Should I get a sand and water table or an indoor slide?

We need something else to keep us occupied. I am thinking of getting one of these. Which do you think is better. Do you guys have any recommendations? My guys are only 13 months and I am worried they will try and eat the sand if I get the table. Thanks.

 

I think they are too young for a sand or water table. Yes, they will probably eat the sand and it gets everywhere and makes a big mess, even if it's outside. I think a toddler slide would get a lot more use - it did with us.

 

I got the girls a water table on sale at TRU for 20 bucks. I read many mommies saying the snad/water table just turns to mud b/c they mix it. I figure when they get bored with the water I can dump it and put sand in it. So far they love it! Here's what we got..
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?p...rentPage=search

I'm also getting a climber.

 

We have a slide and the girls still enjoy it. I would be hesitant to get a sand and water table (1) because of the mess factor and (2) because they throw the sand. The bad eye infection Ainsley got from throwing sand the first time we went to the beach may weigh heavily on my decision.

 

Mine LOVE their sand and water table. We have the Step 2 Naturally Playful one and it's great. I think it would keep them interested/busy more than a slide. If you're worried about the sand you can start out with just water. HTH

 

I think they might be a bit young. At preschools they use rice to put in the sand table. It is easier to clean up

 

I would say get a sand water table. you can always make an indoor slide if you have a few steps in your house. Just put old couch cushions on the steps and voila you have a slide. The sand/water table can have so much more than sand in it -- you can put so many things in there for dumping, and it could keep them occupied for a very long time.
Examples are (with no water in the other half) dried beans, dried peas, bird seed, flour, sugar, salt, oatmeal, other dry cereal, raw pasta noodles , pine needles, potting soil, etc. Add several different types of scoops, ladels, measuring cups, spoons, etc and you have hours of entertainment. You could change that out every week and even theme it, if you were really creative. You could have only water and put bars of soap in there, sponges, and plastic dolls to practice hygiene on the baby dolls. Yes they will mix the sand and water together, but OH well. It's easier than taking them to a lake maybe?

Unless you have very active climbing type kids, I would say get the sand water table. They are about to hit the "dumping" stage (which lasts for over 6 months). an indoor slide they would outgrow more quickly.

 

The responses are fun to read. IMO, I would buy the slide or some sort of climber. You can always put rice, sand, water, etc. in a rubbermaid tub and set it on the cement to play with.

 

We got our boys the sand/water table for their 1st birthday and they absolutely love it!!! I am looking for more toys for it when I am out shopping- had to get a 2nd shovel for it already as they both wanted the one it came with. I am not brave enough for the sand yet- I think they will eat it or throw it at each other! I think adding dried beans or rice, etc. is a great idea- and the table will be something they will like for years...
Lanie