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Kids can play for hours in their own private world of sandcastles and secret hiding places. Now you can turn your garden into a perfect play area for your children and their friends.
This is a wonderful method to keep your kids occupied during the long summer months. It’s also an ideal space for them to enjoy their imaginations and build up their motor skills, giving you a little time to relax on a nearby swing or hammock. It’s extremely cost-effective too! In fact, I consider these sandboxes the next best things after tee pee tents for our little ones.
In this post, you’ll discover everything you need to know about selecting the best kids’ sandbox for your needs.
Best Kids Sandboxes
| Image | Product | Our Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | KidKraft Wooden Backyard Sandbox with Built-in Corner Seating | 9.7 | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Best Choice Products 47x47in Kids Large Wooden Sandbox for Backyard | 9.5 | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Best Choice Products Kids Wooden Cabana Sandbox Play Station for Children | 9.1 | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Covered Convertible Cedar Sandbox with Two Bench Seats, 09988 | 8.8 | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Step2 Naturally Playful Sand Table | 8.6 | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Little Tikes Big Digger Sandbox, White | 8.2 | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Step2 Naturally Playful Sandbox II with Bonus Sand Tools, Tan | 8 | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Badger Basket Woodland 2-in-1 Kids Outdoor Sandbox | 7.7 | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Little Tikes Dirt Diggers Excavator Sandbox for Kids | 7.4 | Check Price on Amazon |
Last update on 22nd March 2023 / Affiliate Links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Our Recommended Kids Sandboxes:
KidKraft Wooden Backyard Sandbox
- Mesh cover for when sandbox is not in use
- Large enough that multiple children can play at once
- Smart, sturdy construction
- Reinforced wooden panels prevent warping and weathering
- Packaged with detailed, step-by-step assembly instructions
Last update on 22nd March 2023 / Affiliate Links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you are looking for a large sandbox to add to your backyard, this is a budget-friendly option you should consider.
This product is very easy to assemble and also comes with a great mesh cover for the periods you don’t use it. I really like the wooden panels, the added sturdiness, and the luxury look thanks to the great weather-resistant finish. Overall, this is an excellent sandbox for its price, so if you have the room for a large sandbox, this one definitely deserves a closer look.
What Is a Sandbox?
A sandbox is an open-topped box that you fill with sand. It’s sometimes called a “sandpit” but the two terms are now interchangeable.
Sandboxes come in all shapes and sizes. You can choose from small wooden boxes or large tiled structures, complete with seats and steps.
The sand is soft enough to be safe for children but firm enough not to swallow. It also feels cool and comfortable to sit or lie on, which is why it’s so popular in the summer. If you have several children to entertain, it can be a great way to keep them all busy at the same time!
There are safety concerns with sandboxes. They need to be big enough for your child but not too big. The sides need to be high enough so that they don’t fall into the box but not so high that he or she can’t escape easily. There are also problems with older kids jumping into them for fun, which is why you have to choose carefully.
Benefits Of Playing With Sandboxes
- Sandboxes are ideal for developing your child’s motor skills. They allow them to dig, build and create in a safe environment. It’s the perfect place for children to stretch out their imagination and play with toys or puppets in the sand, just like in a real theatre!
- Playing in a sandbox is another fantastic method to connect with your kids. You can make patterns and shapes or help your child build a castle. Not only does this sharpen their imagination, but it also teaches them how to work side-by-side with you. It also helps them understand the value of collaboration and sharing!
- Sandbox activities are also a wonderful way of stimulating your child’s senses. Sand feels good to touch, so he or she will find it very comforting. The texture of the sand is wonderful for exploring with your hands. Rubbing it between your fingers, molding it into shapes, and digging through it are all ways of learning about the world around them.
- By encouraging your kids to play with sand, you’re giving them an outlet for all their natural energy. If they have a lot of excess energy that needs burning off during the summer, a sandbox is a great place for them to run about and expend it.
- Whether you have an older or younger child, a sandbox gives him or her the perfect place to play. By providing a safe environment where they can develop their imagination and creativity, it’s also one of the best ways to keep your kids entertained!
- Playing with sand is the perfect way to exercise your child’s muscles and hands. It encourages crawling, helps him or her learn how to walk, and strengthens his or her legs too. Your youngster will learn to direct his or her movements by manipulating the sand with his or her hands.
Things to Consider When Looking for the Best Kids Sandbox:
Size and Shape
If it’s too small, your child will quickly run out of room and get bored with it. If you’re buying a smaller sandbox for your youngster, make sure the walls are no higher than 12 inches tall. For older kids, raise the height to 30 inches or higher for better safety.
It’s ideal to find one with a depth of between 12 and 24 inches. This will allow your child to make big sandcastles! The width of the box should be more than 3 feet across, giving him or her plenty of room to stretch out.
You can get square, round or octagonal models.
Material and Construction
The most durable and safe choice is one that’s built from treated wood. It doesn’t corrode or rot, so it’ll last for years if you store it properly over the winter months. Plastic isn’t as sturdy but it’s lightweight and easy to move around, so it’s perfect for slightly older kids.
Make sure that there aren’t any metal parts in the frame either, which could scratch your child or corrode over time.
You may not be aware of it, but sandboxes can be found in a variety of different colors! They often come with colorful decals or painting on the sides. You can choose from an array of vibrant hues to match your outdoor decor, so it won’t look out of place in your yard.
Features
Outdoor sandboxes for kids should have a few key features to set them apart from the cheaper versions. The most significant aspect to check for is a lid. Placing a lid over your sandbox will keep dirt, leaves, or even pets from falling inside.
Some models come with seats on their sides so that children don’t have to sit directly on the sand.
Another feature you may want to consider is a canopy. Because sandboxes are often placed outdoors, they can be exposed to the elements. This means your child could get sunburnt or even catch a cold if it’s chilly and damp outside. A canopy will keep them covered and warm especially on sunny days when you want to keep them out of direct sunlight.
Location
Make sure that there are no trees nearby that might drop leaves or twigs into the sand, which is very unpleasant!
The surrounding area should also be flat, so if it’s on an incline, the sand won’t spill out of the box and create a mess. This is especially important for older kids because they’ll want to push the sand around with their toys!
Price
They range in price from about $100 up to $300 depending on brand and features. If you’re shopping for a smaller sandbox that will only last for 1 or 2 years, then it might be best to choose one that costs less than $100.
If your child is older, you might require a new sandbox every few years. If this is the case, it’s worth investing in one that costs around $200 to ensure good durability and longevity of use. The more expensive models are made from treated wood which will last for many years without cracking or decaying.
The lowest-priced models are often made from thin plastic which can crack or snap if your child climbs on top of it over time. I personally think that investing in a sandbox is a far better alternative to buying your kids any cheap hoverboards.
FAQ
How Much Sand Should I Use in the Sandbox?
How Often Should I Dump Out My Sandbox?
When Should I Put a Cover on My Sandbox?
What Is the Ideal Material for a Sandbox?
How Do I Clean My Child’s Sandbox?
What Is the Ideal Age for a Child to Start Playing in a Sandbox?
It’s an excellent way to improve their core strength and coordination. It also allows them to have fun outside while being exposed to nature without having to be around cars or bikes.
Sandboxes are ideal for youngsters who spend too much time indoors playing computer games or watching TV. If your child is older than 7, you might need to provide them with more challenging activities such as digging, filling up buckets of sand, or building dams.
