Sift Through 8 Stylish Sandboxes

These sandy playspaces hold high appeal for kids but are sophisticated enough for grown-up landscapes

Lisa Frederick

Houzz Contributor. Fresh out of journalism school, I fell into decorating media and immediately discovered a new passion. An Atlanta native, I spent several years as an editor for Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles magazine before making the leap to national publications and websites such as Houzz, Better Homes and Gardens and Southern Accents. I live in Birmingham, Alabama, with my husband and son, who’ve gotten used to coming home and finding the furniture rearranged. When I'm not dragging case goods across the floor, I enjoy good food and wine, college football, music of all kinds, and traveling.

Houzz Contributor. Fresh out of journalism school, I fell into decorating... More »

Comment

Bookmark

Embed

When it comes to backyard playtime, kids don't need a lot of bells and whistles. Take sandboxes, for example — tots are perfectly happy with a few basic boards nailed into a square and filled with the powdery stuff. You, on the other hand, might like something a bit more refined to elevate the look of your landscape. Check out these inventive sandbox ideas to create a kid-friendly play zone with grown-up appeal.

by Globus Builder »

Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »

This structure looks simple but packs in quite a bit of function. The benches on either side keep little tushes out of the sand and provide a spot for parents to perch as well, and the roof shelters kids from too much sun.

by Kathleen Shaeffer Design, Exterior Spaces »

Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »

With the wooden cover on, this sandbox looks like a decorative detail. But the cover's role goes beyond beauty — it also protects the sand from cats or other animals who might treat it as a litter box, and shields it from fall leaves and spring rains.

by Exteriorscapes llc »

Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »

This sandbox is tucked in the shade beneath a playhouse structure that looks like a kid's own personal beach cabana. Removable grates on top of the box make it easy to sift out debris and keep out critters.

by Agnes Blum »

Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »

Filled with sand, a boat-shaped wooden box turns into a playspace that kindles the imagination on multiple levels.

by Stout Design-Build »

Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »

Here's one way to ensure a soft landing! Kids can zoom down the slide into a pit of sand that's ready and waiting for playtime.

by gytis »

Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »

Although its design is streamlined, this sunken sandbox is oriented along the walkway so thoughtfully that it becomes an integral part of the hardscaping.

by sustainable garden design perth »

Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »

A feat of green design as well as visual appeal, this trio of industrial-size water drums includes a sandy spot for teeny-tinies to enjoy.

by SchappacherWhite Ltd. »

Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »

This free-form sand pit appears to flow like water along the rocks that surround it.

Sandbox Safety
Once your sand-filled setup is ready for playtime, follow these tips to keep little ones safe:

• Replace sand at least once a year. Old sand can harbor bacteria that lingers throughout the off season.
• Be mindful of the sand you choose. Some varieties contain crystalline silica, a carcinogenic compound, so look for brands that are marked "silica free." River or beach sand is usually fine, and companies such as Safe Sand offer good options as well.
• Have your sandbox fitted with a cover to ward off wildlife and pets and to keep sand dry during rainy days. If sand does get wet, allow it to dry completely before you replace the cover.
• Aerate sand periodically with a trowel or rake to check for trash and other unwanted debris.
• Always supervise sandbox playtime, especially for younger kids who might be tempted to taste the contents.

Browse thousands of clever kids' spaces