Montessori Scoop & Splash Station vs Step2 Crabbie Sand Table

Buy the Montessori Scoop & Splash Station for a 3-year-old or older who wants water, sand, art and sensory play in one place, especially if two kids will share it. Buy the Step2 Crabbie for a toddler around 18 months to 2 years who mostly wants sand, and for a patio where a lightweight, weather-proof table that moves easily matters. The Montessori station is the more versatile and better-built piece, with a pine frame and a divided basin; the Crabbie is simpler, cheaper-feeling plastic but tougher against the elements and rated higher on volume of owner reviews.

• Choose the Montessori Scoop & Splash Station if you have a child 3 or older, want water and sand and drawing in one station, or need two kids to play side by side without fighting over the basin.
• Choose the Step2 Crabbie Sand Table if your child is 18 months to 2 years old, sand is the main event, and you want a light plastic table with a fitted lid that shrugs off rain and sun.