative, flashy (in a personality way), and trail blazing; literally giving kids the opportunity to leave a distinct mark wherever they go.

My sparking, skidding, and chalking favorites are:

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Razor Graffiti Chalk Scooter

This is so awesome! Unique and innovative, the Graffiti scooter puts a spin on the classic kick design. With a weight capacity of 143 pounds, parents will feel compelled to try this out! A special holder at the rear fender contains several non-toxic chalks, giving kids the capability to leave colorful lines, vibrant squiggles, and interesting designs wherever they go. It's mobile artwork in the making! Dubbed "chalking," any artistic 10-year old will love having the option of coloring the pavement as they ride.

Recommended shopping:  @ Amazon Toys
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Rockboard Mini Scooter

The miniature skidder! This tiny scooter features a 2-position locking joint for dual riding capabilities, but the real trailblazer is in the stop. Large wheels allow for a sidewalk shredding effect, leaving cool skids and marks along the pavement with every smooth stop. The handlebar is height adjustable for varying little riders, and several cool colors are available.

Recommended shopping:  @ Amazon Toys
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Razor Spark Scooter

So simple, but one that will have the biggest impact in a crowd! The Spark is Razor's success in entering the world of sparking scooters, with a rear fender that skids and sends a light show. There are 20% more sparks than any other sparking scooter! Your kids will put on their personal, miniature (and completely safe) fireworks display whenever they like.

Recommended shopping:  @ Amazon Toys

Colorful Pools For Little Swimmers

When I was a kid, backyard swimming pools were the highlight of my friends' summer and mine. We would spend hours wading in shallow water, pretending to tan like "the celebrities do" and admiring the colors of the inflatable ring around us. I remember being drawn to the more vibrant outdoor pools because the traditional light blue was just too drab. Now, each summer, I keep a lookout for the brilliant hued brands to treat my own little backyard swimmers and their neighborhood buddies.

Here are the most colorful and reliable I've found:

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Intex Rainbow Ring Pool Play Center

Perfect for small families with tiny tots, this wading pool is ideal for children up to 7 years of age. Parents can sit by the side and assist their curious kids down a water slide, watching with delight as they giggle under a "sea-spraying" rainbow arch. The pool holds 77 gallons of water, ringed with beautiful fluorescent colors that every youngster will admire. Brightness is uplifting and provides an instant good mood to your splashing toddlers.


Recommended shopping:  @ Amazon Outdoor
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Intex Recreation Swim Center Paradise Lagoon

With a capacity of up to 151 gallons, this backyard paradise can comfortably fit a small family of 4-5, with toddlers of 3 years and older. The designs on the inflatable sides feature depictions of suns and vivacious palm trees in electrifying lime green and dynamic orange tones. As with most inflatables, there is the risk of popping (especially when it comes to rambunctious kids sliding against the sides), which is why this pool comes equipped with a repair patch and shelf box.

Recommended shopping:  @ Amazon Outdoor
 
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Intex Play Box Pool

For the smallest of the little swimmers, this miniature pool doubles as a first-time play area for tots of 1-3 years. The bottom is quilted to provide pre-toddlers with optimum comfort for long periods of splashing and playing. It's a great way to get your sweetie used to wading water! They'll be mesmerized by the peppy green and pink tinges.

Recommended shopping:  @ Amazon Outdoor

Unique Scooters For 8-Year Olds

There are so many unique scooters for 8-year olds this year! Brands have worked overtime to establish new lines of durable, lightweight, and entertaining scooters for those kids who long for a little transportation independence. Each of the following scooters features something unique about it.

From the creative to the personal, the following short list showcases those modes of transportation with the most personality:




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Razor A5 Lux Scooter

This is an original scooter because it's a classic; therefore, there aren't many kids riding them anymore. Children tend to sway towards modern transport, leaving tried-and-true versions to deteriorate. Fortunately, this scooter is making a comeback! Considered retro, the Lux is lightweight with large wheels and a rear fender brake, making it super easy to control speed and stop "on a dime." The folding style makes storage a cinch, and it's available in 3 cool colors.


Find it @ Amazon Toys
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M.Y. Products Rockboard Scooter

You've probably never seen a scooter like this before! This is considered a low-profile scooter with a kick-launch design. A steel power-driven chain pumps up the deck; all on smooth urethane wheels and a sleek rear suspension. This scooter actually propels the rider forward to increase kick-off speed. Plus, it's easy to decal and decorate to fit your child's individual tastes. Also, the maximum weight limit is 200 pounds, making this a scooter that can be ridden for years to come.


Find it @ Amazon Toys
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AtomX Fliker 3 Free Motion Carving Scooter

For the little professionals, this stunner features a split-tail deck with slip-resistant grips over sleek, urethane wheels. The design is tough, built to handle the slip and slide of up to 15mph, combined with the rough landings of practiced tricks. The rear fender brake assists in slowing this scooter down safely. There are limited color options available for this scooter, but the steel frame makes it easy to apply and remove multiple decals.

Find it @ Amazon Toys

The Best Water Toys For Kids

What child doesn't love the sprinkler when the weather is scorching? What siblings wouldn't happily spray each other down with the water hose on a sweltering mid-afternoon in June? None! I've never met a youngster who could turn down a summer's romp through the dripping coolness of a wading pool or super soaker. On that note, the best water toys are entertaining, super cool (literally), and perfect for getting kids moving, even when the weather leaves them sweating.

For example:


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Wham-O Surf Rider Slip N Slide

These are so much fun! A plastic slide extends across a leveled-lawn for 16 feet, with the starting end connected to the water hose. The water spurts out in long streams across the mat, making it the perfect consistency for ultimate slipping and sliding. Kids (and adventurous teens or adults) can take a running start, launching onto their bellies to glide down the watery mat at warp speed. The chilled wetness will coat them from head to toe, offering a fun reprieve from the hot sun.

Buy it @ Amazon Toys
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Little Tikes Anchors Away Pirate Ship

Designed for the youngest youngsters, this water table features a pirate-themed arena with a crow's nest, skull-and-crossbones flag, and squirting cannons. Kids can man their battle stations! The table is filled with water, while spinners make currents to maneuver the floating toys. For the best impression, there's also a steering wheel with an attached anchor to reel up and down.



Buy it @ Amazon Toys
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Aeromax Super Soaking Fire Hose with Backpack

Perfect for the little "firefighters" in your family, the plastic backpack attaches to a water hose, filled to the nozzle with cold liquid that shoots 35 feet. A Fire Department logo is prevalent on the backpack's front, while the overall theme begs for an authentic firefighter hat and uniform. It's a great way for firefighting fanatics to dress up and cool off!

Buy it @ Amazon Toys


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Get the current scoop on the top water toys for children:

http://top-10-store.com/top-10-water-toys-for-kids

The Never-Ending Thrill of Sandboxes

When I was a kid, sandboxes were my main source of amusement each time my parents would take me to the playground. I was queen of the castle! Complete with a mote (made from nearby pond water or leftover rain). Those were the days! Now, it's possible for tried-and-true playtime favorites to be brought to the backyards of kids everywhere. The designs are creative, and children still get to experience the never-ending thrill of building sculptures from nothing but sand.

Popular choices are:


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KidKraft Pirate Sandboat

Weigh the anchor and hoist the sails! This is, by far, the most unique sandbox set I've ever encountered. With plenty of room for multiple kids, this pirate-inspired place comes complete with a steering wheel, canopy, flagpole, and several stations. Each child will have a wide expanse of bench seating to be comfortable, while the bottom of the boat is where the sand can be stored. It keeps the mess to a minimum, and gives your tykes the opportunity to be pirates for a day.

Find it @ Amazon Toys
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Step2 Naturally Playful Sandbox

Molded to resemble and Aztec sandstone sculpture, this sandbox brings out the archeologist in all of us. Children and adults alike will enjoy romping through a little area of sand; building new passageways and uncovering buried treasures. All about imagination, a sunshine motif protective covering will keep sand dry and safe from the harms of a rainy day.

Find it @ Amazon Toys

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Little Tikes Turtle Sandbox 30th Anniversary Edition

Does anyone else remember these? Classic and simple, the little green turtle has a smile on his face, wonder in his eyes, and plenty of space for sand beneath his protective shell. New and improved, the anniversary edition is comprised of a moat feature around the outside edge of the sandbox, creating an area for kids to add water and create small rivers with realistic water currents.

Find it @ Amazon Toys

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Get more picks among the best sandboxes for the current year:

http://top-10-store.com/top-10-sandboxes-for-kids/

Scooter Cruisers for Cruising Kids

Have you ever heard a kid say, "I wish it were rainy outside so I couldn't go out and play?" If you have, that child's never been introduced to the magic of scooters for 7-year-old kids. A sporty and ideal way to get children breathing the fresh air of the great outdoors, the following short-list of scooters are taken from the very best. They're durable, built for optimum speed and performance that would best suit a 7-year old, and they're available in a wide collection of super-cool hues. Also known as cruisers, these scooters will have your kids cruising in no time!




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Razor Cruiser Scooter

Sleek and designed with compact styling, this scooter adds a traditional kick to modern post-toddler transportation. Capable of withstanding up to 143 pounds of mobile weight, the deck is shock absorbent, comprised from all-natural materials with an adjustable handlebar and 2-wheel concept. Hues feature racing stripes of yellows, blacks, silvers, reds, and the color-wheel goes on. This is an ideal scooter for kids who are just starting out, as the rear fender brake controls make stopping a cinch, while the single-handed flip-up design allows for easy storage or take-along.

Buy it @ Amazon Toys
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Maxi Kick Scooter

For kids who need a little more stability, this scooter is all modern with a 3-wheel design that allows for optimum sidewalk surfing. Beginners and advanced riders alike will benefit from the lightweight durability of an adjustable handlebar, and the extra-sensitive and extra-safe stopping power of the patented rear fender brake. These scooters are also super-cool in baby blue or girly galore in neon pink!

Buy it @ Amazon Toys

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Razor PowerWing Caster Scooter

This scooter is a sleek upgrade on the traditional caster-wheeled kickers. The foot deck is split into dual wings, offering the best turning and trick capabilities. For those with advanced riding skills, this scooter can be used for kick-outs, side drifts, spin-outs, and the list goes on.

Buy it @ Amazon Toys

Safe Scooters For 9-Year Old Kids

Concerned parents will usually have a set criterion that a toy (or, in this case, a mode of transportation) has to meet before purchase. When dealing with scooters for 9-year old kids, the criteria is based on safety, first and foremost. You want your little girl or boy to have fun! But, in a parent's mind, the safety of a child will always outweigh the amusement that kid gets from a specific toy. If it's dangerous, it's out of the question.

Taking this into consideration, I've short-listed some of the most reliable, safest scooters for your independence-hungry preteens:


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Dynacraft Folding Scooter - Monster High Theme

Personally, I fell in love with this scooter because of the theme. It's a Monster High design, featuring decals and stickers of the best characters from the show and web-series. Getting into the safety attributes, the Dynacraft has everything to make a parent (and the rider) feel secure. The handlebar is adjustable to various heights, meaning this scooter will grow as your child does. Plus, the rear foot brake keeps a little rider in control of speed and stops at all times.


Buy it @ Amazon Toys
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Y-Volution YFliker F3 Scooter

The F3 might look a little intimidating, but it's built for safety and comfort. Featuring a double, split deck on dual rear wheels, this scooter is for the tiny tricksters in your family. They can sidewalk carve and learn new stunts, while having complete control of the scooter with a hand-operated front brake. It's also available in several flashy hues!

Buy it @ Amazon Toys


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Razor Launch Electric Scooter

More modern than a kick-scooter, the Launch reaches a top speed of 10mph with a single charge of 40 minutes. It's the perfect gadget for getting back and forth from a friend's house, the corner store, or a school that is close by. Plus, the twist-grip acceleration and hand-operated front brake makes it one of the safest electric scooters on the market.

Buy it @ Amazon Toys

Classic Scooters For Modern 9-Year Olds

Sometimes, the best scooters for 9 year olds are the most obvious options. They're the classics, with a traditional design and simple structure that parents and grandparents will remember from their youth. Out of those classics, the very best will be lightweight, easy to store in compact spaces, capable of handling a smooth ride, and above all, safe.

The following short-listed scooters are a few I've found to match that criteria:

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Razor A5 Lux Scooter

This can be described in one word... Reliable! But I imagine you're asking why. Why is this tried-and-true classic a reliable mode of transportation for youngsters with a blossoming need for independence? Sleek and well designed, this scooter offer an ultra-smooth ride on large urethane wheels with an aircraft grade aluminum deck on top. It's capable of holding up to 220 pounds of rider weight, with folding handlebars for immediate stashing.

Buy it @ Amazon Toys

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Razor Ultra Pro Lo Scooter

A scooter that is perfect for sidewalk carving and numerous stunts, this one is considered high performance. Comprised of aircraft grade materials, the overall design of the Pro Lo features a double welded deck that sits closer to the ground, offering better control for smaller riders. Unfortunately, this scooter isn't foldable, as that would compromise the strength of the frame. However, it's slim and easy to fit (while still intact and standing) into compact crevices.

Buy it @ Amazon Toys

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Razor Spark Scooter

Have you noticed a pattern with classics and the Razor brand name? This company makes some of the best scooters in the world, and the Spark is no exception. Boasting a gleaming top-coat of blue or red, the "spark" mechanism fires off 20% more sparks than the usual sparking scooters. Simply hit the kick-switch for a small lightshow in the back; 100% safe and secure under parental supervision. It comes with one replacement cartridge!

Buy it @ Amazon Toys

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Get the full lineup this year of the best scooters for kids 9 years of age:

http://www.squidoo.com/best-scooters-for-9-year-olds

What's So Great About Playhouses?

"What's so great about outdoor playhouses?" ...Muttered no parent ever! Imagination and creativity were apart of our childhoods, in the forms of trees forts, little wooden houses, and anything else we could construct from all the elements of nature in our backyard. Modern kids should have the same experiences! In a technologically advanced world where video games and reality television reign supreme, it's important to show your children the beauty of their natural surroundings. A playhouse is a great way to get kids interested in something other than a big screen.

My personal favorites are:

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KidKraft Outdoor Playhouse

This playhouse looks like a log cabin! Cottage-style and large enough to accommodate at least 4 tiny tykes, this rugged lodge is weather resistant with wide windows and a mailbox next to the front entry. The only downside would be no floor, which means you'll have to place this play-set on a smooth surface, such as a patio or near a garage.

Buy it @ Amazon Toys

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Step2 Sweetheart Playhouse

Overflowing with wholesome fun, this playhouse is comprised from molded plastic with heart decorations, perfect as a cozy spot for your youngsters. The full-size door is small enough to accommodate the tiniest of tots and big enough for those who've had growth spurts. A skylight provides tons of natural light, along with decked out window shutters in a stunning lavender hue. The inside is equipped with the best playtime accommodations, from a cordless phone to a flip-over range.

Buy it @ Amazon Toys

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Little Tikes Secret Garden Playhouse

Straight out of a storybook, this fairytale-based beauty comes complete with a gated side entrance that doubles as a garden crawlspace. Your kids can pretend they've ventured to another world, surrounded by a built-in table with a premium awning and awesome outside décor. It's a dream area for all your little bookworms-to-be!

Buy it @ Amazon Toys

The Perfect Scooters For 7-Year Olds

After researching through tons of possibilities to find the very best scooters for 7 year olds, the standouts were obvious. Below, we've short-listed the most durable, longest lasting, and attention-grabbing scooters that children are sure to go gaga over.

Each of the following has different features for a child's ever-changing, unique personality; it's a great way for kids to be active while expressing their individuality:



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Y-volution Yfliker F1 Scooter

Lightweight and beautifully designed, this scooter is comprised of an all-steel frame that is sturdier than classic kid-transportation, and much safer. The front-hand brake is super-sensitive for a quick response and increased control over speed and secure stops. Kick-powered, how fast the scooter goes will depend entirely on how hard your tyke kicks off on the ground. A double-deck allows for side-to-side stance for carving tricks and drifting action; however, this is also a great way for beginners to learn how to balance.

Buy it @ Amazon Toys

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Radio Flyer Style N' Ride Scooter

Popular with little ladies, this scooter is a fashion-friendly way to ride out in the great outdoors. A breath of fresh air in stylish design, the scooter features a white body with adjustable handlebars and a decaled pink floral deck. 10 color bands, 70 stickers, and a variety of beaded elastics offer your on-the-go princess an outlet for her scooter-savvy creativity. The rear foot brakes add the perfect control over speed and secure stops, while the fold-and-go concept is ideal for compact storage or take-along.

Buy it @ Amazon Toys

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Razor A Kick Scooter

You can't go wrong with a classic! This scooter is a traditional kicker, comprised of high-grade aluminum for a ride that lasts for up to 143 pounds. The rear fender brake stops on a dime, whereas the entire scooter is lightweight enough for your child to carry alone. The Razor has the potential to last a lifetime or longer!

Buy it @ Amazon Toys

The Best Sand and Water Tables

What are the best sand and water tables? This is a modern question because these tables haven't been around long. When I was a kid, we'd have to let rain into our turtle-shaped sandbox to get the same sandcastle worthy mixtures. Or we'd just have to wait for a vacation to the beach, which would occur maybe once a year. These tables bring the shore-like conditions to kids everywhere, right to their own backyards. No more getting yelled at by mom for mixing water from the filthy creek with the sand-colored mud in the yard!

My favorites are:

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One Step Ahead Sand and Water Table

I'm a beach fiend, as are most people, kids especially. This table is shoreline themed and divided into two sections, with water on one side and sand on the other. Toys are included! Cute animal figurines and digging tools make it easy to transport water or sand from one compartment to the other. For picky parents, there are drainage pipes for easy cleanup, and assembly is (literally) a few snaps away.


Buy it @ Amazon Toys
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Joybay Sand & Water Activity Table

Most kids love the sand and water combination because of the pliable mixture it makes, perfect for creating and building. This set features a slew of animal molds to design neat sea creatures, while two funnels separate the water and the sand, allowing for manual mixture at your child's command. The legs of the table are removable for easy storage, while the entire structure is made from durable plastic for a long lasting, always entertaining experience.

Buy it @ Amazon Toys

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Step2 Sand and Water Transportation Station

This table is the only one I've ever seen with a train track running around it! Two compartments separate the water and sand, allowing kids to combine the elements at their leisure. Shelves on the legs are also loaded down with toys!

Buy it @ Amazon Toys

Playgrounds For Suburban Kids

You'd expect cities to have parks where children can congregate on a daily basis, swinging and discussing the latest cartoon disappointments. Unfortunately, many suburban kids don't have the option of public parks, unless they're part of a flourishing subdivision or near city limits. Backyard playgrounds bring the thrill of swing sets and slides to children who might otherwise be missing out. They're free to invite community friends over, play in the safety of their own property, and treat the playground like their personal safe haven. It's the perfect afterschool stress relief for kids of every age (and some adults too)! Just swing, breathe, and think.

My favorite options are:

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Gorilla Playsets Outing III Playground System (shown in upper photo)

Classically found in public settings, this playground features an entire jungle gym for kids to swing, slide, shimmy, and crawl on. They'll have a blast traveling from one solid rock to another on the slight-vertical climbing wall, or making their way to the top with a knotted rope. A steering wheel is set on the top deck for tiny sailors-to-be, whereas a sandbox underneath the playground can be filled to overflowing. Comprised from a durable, strong wood, the structure can withstand natural elements, normal wear and tear, and a barrage of kids for years to come.


Buy it @ Amazon.com
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Swing-N-Slide Chesapeake Wood Complete Swing Set

Construed from the strongest wooden materials, this play-set is equipped with two swings, a climbing wall, one trapeze, a vibrant slide, and monkey bars, all on a weather-resistant double deck. Your kids can curl, soar, and move from rung to rung, or slip allover this structure without safety fears. The entire playground is built to withstand heavy wear and tear, and everyday use. A dark green canopy makes a nifty fort out of the top deck, perfect for secret clubhouse meetings or a place to sit during summer rainstorms.

Buy it @ Amazon.com

Sand and Water Tables For Learning

Most teachers have to buy their own classroom equipment. This includes anything special that the teacher would consider a fun and appealing way for kids to learn. Sand and water tables are on that list! For elementary (or homeschool) classrooms, these tables are perfect for teaching children about the natural elements. They'll build, learn, and create using a simple combination of 2 materials, keeping a positive and amused attitude throughout the class.

With that in mind, the most popular S&W tables for classroom uses are:

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International Playthings Sand and Water Activity Table

For smaller classrooms or even homeschooling classes, this table is considered a top-quality product of durable plastic construction and unique design. Several of these tables would be inexpensive when bought in bulk, each featuring separate sand and water compartments, 8 cool toys, and a plastic lid for covering when not in use. Perfect for the permanent outdoors addition to any recess area, these tables are well protected and built to last through years of flourishing students.

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ECR4Kids Sand and Water Play Table with Cover

The title says it all! These sand and water tables come with three compartments for water, sand, and a combination segment for mixing. The best part is, each table can be fitted against another table to make stations of up to 10 sand and water play areas. For only $550, 10 students can fit in a circular setting, learning about the combination of 2 unique elements and how to work with them. Each table is equipped with a removable cover to protect a day's lesson.



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Little Tikes Sandy Lagoon Waterpark

This set is perfect for preschool or kindergarten. Each table fits up to 4 kids at a time, complete with water and sand segments, toys, and built-on slides for the cute figurines to take a swim.