The 12 Best Sandboxes for Endless Outdoor Fun

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Turtle Sandbox for Playing Outdoor

Parents / Jaclyn Mastropasqua

Sandboxes are a classic way to occupy kids with amazing hands-on activities and sensory stimulation. In addition to sparking their active imaginations, kids’ sandboxes offer the opportunity for pretend play and strengthen problem-solving and motor skills. Not to mention the benefits of simply getting outside to soak up some sun and fresh air!

But before the fun can begin, you need to shop for a model that best suits your child’s age range, play preferences, and backyard space. Consider additional features, like a secure lid to keep animals and insects out of the sand, or a canopy to shield direct sun. Our top picks range in price from under $50 to over $500, though most fall between $60 and $150.

When reviewing products, we considered design, features, size, assembly, age recommendations, sandbox safety, and overall value. From big to small and classic to canopied, these are the best sandboxes for kids to deliver hours of entertainment.

Our Favorites

Best Overall: Cedar Creative Designs Octagon Wooden Sandbox with Cover

Amazon Cedar Creative Designs Octagon Wooden Sandbox with Cover

Amazon

Why We Like It: This generously sized sandbox is made of real cedar wood, so it’s durable and easy on the eyes, blending in seamlessly with backyard play areas. 

But Take Note: Some assembly is required, a step some may want to avoid altogether with a prefab option instead. 

This sandbox is a great all-around pick: It’s accessibly priced, made of real wood, and easy to assemble using a standard screwdriver. The cedar sandbox holds a generous 800 pounds of sand with room for several kids to play at once, so it’s great for playdates or multiple siblings. 

It blends gently into a backyard play setting (no loud primary-colored plastics here), and the wood construction is totally smooth to reduce the risk of splinters. As a bonus, the water-based stain is eco-friendly. We appreciate that the durable polyethylene cover keeps excess moisture and critters out, and the included ground liner allows for drainage and easy upkeep.

The Details:

  • Size: 84 x 78 x 9 inches
  • Weight: 28 pounds
  • Capacity: 800 pounds
  • Age range: 18 months old and up

Best Budget: Little Tikes Turtle Sandbox

Walmart Little Tikes Turtle Sandbox

Walmart

Why We Like It: This budget-friendly sandbox is portable and easy to set up with no assembly required.

But Take Note: The smaller size makes this one best suited for toddlers, not big kids.

This turtle-shaped plastic sandbox from Little Tikes is a classic. It has two built-in seats so kids can get comfy, and it comes with a removable lid that protects it from bugs. 

“I like that it’s small because we have a tiny backyard, but it’s still a good size for both of my kids to play in together,” says mom Adriana Perez-Nakamura, a Southern California-based beauty copywriter and content editor. “I like the lid because it keeps the neighborhood cat from turning it into a litter box.” And, since the lid is light, her 5-year-old can put it on and take it off by herself.

It’s also durable, in her family’s experience. “The girls play in it pretty much every day and we’ve had it for about four years, it’s in good condition still,” she says. She also notes that it’s lightweight and easy to transport: Her family took it with them when moving homes, and it was “easy to just empty, pick up, and carry it to the moving truck.”

The Details:

  • Size: 43.25 x 38.75 x 12 inches
  • Weight: 11.45 pounds
  • Capacity: 150 pounds
  • Age range: 1 to 6 years old

Best With Cover: Step2 Crabby Sandbox With Cover

Walmart Step2 Crabby Sandbox With Cover

Walmart

Why We Like It: This adorable sandbox requires no assembly, has a generous capacity for multiple little kids, and comes with a lid to keep the sand tidy.

But Take Note: The seats only hold up to 35 pounds each.

This cute crab-shaped sandbox has two built-in molded seats shaped like claws. It has double the capacity of the similar turtle-shaped sandbox, with room for 300 pounds of sand. It requires no assembly, so you can get it set up and ready for play right out of the box. The included cover keeps sand clean and unintended visitors out. Just note that each seat only holds up to 35 pounds, so it’s ideal for younger kids.

The Details:

  • Size: 47 x 47.5 x 16 inches
  • Weight: 25 pounds
  • Capacity: 300 pounds
  • Age range: 1 year old and up

Best Sand Box and Water Table Combo: Step2 Splash N Scoop Bay Sand and Water Table

Splash 'N Scoop Bay

Wayfair

Why We Like It: This combo sandbox and water table keeps littles entertained with a range of outdoor activities.

But Take Note: Kids don’t actually get in this sandbox to play; they stand at the table for activities.

With this sandbox and water table combo contraption, kids can play with either sand or water—or both. It includes a cover that fits either side, separating the sand from the water; use the cover separately or together for more play options. The kit also comes with a five-piece accessory set, including a water tower with slide, spinner, and removable cup, shark scoop, cup, and shovel and rake combo.

The Details:

  • Size: 29.5 x 31 x 28.55 inches
  • Weight: 15 pounds
  • Capacity: 15 pounds of sand, 1.5 gallons of water
  • Age range: 5 years old and up

Best for Toddlers: Step2 Naturally Playful Sandbox II with Bonus Sand Tools

Walmart Step2 Naturally Playful Sandbox II with Bonus Sand Tools

Walmart

Why We Like It: This neutral sandbox is easy on adults’ eyes and comes with a package of sand tools as a bonus. 

But Take Note: Some assembly is required, which can be a pain for the non-assembly-inclined.

This spacious sandbox has a neutral color palette that blends in with outdoor decor instead of standing out like an eyesore. It has a full lid with a raised dome and a cheerful sun motif to keep the sandbox protected from animals and the elements. This box also comes with a package of seven sand tools, including a rake, shovel, and castle mold.

The Details:

  • Size: 31.25 x 50.38 x 16 inches
  • Weight: 27 pounds
  • Capacity: 200 pounds
  • Age range: 1 to 10 years old

Best Small: PlayTherapySupply Small Portable Sand Tray with Lid

Amazon PlayTherapySupply Small Portable Sand Tray with Lid

Amazon

Why We Like It: This multipurpose box works as a small, portable sandbox. It also has plenty of other storage uses when you’re ready to repurpose it.

But Take Note: This is a small sandbox, and you could probably achieve a similar result with another sort of rugged stackable box in a pinch.

The small footprint of this sandbox makes it ideal for travel or other situations in which space is limited. It’s stackable, so it’s compact for storage, and it’s also waterproof, so it’s not a big deal if your kids forget it outside. Handles lock the lid in place securely to keep the sand inside and avoid spills.

The Details:

  • Size: 14.5 x 10.25 x 3.4 inches
  • Weight: 1.32 pounds
  • Capacity: 10 pounds
  • Age range: 3 years old and up

Best Large: Sandlock Sandboxes Rectangle Sandbox

Lowe's Sandlock Sandboxes Rectangle Sandbox

Lowe's

Why We Like It: This large sandbox holds multiple kids at once and nearly a ton of sand.

But Take Note: It holds a lot of sand, which you’ll need to purchase separately.

This large-size sandbox is big enough for multiple kids to play at once, with room for nearly a ton of sand inside. It’s made of blow-molded plastic—the same type of safe plastic milk cartons are made of—and the sandbox requires zero maintenance, given the materials: no splinters or rot from wood, no paint to chip. 

The edges are rounded for safety, and a locking system keeps the cover secure. You’ll need just a hammer to assemble this sandbox.

The Details:

  • Size: 10 x 58.5 x 118 inches
  • Weight: 37 pounds
  • Capacity: 1700 pounds
  • Age range: 3 to 8 years old

Best for Pretend Play: KidKraft Wooden Pirate Sandbox with Canopy

Wayfair KidKraft Wooden Pirate Sandbox with Canopy

Wayfair

Why We Like It: This pirate-themed sandbox is so charming for pretend play, and it comes with a nice suite of features, including a shade canopy, seating, and storage. 

But Take Note: This sandbox requires assembly and is an investment in both price point and effort.

This whimsical sandbox takes the form of a pirate ship for hours of imaginative pretend play. And it has tons of useful features, including a shade canopy to keep kids out of the direct sun, hidden storage, seating, a spinning steering wheel, and a pirate flag to finish the look. Made of durable, weather-resistant wood, this sandbox comes with a mesh cover that snaps on, plus a clear plastic liner that goes underneath the sand. 

The Details:

  • Size: 59.5 x 44.25 x 78.5 inches
  • Weight: 55 pounds
  • Capacity: 750 pounds
  • Age range: 7 years old and up

Best Wood: KidKraft Activity Sandbox with Canopy

KidKraft Activity Sandbox with Canopy

Amazon

Why We Like It: It’s substantially sized and moderately priced. It also comes with a striped shade canopy.

But Take Note: Instructions are challenging to follow, and assembly can be dicey.

This mid-priced sandbox is substantial in size and comes with a charming striped shade canopy to keep kids out of the direct sun during playtime. Large enough for multiple kids to play inside at once, this sandbox is made of weather-resistant wood and has reinforced wooden panels to prevent warping and weathering. It also comes with a plastic liner that goes underneath the sand.

The Details:

  • Size: 64.25 x 60.25 x 51 inches
  • Weight: 56.1 pounds
  • Capacity: 650 pounds
  • Age range: 2 to 8 years old

Best With Seating: Badger Basket Sandbox With Built-in Bench

Amazon Badger Basket Sandbox With Built-in Bench

Amazon

Why We Like It: In this cleverly constructed sandbox, benches fold flat to serve a dual purpose as a cover when not in use.

But Take Note: In the closed position, it will seal out critters but not water.

This sandbox has bench seating for multiple kids to play comfortably. Each bench holds a weight of up to 200 pounds, and they serve a dual purpose: They fold flat to cover and protect the sand when the box is not in use. (Hand grips make it easy for adults to fold and unfold the benches.) 

The bottomless construction allows for drainage and also lets you adjust the sand depth. Its hardware is made to resist rust, and the cedar wood construction is heat-treated.

The Details:

  • Size: 46.5 x 46.5 x 9.5 inches
  • Weight: 42.8 pounds
  • Capacity: 700 pounds
  • Age range: 3 years old and up

Best With Canopy: Outsunny Kids Sandbox With Cover

Amazon Outsunny Kids Sandbox With Cover

Amazon

Why We Like It: This real wood sandbox has an adjustable canopy and stable, convertible bench seating.

But Take Note: Unsealed wood may splinter.

This sandbox comes with a striped canopy, which is adjustable in height and angle to keep kids protected in rain or sun. It also features bench seating with a backrest for comfort and stability. The seats and backrests are detachable if you want to make the playing area larger, and when the kids are done playing, the benches fold flat and convert into a cover to protect the sand. 

The Details:

  • Size: 41.75 x 41.75 x 47.75 inches
  • Weight: 29.7 pounds
  • Capacity: 352 pounds
  • Age range: 3 to 7 years old

Best With Sand Wall: Costway Wooden Sandbox With Sand Wall and Cover

Amazon Costway Wooden Sandbox With Sand Wall and Cover

Amazon

Why We Like It: This wooden sandbox features a sand wall to add more fun activities to the playtime experience. 

But Take Note: The toy storage is a nice touch, but note that the toys are not included.

This wooden sandbox features a fun activity wall as a backsplash; it includes a top funnel, spinning wheel, and chutes for lively play. There’s room for as many as three to four kids to sit on the bench. And remove the detachable panels to store sand toys in three storage compartments under the seat. A bottomless design with a liner allows for drainage, ventilation, and adjustment of the sand. And an Oxford fabric cover fits on top.

The Details:

  • Size: 30 x 39 x 47 inches
  • Weight: 28 pounds
  • Capacity: 500 pounds
  • Age range: 3 to 8 years old

Our Review Process

To get the scoop on backyard sandboxes, we asked play professionals and real-life parents for their expert input. We also examined dozens of popular, highly-reviewed products at the tops of their respective categories. Plus, we reviewed guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) on sandbox safety and how to keep a sandbox clean. 

We spoke with several experts and parents about sandbox safety, care, and construction:

  • Christine Hernandez, a parent coach, play expert, and founder of the playspace Allo Saratoga
  • Michelle Felder, LCSW, MA, founder and CEO of Parenting Pathfinders and adjunct lecturer at NYU Silver School of Social Work
  • Adriana Perez-Nakamura, a mother and California-based copywriter and content editor.

Factors to Consider When Buying a Sandbox

Size, Capacity, and Weight Limits

Consider not just the size and weight of the child or children, but also the size and capacity of the box itself. Larger-capacity boxes are ideal for larger outdoor spaces or multiple kids. Sandbox capacities range all the way from under 100 pounds to more than 1,000 pounds, and each fits a unique need.

“Sand trays and tables can be just as fun and beneficial as a sandbox that your child can sit in, so consider what size will make the most sense for your space when deciding what type of sand play container you’ll get,” says Felder. 

Cover and Storage

Some sandboxes come with their own covers or storage compartments for toys, which are ideal for keeping out the elements and preserving the life of sand toys and the sand itself.

“If your sandbox is outside, I recommend covering it with a lid or tarp when it’s not in use to help keep the sand clean, minimize debris, and deter unwanted animals from playing inside or utilizing it as a litter box,” says Felder. 

An uncovered sandbox presents safety and hygiene concerns, according to Hernandez. “If outdoor sandboxes are not well covered and secured, animals may use them as litter boxes or bugs can get in. Then when a child is playing in the sand, they're being exposed to all of those germs and potentially ingesting them,” she says. “So, to prevent any of this from happening, always be sure your sandbox is well covered when not in use.”

Durability

Depending on how much wear and tear you expect the sandbox will get, you may want to invest in a sturdy, durable model that can go the distance for multiple kids over several years, though these tend to be pricier. More affordable sandboxes with budget-minded construction might last for just one season, though that might be enough for your purposes. 

Cost

Consider your budget when selecting a sandbox. Some of the more basic, plastic models on our list ring in under $100, such as the Step2 Splash ‘N Scoop Bay and Little Tikes Turtle Sandbox—while the small PlayTherapySupply Portable Sandtray is just $23. Some of the larger-capacity and more substantially built models cost several hundreds of dollars, like the Sandlock Sandboxes Rectangle Sandbox, which costs $589 and holds nearly a ton of sand.

How to Use Sandboxes Safely


After installing your sandbox per the manufacturer’s instructions, you’ll want to fill it with play sand, rather than builder’s sand, since it’s already been properly sifted and cleaned. Then, to maintain it, regularly sift out debris and disinfect the sandbox’s walls to ensure your children are playing in a hygienic environment. If anyone has been sitting in the sand with a dirty diaper, it’s best to change the sand completely. And if the sand is wet from weather or playtime, make sure it has dried completely before your child digs into the sand again.

Your Questions, Answered 

What is the best sand for a sandbox?

Regular sand is not what you want to use for a backyard sandbox. Instead, you’ll want to invest in bags of play sand, which is prepared especially for safe, sanitary kids' play. Make sure to look for one that is both nontoxic and silica-free. 

What is the best size of a sandbox?

The best size of a sandbox depends on the size of the kids playing in it, as well as the space you have available. “Make sure it is large enough for your child to sit in and move around to play freely,” says Hernandez. 

Or, in small spaces, opt for a sand table or box that kids can sit or stand outside of while playing with the sand using their hands. 

Where is the best place to put a sandbox?

The best place to put a sandbox is ideally out of the elements, such as a shady space protected from the harshest sun. (Canopies can also provide their own shade.) Also, place the sandbox in a space where you are able to supervise kids as they play.

“When using a sandbox, it's important to supervise your child, especially if they're under the age of 3,” says Hernandez. “Infants and toddlers explore with their mouths and they may be tempted to put the sand in their mouths, which can be dangerous not only from a choking hazard standpoint but from an infection standpoint as well.”

Who We Are

Alesandra Dubin is a mom to school-aged twins. She’s also a veteran lifestyle writer and product reviewer who has been writing about parenting topics since she helmed the Parents pregnancy blog when she was expecting in 2014.

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Sources
Parents uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. American Academy of Pediatrics. Safety in the Sandbox.

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