Do you remember playing in a sandbox? They were everywhere, from the parks, at school, and, if we were lucky, in our backyards.
These great toys allowed us to bring back a part of the beach experience that we all loved. Today’s sandboxes aren’t as “basic” as the ones we had. They come in intricate designs and incorporate various themes to make play more interactive and fun.
In this article, we’ll be looking at some of the best sandboxes on the market and how to keep them clean, among other advice.
- Great aesthetic appeal
- Drain plug for easy cleaning
- Double-sided sand and water play
- Plenty of accessories
- Includes non-stick coolsand
- Less messy than ordinary sandboxes
- Offers storage space for outdoor toys
- Holds a lot of sand
- Lid to protect contents
- Large area for sand play
- Durable and long-lasting
- Two molded seats
- BPA-free materials
- Good height for toddlers
- Compact design
- Elastic straps hold lid in place
- Elevated sandbox
- Lid doubles up as play table
- Minimal assembly required
- Fun accessories for added play
- Cleanup is easy
- Boosts strategic thinking and motor skills
- Pockets for storing the accessories
- Easy to assemble
- Shady canopy
- Made of weather-resistant wood
- Spacious area for several children
- Durable construction
- Holds 1000 lbs of sand
- Requires no special assembly tools
Are Sandboxes Hygienic?
This is a question that lingers in the minds of many parents. They’ll shy away from public (and even private) sandboxes due to the possibility of germs lurking in them.
Parasites have been found in sand in daycare centers and other public play areas, mainly coming from animals. This is because the sand was left exposed (1). So, yes, you should keep your child away from such areas.
Besides, public sandboxes expose your child to sweat, urine, saliva, and even mucus from those playing there before. If that doesn’t gross you out, I don’t know what will.
Enough with public sandboxes or play areas. Today, we’re talking about your own private sandbox — the one in your home that you can take care of and keep safe for your kids to enjoy.
Types of Sand to Use
There are several types of sand that you can use for your sandbox; let’s take a look at some on the market today.
Play Sand
This starts life as naturally occurring sand that comes from rocks that have broken down over millions of years. To make it safe, it’s washed to remove any lingering minerals that could stain the clothes and skin.
It’s also blasted with water to remove any sharp edges because it is rock, after all.
Once it’s dried, the sand is then safe for children’s use. It may be colored or left in its natural state (2).
Kinetic Sand
This type of sand is similar to regular sand, but it has been coated with silicone oil to enhance its qualities. It comes in different colors, has a silky feel to it, and can be molded into any shape you want.
One of the great things about kinetic sand is that it doesn’t stick to hands or surfaces but only to itself (3).
Jurassic Sand
These fun sands have different colors and textures. They fall into several categories and have been derived from various sources such as beaches, deserts, rocky mountains, and farms. All these sands are eco-friendly, dust-free, asthma and allergy-friendly, and safe for kids to play with (4).
CoolSand
These colorful sands are non-toxic, moldable, and feel like wet beach sand. The sand has amazing “magnetic” qualities that allow you to stretch, mold, and shape it whichever way you like. It does not leave stains, and neither does it stick to surfaces (5).
The Best Sandboxes of 2021
Here is our list of the best sandboxes on the market. We’re sure you’ll find one that your child digs.
1. Step2 Dino Dig Sand & Water Table
Playtime will never be the same again with this elevated sandbox that brings together all the things that fascinate kids. We’re talking dinos, a rocky mountain, sand, and water — now what child (or adult) could resist that?
This sandbox measures 29.5 by 33 by 30 inches and features a two-sided table. The sand section holds up to 20 pounds of sand, while the water basin can support 4 gallons of water. There’s a palm tree in the middle that gives it a tropical feel and a watering hole for the dinos.
The gray lid is designed to look like a volcano rock that can be incorporated into the play. Your kids will enjoy pouring water into the high rocky mountain and watching it gush down the sides.
The sandbox comes with four dinosaurs, a shovel/rake, and two scoops to keep little hands busy and minds creative. The children can go off on an adventure to find the molded-in dinosaur bones and footprints.
Once assembled, this sandbox gives off a prehistoric feel that takes us back thousands of years when dinos ruled the world. It’s a pure delight and will look great indoors or outdoors.
Pros
- Great aesthetic appeal.
- Easy to assemble.
- Drain plug for easy emptying and cleaning.
- Large enough for multiple children to play.
Cons
- You can only use the lid to cover one side of the table, not both.
2. CoolSand 3D Dino Sandbox
Stuck indoors with nothing much to do? This dino sandbox is a great way to get your creativity going for hours on end. It’s ideal for dinosaur lovers, young or old.
It features 1 pound of kinetic CoolSand, 10 mold shapes, 12 3D figures, a dino fossil, and other accessories. The packaging turns into the sandbox, measuring 11 inches by 9.5 inches, and is 2 inches deep. It has dino artwork all over, including the legendary T-rex, to help you create your own Jurassic Park.
The CoolSand is particularly good since it doesn’t dry out or stick to you either. It holds its shape, which is great because you can mold it into just about anything. You can even choose to run your fingers through it for relaxation.
Pros
- The package contains plenty of accessories to enhance play.
- Includes non-stick CoolSand that is easy to shape.
- Less messy than ordinary sandboxes.
Cons
- The accessories may pose a hazard for children under 3 years old.
- Sandbox isn’t big enough for family play.
- No lid included.
3. Step2 Play and Store Sandbox
This sandstone-colored sandbox offers plenty of room for your child and friends to play. Its ornate design will also look great in your backyard, especially if you have a rock garden or grass going on.
It features four molded seats for the children to sit on while they engage in creative play. This sandbox is 11 inches deep and measures 28 by 42 inches, and holds up to 200 pounds of sand. It comes assembled, so all you need to do is pour in the sand, and playtime can begin.
It’s made of durable plastic and has a full lid. This allows you to store the sand toys once the kids are done playing.
Pros
- Aesthetically pleasing look.
- Offers storage space for outdoor toys.
- Holds a lot of sand.
- Sitting space for four children.
- The lid helps keep the sand clean when not in use.
Cons
- The lid has issues latching well.
4. Little Tikes Turtle Sandbox
For many years, children have enjoyed playing sand games in this smiling turtle, and so can yours. It’s made from high-quality plastic, designed to be long-lasting, and will be a great addition to your yard.
Grandparents can step up the fun by having it in their backyard when their grandchildren come over to visit. The turtle’s shell doubles up as a removable lid, covering the sand area.
Once the kids are done playing, you can store all sand toys inside the turtle and snap shut the lid for protection. This circular sandbox is about 40 inches in diameter and offers a large play area for multiple children. It also features two seats for kids to sit on as they play.
These seats are molded on the outside to ensure they don’t eat into the play area. Speaking of which, the smiling turtle can hold up to 150 pounds of sand for your little ones to dig into.
Pros
- Big enough for several kids to play together.
- Durable and long-lasting
- Lid to protect contents.
- Turtle “feet” are handy seats.
Cons
- The lid doesn’t fasten shut so that it could blow off the sandbox.
5. Step2 Crabbie Sand Table
This award-winning sand table was designed for younger children to get used to sand play gradually. Its simple design and vibrant colors will look great, either in the yard or indoors.
The 24-inch sandbox sits on three legs and is 22 inches high. It features a removable shell-style lid that keeps the sand clean and dry after play. It can hold up to 25 pounds of sand, just right for little hands to get creative. From sandcastles to tunnels, there’s no limit to how toddlers can play.
Our friendly crabbie comes with two shovels and two buckets and is spacious enough for more than one child to play at. Suitable from age 18 months.
Pros
- BPA-free materials.
- Good height for toddlers.
- Accessories included.
- Compact design, small enough to use indoors.
Cons
- Requires some assembly.
- Three legs might make it unstable.
6. Step2 Naturally Playful Sand Table
If you don’t want your kids trudging through or sitting in the sand, this may be a great choice for you. Four legs elevate the sandbox from the ground, which reduces the chance of animals getting into it. The play area is 26 by 36 inches, and the table stands just over 16 inches high.
The lid keeps the sand safe from animals and debris. It also comes with elastic straps to secure it in place. Plus, it doubles up as a racetrack for cars and trucks, which is great should your child tire of the sand play.
This sandbox can hold up to 40 pounds of sand and comes with accessories, including two claw rakes, two shovels, and one bucket. It comes unassembled but is easy to put together.
Pros
- Elastic straps hold the lid in place.
- Elevated sandbox.
- The lid doubles up as a play table.
Cons
- No seal on the cover, so rainwater might be able to seep in.
7. Step2 Splash N Scoop Sand Table
Sand plus water equals more fun for kids. This sandbox gives you the best of both worlds without compromising on quality.
One section of the sandbox holds sand, while the other has a water tower attachment, complete with a water basin. The lid is designed to look like a mountain that can be combined with the tower to create a waterfall.
This sandbox comes with a shark scoop and shovel/rake. It holds a maximum of 3 gallons of water and 30 pounds of sand. Additionally, there’s a drain plug for easy cleanup.
The table is 29.5 inches high, and the play area measures 31 by 28.25 inches.
Pros
- Minimal assembly required.
- The cover fits either side.
- Fun accessories for added play.
- Cleanup is easy.
Cons
- The lid only covers one side.
- Sunshade must be bought separately.
8. Little Tikes Big Digger Sandbox
If your child isn’t thrilled by simply playing in the sand, step up the fun using this construction-themed sandbox. Along with the play, kids will be engaged in strategic thinking as they figure out how to operate heavy machinery.
The lid serves as a ramp for the heavy equipment to come on board the sandbox. This sandbox comes with an excavator, dump truck, two characters, rake, shovel, and sand cups. The length is around 51 inches when the lid is being used, and it’s 28.5 inches wide.
Big digger has a holding capacity of 100 pounds of sand. Children will have tons of fun building castles, roads, tunnels, and whatever else their brilliant minds can come up with. So, how about assembling this toy and getting your young builder started?
Pros
- The excavator works.
- Boosts strategic thinking and fine motor skills.
- Pockets for storing the accessories.
- Easy to assemble.
Cons
- The lid may collect water.
- The sandbox is quite small.
9. KidKraft Pirate Sandboat
Children love dressing up and playing pirates, so why not make your child’s dreams come true with a pirate ship sandbox? This delightful sandbox comes with a steering wheel, flag, and other colorful pirate-themed artwork.
It features two compartments. One compartment holds the sand for the children to play in, while the other provides seating space. In between, there’s covered storage for the sand toys. The sandbox itself is 38.5 inches wide by 48 inches long, and the total length is 78.5 inches. It holds up to 700 pounds of sand!
The sandbox can accommodate several children, and there’s a shady canopy to shelter the little pirates from the sun. The product is made from sanmu wood and comes unassembled but with detailed instructions to help you set it up.
The best part is that even without sand, this sandbox will inspire creative imagination and play. Arrrrr…your kids will love me ship arrrrr…
Pros
- Pirate theme that inspires creative play.
- Canopy to keep the sun out.
- Includes a plastic liner for the sand.
- Spacious area for several children to play.
Cons
- The cover doesn’t fully enclose the sandbox compartment.
10. Creative Cedar Designs Wooden Sandbox
This wooden sandbox is a great option for one or more kids to play in. It’s built using heavy-duty wood and can act as an expanded play area for their other toys.
The sandbox holds at least 500 pounds of sand, but it allows you to increase the sand depth to 1000 pounds. The manufacturer has included a polyethylene sandbox cover that can be used to prevent unwelcome animals or debris.
This sandbox kit comes includes necessary panels and equipment, but it doesn’t include sands.
Pros
- Accommodates up to 1000 pounds.
- Easy cleanup that only requires you to use a sandbox cover.
- A large sandbox accommodates several children at once.
Cons
- Heavy.
- No sand included.
Tips for Keeping Sandboxes Clean
There is no need to deny your child a home beach. Here are some tips to help you keep your sandbox clean (6):
- Insects and small animals love playing in the sand, and who knows what germs they’ll deposit in the process. Keep the sandbox covered any time it’s not in use.
- Never let your pets play in the sandbox. They may mistake it for a litter box and use it to do their business. Gross.
- Wet sand can be a breeding ground for bacteria. Always dry it out completely before storing it.
- Debris can find its way into the sandbox, so rake the sand regularly to remove any foreign matter.
And for your own sake, speak to your children about the above tips. If they know why you’re doing it, they’ll gladly help you. While you are at it, make sure the younger ones don’t put sand in their mouths.
Benefits of Sand Play for Kids
Playing with sand provides an unstructured play session where your kids are free to imagine and create freely. They can choose to scoop sand, mold it, build different objects, and anything else they can think of.
This freedom makes way for your child to build developmental concepts. It also helps them understand mathematical concepts as they measure sand and pour it from one container to another.
Additionally, all the digging, scooping, pouring, and general play will help develop their hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.
Sandboxes that allow multiple children to play together also encourage social skills. They’ll learn to share, negotiate, and compromise and these skills will be further enhanced as they grow.
