The Splash Table is a favorite item that always draws children to play. Sand play, water play and a general sharing of found items make a great gathering place for explorative play. Sand and water play is a popular activity that can keep children playing for hours. The rubber plug can be pulled up to let water stream out of the table or let go to keep water in the basin. This trains the child's understanding of cause and effect. For younger children, it stimulates their understanding of object permanence: that materials still exist even though they go out of sight. Children can be gathered on all sides of the table. This supports cooperation, negotiation and communication, all fundamental in the child's social-emotional development.