If you have a toddler or young child you know that a sand and water table is a surefire hit. Seriously, water + sand = F-U-N. The
Step2 Sand & Water Transportation Station takes it up a notch and adds some train fun to the mix. I don’t even know what math equation is appropriate to represent how my kid feels about water + sand + train. So let me just tell you that he (and I) LOVE this toy.
About Step2
The Step2 Company is known for durable and stylish children’s toys that promote role playing, motor skills, creative play development and most importantly, fun for children. Best loved for its high-quality children’s play kitchens, playhouses, outdoor toys and ride on toys, Step2 is an American toy company, and 90 percent of Step2 toys are made in the U.S.A. and headquartered in Streetsboro, Ohio.
The Step2 Sand & Water Transportation Station is a round play table that contains two compartments – one wider and one deeper – for, you guessed it, sand and water. The Transportation Station includes pieces to create a train track around the inside of the table. 
I admit to being a little nervous about opening the box and trying to put it together. I made the mistake of showing Toddler Boy the box and once he saw the picture there was no turning back. Well, the assembly could not have been easier. It seriously took less than five minutes to go from box to playtime! No tools are required and setting it up is totally intuitive and very quick.
The Station comes with
loads of accessories so you have everything you need to start playing right away. Included are 3 train cars, 2 boats, 3 funnels, 1 spinner, 1 paddle wheel, 1 see-saw scoop and 3 train track pieces. My favorite accessory is the the nylon cover with elastic straps that keeps the Transportation Station clean when not in use. The cover is awesome and fits snugly over the top so that no leaves, bugs or dirt get in when you’re not playing. (An optional accessory that we’re looking into buying is 42 inch Step2 umbrella to shield from the sun.)
We live in a hot (freaking HOT) climate so for the summer I’ve opted to make our Transportation Station a Water & Water table. Toddler Boy obviously doesn’t know any different so I’m sure he’ll enjoy the new element of sand when we add it this fall. He’s had a total blast making the train go around the track, filling the train cars with water, pouring out water, watching water fall through the spinner, paddle wheel and see-saw scoop. I could go on. Let’s just say he’s really enjoying it to the fullest!
The Transportation Station has been a total lifesaver and go-to toy because it’s just not feasible to get to the pool or the beach during the day by myself with two kids. It’s a great place for us to play while Baby Girl takes a nap in the morning or when Toddler Boy gets antsy in the afternoons. I love that all the different elements and included accessories keep him entertained so that he can happily play by himself (while I’m nearby).
To Buy… The Sand & Water Transportation Station is definite winner. Like I said, it’s been a real lifesaver for me in that it allows Toddler Boy to independently play while splashing and cooling off safely. And, while it is recommended for children 2 and older, I know that Toddler Boy would have loved it last summer at 1.5 (and I wish we’d had it!).
Or Not to Buy… There are bigger water and/or sand play tables out there, but this one is a nice size for 2 kids. I think with more than 2 it might get a bit crowded. (Not to mention the drama if your child is like mine and is not to into sharing.)
Shop! Purchase the Step2 Sand & Water Transportation Station for $49.99.
Win! I am so excited that Step2 is offering a Sand & Water Transportation Station to one lucky reader of The Shopping Mama!
How to Enter (mandatory first entry): Check out all the fun Step2 has to offer and leave a comment here with your favorite toy.
Bonus Entries – valid only after the first mandatory entry is completed. I’ve mixed it up so read carefully and leave a separate comment for each entry:
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Fine Print: Please leave a valid email address in your comment so I can contact you if you win. If you prefer, leave a comment and then send me an email. Open to US mailing addresses. Contest ends 11:59 pm July 29 Winner will be chosen via random.org and has 48 hours to respond or the prize will be awarded during a live giveaway.
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