How To

How to Select a Sandbox

By eHow Hobbies, Games & Toys Editor

Rate: (0 Ratings)

Sandboxes are a fun outdoor toy for kids to play in, year round if you're lucky. There are many colors, sizes and themes on the market. Know what you're looking for before you go shopping and you'll end up with a great sandbox!

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

  • Sand
  • Yard
  • Garden hose
  • Sandbox
  • Sandbox toys

Select the Ideal Sandbox

Step1
Know the size you need. Sandboxes are available in small sizes that one to two kids can occupy or you can buy large sizes, ideal for gatherings like birthday parties.
Step2
Opt for a sandbox with seating. Typically, you can find sandboxes that have built-in seating so kids don't have to actually sit in the sand to play.
Step3
Select a sandbox that doubles as a pool. These sandboxes come with drains at the bottom so that water can be emptied efficiently. Kids love the dual purpose fun and you get a toy that pulls double duty!
Step4
Look at sandboxes with "no assembly required." These can fit nicely into the back of a van or SUV, and even some larger sedans.
Step5
Find a sandbox that is sold with a cover. That way you can protect the sand from rain and keep kids out of the sandbox when you need to.
Step6
Try to find a sandbox with a dome-shaped cover. This will allow you to store all sandbox toys inside the sandbox, even with the cover in place.

Prepare the Sandbox for Use

Step1
Visit a hardware store to select sand for the sandbox.
Step2
Decide where to place it. Sandboxes are ideal for fenced backyards, however, you probably want to avoid placing it on grass, as it will kill the grass.
Step3
Clean the sandbox thoroughly using a garden hose. Be sure to dry it thoroughly before placing sand inside.
Step4
Buy beach toys for the sandbox. Shovels, buckets and rakes add so much more fun to a child's sandbox experience. Choose plastic toys so they are lightweight.
Step5
Host a play date with other neighborhood kids. Just for laughs, have an official ribbon-cutting ceremony for your child's new sandbox!
Step6
Have a plan. Sandboxes are messy, so get your kids to enjoy using their sandbox toys as they help you clean up!
Step7
Turn on a lawn sprinkler when the kids are finished playing. They'll have a blast playing in the water and you can stealthily remove all of the sand from their bodies before they re-enter the house.

Tips & Warnings

  • Most sandboxes are constructed of plastic.
  • Remember to apply sunscreen to your kids when they are using the sandbox.
  • Always supervise young children playing in a sandbox.
  • Once you put sand in the sandbox, it becomes very heavy. Decide where to put it and know that it will likely remain there due to the struggle of moving it around while sand is inside.

Who Can Help:

Post a Comment

Post a Comment

Request a New How-To Article

Looking for more How To information? Chances are there’s an eHow member who knows how to do what you’re looking to do. Submit an article request now!

eHow Article: How to Select a Sandbox

eHow Hobbies, Games & Toys Editor

Related Ads

Hobbies, Games & Toys
Nate Chang, eHow Expert,

Meet Nate Chang, eHow Expert eHow’s Hobbies, Games & Toys Expert.