

Our real-world experience with sandboxes and similar outdoor toys drove our selection process. Some sandboxes also have space to store shovels, pails, and other accessories. Seats, shade canopies, and space for water play are just a few extra features to look out for while sandbox shopping. No matter which type of sandbox you choose, we recommend storing it away in the off-season. And it’s also a good idea to periodically empty and disinfect the sandbox. You can change the sand and sift through it regularly-make sure you buy play sand, not builder’s sand, as it’s clean and safe for even the youngest customers. Setting up a sandbox in the backyard beats plain old dirt and grass because you can cover its contents protect it from the weather and visiting animal friends. Also, keep in mind that few sandboxes come with protective covers. Some sandboxes include removable polyester or canvas canopies that can be removed and washed.

Our recommendations include everything from small plastic models that to large wooden sandboxes that take up a significant amount of yard space. 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. We list recommended age ranges for every sandboxes we cover below. The first-and most important-thing to consider is whether a sandbox is appropriate for your child's age and motor skills. Best With Extra Feature: Step2 Summertime Play Center Sandbox and Picnic Table.Best With Canopy: Aivituvin Solid Wood Sandbox With Cover.Best for Toddlers: Little Tykes Turtle Sandbox.Best Classic Sandbox: KidKraft Wooden Backyard Sandbox.Best Overall: Vandue Weather-Resistant Sandbox.

Read on for our recommendations for the best sandboxes for kids, along with essentials to keep in mind during your search.įor more great ways to keep your kids entertained, check out our coverage of the best wooden playsets, outdoor toys, and inflatable water slides. Do you have a child who’s into dump trucks and cranes? There’s a sandbox for that, too. Is your kid into cooking? There’s a sandbox for that. While any sandbox is great for this purpose, really, there are themed options to further entice young ones. And, of course, they’re having a whole lot of fun doing it. 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. 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. Sandboxes are to childhood what board rooms are to adulthood: where things are learned, partnerships are forged, and new ideas are sparked.
