We bought the sand/water center for our 20 month old twins and we love it! Right now we only use sand in it, but after they get older we may switch to sand and water. They both love it and can spend a good amount of time playing in the sand. We love that they are not covered in sand after playing, that it has a cover and an umbrella, and will also hold water. It would be nice if it came with two shovels and buckets, with two children we immediately had to get another shovel. Also, this is the same sand center used at our church (which also runs a childcare center) and it used by tons!! of children and has held up very well with lots of use.