Sandboxes provide a multitude of benefits for children, including physical exercise, socialization, and imagination development (1). As children dig, mold, and create in the sand, they are building their fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and problem-solving abilities. Additionally, sand play allows for unstructured playtime, which is crucial for children’s creativity and decision-making abilities.
Modern sandboxes have come a long way from the simple square or rectangular boxes of the past. Nowadays, sandboxes are available in a range of designs and themes, from pirate ships to construction sites, and even ones that resemble outdoor living spaces. These elaborate structures are created to engage children in imaginative play, and with so many options, choosing the perfect sandbox for your child can be a challenging task.
We will review some of the best sandbox options on the market, taking into account durability, safety features, and the age range for which they are best suited.
Our Top Picks
- Best Sandbox With Cover: Best Choice Products Large Wooden Sandbox
- Best Sandbox For Toddlers: Step2 Naturally Playful Sandbox II
- Best Large Sandbox: Creative Cedar Designs Wooden Sandbox
- Best Sand & Water Table: Step2 Dino Dig Sand & Water Table
- Best Sandbox For Small Spaces: Step2 Naturally Playful Sand Table
- Dinosaur-Themed Sandbox: CoolSand Dino Discovery 3D Sandbox
- Best Sandbox With Canopy: KidKraft Outdoor Covered Wooden Sandbox
- Colorful Sandbox: Little Tikes Big Digger Sandbox
- Pirate-Themed Sandbox: KidKraft Wooden Pirate Sandbox
In This Article
HappyBabyHub’s Best Sandboxes Picks
Best Choice Products Large Wooden Sandbox – Best Sandbox With Cover
- The cover-to-bench conversion is great
- Great aesthetics
- Can be fully assembled with a cheap drill or even just a screwdriver
- Very light
- Though instructions are easy some require you to screw together pieces with no markers on where to place the screws
This sandbox boasts two seating areas that can comfortably accommodate up to four children or two adults. This can be conveniently folded into a split cover to keep the sand free from debris. It is crafted from heat-treated cedar wood, ensuring its durability and longevity as a plaything throughout your child’s early years.
The sandbox comes equipped with a liner that facilitates drainage, ventilation, and sand depth adjustment. Plus, the sandbox’s benches are designed with backrests that provide added comfort for children and prevent them from toppling over while playing, while also keeping moisture at bay.
Step2 Naturally Playful Sandbox II – Best Sandbox For Toddlers
- Can accommodate 2 or more toddlers
- Toddlers can climb in and out easily
- Easy to clean and wipe down
- Easy assembly
- Cracks allow sand to get jammed
The Step2 Sandbox II is a versatile and captivating play area that will keep toddlers entertained for hours on end! With the help of the colorful and vibrant sand tools included, toddlers can develop their fine motor skills and experiment with cause-and-effect.
The unique lid not only adds a stylish touch to complement any outdoor setting, but it also keeps the sand protected and free of debris. Clean-up is a breeze with this sandbox, simply close the lid and go! As a supplementary benefit, the package includes 7 colorful sand tools!
Creative Cedar Designs Wooden Sandbox – Best Large Sandbox
- Really nice cedar planks
- Easy to put together (using two people makes it a breeze, but it’s doable with one)
- Huge play area with planks to sit on top of sides
- Comes with its own soft cover and bottom
- The black, water permeable, sheet for the bottom isn’t connected to the sandbox
If you have more than one child, this wooden sandbox is an ideal choice as it provides a large play area for multiple toys. The sturdy wooden construction ensures durability and longevity, allowing your children to enjoy the sandbox for years to come.
In addition to the ample sand capacity of at least 500 pounds, you have the option to add up to 1,000 more pounds. The polyethylene sandbox cover provided by the manufacturer helps keep out unwanted animals and debris, ensuring your child’s sandbox stays clean and safe.
While the sandbox kit comes with all necessary panels and tools, keep in mind that sand is not included and will need to be purchased separately.
Step2 Dino Dig Sand & Water Table – Best Sand & Water Table
- The seal for the water side is great
- Sturdy molded plastic
- The dinosaurs that come with the table are plastic, soft, and touchable but are still recognizable as specific dinosaurs
- This is a fun box and the right size if you are limited in space
- It requires you to make your own holes for the screws but it’s very sturdy once put together
Perfect for young dinosaur enthusiasts, this two-sided play table features a large sand pit for exciting digs and a water station for cleaning off their discoveries. With the help of the big cup, your kids can pour water into the volcano at the top of the table and watch as it flows down the slopes like real lava.
Designed to transport kids back to the Paleolithic Era, this play table is the perfect size for multiple kids to play together. The gray lid is shaped like a volcanic formation, adding to the exciting atmosphere of the play area.
Additionally, the set includes four dinosaur figures, a shovel/rake, and two scoops to keep little hands occupied and imaginations stimulated. Your kids can even discover molded-in dinosaur tracks and bones as they embark on their excavation journey.
Step2 Naturally Playful Sand Table – Best Sandbox For Small Spaces
- Relatively inexpensive
- Super easy to assemble
- Very light (good for moving it to any place)
- The cover works well
- Not shallow enough as a real water table but enough for sand play
If you’re worried about your kids playing in the sand or want to avoid them walking through it, a raised sandbox table may be a great option. With four legs, the sandbox is elevated off the ground, reducing the risk of animals entering it.
The play surface provides ample space for kids to engage in various activities. The elastic straps keep the cover securely in place, preventing animals and other objects from entering the sand.
Apart from sand play, this sandbox also doubles as a car racetrack, providing additional entertainment for your little ones. The package includes two claw rakes, two shovels, and one bucket to keep your kids engaged and active.
The sandbox has a capacity of up to 40 pounds of sand, and while it requires assembly, the process is quick and easy.
CoolSand Dino Discovery 3D Sandbox – Dinosaur-Themed Sandbox
- Comes with mini dinosaurs
- The sand feels real and therefore does stick into the hands a bit when playing with it
- The sand holds its shape very well, but when you mush it, it comes apart in such a pleasing way
- Easy to clean
- The box that is used to store and play with the sand is simply a sturdy cardboard box
This dino sandbox is a perfect way to ignite your child’s imagination and keep them engaged for hours on end. It’s a must-have for any dinosaur enthusiast, regardless of age. With 12 3D figurines, a dino fossil, 10 mold forms, 1 pound of kinetic CoolSand, and other extras, the sandbox is jam-packed with excitement.
The sandbox has a depth of 2 inches and is 11 inches by 9.5 inches wide, making it ideal for creating your own Jurassic Park with its detailed dino artwork, including the infamous T-rex. Plus, the best thing about CoolSand is that it never dries out or sticks to your kids’ hands.
KidKraft Outdoor Covered Wooden Sandbox – Best Sandbox With Canopy
- Decent quality wood and finish
- The bottom is opened out so with the provided sand canopy you can easily lift over the sand in the box and move the unit to a new location and just transfer the sand over after
- It is a great-looking sandbox when first assembled
- Large enough for several young kids to play together
- Not full coverage for the cover
The KidKraft Outdoor Sandbox with Canopy comes with a weather-resistant wooden frame and a blue and white striped canopy offers much-needed shade and protection from the sun’s harmful rays.
The elevated edges of the sandbox also provide a spot for parents and children to sit and watch without getting completely covered in sand. With separate areas for sand and water play, kids can explore textures and create small structures with ease.
The two plastic bins also provide convenient storage for toys, and the mesh cover helps keep unwanted animals away at night. Plus, the honey-colored wood finish adds a touch of elegance to any outdoor space.
Little Tikes Big Digger Sandbox – Colorful Sandbox
- This box only takes 1-2 50lb bags to fill depending on how deep you would like the sand
- The box itself is fairly sturdy
- It has a lid
- Accompanying toys
- The lid itself does not lock in place on top of the sandbox
This building-themed sandbox is perfect for kids who love playing with big machines and developing their strategic thinking skills. The lid doubles as a ramp, allowing heavy machinery to enter the sandbox for realistic play.
The sandbox includes an excavator, dump truck, two figures, a rake, a shovel, and two sand cups to keep little ones entertained for hours. With a capacity of up to 100 pounds of sand, kids can build anything they imagine, from castles to highways and tunnels.
KidKraft Wooden Pirate Sandbox – Pirate-Themed Sandbox
- It looks very neat
- Easy to install
- Comes with a canopy
- Can be played by multiple kids
- The cover is mesh. It won’t keep any water out of the sand
Indulge your little one’s imagination and let them sail the seven seas with the pirate ship sandbox. Complete with a flag, steering wheel, and pirate-themed artwork, this sandbox is sure to provide hours of fun for kids. Not only does it have a spacious sandpit, but it also has chairs for the young pirates to rest and plan their next adventure.
The sandbox is built to last with sturdy wood, and it has a shaded cover to protect the little pirates from the sun. Additionally, this sandbox is big enough for several children to play in and has a capacity of up to 700 pounds of sand.
Assembly is required, but the detailed instructions make it easy to set up in just a few hours.
How To Choose A Sandbox?
- Size: Consider the size of your backyard and the number of children who will be using the sandbox. Make sure the sandbox can comfortably accommodate all of them and fits in the designated play area.
- Material: Sandboxes come in a variety of materials, including plastic, wood, and metal. Each material has its pros and cons. Plastic is lightweight and easy to move around, but may not be as sturdy as other materials. Wood is durable and looks natural in an outdoor setting, but requires maintenance to prevent rotting. Metal may rust over time, but is typically the most durable.
- Design: Sandboxes come in different shapes and designs, ranging from basic square or rectangular structures to elaborate designs with built-in seating and covers. Think about what features are important to you and your family.
- Cover: A cover is essential to keep the sand clean and dry, and to prevent animals from using it as a litter box. Some sandboxes come with a built-in cover, while others require a separate purchase.
Types Of Sand To Use
- Play Sand: This sand is specifically designed for use in sandboxes and playgrounds. It’s been washed and screened to remove any impurities that could be harmful to children, and it’s usually finer than beach sand.
- Beach Sand: This is the most common type of sand used in sandboxes. It’s fine, clean, and easy to shape, making it perfect for building sandcastles and other structures.
- River Sand: This type of sand is coarser than beach sand and is not as fine as play sand. It’s also not as clean, so it may contain small stones or other debris. However, it can be a good choice if you want a more natural-looking sandbox.
- Mason Sand: This type of sand is often used for construction purposes, but it can also be used in sandboxes. It’s fine and clean, but it can be more expensive than other types of sand.
- Kinetic Sand: This type of sand has been coated with silicone oil to improve its properties. While it has a similar texture to regular sand, it is available in various colors, has a smooth feel, and can be shaped into any form. The advantage of kinetic sand is that it only sticks to itself and not to surfaces or hands (2).
What Is The Best Age For A Sandbox?
A sandbox can be a fun and engaging play activity for children as young as 1-year-old, with adult supervision. As children grow older, they can continue to enjoy sand play and use their imaginations to create different structures and scenarios in the sandbox. Sandboxes are also beneficial for older children as they provide a sensory experience and encourage social play and cooperation with peers.
Are Sandboxes Safe?
Sandboxes can be safe if proper precautions are taken. It is important to ensure that the sandbox is installed in a safe location away from any hazards or dangerous areas. It is also important to regularly inspect the sandbox and the sand for any sharp objects or debris that may pose a risk to children (3).
Additionally, it is recommended to cover the sandbox when not in use to prevent animals or other contaminants from entering the sand. Regularly cleaning and sanitizing the sandbox can also help maintain its safety.
What Do You Put Under Sand In A Sandbox?
It is important to put a suitable base under the sand in a sandbox to prevent weeds, insects, and other pests from getting into the sandbox. A common material used as a base is landscape fabric or weed barrier cloth, which is placed on the ground before adding sand to the box.
This material helps to keep out pests, and also allows water to drain from the sandbox. Some people also use a layer of pea gravel or sand as a base, which can improve drainage and add stability to the sandbox. It is important to make sure that any materials used as a base are clean and free from contaminants, and that they are properly installed to prevent shifting or unevenness in the sandbox.
How Often Should You Change Sand In A Sandbox?
It is recommended to change the sand in a sandbox at least once a year. However, if the sand becomes visibly dirty or if there are issues with bugs or mold, it should be replaced immediately. It’s also a good idea to regularly rake the sand and remove any debris or foreign objects. Additionally, covering the sandbox when it’s not in use can help keep the sand clean and dry, and prolong the time between replacements.
What Is The Ideal Sandbox Size?
The ideal size of a sandbox depends on several factors, such as the number of children who will be using it, their age range, and the available space in your yard. However, a sandbox that is at least 4 feet by 4 feet is a good starting point. This size can comfortably accommodate up to four young children. If you have more children or want to provide a larger play area, you may want to consider a sandbox that is 6 feet by 6 feet or larger. It’s also important to consider the depth of the sand, which should be between 6 and 12 inches.
What Are The Best Sandbox Toys?
Sandbox toys can provide endless hours of imaginative play and learning opportunities for children. Some of the best sandbox toys include shovels, buckets, and rakes, which allow children to dig, scoop, and build sandcastles. Plastic sand molds, such as those shaped like animals or letters of the alphabet, can also be fun and educational. Kids can use them to create shapes and figures, while also developing their fine motor skills.
