The 8 Best Sandboxes of 2023

Best Overall

Gorilla Playsets Square Interlocking Sandbox with Cover and Umbrella

4.5

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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: $149

_{Dimensions: 43.38 x 43.38 x 7.82 inches | Weight: 23 pounds | Material: Wood | Sand Capacity: 475 pounds | Recommended Age: 9 years and up}

Best Budget

Homeware Red Hemlock Sandbox with Canopy

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It can be tricky to find a solid wood sandbox at this price, but this one fits the bill and even comes with an adjustable canopy. It's made of redwood, a dense, durable material and the edges of the sandbox are wide enough for little ones to sit on.

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

_{Dimensions: 45 x 45 x 47 inches | Weight: 22 pounds | Material: Wood | Sand Capacity: Not Listed | Recommended Age: 12 years and up}

Best for Toddlers

Zoomie Kids Plastic Sandbox with Cover

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This adorable smiling hippo would make a perfect gift for toddlers and can be used as either a wading pool or a sandbox. (Some parents find that their children are even happy to play inside it when it's empty)!

The sandbox weighs only seven pounds empty, so it's easy to set up and move around, and because of the size, we'd imagine 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.

_{Dimensions: 27.8 x 38.5 x 13.2 inches | Weight: 7 pounds | Material: Plastic | Sand Capacity: Not Listed | Recommended Age: Not Listed}

Best with Cover

Best Choice Products Wooden Outdoor Sandbox with Foldable Bench Seats

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This sandbox has a small footprint but gives kids a little more space to spread out. Although the bottom is open, it comes with landscape fabric for lining, so it's ready to set up as soon as you open the box. The ingenious design features two benches—with back support!—that folds down to double as a cover for the sandbox. (Note that the weight limit for each bench is 200 pounds.)

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: $120

_{Dimensions: 47.25 x 49 x 8.5 inches | Weight: 41 pounds | Material: Wood | Sand Capacity: 300 pounds | Recommended Age: 3 years and up}

Best with Canopy

KidKraft Activity Sandbox with Canopy

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This sandbox has plenty of space for imaginative play for kids and parents together. It also comes with two plastic bins that can be used to store toys or water. The company includes a plastic liner for putting underneath to avoid big messes. KidKraft uses Sanmu wood, which is plywood supplied from China, and it has been reinforced to guard against warping.

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: $179

_{Dimensions: 64.25 x 60.25 x 51 inches | Weight: 56.1 pounds | Material: Wood | Sand Capacity: 200 pounds | Recommended Age: 2 years and up}

Best Splurge

Cabin Field Sandbox Boat Amish Playset

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Part boat, part play structure, and part sandbox, this custom-built creation is any child's backyard dream come true. Cabinfield has relationships with many different Amish craftspeople, who are known for their high-quality woodworking pieces. This boat (more of an ark, really) is a great large option and even comes with a nautical-style steering wheel. You can also opt to upgrade the siding from pine to cedar, and add features such as mounted binoculars and a telescope.

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: $3,150

_{Dimensions: 13 x 6 x 6 feet | Weight: Not Listed | Material: Wood | Sand Capacity: Not Listed | Recommended Age: Not Listed}

Best with Water

Crate & Kids Sand and Water Table

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When covered with its acacia wood top, no one would even guess that this attractive table is for kids' play. The interior has two sides (one bin for water and one for sand), each measuring about 21 by 19 inches. They also have multiple drain plugs to make the emptying process go smoothly. 

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

_{Dimensions: 24 x 42 x 24 inches | Weight: Not Listed | Material: Wood, Metal | Sand Capacity: 50 pounds | Recommended Age: Not Listed}