Sandboxes and play sand

Covers and sand capacity. Cover it when not in use.

Toddler digging in a wooden backyard sandbox with a parent sitting on the edge

13models tracked
$40 to $314price range

Sandboxes and play sand by budget

The 10 sandboxes and play sand with a published list price, split into thirds by price. A to Z within each lane. Price isn't a quality rating.

Budget-friendlyUnder $763

Mid-range$76 to $1003

Splurge$100 and up4

All 13 sandboxes and play sand

Must have:

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Compare		Seats
	Badger Basket Covered Cedar Sandbox with BenchesFolds	–	–	$216.99
	Badger Basket Simple Sandbox with Liner and Cover	–	–	$75.99
	Badger Basket Woodland 2-in-1 Sandbox & Planterup to 175 lb	–	175 lb	–
	Funphix Dig n' Play Sandbox Playhouse	–	–	–
	KidKraft Backyard Sandbox	–	–	$189.99
	KidKraft Outdoor Sandbox with Canopy	–	–	$314.99
	Little Tikes Turtle Sandbox 2.0	–	–	$59.99
	Simplay3 Caterpillar Sandbox	–	–	$79.99
	Simplay3 Coastal Crab Sandbox	–	–	$59.99
	Step2 Naturally Playful Sand Table	–	–	$89.99
	Step2 Play & Store Sandboxup to 50 lb	–	50 lb	$104.99
	Sun Joe Ultra Fine Silica Play Sand, 50 lb	–	–	–
	Sun Squad Castle Fort Sandbox	–	–	$40

Sandboxes and play sand by the numbers

The 13 we compare, from each maker's published specs. Ranges, not ratings.

Sand capacity80 lb to 750 lb; the middle half 160 lb to 750 lb (7 of 13 publish it)
Price$40 to $314.99; the middle half $59.99 to $189.99 (10 of 13 publish it)

Sandboxes side by side

Sorted by sand capacity, where the maker lists it. Every value is as the maker lists it.

Product	Sand capacity	Cover	Size	Material	Ages
Badger Basket Covered Cedar Sandbox with Benches	750 lb	Benches fold flat to cover the sand when play time is done	Overall 46.5 in L x 46.5 in W x 9.5 in H	Heat-treated, stained cedar with rust-resistant hardware (stainless hinges, zinc plated screws)	–
Badger Basket Simple Sandbox with Liner and Cover	750 lb	100% polyester tie-on cover	46.5"L x 46.5"W x 8.75"H assembled	Acacia wood with cedar finish, 100% polyester cover, fabric liner (liner material not specified)	–
Badger Basket Woodland 2-in-1 Sandbox & Planter	700 lb	100% polyester cover; meant to keep out rain, insects and small animals when not in use	48.5 W x 48.5 D x 12 H in	Sandbox: high quality/high density plastic with a faux wood look; liner and cover: 100% polyester; hardware: zinc-plated metal	–
Step2 Play & Store Sandbox	200 lb	Cover included; molded and made together with the sandbox as a unit, not sold separately	42 W x 28 D x 11 H in	Plastic (described as durable)	2+ years
Simplay3 Caterpillar Sandbox	160 lb	Removable textured sensory cover	14.25" high, 19" wide, 44" long	Heavy-duty plastic	–
Simplay3 Coastal Crab Sandbox	100 lb	Removable cover that doubles as the crab's shell	–	–	1.5 years
Step2 Naturally Playful Sand Table	80 lb	Lid included; elastic tie-downs hold it on; lid has a molded-in roadway and can be used for play	26 W x 36 D x 16.38 H in	–	2+ years
Little Tikes Turtle Sandbox 2.0	–	Removable turtle shell lid that snaps and tethers in place	38.00" L x 34.00" W x 10.50" H	–	1 year
Sun Squad Castle Fort Sandbox	–	–	–	Fabric and plastic	18 Months and Up
KidKraft Backyard Sandbox	–	–	59.13" x 59" x 8.38"	Sanmu wood, described as weather-resistant wood	2+
KidKraft Outdoor Sandbox with Canopy	–	Includes a canopy; description says it comes with a mesh cover for the sand	64.25" x 60.25" x 51"	Sanmu wood, described as weather-resistant wood	2+
Funphix Dig n' Play Sandbox Playhouse	–	Fabric rooftop cover that shades the bench (a roof, not described as a sand cover)	–	–	5 years and up
Sun Joe Ultra Fine Silica Play Sand, 50 lb	–	–	–	–	–

Shortlist: 2 models, each highest or lowest on one spec

Ranked on the maker's published numbers only. Not a safety or quality rating.

Lightest Step2Play & Store Sandbox 50 lb
Lightest: the Step2 Play & Store Sandbox at 50 lb, per Step2.

Sand capacity
200 lb
Price
$104.99
See specs
Lowest price Sun SquadCastle Fort Sandbox $40
Lowest price: the Sun Squad Castle Fort Sandbox at $40, per Sun Squad.

See specs