The Best Sandboxes for Kids
Because you deserve the best.
Sandboxes can vary greatly – some come in neat shapes, some are portable, some are plastic, and some are made of wood. The best sandboxes have the most important ability: sparking creativity in children of all ages. If you’re looking to invest in the best sandbox, keep reading!
Choosing a Sandbox
There are a few things to consider when choosing a sandbox you and your children will love. Check out these available features before purchasing a sandbox for your backyard.
- Seating: Sandboxes with seating included gives your child or toddler a comfortable place to sit while playing in the sand. If you like to join your child for playtime but don’t feel like sitting in the sand yourself, a sandbox with seating is a must! This is especially useful for damp days where sitting in the sand will result in soggy pants.
- Cover Included: Having a cover on your sandbox will help keep your sand clean and dry. A plastic cover will be the most effective at keeping water out. Covering your sand is important for keeping your children’s play area safe and clean by keeping wildlife and neighborhood pets out who might mistake a sandbox for a litterbox.
- Canopy Covered: Sandboxes with canopies offer protection from the sun, keeping your sand cooler and preventing little ones from UV rays. This is a great option if your kids love to play outside on warm sunny days.
- Toys Included: Choosing a sandbox with toys included will allow your kids to start having fun as soon as your sandbox is set up. You can always add new toys as your kids grow.
8 Best Sandboxes for Your Backyard
Ready to find the right sandbox for your little one? Keep reading to find our top picks.
1. Crabbie Sandbox Plastic Toddler Outdoor Sand Box With Cover
This plastic crab-shaped sandbox is a great investment for your backyard play area. Kids love the playful nautical shape, making it the perfect addition to any play area – beach-themed or otherwise. This sandbox is big enough for two small children but small enough for one person to maintain with ease. It comes with a lid for protection against rain and outdoor debris, keeping your sand clean and dry. This sandbox and lid is made of plastic, allowing you to keep it clean by simply hosing it down.
This sandbox is a fantastic option for homes with multiple children. This sandbox is 78" wide and 73" long – perfect for multiple small children and older kids. Tykes up to age 10 are encouraged to use this sandbox. This sandbox is constructed of cedarwood, which is naturally rot- and insect-resistant. Four of the eight sides of this sandbox have benches built-in for those who prefer non-sandy bottoms!
If your outdoor space doesn't offer much shade, a sandbox with a built-in canopy is your best bet. This wooden sandbox offers two comfortable benches with plenty of room for multiple small children. The benches even fold flat across the box when not in use to double as a sandbox cover. The water-resistant and UV-blocking canopy is height-adjustable to offer shade and protection for your little ones.
This cabana-style sandbox has just about everything you and your little ones could want! It features weather-resistant wood and a striped canopy for protection from the elements. This sandbox design includes plenty of seating to prevent sandy bottoms as well as two built-in plastic bins for separate sand and water play. A mesh sandbox cover is included to keep backyard critters out of your children’s play area.
This sandbox combines fun and play with learning. Children can have old-fashioned fun playing in the sand with tools, but they also have the option to dig for fossils and uncover something amazing. Imagine how exciting it will be to discover that this isn’t a normal sandbox, and there are treasures buried beneath the sand! This sandbox is made of durable plastic but looks like stone, so it will fit in naturally with your garden or backyard. This is the perfect sandbox for your little paleontologists.
Ahoy, mateys! Come aboard this pirate ship–themed sandbox for sand, sun, and lots of fun! This sandbox features accessories such as a steering wheel, pirate flag, and fun decals. These imagination-sparking features will have your little pirates sailing the seven seas from the safety of your backyard. This ship includes two benches for comfortable sitting, a mesh sandbox cover, and a canopy for protection against the sun. Bring the adventure of the open ocean to your backyard with this imagination inspiring sandbox.
Grab your swimsuits because this versatile sandbox can be used for both sand and water. Made of lightweight plastic, this apple-shaped sandbox is perfectly portable making it easy to move around the yard or brought along on camping. Available in pink, green, or blue, this sandbox makes it easy to customize your space.
This rectangular sandbox is big enough for the whole family. Add rakes and shovels to get everyone in on the fun! This is one of the best sandboxes for larger groups of kids or a small group of older children. This sandbox features a lid and seats on all four corners so that kids' clothing will stay clean and guardians can supervise without taking up too much space. This sandbox is also made from a durable plastic that is easy to hose off or wipe down.
