Image: MomJunction Design Team
Building sandcastles is a fun activity for adults and children. But, if you do not have a beach near your house, here’s our list of the best sandboxes for kids that can come in handy. These sandboxes allow your child to explore their creativity and help develop their hand-eye coordination, motor skills, spatial awareness, and more. You can spend quality bonding time with your child while building sandcastles and other structures. Whether indoors or outdoors, these tried-and-tested sandboxes offer plenty of ways to keep your child busy and entertained without compromising the development of fine motor skills. They are also safe and free of any contaminants.
So, take a look at some of the best-selling options and choose a sandbox that meets your requirements.
Top Picks
13 Best Sandboxes For Kids
1. Best Elevated Design:Step2 Naturally Playful Sand Table
A classic table-style sandbox for your little bundle of joy, this is ideal for toddlers as its height suits them perfectly. This sandbox kit comes with a five-piece accessory set that helps children scoop sand and build various structures.
Pros
- Its lid helps in keeping the sand clean and dry when the sandbox is not in use.
- The elevated design of this sandbox is ideal for toddlers.
- It comes with a lid that can also double up as a track for toy cars.
- Burr-free and rounded edges make it safe for children to use.
Cons
- The color of this sandbox might seem dull and unattractive.
"My children were thrilled to discover that they could use this table-style sandbox for sand play and racing their toy cars. While it took some effort to snap its legs into place, its overall design and cover have made a clean and contained space for my kid's to dig and play indoors and outdoors."
2. Best For Pretend Play:Little Tikes Big Digger Sandbox
Is your child an engineer in the making? Do big machines fancy them? Give this big digger sandbox a try to delight them and fulfill their engineering desires. The package includes a working excavator to dig sand, a truck ramp, sand sifter, rake, shovel, sand cup, two characters, and a dump truck to offer endless fun.
Pros
- Holds 100lb of sand with ease.
- Promotes learning with pretend and activity play.
- Encourages team-building skills.
Cons
- The lid does not have a lock option.
"The included toys and the exciting features, like the digger arm, have enhanced my child's playtime. While its lid can be a hassle to remove, it keeps water from leaking when I use the box for water play. All in all, it's a sturdy find that offers endless fun."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Do not miss out on this product that has earned 4,794 positive reviews on Amazon.
3. Best Eco-Friendly:Creative Cedar Designs Octagen Wooden Sandbox
Whether it is tried-and-tested Lego, sand, or toys, the kids just love to build with them. Get this Octagen wooden sandbox and see your children become creative to make designs out of the sand. The outdoor sandbox comes with a cover that prevents excess moisture in the air.
Pros
- Includes a top cover and ground liner, hardware panels, and a manual with instructions that help in building a sandbox.
- Sandbox cover is made with eco-friendly and durable polyethylene.
- Large sandbox can hold up to 500 lbs of sand when assembled.
- Stained cedar timber lets you have a sandbox intact even after regular outdoor use.
Cons
- High building skills are needed to build this sandbox.
"Assembling this sandbox is a breeze and its spacious enough to accommodate toys and my kids. The included cover, however, could have been sturdier. Still, it helps keep the sand clean, and the set, on the whole, has been excellent for bringing home a beach vibe."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has earned its stripes, with over 4,094 reviews on Amazon.
Do remember4. Best Durable:Kidcraft Wooden Backyard Sandbox
You ever heard of a wooden sandbox that comes with built-in seating? Well, now, you do. This sandbox with cover is made of weather-resistant wood and has much space for children to sit in and play along.
Pros
- Comes with a mesh cover to protect the sand from moisture when not in use.
- Comes packed with a step-by-step instruction manual for easy assembly.
- Sturdy and stable wooden panels prevent weathering and warping.
Cons
- Assembly of the product is time-consuming.
"My kids and her friends can spend hours rolling and playing in this spacious sandbox. Its large size made assembly slightly tricky, but the joy it brings made the hassle worth it. Plus, the affordable price was much appreciated."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Over 1,070 Amazon shoppers have left good reviews about this product, citing its quality features and benefits.
5. Best Spacious:Calico Critters Baby Pool and Sandbox
Are your kids into pretend-play games and have a few engineering instincts? Then this cute yet innovative Calico critters baby pool and sandbox is just what your aspiring little engineers would love to play with. It comes with a sandcastle, a built-in seat, five scoops of sand, a bucket, and shovel, a watering can, and a beach ball.
Pros
- Has a spacious play area with a slide and stairs, it boasts of a pool with a swim tube and a reversible sandbox.
- Accessories are designed in 1:24 scale and proportional with precision.
- Roleplaying games have a way of promoting and developing dexterity, fine motor skills, and critical thinking in children, making this a good pick.
Cons
- The calico pieces are comparatively small.
6. Best Seating:Little Tikes Turtle Round Sandbox
When you cannot go to the beach to build sandcastles, you need the best possible sandbox for the kids to play with. The Little Tikes turtle round sandbox is shaped like a turtle to steal your kids’ attention instantly.
Pros
- Inbuilt molded-in seats on each side let your kids sit while they build miraculous castles with sand.
- Ideal for residential, outdoor living areas. Sandbox is spacious enough to play for more than one kid.
- Comes with a lid dedicated to protecting the sand from pets and weather.
Cons
- May not include sand and sand toys
"Despite the no-frills design, this sandbox keeps my little one entertained for hours. Its cover requires careful sealing, but it seems pretty decent, too, protecting the sand from insects. Additionally, its color has remained intact even after being placed under the sun."
Do rememberSift the sand occasionally to prevent debris, sticks, or insect infestations from contaminating it.
7. Best Moisture Resistant: Be Good Company Executive Sandbox – A Day at the Beach
Let your kids build amazing scrappers and enjoy the ambiance of the beach at your home with the Executive sandbox designed by Be Good Company. This affordable sandbox also comes with entertaining props to let your kids experience the vacation mode.
Pros
- The design is inspired by the Zen garden desktop beach with fun sun accessories.
- Pearl white sand comes in a hardwood sandbox, which is durable and prevents sand from moisture.
- Sand pail, mini seashells, ultra-fine sand, digging shovel, starfish, sandcastle, beach chair, sun umbrella, and a grooming rake are included.
Cons
- Props or accessories that are included with the sandbox are not durable.
"Watching my son rake through the sand and experience different textures has been fun and educational. Besides, the wooden box is also quite sturdy, and the accessories, even though small, are perfect for his little hands."
8. Best Non-Toxic:Coolsand 3D Sandbox
Every now and then, we all get stressed out in our lives. There is a void that can only be filled with nature. Bring the ocean home with Coolsand 3D Sandbox, a sandbox that is all set to entangle you in the deep waters and relieve your stress while keeping your kids engaged in creative gameplay.
Pros
- Ever heard about cool sand? Well, it’s like beach sand, except it sticks only to itself, keeping your hands and clothes intact.
- Cool sand is moldable, holds the shape, and is non-toxic. The sand never gets dried up, assuring endless hours of gameplay.
- Being an absolute stress buster, cool sand lets you shape creative molds and comes with safari-themed molds.
Cons
- Not for ages below three, the plastic molds could pose a choking hazard.
"This ocean-themed sandbox kit and the adorable sea creature figures have facilitated hours of imaginative play, keeping my little one away from screens. While it's easy to set up, it can sometimes cause a mess. Still, the creative fun it offers is worth that minor hassle."
9. Best Environment-Friendly:Costzon Kids Foldable Wooden Sandbox
Cast all your cares on Costzon Kids Foldable Wooden sandbox as it comes with heavy-duty wood. Get this large-capacity sandbox today and start building dream castles.
Pros
- The safety-tested sandbox comes with inbuilt bench seats that allow kids to rest while playing. The seats can be extended after when the sandbox is not in use, and act as a protective cover.
- The wood is painted with non-toxic and environmentally friendly paint, which assures your kids are safe.
- The bottomless construction of the sandbox lets you adjust the sand depth your kids can have fun with.
Cons
- Cover cannot keep sand dry in rainy weather.
"The best part about this sandbox is its convertible design, which has kept it in use through my child's growth spurts. Its slats could have been thicker, but the wooden construction assures me of durability. Moreover, the bottomless design allows me to clean it easily."
Point to considerChange the sand in the sandbox at least twice a year or more frequently if the sand gets wet or contaminated.
10. Best For Outdoors:Step2 Crabbie
Building and role-playing games help with dexterity, creative thinking, and fine motor skills development. How about a sandbox that also acts as a mini pool for water play activities? Well, you’ve got one. Introducing the Sandbox Crab, which is designed like a crab to steal your kids’ attention and offer endless fun.
Pros
- The sandbox with cover has a smooth surface, holds up to 300 pounds of sand, and is ideal for indoor or outdoor spaces.
- Comes with a sculpted shell lid that prevents sand from pets and the moisture in the air.
- Equipped with two large claw seats that help your kids to sit while playing.
Cons
- The sandbox cannot hold large amounts of sand.
"The lid is the highlight of this Crabbie sandbox—it keeps the sand dry and prevents critters from making it their home. It's a little smaller than I had expected, but my child does not seem to mind and still loves playing with it. Hence, I consider it a worthwhile purchase."
11. Best Heavy-Duty:Costzon Pirate Boat Wood Sandbox
Prepare the ship, Pirates! Let your kids embark on the journey of building sandcastles with Costzon Pirate boat wood sandbox, which is made with heavy-duty wood and painted with eco-friendly colors. It is safety-tested, has a portable design, and comes with a black non-woven fabric cloth that helps easily store the sand.
Pros
- Pirate boat design attracts kids instantly and evokes creative role-play.
- The bottomless design of the sandbox is adjustable and lets you alter the sand depth for your kids.
- Equipped with two bench seats that let your kids have all the space to sit and play along.
Cons
- The color of the sandbox is not eye-catching or shiny.
"In addition to enhancing my daughter's playtime, this boat-style sandbox has made my garden area look more charming. It also works as a ball pit, and the smooth construction offers peace of mind. The lack of a cover was surprising, but features such as the seats and safety rails are thoughtful."
12. Best Weather Resistant:Tabletop Sandbox
Bored with heavy sandboxes? Want something compact? Don’t you worry? Here comes the savior, Tabletop sandbox. Be it a desk, home, office, or even a dorm. You can have your creative thirst quenched with this desk sandbox.
Pros
- Ideal for kids, teens, adults alike. Perfect gift for the loved ones who love the beach and the sand.
- It comes with a cylindrical mold and one shaping knife which is used in sculpting sandcastles and scrapers that reside in your imagination.
- The wooden box is designed for easy maintenance and keeps sand protected from weather, pets, and other harmful elements.
Cons
- Sand is not included with the product.
"Although compact, this sandbox has been the perfect size for my toddler's desk. It's fun, calms her, and enhances her focus. The only drawback was the slightly bent bucket add-on, but that's a minor issue compared to its play opportunities."
13. Best Elegant:Supreme Toys Hippo Sandbox
Kids just can’t resist a cute Hippo sandbox. What if the sandbox has a compact design and can also be used as a pool? You heard it right. Presenting Supreme Toys Hippo Sandbox. This outdoor and indoor sandbox is spacious, weather-resistant, and holds fifteen gallons of sand.
Pros
- The cute and elegant design is sure to capture your kids’ attention right away.
- It’s easy to clean up the sandbox thoroughly as it comes in a compact size.
- The sandbox frame is weather-resistant, perfect for any kind of weather.
- The lid helps in preventing the sand from air moisture.
- Can be filled with water to use as a pool.
Cons
- No drain for the water.
"The crocodile design is what pushed me to get this sandbox. Although detailed and sturdy, its size may not support group play. Still, its size has been ideal for our small porch, and the pre-assembled design allowed my little guy to play with it right out of the box."
How To Choose The Right Sandbox For Kids?
Here are some points you should consider to choose the best sandbox for children.
- Material: The two most widely used durable materials for constructing sandboxes are plastic and wood. While wood has a natural look and is sturdier, it needs more maintenance. Plastic sandboxes are low-maintenance designs but may not be as resilient as wood. So, choose according to your needs.
- Size: Consider the available space when choosing a sandbox. It should have multiple compartments and be deep enough to let children dig and create new designs. If you have a young child, a small sandbox may be suitable.
- Assembly: Choose a sandbox that is easy to assemble and disassemble for easy storage. It should include detailed instructions to help you assemble quickly.
- Features: Look for additional age-appropriate features like ledges for children to sit that can be used as makeshift tables. You can also find sandboxes with adjustable canopies or retractable roofs to keep it covered in summer. Also, look for an array of sand toys and accessories for an immersive experience.
- Safety: Ensure the sandbox is safety-tested and doesn’t have sharp edges or rough surfaces that may accidentally hurt the child. Keep the sandbox covered to prevent bacterial and germ growth.
Benefits Of Playing With Sandboxes
Playing any game has myriad benefits for kids, and sandboxes are no different. Let’s have a look at some benefits of playing with sandboxes.
- Enhances fine motor skills, development of critical thinking, hand and eye coordination.
- Instills creative thinking at a tender age and develops social skills as kids play along with other kids.
Importance Of A Clean Sandbox
Playing in a clean and hygienic sandbox is important for your child’s safety and health. Therefore, wipe the sandbox clean after every use to avoid any communication of infections. Keep the sand covered when not in use to prevent it from contamination.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does a sandbox need drainage?
Yes, a sandbox needs drainage to drain the excess water and prevent water stagnation.
2. What is the best place to put a sandbox?
Choose a shaded area in your backyard with flat ground that receives partial sunlight. Avoid putting the sandbox in direct sunlight, as this may expose your child to harmful UV rays, but a good balance of sunlight will keep the sand dry after rain.
3. What is a good sandbox size?
A 4×6 feet sandbox can accommodate two toddlers comfortably. However, you might need a bigger sandbox for older children or to accommodate their friends.
4. What do I put under sand in a sandbox?
When panning a sandbox in your backyard, prepare the area by putting some gravel as a foundation to ensure proper drainage. Next, cover it with a tarp or a landscaping weed mat to block the weeds from growing in the sand. Finally, fill the box with regular sand.
5. How often should I change the sand in a sandbox?
You should replace the sand in a sandbox as and when needed. Changing the sand once a year or two can keep the sand clean and free of breeding bacteria and other germs. How often you change depends on the frequency of use, drainage ability, and dirt. Covering the sandbox after use will keep the animals out of it and keep the sand clean for longer.
6. What is the best type of sand to use in a sandbox?
You can fill the sandbox with natural sand available near your location after filtering the rocks and debris. Play sand and white sand are also good options to fill the sandbox as they are filtered, easy to clean, and easy to locate dirt or bugs.
7. At What Age Can Kids Start Playing With A Sandbox?
Sandboxes are tons of fun to play with at any age. Ideally, kids who are aged two and above would enjoy playing in a sandbox as they tend to develop an understanding for such games and activities.
The Bottom Line
Bring the beach to your home with these best-selling sandboxes. Boost your child’s creativity and let them have fun getting muddy. Sandboxes also aid in the development of their gross and fine motor skills. So, while you are shortlisting the best sandboxes for kids, check for their quality, paint, and if a mesh or lid is provided to keep the sand safe. Also, look for options that are sturdy, easy to clean, and maintain. Our top recommendations include the smooth Step2 Naturally Playful Sand Table, the fancy-looking Little Tikes Big Digger Sandbox, and the turtle-shaped Little Tikes Turtle Round Sandbox. However, you should avoid buying sandboxes made of flimsy plastic material that may cause a choking hazard.
Infographic: How To Keep Sandboxes Bug-Free?
Sandboxes for children are inviting spaces where little adventurers can unleash their creativity, building castles and digging for treasures, fostering endless fun and imaginative play. However, it is essential to use them in a particular manner to prevent the infestation of insects, ensuring a safe playtime. Check out the following infographic to learn how to keep the sandbox bug-free.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Don’t forget to share some of your child’s favorite sandbox games in the comment section below.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Priti Bose is an experienced writer who specializes in kids’ toys. She has listed the best sandboxes with multiple positive features and reviews to make your child’s playtime even more fun. Each product is listed with its detailed features and pros and cons. From simple sandboxes to themed ones, she has provided an array of toys to choose from. She has also included all the required information to consider before purchasing a sandbox for your child.
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