Water Play Accessories for Sensory Play: The Ultimate Gift Guide for Kids Who Love Getting Wet
Gift Guides | Tactile Exploration, Fine Motor Skills & Creative Expression Through Water
Water play calms busy bodies, invites curiosity, and keeps kids engaged longer than almost anything else. Whether you're using a water table outside or setting up a sensory bin indoors, these accessories turn splashing into rich, focused exploration.
This guide features water play favorites that bring water play to life—funnels, pumps and simple tools that spark experimentation and let kids follow their own ideas. These picks work for toddlers, preschoolers, and big kids who love sensory, hands-on, try-it-and-see-what-happens kind of play.
WHAT CAN I HELP YOU FIND?Water Play Station Essentials
Tools for Pouring, Pumping & Transferring
Art Supplies That Love Water
Bath Time Learning Tools
Pretend Play & Imagination Builders
Practical Accessories for Easy Cleanup
Water Play Station Essentials
Why I chose it: A designated spot for scooping, pouring, and experimenting keeps water play contained and gives kids the freedom to explore without adults hovering.
Lightweight, portable bin perfect for indoor water play setups.
Why I chose it: If you don’t want a full sensory table, this is the next best thing. It’s lightweight, easy to move, and perfect for indoor setups. Put it on the floor with a towel underneath, and you are ready to go.
Waterproof overalls that slip right over regular clothes for splash-proof play.
Why I chose it: Kids stay in the flow of play way longer when they’re not soaked and freezing. These slip right over clothes and make water play and rain play feel easy instead of like a full outfit change.
Keep a dedicated stack nearby for quick cleanup and transitions.
Why I chose it: Water play is more inviting when cleanup feels easy. Keep a stack nearby so you’re not running around mid-activity.
Tools for Pouring, Pumping & Transferring
Large water dispenser with easy-flow spigot for self-serve water play.
Why I chose it: This turns any water station into an instant “refill hub.” Kids love feeling in charge of pouring, and the slow flow keeps spills manageable.
Push-top pump for hands-on cause-and-effect learning.
Why I chose it: Kids are obsessed with these. The push-top gives them a clear cause-and-effect moment and builds confidence.
Various sizes for pouring, transferring, and experimenting with water flow.
Why I chose it: Kids never get tired of pouring water through funnels.
Individual Condiment Sauce Cups
Tiny, but sturdy, containers for scooping, sorting, and transferring small amounts of water.
Why I chose it: Tiny containers are magic in water play. Kids pour, scoop, sort, and line them up — it’s quiet, focused play every time. Bring them to the beach, the pool, bathtime or add them to your sensory table!
Kitchen tool that creates bubbles and adds sensory texture to water play.
Why I chose it: Whisks turn water into bubbles, which turn five more minutes of play into twenty. They’re also great for building hand strength.
Art Supplies That Love Water
Bath Time Learning Tools
Colorful sponges for squeezing, soaking, and sensory exploration.
Why I chose it: Squeezing water out of sponges is soothing and strengthens little hands. Plus, kids love pretending to “clean” things during water play.
Child-sized cleaning brush for practical life skills and sensory input.
Why I chose it: Kids love scrubbing things — toys, bins, the deck, the table. It builds independence and gives them real-life jobs within their play.
Gentle, tear-free bubble solution for sensory play.
Why I chose it: A small squeeze turns ordinary water into a sensory dream. Great for bubble play without irritating skin or eyes.
An organizer that keeps water play tools accessible and contained.
Why I chose it: A low-stress way to keep tools organized during water play. It gives everything a landing spot without adding clutter.
Pretend Play & Imagination Builders
Water-safe, diverse dolls for nurturing play and bath time stories.
Why I chose it: water-safe dolls add a whole layer of pretend play — washing hair, giving baths, “taking care” of someone. I love this brand especially because their collection helps children understand values of inclusivity and coexistence through play, by promoting empathy and accepting people of any race, gender or condition.
Large waterproof animal figures for storytelling and imaginative play.
Why I chose it: Big, easy-to-grab animals bring storytelling into water play. Think “animal baths,” rescues, habitats… they spark so many directions for play. We have had our set for fifteen years!
Building Your Water Play Collection
You definitely don't need all 17 items to get started. A couple of waterproof layers, a few good pouring tools, and a clear bin of water can take you a long way. Add new pieces over time as your child's interests grow—their play will naturally tell you what to bring in next.