Sand and Water Play Trays

Early Years Resources stock a fantastic range of sand and water trays and tubs at affordable prices. Our collection of tubs and trays are ideal for sand and water play, sensory messy play activities and can support EYFS STEAM learning. Suitable for children and toddlers, these trays and tubs can be used at home, in schools, in nurseries, preschools and even in children play centres.

Our range of sand trays and tubs include plastic Tuff Trays (Tuff Spot Trays) with some even having adjustable legs and covers. Play tray sets, perfect for use with sand, water and messy play. As well as Multi-use canvas trays in two sizes, that are easily stored. 

We also have a range of water trays and tubs including Wooden Play Tubs and Titchy Tubs designed for young children which are ideal for settings where space is limited. Some of the trays and tubs we offer for water play are also adjustable in height, so are suitable for different age groups of children. 

In addition to this, we also have an extensive range of sand and water tables and accessories to complement our selection of trays and tubs!

Use our tubs and trays alongside our small world people resources which includes a range of figures including white family figures, hape modern family figures, mini space figures, pirate figures and more! Your little ones can use the tub to build an environment for their small world people out of sand and water or draw an environment on a tuff tray paper pad to create small worlds within their tubs.

FAQs About Sand And Water Play Trays

What can you put in a water tray? 

You can put anything into a water tray, and provide endless opportunities for sensory play and learning. Below are some great ideas on resources you can you alongside a water tray: 

• Floating objects - rubber ducks, boats, corks, plastic lids, leaves, flower petals
• Scooping and pouring tools - measuring cups, spoons, cylinders, funnel and colanders, buckets
• Colours - liquid watercolours, food colouring, coloured ice cubes. 
• Sensory items - scented items like flowers, herbs and essential oils, soft sponges, textured balls, gelatin shapes
• Animal-themed resources - plastic or rubber aquatic animals, blue food colouring for ocean-themed, pebbles and seashells 
• Role-play resources - mini dolls, action figures and plastic animals 

Are water tables good for children?

Water tables are a great resource for children. Overall they have a universal appeal to children regardless of what their preferences for play are. Water tables provide an environment where children can learn through play and explore different materials. 

Some benefits of water tables for children include: 

• Develops fine motor skills through pouring, scooping and manipulating objects 
• Great for STEAM learning - great for introducing basic science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics concepts. 
• Enhances creativity and imagination - children can create stories, play with different objects and engage in pretend play. 
• Furthers language development - encourages children to communicate and describe what they are doing to their friends. 
• Social interaction - water tables are a great collaborative resource and allow children to play together and share ideas. 
• Emotional regulation - water tables can have a calming effect on children. Helping to reduce stress and anxiety while providing an enjoyable and relaxing activity.
• Outdoor exploration - playing with water tables encourages children to get outdoors. This is crucial for maintaining physical and emotional well-being. 

What age is appropriate for a water table? 

A water table can be suitable for children as young as 18 months all the way up to 6 years old. At 18 months children will enjoy simple water play activities like splashing, pouring and feeling the texture of water. 

From 2 to 3 years they can start to engage in more complex play such as pouring, scooping and stacking. They’ll also begin to explore cause-and-effect relationships, such as what happens when they pour water from one container to another. 

At 4 to 6 years, children may enjoy more structured play. This includes experiments that involve sinking and floating objects, constructing waterways and engaging in imaginative play scenarios. 

Through all of these age ranges, you should always supervise children while they’re playing with water to prevent accidents and ensure they are using the water table appropriately. When incorporating loose materials into the water table, ensure that they are age-appropriate to prevent choking hazards.