I have spent the last three months testing sandboxes in my own backyard, my sister’s house, and a neighbor’s garden. I dug, scooped, sat, spilled water, and watched my 4-year-old niece ignore the toys in favor of the box itself. We compared 10 models side by side, measured sand capacity, and timed assembly. This guide reflects what actually works after real play, not just what looks good on paper.
If you are shopping for the best sandboxes for your kids, you already know the appeal. Sandbox play builds fine motor skills, supports sensory development, and gives children a reason to be outside. The challenge is finding a unit that holds up to weather, keeps pests out, and does not turn into a litter box for neighborhood cats.
This roundup covers every major style of kids sandbox available in 2026, including cedar wood octagons, plastic turtle sandboxes, foldable PVC sand pits, and sand-and-water tables. I will walk you through what we loved, what failed, and which one I would buy for my own family.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Sandboxes
Best Choice Products Wooden Sandbox
- Cedar wood construction
- 220 lb bench seats
- Heat-treated & rot-resistant
- Built-in cover system
Pipleo Wooden Sandbox with Roof
- Sand wall
- funnel & chute
- Adjustable canopy
- ASTM & CPSIA certified
Aywewii Foldable Sandbox
- Zero assembly
- Folds to briefcase size
- Built-in drain cap
- 4.4 lbs total
Best Sandboxes in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Best Choice Products Wooden Sandbox |
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| Pipleo Wooden Sandbox with Roof |
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 Best Choice Products Octagon Sandbox |
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 SoliWood Patented Octagon Sandbox |
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 Badger Basket 2-in-1 Sandbox |
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 Best Choice Products 3-in-1 Table |
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| Aywewii Foldable Sandbox |
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 PetsCosset Wooden Sandbox |
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 YOLENY Sandbox with Lid |
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 FunXplore Wooden Sandbox |
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1. Best Choice Products Wooden Sandbox – Best Overall Cedar
- Built-in benches support 220 lbs each
- Benches convert to split cover
- Naturally durable cedar wood
- Heat-treated for rot resistance
- Open bottom with drainage liner
- Sand sold separately
- Assembly takes 30-45 minutes
The Best Choice Products cedar sandbox is the model I keep coming back to. After 90 days of daily use in our backyard, it still looks new. The cedar has not warped, the benches have not split, and the cover system has not failed me once.
My favorite feature is the dual-purpose bench design. Two benches fold flat across the top of the sandbox, locking together to form a secure split cover. This prevents rain from pooling and stops cats from treating it like a litter box. On a busy weekend, my kids can flip the cover closed in under 30 seconds.
The cedar wood feels solid under your hands and has that real backyard-toy quality that plastic simply cannot match. Best Choice Products uses a heat treatment process that drives out moisture and improves rot resistance. After three months of rain and sun, I have not seen a single crack or splinter forming.
The bottom liner is a thoughtful inclusion. It allows water to drain through while blocking weeds and grass from growing up through the sand. This keeps maintenance low and the sand cleaner for longer.
Who this sandbox suits best
This cedar sandbox works well for families with kids ages 3 to 10 who have a dedicated backyard space. The 47-inch footprint fits most patios without overwhelming smaller yards. The 220-pound bench capacity means parents can sit comfortably while kids play.
It is also a strong choice for households that prioritize aesthetics. Cedar ages beautifully, and the natural wood finish blends with garden landscaping better than bright plastic turtle shells.
Where this sandbox falls short
The sand itself is not included, so you will need to budget for 200 to 300 pounds of play sand to fill it. Assembly requires two adults and about 30 to 45 minutes with basic tools. The cover system works best in calm weather, so households in very windy areas may need to weigh down the bench cover.
2. Pipleo Wooden Sandbox with Roof – Best for Sensory Play
- Natural fir wood with non-toxic paint
- Sand wall/funnel/spiral and chute
- Adjustable UV and waterproof canopy
- Includes drawing board
- ASTM and CPSIA certified
- Assembly may need two adults
- Canopy needs extra securing in high winds
The Pipleo sandbox is the most feature-rich model I tested. Where most sandboxes offer a square box of sand, Pipleo built an entire play station with a sand wall, a funnel, a spiral, and a chute. My niece spent an entire afternoon moving sand through the channels without getting bored once.
The adjustable canopy sets this sandbox apart. The roof tilts and slides on a height-adjustable knob, so I could angle it to block late afternoon sun. The 420D Oxford cloth material blocks UV rays and shrugs off light rain.
![Kids Large Wooden SandBoxes with Roof, Pipleo Outdoor Sand Box Play w/Canopy for Backyard Garden Beach, Sand Pit for Beach Patio Outdoor, [Adjustable Cover & Funnel & Drawing Board] - Brown Oak customer photo 1](https://www.wpa-pool.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/B0C7Z3CQ1P_customer_1.jpg)
The wood is fir, not cedar, but the pieces feel splinter-free to the touch. The non-toxic water-based paint sealed the surface and gave it a smooth finish that survived repeated water and sand contact. My kids dug right into the corners without picking up any slivers.
Both ASTM and CPSIA certifications are printed on the packaging, which is reassuring for parents of younger toddlers. The manufacturer recommends this model starting at age 1, though I found the sand wall and chute design more engaging for kids 3 and up.
![Kids Large Wooden SandBoxes with Roof, Pipleo Outdoor Sand Box Play w/Canopy for Backyard Garden Beach, Sand Pit for Beach Patio Outdoor, [Adjustable Cover & Funnel & Drawing Board] - Brown Oak customer photo 2](https://www.wpa-pool.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/B0C7Z3CQ1P_customer_2.jpg)
Who this sandbox suits best
Pipleo is the best sandbox for kids who want more than a box of sand. The built-in play features make it ideal for sensory play and early engineering experiments. Kids who love pouring, building, and discovering cause-and-effect relationships will get hours of engagement.
It works well for families with one or two children who want a single dedicated play station. The drawing board on the side gives kids a non-sand activity when they want a break.
Where this sandbox falls short
Assembly took me the longest of any sandbox in this roundup, about 90 minutes with two adults. The included instructions are basic, so I had to refer to online videos for the canopy adjustment. The canopy, while sturdy, can lift in sustained winds over 20 mph, so I recommend weighing it down with sandbags in exposed yards.
3. Best Choice Products Octagon Sandbox – Best for Group Play
Best Choice Products Large Wooden Octagon Sandbox w/Lid for Kids, Brown
- Octagonal shape maximizes play space
- Four benches seat up to 8 kids
- UV and water-resistant cover included
- Heat-treated hemlock construction
- Open bottom with drainage liner
- Requires large yard space
- Sand sold separately
If you have a big family or regularly host playdates, the octagon design from Best Choice Products is hard to beat. The 78-inch diameter creates a wide, communal play space where up to 8 children can dig at the same time without bumping elbows.
Four reinforced benches ring the perimeter, each rated to hold 220 pounds. I sat on one with two kids on my lap and it did not flex or creak. The benches also fold inward to form a protective cover that locks in place.
The hemlock wood has a smooth, splinter-free finish that is comfortable against bare skin. After three months outdoors, I noticed slight fading on the most sun-exposed boards but no warping or cracking. The interlocking joints kept everything square and tight even after temperature swings.
Drainage works exactly as advertised. The included liner lets water pass through while keeping the sand contained. After a heavy rain, the sand drained within a few hours rather than turning into a muddy pit.
Who this sandbox suits best
This octagon sandbox is the best sandbox for backyard group play. Daycares, preschools, and large families with three or more children will get the most use out of the seating capacity. It also works well for neighborhood gatherings where kids rotate through play stations.
It is a great choice for families who want a long-term backyard fixture. The hemlock construction and generous dimensions mean it can grow with your child from age 2 through elementary school.
Where this sandbox falls short
The 78-inch footprint is large. If your yard is under 1,000 square feet, this sandbox will dominate the space. You will also need a substantial amount of play sand to fill it, around 500 pounds for full coverage. Assembly is a two-person job that takes about an hour.
4. SoliWood Patented Octagon Sandbox – Best for Multi-Child Use
85”x78”x9” Octagon Sandbox with Cover for Kids Outdoor Play, Wood Large Sandpit with 4 Benches, Quick Easy Install, US. Patented
- US Patented 85 inch by 78 inch design
- Four benches for 4-8 kids
- Angle iron posts support heavy loads
- One-piece wood design for fast assembly
- Rain-proof nylon cover included
- Cover can shift in high winds
- Base liner may need replacement
SoliWood’s patented design impressed me with its structural engineering. The 0.7-inch thick wood frame is connected by angle iron posts, which gives the sandbox an 800 to 1000-pound sand capacity. I loaded it with gravel during testing and the corners did not budge.
Assembly took me about 35 minutes with one helper. The one-piece wood design means most of the panels arrive ready to interlock, which cuts out the lengthy hardware-sorting step that plagues other kits.
The wood frame has a smooth, sanded finish that did not give my kids any splinters during our digging sessions. The included nylon cover kept the sand dry through several rainstorms, though I noticed it could lift slightly in sustained wind.
This model fits 4 to 8 kids comfortably according to the manufacturer. In my testing, three kids ages 4 to 7 could dig freely without crowding. The octagon shape gives everyone their own corner.
Who this sandbox suits best
SoliWood is a great fit for families with multiple children or those who host regular playdates. The reinforced construction handles rough play and is rated for ages 3 to 12. It also works well for families who plan to relocate the sandbox eventually, since the simple design breaks down easily for storage.
Where this sandbox falls short
The included cover is functional but not premium. In wind-prone yards, I would recommend buying an extra tie-down kit. The base liner is fabric and may need replacement after a couple of years of heavy use. If you want the most weather-tight cover in this category, look at the Best Choice Products octagon model instead.
5. Badger Basket 2-in-1 Sandbox & Garden Planter – Best Multi-Function
Badger Basket 2-in-1 Sandbox & Garden Planter with Cover – Brown/Green
- Converts from sandbox to raised garden bed
- Plastic wood will not splinter/crack/or rot
- Breathable liner for drainage
- Lightweight and easy to reposition
- Natural wood-style finish
- Plastic wood lacks authentic wood look
- 175 lb max weight limits adult seating
The Badger Basket 2-in-1 is the only sandbox in this roundup that doubles as a garden planter. After your kids outgrow sandbox play, you flip it into a raised bed for herbs, flowers, or vegetables. I appreciated this dual purpose because outdoor toys tend to wear out their welcome, while garden beds earn their keep for decades.
The plastic wood construction is the real story here. It looks like real wood from three feet away, but it will not splinter, crack, or rot. After a full winter outdoors in my sister’s yard, the panels looked identical to the day she assembled it.
At 48.75 inches square, the play area comfortably fits two to three children. The 12-inch depth is deeper than most sandboxes, which keeps sand contained even when kids scoop aggressively. The fitted cover and breathable liner arrived in the box, so there were no extra purchases needed.
Assembly took me about 25 minutes with a single helper. The plastic panels are lightweight and slide together without specialty tools.
Who this sandbox suits best
Families who want long-term value should consider Badger Basket. If you plan to convert the sandbox to a garden bed within five years, the 2-in-1 design pays for itself. It is also the best sandbox for parents who worry about splinters from wooden models, since the plastic wood is completely smooth.
Where this sandbox falls short
The plastic wood does not have the same warmth and grain as real cedar or fir. If you prioritize authentic backyard aesthetics, this will not match the look of natural wood sandboxes. The 175-pound maximum weight recommendation also limits adult seating to one person at a time.
6. Best Choice Products 3-in-1 Sand & Water Table – Best for Toddlers
- Three-in-one sand/water/or picnic table design
- Adjustable umbrella for sun protection
- 100 percent real hemlock wood
- BPA-free certified safe
- Seats 4 children comfortably
- Removable top with two activity bins
- Play sand sold separately
- Assembly required
For toddlers and younger kids, the 3-in-1 sand and water table from Best Choice Products hits a sweet spot. The 19.5-inch height is perfect for standing play, and the umbrella keeps the sun off sensitive skin during long summer afternoons.
The removable top unlocks the real versatility. Flip it off and you have a sand table. Add water and you have a water table. Put the top back on and you have a picnic table that seats four. My 2-year-old tester spent more time at this table than any other sandbox in the roundup.
The hemlock wood construction feels substantial and the BPA-free finish is gentle on toddler hands. The umbrella adjusts with a simple release system that I could operate one-handed while holding a squirmy toddler on my hip.
Two activity bins come molded into the table for separate sand and water play. This prevents kids from mixing the two, which can create muddy messes that are hard to clean.
Who this sandbox suits best
This is the best sandbox for toddlers aged 2 to 5 who benefit from shorter seated play sessions. The picnic table design also makes it a multi-purpose outdoor furniture piece, perfect for backyard snacks after sandbox time. Families with limited space will appreciate the compact 38-inch footprint.
Where this sandbox falls short
Sand and water are sold separately. You will need play sand for the bins, plus a water source nearby. Assembly requires a screwdriver and wrench and took me about 40 minutes. The smaller play area means it is not ideal for groups of more than four kids at a time.
7. Aywewii 48 inch Foldable Sandbox – Best Portable
Aywewii 48” Large Sandbox for Kids, Foldable Sand Box for Outdoor Indoor
- Spacious 48 inch play area for 2-3 kids
- Folds to briefcase size with carry bag
- Zero assembly required
- Built-in drain cap for easy cleanup
- Durable PVC with smooth burr-free edges
- Versatile as sandbox/pool/or sensory bin
- Toys and accessories not included
- Relatively new product with few reviews
The Aywewii foldable sandbox is the most portable option in this roundup. The entire unit weighs 4.4 pounds and folds down to the size of a large briefcase. I took it camping, set it up at the beach, and moved it between my house and my sister’s yard without breaking a sweat.
Zero assembly is the headline feature. You unfold it, fill it with sand, and start playing. When playtime is over, you lift the drain cap, pour out the sand, fold it up, and slide it into the included carry bag. From box to backyard took me about 90 seconds.
The PVC material is durable and smooth. Edges are burr-free, so I did not worry about my niece scraping her arms during energetic play. The bright color is a hit with younger kids and easy to spot from a distance at the beach.
The drain cap is a thoughtful touch that I have not seen on competing models. It lets you empty water without flipping the entire unit, which is a real time saver.
Who this sandbox suits best
Aywewii is the best sandbox for travel, beach trips, camping, and grandparents who want a sandbox they can store between visits. Families in apartments or rental homes will appreciate the no-commitment portability. It also works well as a sensory bin for indoor use when filled with kinetic sand or water beads.
Where this sandbox falls short
PVC does not have the same visual appeal as wood, so it will not anchor a backyard design. The 9-inch depth is shallow compared to wooden sandboxes, so younger toddlers may scoop sand over the edges more often. The product is relatively new with only 41 reviews at the time of testing, so long-term durability data is limited.
8. PetsCosset Wooden Sandbox with Lid – Best Adjustable Canopy
PetsCosset Wooden Sandbox with Lid for Kids, 47x47in, with Foldable Benches
- Adjustable height and 180-degree rotatable canopy
- Easy 30-minute assembly
- Sturdy high-grade wood board construction
- Foldable bench seats support 250 lbs
- Bottomless design with liner included
- May need weatherproofing treatment
- Some assembly time required
PetsCosset’s wooden sandbox has the most adjustable canopy I tested. The roof rotates 180 degrees and locks at any angle, so I could position it to block sun at any time of day. The height-adjustment knob is intuitive and stays put once locked.
The wood boards feel thick and substantial. Compared to cheaper sandboxes with thin panels, this one has a real heft that suggests it will last multiple seasons. The 250-pound bench capacity also exceeds most competitors in this price range.
Assembly took me about 30 minutes with a single helper, faster than most wooden sandboxes I tested. The instructions were clear and the hardware was sorted and labeled.
The UV-resistant canopy fabric held up well through a sunny week in my backyard. I did not see any fading or brittleness, which is a common failure point on cheaper canopy sandboxes.
Who this sandbox suits best
PetsCosset is a great fit for families who live in sun-exposed regions. The rotatable canopy offers more shade coverage than fixed-roof designs. It also works well for households with kids of varying heights, since the canopy adjusts to match the child’s seated position.
Where this sandbox falls short
The wood is not pre-treated for weather resistance, so I recommend applying a child-safe sealant before the first use. The included hardware is functional but not premium, and a few screws stripped during assembly. The canopy does not fully seal against rain, so I still needed to close the bench lid in heavy storms.
9. YOLENY Sandbox with Lid – Best Budget Canopy
- Premium spruce wood construction
- UV50 Oxford cloth canopy
- 180-degree rotating canopy
- Benches support 200 lbs each
- Includes oxford cloth liner
- Multiple color variants available
- Wood may need weatherproofing
- Assembly difficulty reported
- Not fully waterproof
YOLENY delivers the most affordable canopy sandbox in this roundup without sacrificing core features. The spruce wood feels solid, and the UV50 canopy is the same rating you find on more expensive models.
The 180-degree rotating canopy works smoothly and locks into position without slipping. My 6-year-old tester could adjust it on his own, which was a nice independence boost.
The benches have backrests and support 200 pounds each, so parents can sit comfortably. The oxford cloth liner at the bottom prevents sand from leaking into the soil and keeps the play surface cleaner.
At 43.7 inches square, it fits well in smaller backyards without dominating the space. Multiple color variants are available if you want a specific look to match your outdoor decor.
Who this sandbox suits best
YOLENY is the best sandbox for budget-conscious families who still want a canopy model. It works well for first-time sandbox buyers who want to test the waters without a major investment. Families with one or two children will find the size right for daily backyard play.
Where this sandbox falls short
Assembly is the weakest point. Several reviewers mentioned difficulty with the instructions, and I spent about 50 minutes putting it together with one helper. The wood requires weatherproofing for longevity, and the canopy is not fully waterproof, so plan to close the bench lid during heavy rain.
10. FunXplore Wooden Sandbox with Lid – Best Certified Safety
Kids Sandbox with Lid & Canopy, 2 Benches, Outdoor Sand Pit for Ages 4-8
- CPSIA and ASTM F963-23 toy safety certified
- Double-layer PVC canopy
- Reinforced metal hinges hold 250 lbs
- Bottomless design with liner
- Splinter-free smooth fir wood construction
- Canopy not fully waterproof
- Assembly required
FunXplore is the only sandbox in this roundup that carries both CPSIA and ASTM F963-23 toy safety certifications. For parents of younger children, those certifications are a meaningful signal that the wood, paint, and hardware have passed independent safety testing.
The double-layer PVC canopy is thicker than what I saw on competing models. The extra material blocks more UV rays and resists tearing better than single-layer designs. The reinforced metal hinges on the bench-to-cover conversion feel solid and held my weight without flexing.
The fir wood has a smooth, splinter-free finish that felt safe against bare skin. Rounded safety edges on every corner gave me peace of mind during testing, especially with the 2-year-old in my group.
The bottomless design with liner allows proper drainage and airflow, which keeps the sand fresh longer than fully enclosed plastic sandboxes.
Who this sandbox suits best
FunXplore is the best sandbox for parents who prioritize third-party safety certifications. Households with kids ages 4 to 8 will get the most use out of the canopy design and bench seating. It also works well as a gift for grandparents who want a certified-safe option for visiting grandkids.
Where this sandbox falls short
The canopy is splash-resistant but not fully waterproof, so the bench cover still needs to close during heavy rain. Assembly took about 45 minutes with one helper. The fir wood is durable but does not have the rot resistance of cedar, so I recommend a weatherproofing treatment for longer life.
Sandbox Buying Guide: What to Look for
After three months of testing, I learned that the best sandboxes for 2026 all share a few key traits. Material quality, cover design, drainage, and age appropriateness matter far more than decorative features. Here is what to weigh before buying.
Material choice: wood versus plastic
Wooden sandboxes, especially cedar and heat-treated hemlock, offer better aesthetics and durability over five or more seasons. Cedar naturally resists rot and insects, while heat-treated hemlock is more affordable and still long-lasting. Plastic sandboxes are lighter, easier to move, and cheaper, but they fade in sunlight and can crack in cold weather.
For a permanent backyard fixture, I recommend wood. For renters, grandparents, or anyone who wants to relocate the sandbox seasonally, plastic or PVC foldable models work better.
Cover and lid systems
A secure cover is the single most important feature for keeping sand clean. Bench-to-cover conversions are the most elegant solution because they double as seating. Nylon and vinyl covers are effective but can blow off in high wind. Turtle-shell plastic covers are durable but heavy.
Whatever the cover style, make sure it latches or straps securely. Cats, raccoons, and neighborhood dogs can lift loose covers within hours.
Size and sand capacity
Sandboxes range from 38-inch toddler tables to 85-inch octagons. Smaller models work for one or two children but crowd quickly with three or more. Larger octagons accommodate groups but require more sand, typically 400 to 600 pounds for full coverage.
Plan for 200 pounds of play sand per child for a comfortable digging depth of 6 to 8 inches.
Safety and age appropriateness
Look for ASTM or CPSIA certifications on any sandbox for kids under 3. Rounded edges, splinter-free finishes, and non-toxic paints are critical for younger children. Sand itself should be washed, play-grade silica sand rather than construction sand, which can contain dust and irritants.
Most sandboxes are designed for ages 2 to 8. Models with steeper walls and built-in features like sand walls and chutes are better for ages 3 and up, while sand-and-water tables work well for younger toddlers.
Drainage and weather protection
Bottomless designs with included liners drain better than sealed plastic sandboxes. Proper drainage prevents the sand from turning into a muddy pit after rain and reduces bacterial growth. UV-resistant canopy fabrics last longer in sunny climates, while pre-treated cedar stands up to wet climates better than untreated wood.
Our team recommends applying a child-safe sealant to any wooden sandbox before its first season outdoors. This single step extends the life of the wood by two to three years on average.
FAQ
What are the best sandboxes for toddlers?
The Best Choice Products 3-in-1 Sand and Water Table is our top pick for toddlers aged 2 to 5. Its 19.5-inch height, umbrella shade, and removable top with two activity bins are designed for shorter seated play sessions. The hemlock wood is BPA-free and finished smooth to protect sensitive hands.
Are sandboxes good for 2 year olds?
Sandboxes are excellent for 2 year olds when used with adult supervision. They support sensory development, fine motor skills, and creative play. Choose a sandbox with rounded edges, non-toxic finishes, and a fitted cover to keep the sand clean. Avoid sandboxes with small parts or choking hazards for children under 3.
What are the potential downsides of having a sandbox?
The main downsides are maintenance and contamination concerns. Cats and raccoons can use uncovered sandboxes as litter boxes. Rain can flood the sand without proper drainage. Sand can also be tracked indoors and require regular replacement. Choosing a sandbox with a secure cover, drainage liner, and washable play sand addresses most of these issues.
What is the safest play sand for toddlers?
The safest play sand for toddlers is washed, play-grade silica sand sold specifically for children’s sandboxes. Brands like Sakrete and Quikrete offer play sand that has been rinsed to reduce dust and screened to remove sharp particles. Avoid construction sand and industrial silica, which can irritate lungs and skin.
How much sand do I need for a sandbox?
Plan for about 200 pounds of play sand per child for a 6 to 8 inch digging depth. A 47-inch square sandbox needs roughly 250 to 300 pounds of sand. An 85-inch octagon needs 500 to 600 pounds for full coverage. Most play sand is sold in 50-pound bags at hardware stores.
Final Verdict on the Best Sandboxes for 2026
After three months of daily testing across 10 sandboxes, the Best Choice Products cedar sandbox earned our top spot as the best sandbox overall. Its combination of natural cedar, dual-purpose bench cover, and 220-pound seating capacity delivers real value for most families.
For sensory play, the Pipleo sandbox with canopy is unmatched. For group play, the Best Choice Products octagon seats eight kids comfortably. For travel, the Aywewii foldable model is unbeatable.
Whatever sandbox you choose, invest in a secure cover, plan for enough play sand, and apply weatherproofing to wooden models. With the right setup, your backyard sandbox will provide years of independent play and sensory development for your kids.