The 8 Best Sandboxes Your Kids Will Dig

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Sandboxes are to childhood what board rooms are to adulthood: where things are learned, partnerships are forged, and new ideas are sparked. Most children love to play in the sand, but what they’re doing is a lot more complex and useful in terms of life skills and development.

While kids build sandcastles and fill and dump bucket after bucket, they’re also learning simple mathematical concepts, boosting fine motor skills, strengthening their imaginations, along with acquiring basic negotiation and problem-solving tactics. And, of course, they’re having a whole lot of fun doing it.

While any sandbox is great for this purpose, really, there are themed options to further entice young ones. Is your kid into cooking? There’s a sandbox for that. Do you have a child who is into dump trucks and cranes? There's a sandbox for that, too.

Read on for our recommendations for the best sandboxes for kids, along with essentials to keep in mind during your search.

For more great ways to keep your kids entertained, check out our coverage of the best wooden playsets, outdoor toys, and inflatable water slides.

The Best Sandboxes

• Best Overall: Vandue Weather-Resistant Sandbox

• Best Classic Sandbox: KidKraft Wooden Backyard Sandbox

• Best for Toddlers: Little Tykes Turtle Sandbox

• Best With Canopy: Aivituvin Solid Wood Sandbox With Cover

• Best With Extra Feature: Step2 Summertime Play Center Sandbox and Picnic Table

What to Consider

Age

The first—and most important—thing to consider is whether a sandbox is appropriate for your child's age and motor skills. We list recommended age ranges for every sandboxes we cover below. Generally speaking, there are sandboxes specifically for infants and toddlers ages 12 months to 3 years, and options with a wider age range that kids can grow into.

Material

Our recommendations include everything from small plastic models that to large wooden sandboxes that take up a significant amount of yard space. Some sandboxes include removable polyester or canvas canopies that can be removed and washed. Also, keep in mind that few sandboxes come with protective covers.

Maintenance

Setting up a sandbox in the backyard beats plain old dirt and grass because its contents can be controlled by covering it and protecting it from the weather and visiting animal friends. The sand can be changed and sifted through regularly—make sure you buy play sand, not builder’s sand, as it's clean and safe for even the youngest customers—and it's also a good idea to periodically empty and disinfect the sandbox. No matter which type of sandbox you choose, we recommend off-season storage.

Extra Features

Seats, shade canopies, and space for water play are just a few extra features to look out for while sandbox shopping. Some sandboxes also have space to store shovels, pails, and other accessories.

How We Selected

Our real-world experience with sandboxes and similar outdoor toys drove our selection process. Safety and quality of materials were top considerations, and we also took into account extra features like covers and shade canopies that add to overall value. We aimed to include styles to suit a range of ages and budgets, and our final choices represent the best options in several categories targeted to specific needs and preferences.

Weather-Resistant Sandbox

We chose this sandbox as our top pick because it's durable, spacious, and has integrated seating. It's also easy to set up and to maintain.

The four-by-four-foot sandbox is made of high-density molded plastic, and includes a protective liner with holes for drainage and a cover. No tools are needed for assembly, as the pieces snap and lock together. Another major plus is that this sandbox comes with a five-year warranty against defects attached.

While this model satisfies what most people look for in a sandbox, its no-frills design may be a drawback for some.

Solid Wood Sandbox With Cover

This sandbox is great for toddlers and bigger kids who want more of a fort-style vibe. It's constructed of solid wood and has a scalloped canopy that adds flair and provides plenty of shade. Beneath it are two roomy benches that fold flat and convert to a cover—a nice design feature—and the sandbox's bottomless construction helps with drainage and lets you adjust sand depth. The only caveat is that the canopy may blow off during a storm, so it's best to lower it in advance.

All Around Playtime Patio

If you’re serious about keeping your kids busy for hours outside (with some sun protection), look no further. This sandbox play center is perfect for kids with an interest in cooking, as it features a built-in kitchen—with a grill, sink, swivel faucet, and dish set—where kids can pretend to prepare food and serve it on a snack table. There's also a water tower and sand play table.

Other highlights include two swinging door, just like you might find in a commercial kitchen, and a removable, water-resistant canopy. Keep in mind that some accessories shown here, including the food, are sold separately.

Dirt Diggers Excavator Sandbox

There are so many creative ways to keep kids busy in this interactive sandbox. And if you have young children who are obsessed with construction sites, machinery, and digging, then this is the sandbox for you.

The plastic sandbox includes a molded plastic ramp and roadway that doubles as a lid. It also comes with seven accessories, including two characters, a sand cup, shovel, sifter, rake, a crane, and dump truck.

It's a great choice for little ones ages 3 and up plus it's moderately priced, though it's the kind of toy kids tend to outgrow within a year or two.

Turtle Sandbox

This adorable sandbox from trusted brand Little Tykes remains a classic for a reason, as the smiling green turtle is a fast friend to the youngest customers.

It features two molded seats for toddlers to dig their feet in the sand, and the sides are low enough for kids to reach in and play. The sandbox also comes with a cover that's lightweight enough for little ones to help slide on when it's time for cleanup.

Wooden Backyard Sandbox

This lovely wooden sandbox is from reliable brand KidKraft, and offers sturdy construction and classic style. It's available in two weather-resistant stains that show off the wood's natural grain, and it's crafted with reinforced panels to help prevent warping.

The sandbox also features four seats at each corner and comes with a mesh cover. Its basic style allows children to use their imagination to engage in creative play, while also giving them a spacious area to build sandcastles and dig for treasure.

Summertime Play Center Sandbox and Picnic Table

While it may be the priciest item on our list, this sandbox and picnic table combo allows kids to play and snack the afternoon away. The curved bench can accommodate four little ones and the sandbox has another two built-in seats.

There's a cover for the sandbox and the table's removable market umbrella is a nice extra, featuring a 5-foot-wide canopy that provides full coverage for the picnic table. The set also includes two shovels and two pails, and comes with a three-year warranty against defects. It's recommended for 2- to 6-year olds, though kids are likely to outgrow it sooner.

Wooden Cabana Play Station

Know any kids who like playing in the sand but don't like sitting in it? This classic sandbox is constructed from solid, stained non-toxic wood. It's sturdy enough for active players, with a water- and UV-resistant cover to keep sand—and kids—dry in a rain shower.

There are wide built-in benches on three sides that allow for comfortable seated play, two with shallow backs to prevent backwards tumbles. The sandbox includes two side buckets for solo play and doubles as a place to store toys, which are sold separately.

4-in-1 Sand Water Table

Key Specs

• Dimensions: 17.5 x 14 x 8 inches

• Material: Plastic

• Ages: 3 and up

This 4-in-1 sand and water activity table is a dream STEM activity center. The table brings together four separate spaces: one that holds water, another that holds sand, and two more that can hold practically any material, from snow to soil to sand to water. The set also includes 32 water/beach toys, including a water windmill, tree water tower, excavator, boat, castle bucket, watering can, shovel, and more. The set also comes with two stools.

The set is designed to engage the senses, spark creativity and problem-solving skills, and also help little ones flex their math, science, and engineering muscles.

Digasuarus Sandbox

Key Specs

• Dimensions: 11 x 47 x 64 inches

• Material: LLPDE plastic

• Ages: 2 to 8 years

This sandbox is made for hours of creative play. The 64-inch by 47-inch sandbox is designed with dinosaur enthusiasts in mind. On the bottom of the box, 3D dinosaur figures await discovery under the sand. It is also designed to look like a landscaping rock or boulder to blend into your backyard.

The sandbox includes a lid, protecting the sand from rain, insects, and animals. The sandbox is constructed in the U.S.A., from durable, nontoxic LLPDE plastic, and it's ideal for budding paleontologists ages 24 months and up.

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