Pool is the classic game for socialising - and it's brilliant for all the family.
The game may be popular down the pub but that doesn't mean you have to drag your children there to teach them how to play. Kids' pool tables are now easily accessible, and you can buy smaller sizes that are ideal for learning those basic techniques in the comfort of your own home.
If you're looking for a great game to play indoors (and don't want to make a mess), find out if you've got a mini Ronnie O'Sullivan on your hands by checking out the best pool tables for kids.
Kidadl's Top Pick
We've looked at all the best pool tables on the market but we think this one is the pick of the bunch. It combines high quality, stylish looks and functionality with its table-top design.
1. Leomark Portable Pool Table
We love the quality of this pool table from Leomark. It may be a tabletop design, but it's large enough for all the family to enjoy and can be used for children aged 3 and above.
The quality of the felt and the cushions are better than most 'toy' pool tables so we think this is a great all-round investment.
If you're not sure if your kids are that keen on pool or snooker yet, there's no need to spend a huge amount. This game table comes with the basic equipment and has hollow legs rather than pockets.
It is very small, so probably best for younger children, and isn't built to last - but it's perfect if little hands just want to get a feel of the game.
OK so this may not strictly be a pool table, but it's a brilliant introduction to the game even for the smallest of people.
Babies and young toddlers may just want to put the balls in the holes themselves (great for early hand-eye co-ordination) before progressing to using the cue. Children can then write on the board with chalk to create their own games or scoring system.
At £44 it may be a bit pricey, but Plan Toys are the first wooden makers to use reclaimed rubberwood, which is better for the environment.
This tabletop option is of great quality: sturdy, with net pockets and a good size for younger players without taking up too much room. The short legs also mean you can play on your knees if preferred. A great kids' pool table that's bound to keep all the family entertained.
Main Features
Price: £59.99
3ft table
Includes two cues, balls, triangle, chalk and a brush
If you're ready to get a standing table but want the flexibility of being able to store it away easily, this folding pool table is perfect for all the family. Suitable for children aged eight and over, it's small enough to introduce younger players to a few games while being of good enough quality for the adults.
We like that it comes with a full range of accessories, and that it's portable enough to take away for trips as well as keeping at home.
Main Features
Price: £79.99
4ft 6in table
Includes snooker balls and six extra pool balls, two cues, two triangles, scoreboard and cloth brush
This is a good option if you're looking at budget table top pool tables. It's a small table and definitely designed for 'fun' rather than a serious game, but once you get used to the dimensions it's a brilliant way for all the family to get involved. The amount of accessories included is also great value for the price.
Main Features
Price: £30
2ft table
Includes two cues, balls, triangle, brush and chalk
This is the perfect games table for storage and taking to friends' houses without compromising on quality. The supports are non-slip, so you know you'll get a fair game, and it's generally a sturdy table that's ideal for kids to learn on.
The cues are rubber-tipped, so no need for messy chalk - but also means they're not ideal for more advanced players who want to use spin.
Pool tables needn't just be for pool, snooker and billiards - you can get amazing multi-sport table deals. This one from HLC can also be used for table football, table tennis and push hockey - so we're fairly sure there will be something for everyone in the family.
Perhaps unsurprisingly it can take a while to put together, but the effort will be worth it for a sturdy table that's bound to last as your children's tastes change.
Main Features
Price: £109.99
4ft table
Includes table tennis bats, hockey pushers and puck, two pool cues and balls
If your kids need a bit of colour to entice them into playing pool, then this table might be your best bet. The blue felt, red legs and colourful graphics around the side should appeal to children yet can also be enjoyed by adults. We reckon it's a steal at this price, too.
Main Features
Price: £29.99
3ft table
Includes two cues, balls, triangle, chalk and brush
Before the price brings you out into a cold sweat, consider this option a long-term investment if your children have already built up a love of pool.
It's not strictly a children's table so is definitely for older kids and teens, but you know it'll get used as they grow up (and eventually flock the nest before demanding to use it every Christmas).
It's easy to fold away for storage and will probably be popular with the adults in the house too, so we think it's actually pretty good value.
Main Features
Price: £119.99
6ft table
Easy to fold away for storage
Includes full set of balls for snooker and pool, two cues, chalk, triangle and brush
Kidadl Best Buys selects the top parent-recommended products across the web for families of all ages. If you liked our suggestions for kids' pool tables then why not take a look at these kids' archery sets, or for something different take a look our round-up of the best baby swimming rings.
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A countryside lover at heart, Becky grew up in the Yorkshire Dales and now resides in West Sussex with her family. She has been living in London for more than 10 years, where she pursued her journalism career before relocating to the countryside in 2019. In her free time, she enjoys watching live sports and drinking tea while being entertained by her chatty toddler and middle-aged cat. She has a Bachelor's degree in Journalism from the University of Central Lancashire.
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