International- Sandbox play helps improve fine motor skills as children dig, dump, and sift sand.
- Playing in a sandbox with others promotes problem-solving and social skills.
- We researched and tested large sandboxes for multiple kids, wooden sandboxes, indoor sandboxes, and sand and water tables to find the best ones you can buy.
- The Step2 Naturally Playful Sandbox has space for four preschoolers, a protective lid, and can even be used as a small splash pool.
Almost every child enjoys playing in the sand - digging, searching for buried treasure, building roads and sandcastles. The sandbox is where many kids make their first friends as they learn to share and play with others. But in addition to the fun, playing in sand helps children develop fine motor skills, fuels imagination, and encourages problem-solving.
The advantage of sandboxes over simply playing in the dirt outside is that the box can be kept covered to prevent soiling from animal feces. The sand can also be changed regularly to keep the play environment as clean as possible. With just a few maintenance steps, your kids can have hours of safe play.
Here are tips for maintaining a sandbox:
- Keep the sandbox covered when not in use.
- Allow the sand to dry thoroughly if it is wet from rain or playtime.
- Regularly sift through the sand to remove debris.
- Change the sand if soiled by a baby's diaper.
- Fill the box with play sand, not builder's sand. Play sand has been cleaned and sifted.
- Change the sand annually and wash and disinfect the sandbox.
My grandson is 2 years old and we just built him a wooden swing set and fort. There was a perfect space next to the fort and slide for a sandbox. So I began the search for the perfect one for his backyard and, of course, one to keep at my house. I discovered that the choices have improved since I bought one for his dad and uncle many years ago. While shopping and testing different styles I took into consideration safety, materials, cost, and the fun factor for kids.
Here are the best sandboxes you can buy:
- Best sandbox overall: Step2 Naturally Playful Sandbox
- Best large sandbox for multiple kids: Sandlock 10-foot Rectangular Sandbox with Cover
- Best wooden sandbox: KidKraft Outdoor Sandbox with Canopy
- Best indoor sandbox: My Little Sandbox Pirate's Treasure
- Best budget sandbox: Little Tikes Big Digger Sandbox
- Best water and sand table: Step2 Cascading Cove Sand & Water Table with Umbrella
You can purchase syndication rights to this story here.
Disclosure: This post is brought to you by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners. We frequently receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising sales team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at reviews@businessinsider.com.