Sandboxes Buying Guide

Sandboxes are a great way for children to explore and feel the unique properties of sand.   From building castles with wet sand to sifting through the fine, dry stuff for "buried treasures," sandbox play can be an imaginative, sensory experience.  And although sandboxes can offer different learning  and play  experiences for children  of varying ages, but they're best suited for the younger crowd ages one to eight.  To find out more about the type of sandbox that may best suit your child's needs and your household's budget, check out the rest of this guide.

Important Questions

• How many children will be using the sandbox?  The more children, the bigger space you need.  And even if you only have one child, remember that friends and relatives may want to come over to play as well.
• How big is your yard or playroom?  Before you go off to purchase the super-deluxe sandbox, assess the space you have available.  Consider how you need to move around the yard for mowing and gardening as well family get togethers.  Perhaps a large, wood model would get in the way of these activities and a sandbox attached to larger play equipment may help to save space.
• How deep is your wallet?  Sandboxes range from simple and inexpensive (£35) to the dramatic dessert-like models (upwards of £700).  And the bigger the box, the more likely it will need delivery, which also contributes to the overall cost.

Sandy Choices

Plastic  Plastic sandboxes are relatively inexpensive and portable.  They come in all sorts of shapes and sizes to accommodate your child (try turtles, seashells, ladybugs, you name it).  They also are easy to maintain and clean up with form fitting lids.  Their biggest downfall is that they can get easily worn in warmer, sunnier climates, which causes them to fade and become brittle.	Elevated or Sand Table   An elevated sandbox or sand table sits at your child's waist height and often has separate compartments for sand, water and toys.  These are great for minimizing mess since kids only get sandy hands instead of sandy bodies, and they can even be used inside if you place a plastic sheet beneath them (great for not-so-nice weather).  Sand tables can accommodate a larger number of children that other sandbox models, and they are multifunctional--place on the lid to convert one to a normal play table.	Timber  Timber sandboxes are largely available in square and hexagonal shapes, though they come in various sizes to accommodate several children at one time. Look for boxes made of spruce  or red cedar,  as they are the most sturdy and weather resistant.  Pine  is usually a decent, cheaper alternative, but you have to make sure it isn't treated with any dangerous chemicals.  Plastic-timber composite s are also making their way onto the sandbox scene for a higher price than most, offering increased durability and relieving the threat of splinters.	DIY  There are a bunch of kits  out there that provide you with the instructions and materials to build your own sandbox, but you usually have to start out with a little bit of woodworking knowledge.  You can also make your own sandbox on a smaller scale using a large plastic storage bin and sand from your local hobby shop.

Related Guides

Age Specific Toys	Outdoor Toys	Ride On Toys	Beach Games	Science Toys

External Links

• Kids-Fun-And-Games.com:  Tons of game, toy and party ideas for kids.