The 10 Best Sandboxes With Covers to Keep Critters Out and Fun In

The AAP recommends covers for sandboxes to keep bugs, animals, and moisture out

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Best Backyard Sandboxes with Covers of 2023

Verywell Family / Brian Kopinski

Sandboxes are a wonderful addition to a backyard or an outdoor play space. Playing with sand is a terrific way for kids to practice their sensory, fine, and gross motor skills, engage in pretend play, express creativity, enjoy the outdoors, and take a break from screens and gadgets. Plus, it’s much easier to prepare for fun in a sandbox than a day at the beach!

Adding a sandbox to your outdoor area can be a fun upgrade to a backyard, but there are a few safety concerns to be aware of. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), sandboxes should be covered when not in use to prevent animals and insects from entering the sand.You should also fill your sandbox with natural river or beach sand, and avoid products with crushed stones or other elements. If the sand gets wet, let it dry out in the sun, or it may harbor bacteria. Regularly sift or rake the sandbox to remove foreign materials and prevent clumps.

找到最好的沙箱封面,我们采访了with two brand managers of toy companies about what to look for in sandboxes with covers and the benefits of playing with sand. Moreover, we reviewed guidance from the AAP on why and how to keep sand clean.Next, we studied the design and features of more than 30 sandboxes with covers on the market.

When reviewing products, we considered durability, assembly, material, age recommendations, safety, size, design, features, and overall value. From wooden to plastic, small to big, the best sandboxes with covers encourage a clean playing environment and are easy to use, whether you have a large yard or limited space.

Best Overall

Step2 Naturally Playful Sandbox II with Bonus Sand Tools

Walmart Step2 Naturally Playful Sandbox II with Bonus Sand Tools

Walmart

Pros
  • Includes seven sand toys

  • Neutral colors

  • Plastic is durable

Cons
  • Assembly requires screwdriver (not included)

步骤2自然活泼的沙箱是我们最好的机汇erall pick for a multitude of reasons, like its neutral color, spacious size, and quick assembly. We love how this plastic sandbox assembles in minutes; just be sure to have a screwdriver handy. The company recommends securing all four sides during assembly before attaching the base to help prevent any sand leakage or moisture from entering the sandbox.

The rectangular sandbox holds up to 200 pounds of sand (sold separately) for kids ages 1 and up to enjoy. We appreciate the generous size of the Step2 sandbox; it’s big enough to fit a couple of kids but not so big that it overwhelms your backyard. If you’ve got a particular decor or style for your yard, you’ll be thankful that this sandbox has a low profile and a neutral color palette.

This sandbox comes with seven sand toys, including a bucket, rake, castle mold, sifter, and more. They’re great for playing with and adding a sensory experience to the sandbox. When it’s time to head indoors, there’s plenty of room to store the included toys (and others you’ve added) in the sandbox. When playtime is over, cover this sandbox with its lid that fits securely on top of the base.

Price at time of publication: $110

Key Specs:
Materials:
Plastic |Dimensions:31.25 x 50.38 x 16 inches |Recommended Age:12 months and up |配件:Cover and seven sand toys |Sand Capacity:200 pounds

Best Budget

Little Tikes Turtle Sandbox

沃尔玛Little Tikes Turtle Sandbox

Walmart

Pros
  • Two built-in seats

  • Lightweight when empty

  • Small size

Cons
  • Top is different shade of green than base

  • Small for multiple older kids

If you want to add a sandbox without busting your budget, this adorable turtle-shaped sandbox is a welcome addition to any backyard. Weighing in at 11 pounds when empty, the Little Tikes Turtle Sandbox has a smaller footprint and is relatively lightweight. It holds up to 150 pounds of sand, which is on the lower end of the sandbox volume on our list. The plastic sandbox for kids is durable and easily withstands the elements of the outdoors.

The turtle’s two front feet double as comfy built-in seats, so kids don’t have to sit in the sand, which also saves room for digging, playing, and more fun. The round lid is the removable cover that fits right on top of the cute turtle when not in use. It’s lightweight but secure, so you won’t need outside materials to tamp it down. Side note: the lid cover is a different shade of green than the base (just think of it as your turtle’s natural coloring).

Price at time of publication: $90

Key Specs:
Materials:
Plastic |Dimensions:7.75 x 39 x 43.5 inches |Recommended Age:12 months and up |配件:Cover |Sand Capacity:150 pounds

Best for Toddlers

KidKraft Wooden Pirate Sandbox with Canopy

Wayfair KidKraft Wooden Pirate Sandbox with Canopy

Wayfair

Pros
  • Sun canopy

  • Oversized and unique shape (holds 750 pounds of sand)

  • Storage in the seat

Cons
  • Mesh cover doesn’t keep sand dry

  • No solid base

Ahoy matey! Make a splash with this oversized and unique pirate ship sandbox. With a capacity of up to 750 pounds of sand, the KidKraft Wooden Pirate Sandbox will set sail for lots of fun andimaginative play. It has plenty of space for multiple kids to play and do more than just dig in the sand. We appreciate the sun canopy to protect delicate skin from the sun’s harmful rays and the mesh cover to guard the sand against critters. However, the mesh cover doesn’t protect against rainwater, so be sure to let the sand fully dry before playtime begins.

Plan for at least one to two hours to fully assemble this ship. You’ll need a screwdriver and an Allen wrench for assembly (not included). The set comes with a sun canopy, moveable steering wheel, pirate flag, bench seat with storage, and mesh cover. An important note: While the company includes a plastic liner for the bottom of the sandbox, there is no solid base. This pick is an investment in both budget, sand, and build time, but it’s a standout sandbox that’s unique and boasts lots of room for multiple children (and imagination).

Price at time of publication: $300

Key Specs:
Materials:
Weather-resistant wood |Dimensions:78.5 x 44.25 x 59.5 inches |Recommended Age:3 years old and up |配件:Shade canopy, mesh cover, steering wheel, pirate flag |Sand Capacity:750 pounds

Best Wooden

KidKraft Wooden and Canvas Outdoor Cabana Sandbox

Amazon KidKraft Wooden and Canvas Outdoor Cabana Sandbox

Amazon

Pros
  • Canopy provides sun protection

  • Three storage bins on the sandbox base

  • Sand capacity of up to 400 pounds

Cons
  • Mesh cover doesn’t keep sand dry

  • Plastic liner included, but no solid base

The KidKraft Cabana Sandbox features solid weather-resistant wood that’s sturdy and relatively easy to assemble. It has three storage bins that double as bench seats and provide a safe and secure spot to keep sand toys. Before assembly, parents should note that there’s no solid bottom on this sandbox. The set includes a plastic liner but lacks a wooden base. Since it holds up to 400 pounds of sand, there’s no moving this option once you fill it.

We appreciate how the canopy provides a good amount of shade coverage to protect delicate skin, and it looks like a cool clubhouse. While a mesh cover guards from the sun, it doesn’t keep the sand dry in the rain. Additionally, during very windy weather, the canopy can whip around and even come loose and fly off the sandbox. We recommend adding extra protections, like a tarp you can weigh down to keep sand dry and safe. With a cute and unique look, kids will love having their very own sandbox house.

Price at time of publication: $305

Key Specs:
Materials:
Weather-resistant wood |Dimensions:57.25 x 48.25 x 50.5 inches |Recommended Age:2 years old and up |配件:Mesh cover, plastic liner |Sand Capacity:400 pounds

Best With a Canopy

SoliWood Kid's Sandbox with Cover

Amazon SoliWood Kid's Sandbox with Cover

Amazon

Pros
  • Adjustable canopy provides shade/doubles as cover

  • Canopy is water-resistant with UV protection

  • 250-pound sand capacity

Cons
  • Water can pool on top of the canopy

  • Electric drill recommended for assembly

We love the adjustable canopy of the SoliWood Kid’s Sandbox, which protects against harsh sun rays. The canopy has UV protection, is water-resistant, and adjusts to various angles to block the sun and keep kids cool and comfortable.

When playtime is over, the canopy fully lowers to double as the sandbox cover. Innovative in theory, the canopy does a good job of keeping animals out, but it doesn’t fully seal, so insects may still find their way into the sand. Additionally, water may pool on the top of the cover. Because you have to lift or tilt the canopy to access the sandbox, the water may end up inside despite your best efforts to keep it dry.

The generously sized square sandbox requires assembly. The brand advises it’ll take about 30 minutes, and recommends an electric drill. We like that there’s plenty of room inside the sandbox for more than one kid and that the wide plank sides double as bench seating around the entire perimeter. Fill this sandbox with up to 250 pounds of sand, and your kiddos will be ready for tons of fun while avoiding harmful UV rays.

Price at time of publication: $120

Key Specs:
Materials:
Cedar wood |Dimensions:46.5 x 46.5 x 46.5 inches|Recommended Age:3 years old and up |配件:Adjustable nylon canopy |Sand Capacity:250 pounds

最好的小

Simplay3 Sand and Water Kids Bench

Amazon Simplay3 Sand and Water Kids Bench

Amazon

Pros
  • 3-in-1 design

  • Integrated storage

  • Easy to clean

Cons
  • Hot to sit on in the sun

Small but mighty, this versatile 3-in-1 sandbox is just as useful when it’s open as it is closed. The plastic sandbox is easy to assemble; two quick steps (and a Phillips head screwdriver) and this sweet sandbox is ready for fun. When opened, the toy reveals a sandbox on one side, and the cutouts on the cover’s underside act as a water table. There’s a deep “well” to fill with up to 4.5 gallons of water and tracks that work for cars or trucks. The sandbox side can hold up to 240 pounds of dry sand.

After playtime, simply flip the top back over to create a bench seat for two kids. The molded-in, high-back seats are just right for kids and super comfy. In seat mode, there’s still plenty of room in the sandbox for storage so kids can keep their sand or water toys inside the unit.

Ideal for smaller yards, outdoor patios, or even playrooms, this small unit is quite versatile. The only drawback is that if you use the water feature, you’ll need to release the latch to separate the top from the unit to drain the water. It’s not difficult to maneuver, but we’d prefer a drain plug instead.

Price at time of publication: $110

Key Specs:
Materials:
Plastic |Dimensions:25.98 x 33.86 x 19.69 inches |Recommended Age:2 to 6 years old |配件:None |Sand Capacity:240 pounds

Best Large

Cedar Creative Designs Octagon Wooden Sandbox with Cover

Amazon Cedar Creative Designs Octagon Wooden Sandbox with Cover

Amazon

Pros
  • 7 feet wide

  • Includes ground and top cover

  • Cedarwood has a natural scent

Cons
  • Requires 800 pounds of sand to fill

Whether you have a large yard, a big crew of kids, or justlovesandboxes, the Creative Cedar Designs Octagon Sandbox fits all your sandy needs. It measures over 7 feet long, and its fresh-smelling cedar makes your backyard feel like a true mountain oasis.

Keep in mind that you'll need a lot of space for this big pick (84 x 78 x 9 inches), and you'll also need a lot of sand—800 pounds to be exact. Its octagon shape is unique, with four of the eight edges doubling as comfy seating.

Assembly is straightforward, thanks to clear instructions and a slot system, which allows planks to fit into each other. You'll just need some muscle power and a Phillips head screwdriver to assemble this sandbox. Besides the planks, this set includes a ground liner for the bottom of the sandbox and a well-fitting eco-friendly cover that keeps the sand safe from debris, animals, and the weather. Once set up, this sandbox can easily accommodate six to eight kids, plus toys.

Price at time of publication: $170

Key Specs:
Materials:
Cedar wood |Dimensions:84 x 78 x 9 inches |Recommended Age:18 months and up |配件:Ground cover and top cover |Sand Capacity:800 pounds

Best Sand Table

Kidoozie Sensory Table With Lid and Toys

Toddler Sensory Kids Table with Lid

Amazon

Pros
  • Affordable

  • Legs are removable

  • Comes with toys

Cons
  • No built-in seating

Bring the beach home with this super fun sensory sand table. We love that the plastic set features two compartments of the same size and a lid for additional protection. Fill one with sand and the other with water, or combine materials on both sides for the ultimatesensory playexperience. The Kidoozie Sensory Table measures 17.5 x 12.5 x 11 inches, making it a solid choice for one or two younger kiddos.

The legs are removable, so it’s easy to place the bin on the floor or tabletop in your house, backyard grass, park, or even the beach. This way, young kids have an on-the-go and self-contained play space. The plastic material rinses and cleans in seconds when playtime is over. There’s no need to supply your toys either—this set comes with five toys, including a shovel, bucket, stamper, and more.

The drawbacks to this set are also its benefits. The sand table is small, portable, and great for younger kids. For older kids, this sandbox is likely too juvenile, and not big enough to sit inside like other options on our list. Still, this sand table is a great, versatile starter set for the younger crowd.

Price at time of publication: $22

Key Specs:
Materials:
Plastic |Dimensions:17.5 x 12.5 x 11 inches |Recommended Age:2 years old and up |配件:Five toys, table legs, and tabletop |Sand Capacity:Not listed

Best for Pretend Play

Little Tikes Big Digger Sandbox

Amazon Little Tikes Big Digger Sandbox

Amazon

Pros
  • Excavator is attached

  • Characters, tools, and dump truck included

  • Fun opened or closed

Cons
  • Best for younger kids

Dig into the action with this construction-themed sandbox that’ll give the right kid hours of entertainment. If your child enjoys building, excavating, and playing with trucks, consider this purchase a no-brainer addition to your toy arsenal.

Weighing in at just 15 pounds (unfilled), this toy definitely gets every ounce of fun thanks to versatility. The multi-purpose lid flips open to reveal a sandbox. The lid remains attached, so kids can drive the included dump truck down the ramp and into the “no sand” zone. Besides a dump truck, the set comes with two characters and four sandbox tools. When sand time is over, simply close the lid, and kids can still play with the truck. A working excavator is attached to the base, which digs into the sand (when exposed) or is available for playing even when the sand area is closed.

The sandbox can hold up to 100 pounds of sand, although if one kid will be playing with this toy, 50 pounds of sand is probably sufficient. For kids who love trucks, this is a super versatile and engaging toy—don’t be surprised if lots of other vehicles from home end up joining the fun.

Price at time of publication: $57

Key Specs:
Materials:
Plastic |Dimensions:29 x 29 x 9 inches |Recommended Age:2 years old and up |配件:Two characters, four tools, one dump truck, and an attached excavator |Sand Capacity:100 pounds

Best With Seats

Best Choice Products Wooden Outdoor Sandbox with Foldable Bench Seats

Best Choice Products Wooden Outdoor Sandbox with Foldable Bench Seats

Amazon

Pros
  • Seats convert to the cover

  • Large size

  • Backrests on all four seats

Cons
  • Cover is not waterproof

Take a seat, or four, with this square sandbox that boasts comfy bench seats. The Best Choice Wooden Sandbox holds two kids (or one adult) per side and features backrests to keep kids comfortable and prevent them from falling backward out of the sandbox.

The bench seats easily fold down into a split cover that protects the sandbox from debris and animals. While this is helpful, the wooden slats won’t protect against insects, and the cover is not waterproof, so you may want to secure a tarp to keep sand dry during rain showers. Relatively easy to assemble, this sandbox can hold around 250 pounds of sand at minimum. Just be aware that while it doesn’t have a base, the company includes a plastic liner to hold everything in.

Price at time of publication: $120

Key Specs:
Materials:
Cedar wood |Dimensions:49 x 47.25 x 8.5 inches|Recommended Age:3 years old and up |配件:Seats convert to the cover |Sand Capacity:250 pounds

How We Selected the Best Sandboxes With Covers

To select the best sandboxes with covers, we studied the design and features of more than 30 products on the market. We also researched reviews from customers and competitors and monitored shopping trends to bring you the best and most up-to-date offerings. When reviewing products, we considered design, size, sand capacity, material, age recommendations, assembly, and overall value.

Additionally, we spoke with two toy and creative experts:Karen Kane, an assistant brand manager at a toy manufacturer, andMichelle Seeberbrand manager at an art supply company, to learn more about the benefits of sandboxes and sensory play, safe sandbox use, and what to look for when buying a sandbox. Moreover, we reviewed guidance from the AAP on why and how to keep sandboxes clean.

What to Look for In Sandboxes With Covers

Material

Wooden sandboxes, such as theKidKraft Pirate Sandbox with Canopy, often look quite attractive but can require upkeep, such as treating the wood with a sealant to protect it. On the other hand, plastic sandboxes can withstand the elements and stay outside all year long, but they may be less attractive. Regardless of the material, ensure the sandbox’s cover is safe and secure to keep critters and insects out.

Size

Consider where you’ll house your sandbox by measuring the potential spot and checking the sandbox’s dimensions. You’ll want to place the sandbox in an easy-to-access flat area, and know that no matter how hard you try, some sand will likely spill over the edge of the sandbox.

And remember: the bigger the sandbox (like theCreative Cedar Designs Octagon Sandbox), the more sand you’ll need to fill it (which can become quite heavy). If you prefer a small sandbox, check out theLittle Tikes Turtle SandboxorKidoozie Sensory Table. Sandboxes are best for toddlers and younger kids. And keep in mind that eventually, you’ll need to remove both the sandbox (and all that sand) from your yard.

Recommended Age

Sandboxes are a great sensory play space for toddlers, preschoolers, and young children. According to Seeber, sensory play provides countless practical life skills by letting kids explore, discover, and create while practicing dumping, filling, and scooping. Another benefit of sandbox play is the potential for strong social and independent play, such as letting kids practice playing with others cooperatively, Seeber adds.

始终遵循制造商的建议年龄guidelines to ensure a safe playing experience. Additionally, you may want to establish some of your own house rules, like no sand or sand toys in mouths and no throwing sand. Seeber advises parents to keep an eye on little ones when they are in a sandbox, adding it’s imperative that children wash their hands before and after playing in the sand.

Durability

A sandbox should be durable and withstand outdoor elements, regardless of material choice. Once filled with sand, sandboxes are very heavy, so if they cannot stay outside all winter, be prepared to have a plan (and some extra muscle) to move the sandbox. You may want to use a water-based, weather-resistant stain once every year to protect your wooden sandbox. If the sand has become more rough and gritty than when you bought it, you might want to replace it, advises Cane.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How much does a sandbox cost?

    Sandboxes with covers can range from around $20 to more than $200. Wooden sandboxes will likely cost more upfront, while plastic sandboxes hold up well against outdoor weather elements. Our most expensive pick is theKidKraft Wooden Pirate Sandbox($300), which is an impressive outdoor toy fit for the most amazing adventures. On the opposite end of the price range, theKidoozie Sensory Table($22) is a practical option that requires little commitment.

    Keep in mind that none of the sandboxes listed in our article come with sand (they usually don’t), so you’ll need to factor in the cost of sand into your purchase.

  • Should you cover your child’s sandbox?

    Always cover a sandbox when not in use, according to AAP recommendations.This will protect the sand from the elements (think falling leaves and acorns) and animals. Cats may mistake the sandbox for a litter box, so always keep it covered when not in use.

    Before playing, check for any natural debris and animal waste. Moreover, always ensure the sand is dry if it has recently rained.

  • What is the best type of sand to use in a sandbox?

    According to the AAP, a child’s sandbox should be filled with natural river or beach sand.Typically, you can find these types of sand at major home goods or hardware stores in large bags. Avoid any sand made with crushed marble, limestone, or other crushed materials. Sand is typically sold in 50-pound bags, so prepare to use some muscle (or a handcart) to move the sand to the sandbox.

Why Trust Verywell Family

Maya Poltonis a former marketing manager and current freelance writer who covers food, home, and parenting. She’s also the mom of a 13-year-old son, a 9-year-old son, and a 5-year-old daughter.

1 Source
Verywell Family uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. American Academy of Pediatrics.Safety in the sandbox.