Little Tikes is a brand that has been around for generations.
The nearly-indestructible quality in which their products are built allows children of all ages to use the toys and structures for years.
While the company makes a variety of different indoor and outdoor toys and apparatuses, some of the most popular items are the picnic tables.
With these tot-sized tables, children can enjoy having furniture conducive to their size for meals, coloring, and playing.
These tables can also be used outdoors, allowing for hours of play in the sunshine and memorable picnic lunches.
One of the biggest questions to come out of this topic is the wonderment of which Little Tikes picnic table to purchase.
With various models on the market with different features, it can be hard to nail down the perfect one.
This comprehensive guide will direct you to the best options available for Little Tikes picnic tables in 2023.
Continue reading to learn more about these pint-sized furniture models and what needs they serve.
Best Little Tikes Picnic Table Without Umbrella
When looking for a child-sized picnic table, it isn’t always with the intention of using it outdoors.
Many parents and daycare centers purchase these tables to use as an inexpensive space for children to use for eating, play, and color indoors.
When searching for an option that doesn’t need to go outside, it makes sense to forego the umbrella feature that many tables come with today.
If this aligns with your mindset, then an excellent option for 2023 is the Little Tikes Easy Store Picnic Table.
While perusing the Little Tikes website, you will notice two different sizes for the Easy Store Picnic Table.
The smaller version can seat up to four toddlers, with a combined weight of 50 pounds.
However, the larger version can comfortably seat up to six children and up to 200 pounds per bench, equaling up to 400 pounds maximum for the entire table set.
This model looks very similar to previous Little Tikes picnic tables in design.
However, the colors have deviated from the red and yellow of past childhoods.
A few other features have also come with the rollout of the newest options.
Included with the Easy Store Picnic Table are:
- Two Cupholders
- Multi-Purpose Tray
- Tool-Free Set Up
- Easy Folding For Storage
- Portable
- Indoor and Outdoor Friendly
Whereas previous versions did not come with the ability to fold up and store, this model gives parents and caregivers the option to do so.
With the flick of a wrist, you can collapse the table and store it flat. Additionally, you can wash it quickly with the simple ingredients of water and mild soap.
The table itself only comes in one color choice: the blue and green model shown on the website.
The thick and hard plastic is highly durable and can withstand high temperatures and frequent use. While you can store the table after each use, it isn’t necessary.
When you purchase a Little Tikes Easy Store Picnic Table, there are a few key considerations you want to think about:
- Over time the colors of the picnic table can fade if outside in the sun for prolonged periods.
- Plastic can also get hot when outside, so be mindful before allowing children to sit on the bench.
- When storing, take the time to place your table in an area away from children. Doing so will discourage climbing on an unstable structure.
- Consider purchasing the larger-sized picnic table so that it can grow with your child over the years.
Those interested can purchase the Little Tikes Easy Store Picnic Table online on the Little Tikes company website or in most retail stores that sell children’s toys.
Best Little Tikes Picnic Table with Umbrella
While we previously covered a suggestion for those looking for a Little Tikes brand picnic table that comes sans umbrella, we are now going to introduce you to an option that includes the umbrella feature.
And the best news of all, it doesn’t deviate at all from the version described above!
The Little Tikes Easy Store Picnic Table not only comes in two size options (fitting four toddlers or six), but you can also choose to upgrade to include a UV-protecting umbrella.
This addition comes in handy on the days when the sun is extra bright. Not only will it shield your little one’s eyes, but it will protect them from sun damage.
Like the non-umbrella version, the Easy Store Picnic Table is portable and easily folds up for storage.
In the event that all the outdoor fun has caused a mess, you can quickly get the table back to its original state with water and soap.
Also, like the Easy Store, the umbrella model requires no tools for assembly. What’s more, you can adjust the umbrella’s height and even remove it when needed.
Some have even taken it to the beach for protection from the rays!
If you are considering the purchase of an umbrella adorned Easy Store Picnic Table, be sure to ask the following questions before purchase:
- Will I use this indoors or out? While you can use the table in either setting, the umbrella is primarily for outdoor use.
- What size do I prefer? This model comes in two sizes, one that accommodates four toddlers and one that allows for six. The larger option will hold a more considerable weight. Therefore, you may want to size up to allow for extended use.
- Is the color palette acceptable to me? The Little Tikes Easy Store comes only in green and blue, with a beige top. If you are looking to match other accessories, you may want to keep this in mind.
Much like its basic version, the Little Tikes Easy Store Picnic Table with umbrella attachment is sold through the company website as well as in many retail stores that carry kid’s toys.
The Largest Little Tikes Picnic Table
The options were similar in our last two categories with a minor feature change. However, when it comes to the largest Little Tikes picnic table, the model available for 2023 is much different than the others.
In what is called the Fold ‘n Store Picnic Table with Market Umbrella, this piece of outdoor/indoor furniture resembles an adult-sized version that you might see at an outdoor cafe or park.
With four sides and a large UV protectant umbrella, your little ones will feel quite grown-up when eating and playing at their new patio set.
Whereas the previous table options have the capabilities to seat up to six children, the Fold ‘n Store can hold up to eight.
With the four separate benches, the table can easily accommodate two people per bench.
As a bonus to this model, the storage options are expanded. While the table folds up flat, it also has the advantage of hanging from the wall.
Therefore, you don’t have to dedicate a shelf or floor space to keep it safe; you can utilize a hook in your garage or storage area.
Fold ‘n Store vs Easy Store
In reviewing the similarities and differences between the Fold ‘n Store and the Easy Store, you will see:
Similarities
- Easy Fold and Storage
- Umbrella Accessory
- Washable and Portable
- Indoor and Outdoor Friendly
Differences
- Color Palette
- Four Benches Instead of Two
- Assembly Required
- No Cup Holders
- Ability To Store on the Wall
Having the various elements in list form is helpful in making a final decision.
Additionally, having an idea of the pros and cons associated with the specific product can help to sway your decision in the right direction.
To help you understand the benefits and disadvantages that come with the purchase of the Fold ‘n Store Picnic Table, we have compiled the following information:
Pros
- Several Storage Options
- Neutral Color Palette
- Holds Eight Children
- UV Protectant Umbrella
Cons
- Assembly Required
- Benches Are Small
- More Expensive Than Other Models
As you can see, there are many perks to owning the Fold ‘n Store. Like its counterparts, the materials are highly durable and can last for years.
Many grandparents have been able to save their children’s Little Tikes toys for their grandchildren to use!
Just like what you can expect with the other Little Tikes Picnic Tables and any other outdoor plastic toy, the sun can heat the material to a high temperature.
Having the umbrella attachment can help with this, but it is necessary to be mindful of how hot the benches are before allowing children to play or sit on them.
While the color scheme of the Fold ‘n Store is more neutral than its counterparts, having it out in the sun for long periods can lead to fading.
It may not be as noticeable on the neutral hues but will still degrade over time.
Therefore, if you want to retain its original condition, it is best to keep the table in the shade or place it in storage when not in use.
As is the case with the other furniture models listed in this guide, you can purchase the Fold ‘n Store Picnic Table both in-store and online, including on the Little Tikes website.
FAQ
With the immense popularity of Little Tikes toys and furniture, there are many questions to be had about the products. Below are some of the most common questions asked.
What age are Little Tikes picnic tables for?
Many children start using their Little Tikes picnic tables as soon as they are walking and can navigate getting onto the bench. The length of time they will use the table will depend on the model you choose.
Some tables, like the smaller version of the Easy Store, will only accommodate toddlers. However, if you size up to the bigger option, your children can use the table for several additional years.
How do you get water out of a Little Tikes picnic table?
Many parents struggle with this situation throughout their child’s early years.
The simplest solution to draining water out of a Little Tikes plastic table is to drill a few small holes on the bottom of the table and prop the furniture up so that it drains towards the holes.
For the tables that require assembly, such as the Fold ‘n Store, removing a few of the screws can achieve a similar outcome.
How do you redo a Little Tikes picnic table?
There are many impressive ways in which people have been able to rehab secondhand Little Tikes picnic tables.
While some have achieved fabulous results with spray paint, others have used contact paper or vinyl to create modern looks that stand out above the rest.
One thing to keep in mind with these new and improved designs is that they aren’t able to withstand the same outdoor conditions as the original model.
Therefore, it is vital to store the furniture in a place that won’t expose it to the elements or designate it as an indoor-only furniture piece.
Conclusion
Named for the demographic they serve, Little Tikes has been creating long-lasting and innovative items for children for decades.
Founded in 1970, the company is well known for its famous Cozy Coupe, which has been a staple in the childhoods of many throughout the years.
While the company has undergone changes since its inception, one thing remains the same. The quality and durability of its product’s materials are unmatched in the children’s toy market.
Between the aforementioned Cozy Coupe and the Little Tikes picnic tables outlined throughout this guide, parents worldwide have gotten their money’s worth with the purchase of these items.
Even now, Little Tikes continues to roll out new models of its most popular items each year.
As a selection that nears the top of the most sought-after list, the child-sized picnic table takes on new features as company engineers constantly tweak them to meet the needs of both child and parent.
If you are in the market for Little Tikes picnic tables for a little one in your life, be sure to save this comprehensive guide for future reference.
