Kids' Sandboxes That Will Have Them Squealing With Joy

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Having playtime in the sandbox is a childhood memory most of us have. Kid's sandboxes also provide outlets for pretend play, STEAM play, and help build minor motor skills, all at the same time. It's also where they become amateur explorers seeking lost treasures, baby architects building the next great skyscraper, sculptors shaping forms, and scientists studying bugs. Plus, they're one of the few playscapes that are relatively inexpensive and provide a diverse range of play modes.

Believe it or not, sandboxes are a developmental powerhouse. According to the LUME institute, they help improve language skills, develop social-emotional learning resources, and even help children learn math with concepts like more or less, bigger and smaller, and basic geometry.

You might think that sandboxes are just the traditional wooden shape, but nowadays there are options with covers in case a summer storm comes through, umbrellas to keep your kids safe from the sun, as well as options for babies, toddlers, and bigger kids, too. These are one of the best end-of-the-school-year gifts you can get your littles. They provide so much entertainment.

Interlocking Sandbox With Cover and Umbrella

If you're looking for a compact sandbox but still want all of the features of a big sandbox, look no further.

This kids' sandbox is just over 3.5 feet square and comes with a cover and umbrella for shade. The box itself is designed with an interlocking pattern of hardwood and steel bolting that will keep this puppy going strong for years on end.

More: The Best Outdoor Toys to Keep Kids Away From Tablets

Naturally Playful Sand Table

We love this sand table from Step2 for a ton of reasons. First, it’s great for families who might have their sandbox on a balcony or rooftop because it’s lighter and smaller.

Secondly, for kids like our parenting editor’s son, who’s on the spectrum, this table doesn’t force the kids to sit in the sand to play with it. Instead, it allows them to approach the sand more comfortably.

Third, it’s durable, has a cover, and is under $100.

Sandboxes Square Sandbox with Cover

The construction of this blown plastic sandbox is unique in that there are no bolts and nuts exposed in any place. That means no accidental scrapes, tugs, or injuries. The tongue-and-groove style also means it's dead simple to put together.

It comes with a base, a cover, and two removable bench seats for additional play areas. This sandbox is a best-seller at Walmart for good reason. We especially love this one as a gift for a big family.

Dirt Diggers Excavator Sandbox for Kids

Have a little one obsessed with construction? We have the best gift ever for you! How cool is this sandbox? It's chock full of activities built in, as well as the lid. The road piece fits in the sandbox upside down and acts as a cover. And don't worry, it comes with a 6-piece accessory set, including a shovel and rake, as well as the digger and truck that you see.

Cascading Cove Sand & Water Table with Umbrella

Our local preK has this sandbox in their outdoor classroom, and it gets more use than almost any other toy. And if it can withstand the wild anarchy that is a PreK, it can for sure handle your kids. It comes with the lid and the umbrella, and has a fun mix of spaces for sand and places for water, giving kids a delightful sensory experience.

Kids 3-in-1 Outdoor Wood Activity/Picnic Table

This is awesome for all of the reasons listed for the Step2 table, but this table has two separate boxes that can be filled. Ostensibly, you could fill one with sand and one with water, or you could do two sandboxes or two water boxes — or even fill them with water and let your kids go to town.

The point is, this keeps your kids out of the sand, and it keeps what is in the box contained, thanks to the handy-dandy lid.

Kids' Wooden Cabana Sandbox

The only thing this trendy sandbox doesn't have is cupholders, and that's probably for the best. (Ew, germs!) However, it does have bench seats, a UV-resistant cover, and two buckets to hold sand toys.

It's made of solid fir wood, and the bottom of the sandbox allows for drainless filtration, so you don't need to worry about pooling or emptying it after a rainstorm.

6.5-Foot Octagon Sandbox With Cover

Holy moly, this is a huge sandbox for a killer price. It's almost 7 feet across, with nearly a foot in depth. Yes, it takes a prodigious amount of sand to fill, but once you do? Your children will be completely occupied here all summer long.

It comes with a stretch-tight cover that doesn't get brittle even after months in the brutal summer heat, so your box is protected.

KidKraft Pirate Sandboat

Sandboxes were never this cool when we were younger. So, hop in with your kids and steer the ship because this boat is ready to set sail. (Although, given the contents, it feels like it might be beached.)

The frame is made of hardwood that is farmed sustainably, and the base is over six feet in length and five in width. All your kids need is to practice their pirate lingo.

Turtle Sandbox

This turtle-shaped sandbox from Little Tikes is the gold standard of sandboxes for babies, and it's practically indestructible. It can be bleached, sprayed with the hose, accidentally hit with the weed-wacker — you name it, it can withstand it. It's built to last — and plus, it's just downright adorable.

Sandtastik Sparkling White Play Sand

If you invest in one of these kids' sandboxes, you'll also need a few bags of this highly filtered, clean, bright white sand. With free shipping, you can have it easily delivered to your door. Because who wants to go to the store and shlep 200 pounds of sand back home? Not us.

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