Before buying consider the size of your outdoor space, age of your child, and maintenance. Some sandboxes require more sand and more upkeep than others. Also, keep in mind additional add-ons like overall design, cover or canopy, or if it is compatible with water. Keeping all of these qualities in mind will ensure you find the right outdoor sandbox for your child and budget. If you’re ready to add a sandbox to your backyard, here are the best options available today. This attractive square sandbox has interlocking pieces that make it easy to assemble, and it comes with both an umbrella (which can be set up in any corner) as well as a vinyl cover that will keep animals from making themselves at home. It’s made of cedar, which is naturally resistant to weather damage. Note that the sandbox doesn’t have a bottom, so you should be prepared to add a layer of landscape fabric below it, to keep weeds and insects from interrupting your kids’ playtime. The edges of the sandbox are broad and flat, so little ones can sit comfortably as they play. Assembly is required, and you’ll get all the hardware you need, including metal brackets to protect the corners and stakes to help stabilize the sandbox. Price at time of publish: $179 The canopy can also be completely lowered to fit over the sand, although you may want to add an additional tarp or sandbox cover for complete rain protection. Assembly is required, and as with other sandboxes of this style, there is no bottom, so you’ll need to add your own protective layer of landscape fabric or other material. Price at time of publish: $115 The sandbox weighs only seven pounds empty, so it’s easy to set up and move around, and because of the size, it’s best up to about age 4. It comes with a plastic cover, but note that it may blow off on windy days (there isn’t a latching mechanism), so some families use bungee cords to keep it closed when it’s not in use. The box is made from heat-treated red cedar, so it is sturdy and meant to last. Note that there is a small gap once the benches are folded down, so you may want to add a tarp or cover for extra protection. Price at time of publish: $110 The striped canopy evokes a poolside cabana and will add a little elegance to your kids’ play area, and the cover will help protect the sand from the elements. You’ll need to assemble the sandbox yourself, but most people found it easy and straightforward. Price at time of publish: $182 Note that this piece can’t be delivered by FedEx or UPS; instead, Cabinfield works with motor freight shipping companies, and you will likely need to have assistance on hand to get it from the truck to your yard. Price at time of publish: $3,564 To protect the table, it’s best to keep it inside during the winter months. The base is made from powder-coated iron, which will develop a gray patina over time. The height of the legs can be adjusted slightly, and the tabletop works well for snacktime or other kinds of creative play, such as cars, puzzles, or Legos. Price at time of publish: $399 Parents will also appreciate the small footprint: It’s just over 2 feet high and measures 21 x 21 inches. (This also means that it’s ideal for one or two kids max, not a crowd.) The tub itself is 9 inches deep, and there’s a drain at the bottom. Although it has been weatherproofed, you may wish to store it indoors during the colder months to prevent damage. Price at time of publish: $270
Shape
Most sandboxes are square, but some of the smaller, animal-themed ones tend to be round. There are also more unusual options such as octagons. If you’re choosing a wooden sandbox, look carefully at the perimeter and make sure it has enough space for a child to sit on—otherwise, they’ll need to be constantly choosing whether to sit directly in the sand or on the outside.
Material
Most sandboxes are made from wood, and redwood and cedar are popular choices since they tend to be dense, durable, and weather-resistant. But wooden sandboxes tend to be left outside year-round, so you’ll still want to give yours a coat of clear sealant at the end of every summer. If your sandbox only came with a wooden lid, consider covering the whole thing with a tarp for additional protection. Plastic sandpits are lightweight, affordable, and easy to disinfect, and many can also double as wading pools. You may want to store a plastic sandbox indoors (or at least inside a storage shed) when it gets cold to protect it from cracking.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was researched and written by Lexi Dwyer, who is a parenting and lifestyle writer for The Spruce. Throughout her career, she has covered everything from patio tables, outdoor toys, and inflatable hot tubs to the best bathroom cleaners. Additional reporting was done by Julia Fields a lifestyle writer for The Spruce covering all things surrounding toys, gifts, and the holidays since October 2021. Before that, she covered similar topics including toy reviews, product round-ups, expert-focused articles, and more.
