7 DIY Sandbox Ideas for Creative Play
7 DIY Sandbox Ideas for Creative Play
Sandboxes are a summer play staple. They let kids get imaginative and a little messy outdoors while providing numerous benefits in the process! Get the most out of your sandbox this summer with these easy backyard DIY sandbox ideas for creative play.
1. Fossil Dig
First, have kids create their own “fossils” indoors. Use a few small, plastic animal toys to create imprints in modeling clay. Let the clay dry completely; then, bury their fossils in the sandbox. Provide your little paleontologists with some small shovels and sieves for their search. They’ll also love dusting off their finds with paintbrushes!
2. Sandbox Volcano
Take the classic baking soda volcano outside for even more fun. Give the kids some water and have them construct a volcano shape in the sandbox (be sure to leave a hole on top and some space in the middle). Then, pour in the baking soda, followed by colored vinegar, to create a volcano explosion!
3. Ice Fun
Ice cubes in the sand box—simple yet surprisingly entertaining! Kids will love seeing how the sand sticks to the ice and watching the ice slowly melt as they play!
4. Colorful Sand
It’s easy to DIY your own colorful sand! You’ll just need some food dye, water and gallon zipper bags.
- Mix a few drops of food coloring with two cups of water in the bag.
- Add sand and shake!
- Once the sand has absorbed the colored water, you can let it dry in the sun or just add it back into the sandbox wet and start playing!
5. Sand Letters
Finger drawing letters in a medium such as sand or shaving cream is a classic preschool activity. It’s much easier for toddlers and young preschoolers to start “writing” with their fingers since they still lack the fine motor skills to control a pencil well enough to write.
By practicing writing in the sand, they can still build familiarity with the shape and significance of letters, giving them an edge when they’re ready to write for real. Simply provide some printouts of letters for them to trace or copy as they play in the sandbox. Older kids can practice spelling short words.
6. Construction Site Sandbox
If your little one has some construction toys, put them to use scooping and pouring real sand. Let them find some pebbles, rocks, sticks and other “rubble” to remove from the construction site with their toys.
7. Sensory Sandbox
Sandboxes are already a great form of sensory play, especially when you add extra tools that let kids dig, sieve, scoop, pour and build. Increase the fun by adding some of your go-to sensory bin fillers for the kids to search for in the sand. Just be sure to choose objects that won’t spoil or mold if they get left in the sandbox.
Still looking for the perfect sandbox for your backyard? KidKraft’s wooden sandboxes are cute, sturdy and big enough for some major digging adventures!
Once you have your sandbox, determine how much sand you need for your sandbox and the best way to keep your sandbox clean.
DIY Sandbox FAQ
Looking to take the DIY route and build a sandbox? The below FAQs will help you get started.
How to build a sandbox?
- When making a DIY sandbox, choose a level spot, then use wooden boards (like 2’ x 6’ or 2’ x 8’ lumber) to frame it and secure the corners with screws or brackets. Line the bottom with landscape fabric for drainage, fill it with play sand, and consider adding a cover to keep debris and animals out.
How do I find sandbox plans?
- You can find sandbox plans online by searching DIY websites, Pinterest, or home improvement stores. Look for free printable plans or video tutorials that match your space, budget and skill level.
