Bring the playground to your schoolyard with our collection of 30 innovative Sandpit ideas that you can make from the comfort of your home or classroom! Whatever design you choose, your children will spend hours soaking up the feeling of nature while you engage them in educational activities or simply treat them to some fun in the sun. From a pirate theme to beachy umbrellas, you’re sure to find a sandbox idea that suits the needs of your curious kids.
1. Road Sand Pit
Does your toddler love race cars? Here is a great toddler sandbox idea. Incorporate a race track around the outside of this wooden sandbox. This two-in-one custom sandbox provides a myriad of play options. Tip: keep small Hot Wheels inside and use cars with larger wheels that can withstand the sand.
Learn More: Pinterest
2. Bed Storage Tub Sandbox
Do you want to be able to store toys outside of the sandbox? Wooden planks with hinges offer the perfect solution. The storage compartment doubles as a step into the sandbox. You could even paint it with colorful stripes to add some personality!
Learn More: Pinterest
3. DIY Playhouse Additions
This deluxe DIY sandbox idea is another two-in-one option. Children can choose to use the playhouse above or the sandbox with seats below. What a fun place to play hide-and-go-seek!
Learn More: Hamilton Park
4. The Monogrammed Box
Looking for something more personal? After building the wooden frames on this adorable sandbox, add a monogram. This adorable mini sandbox is perfect for small spaces. What an epic sandbox idea!
Learn More: Texas Thrift
5. Completely Covered Sandbox
Do you live out in the country or on a farm? This is a cool backyard sandbox option if you are worried about animals getting into your toddler’s dedicated sand space. Some logs and chicken wire will get you started!
Learn More: HGTV
6. Wooden Pirate Sandbox
Fill a boat with sand using this kit that comes with step-by-step instructions. Kids can imagine being on the water in summer as they dig for treasure. The pirate ship’s sail protects from sunburns.
Learn More: Amazon
7. Rolling Sandbox
This sandbox is surrounded by chalkboard paint which will allow your child to draw fancy shapes when they need a break from the sand pit. Since it is on wheels, this indoor sandbox can be moved to wherever it is needed and can be used during any season. It’s portable sand!
Learn More: NerdyMamma
8. Picnic Table Sandbox
Here is a beautiful sand table with built-in benches and a lid with chalkboard paint. Seat kids on a picnic bench for lunch and chalk. Open the lid for fun with sand! There are so many options with this all-purpose table.
Learn More: Ryobi Nation
9. Covered Convertible Sandbox
The bench seat in this box will fold down to protect the sand when not in use. Not only will the covered roof provide shade, but it is also waterproof so your sand will never become mud!
Learn More: Amazon
10. DIY Sandbox
Looking for a super simple DIY design? This fabulous hand-built sandbox uses a bit of landscape fabric for a smooth bottom. Get out your hammer and nails for this project! Encourage your kids to paint the wood before you get started for some extra flare.
Learn More: Nomadic Thoughts from Lexi
Items 11, 12, and 13: Creative Sandbox Plans
11. Covered sandbox with seats
Want to make a sandbox yourself but need some guidance? This deluxe DIY sandbox design plan provides the blueprint for your handcrafted sandbox. (The stenciled design is not required.)
Learn More: Etsy
12. Wooden Train Sand Pool
All aboard! What a creative sandbox solution! This downloadable step-by-step guide provides a DIY sandbox plan that every toddler will enjoy. Kids can pretend to be Sir Topman Hatt and board the train when they need a break from digging.
Learn More: Etsy
13. Sand and Water Table Plan
Looking for a hand-built sandbox that does not require carpentry? This design plan uses PVC pipes as the foundation for a clever DIY sandbox idea. It’s a great cool and low-cost sandbox idea that is super easy to set up!
Learn More: Etsy
Items 14 and 15: DIY Wood Sandbox Tutorials
14. How to Build a Sandbox with Seats
Learn how to make a simple yet inviting sandbox for this hot summer. Use small pieces of wood for the corners of sandbox seats. This sandbox for toddlers will allow for hours of exploration in the sun.
Learn More: Weaver Family Farms
15. DIY Covered Sandbox with Bench Seating
Here is a fun sandbox idea that does not take up a lot of room. The video linked below shows the complete steps for this cool sandbox. Use the bench while digging, or fold it down for a built-in cover when you’re done playing.
Learn More: Stan Sullivan
16. Brilliant Car Sandbox
Looking for a clever sandbox idea? The hood of this wooden car offers storage space making it an extremely efficient sandbox idea for small spaces.
Learn More: This Old House
17. Tractor Tire Sandbox
Add a coat of paint to this tractor tire and you have a brilliant sandbox idea! Pool noodles have been cut in half to create a soft outer surface for your toddler’s back.
Learn More: Traci Millard
18. Beach Umbrella Sandbox
Worried about sunburns? Adding an umbrella to this fun sandbox may offer a solution to hot days. Your children can create houses of sand all day long with the protection of this umbrella.
Learn More: School Specialty.
19. Instant Sandbox Design
Interested in a huge sandbox with shade only when you want it? Check out this dedicated sand/dedicated shade area. Tilt the umbrella to place the shade where you need it without having the move this box shape sandbox.
Learn More: OJ Commerce and Lowe’s
20. Rectangular Shape Box
Kids in summers sometimes need a quick and compact sandbox. This pre-made box offers a great solution. Although the DIY sandbox component has been taken out, you can still get involved with the surrounding mulch bed and pick out bags of sand.
Learn More: Lowe’s
21. KidKraft Sandbox
Has it ever been too windy to play in the sandbox? These mesh windows take the elements out of the equation and allow for sandbox fun no matter the weather! Use the step-by-step instructions in this kit to create a deluxe sandbox. You’ll build a frame for storage box compartments and pin the mesh screen around the outside. Everything you need is included in this DIY kit except the sand.
Learn More: Lowe’s
22. Beautiful Teepee Sandbox
Here is a creative DIY sandbox that uses a tractor tire, long shoots of bamboo, and a tarp. What a fun space for kids! This featured sandbox allows for more imagination as kids can both dig and pretend they are in a fort.
Learn More: Pith and Vigor Blog
23. Kids Sand Table
Here is a beautiful sandpit that can be painted to add color to your green space. Your toddler can stand up and move around as they play in the sand. The best part? Their feet won’t be covered in sand when they are finished playing!
Learn More: Life on Beacon
24. Boat Sandbox
The sail of this boat doubles as a sandbox cover. This awesome boat sandbox idea offers a simple design but an incredibly functional play area.
Learn More: Ana White.
25. Border Sandbox DIY
Make a beautiful sandbox creation in your backyard with this easy design. Kids will enjoy sitting on the outside of the box or walking around the inside with the sand between their toes.
Learn More: Growing Up Kemper
26. Landscaped Sandpits
Do you have an elevated deck but are not sure what to put under it? Add a sandbox! The deck provides all-around shade and you don’t have to worry about a mossy eyesore under the deck.
Learn More: Slippers by Day
27. Costzon Large Wooden Sandbox
I love the clever storage suggestions and built-in benches that come with this sandbox kit. Adding handles to the storage top would be a nice touch. Regardless, the storage bins make for an easy clean-up.
Learn More: Amazon
28. Solid Wood Octagon Sandbox with Cover
Beautiful benches surround this octagon sandbox. All the wood is precut so you just have to assemble the pieces and add sand.
Learn More: Wayfair
29. Convert Your Dresser Drawer
Do you have an old dresser with large drawers? Turn it into this adorable project. The nice part is that this sand pit will not take up much space and can even be moved. You can even add swivel wheels to the bottom for easier movement if desired.
Learn More: Hallmark
30. Colorful Sandbox Sand
After you have reviewed this extensive collection of sandbox ideas, you may want to get even more creative with the color of your sand. Adding a few bags of colored sand can turn a dull sand pit into a fancy sandbox.
Learn More: Crayola Play Sand
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