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Kinetic sand recipe that actually works

Fabricating things are fun! It’s such a feeling of accomplishment as you eye your very own creation. It gives a sense of purpose. A feeling of accomplishment. A sense of “I aced it!”

And making something for your children is doubly satisfying as you see them look at their present and just light up.

So let’s do something entertaining for the kids. Let’s make them some kinetic sand. Here are three recipes that you can choose from.

What is the secret ingredient in kinetic sand?

Kinetic sand is made up of 98% sand and 2% silicone oil. So we all know that beach sand doesn’t do what kinetic sand can do, ergo, it must be silicone oil. The silicone causes the sands weird characteristics. It sticks to itself but not to hands and clothes. It repels water. It creates perfect shapes from intricate molds. And it flows a bit like a semi-liquid through your hands.

Most of us don’t have silicone oil lying around the house, but there are other ingredients we can use. Let’s see what they are.

What is in kinetic sand that makes it stick together?

This is dedicated to all the science geeky people out there.

This type of kinetic sand is called a dilatant material. Also known as a non-Newtonian fluid. This means kinetic sands’ viscosity level (thickness) becomes higher as it is placed under more pressure or stress.

When we measure the resistance of a fluid, (see how fast it runs), we use the term viscosity levels. For example, waters’ viscosity level is lower than, let’s say, syrup. The faster it can flow, the lower the viscosity level.

Kinetic sand is one of those materials that increases its viscosity (dilatant material) or thickness under pressure or stress. And no, I don’t mean screaming at the sand and putting it under stress will cause it to keep its shape better. This type of stress means taking the substance and applying pressure to it. Like squeezing it in your hand.

Another example is by placing it in a mold, you cause the sand to be under pressure or stress. And that helps to give those beautiful sand art creations. When that artwork is taken out of the mold, it will look great but a few hours later it will become a pile of sand again because the pressure has been taken away.

You might remember making Oobleck in chem class. Oobleck is made by adding just enough water to cornstarch, and so also becomes a non-Newtonian fluid. If you punch the fluid, it feels solid. The punch being the stressor.

If you incase the Oobleck in cling wrap and place it on a horizontally leveled speaker, you can watch it dance and jibe. It’s great fun. Thank you Big Bang Theory for teaching me that neat trick.

Kinetic sand is like Oobleck, but stiffer, because sand is grainier than cornstarch. Now that we have the science of this recipe under the belt, let’s see how it’s made.

3 Kinetic sand recipes that actually work

Recipe 1 – let’s do this:

You’ll need these ingredients:

The finest sand you can find. The amount you’ll need? This is up to you. If you want a medium-sized batch, use 18 ounces (500 grams)
0.35 ounce (10 grams) of Dimethicone 500 (polydimethylsiloxane)

You’ll need 0.07 ounce (2 grams) for every 3.5 ounces (100 grams) of fine sand.

For example, if you are going to make 35 ounces (1 kilogram) of kinetic sand, you’ll need 0.7 ounces (20 grams) of Dimethicone 500.

This is how you do it:

First, place the sand in a baking pan and spread it out. You can allow it to dry overnight. Alternatively, you can bake it in the oven at 250 F (120C) for 3+ hours.
The sand has to be very dry. So if need be, pop it back in the oven if it’s not dry. (A plus when baking the sand is that it gets sanitized.) Once it’s dry, allow it to cool off completely.
Now sift the sand with a flour sifter to get rid of any little clumps and lumps.
Mix the sand and Dimethicone 500. (Add a little more Dimethicone 500 if all the sand does not want to stick together.)

And now it’s playtime with your new toy. I mean, the kids’ toy.

Please remember to place the sand in a plastic bag or plastic sealed container when not using it. That way, you’ll keep it fresh and clean.

If you want to use colored sand, you can but it might interfere with the viscosity of the toy. But experiment. You might be pleasantly surprised.

Recipe 2 – let’s color it:

You’ll need these ingredients:

8.8 ounce (1 cup) of play sand or craft sand
0.5 ounce (2 teaspoons) of dish soap
1.25 ounce (2 tablespoons) cornstarch
4.4 ounce (½ cup) of school glue
2 drops of your favorite food color

This is how you do it:

Mix the sand, dish soap, and cornstarch in a mixing bowl.
Stir until it is well combined.
Start to pour a little bit of the glue, 1 ounce at a time, into the sand mixture.
Continue to mix and add the glue until the sand is well covered.
Now add a few drops of food color.
Knead it a few times with your hands.

And, just like that, you have colorful kinetic sand to play with.

Recipe 3 – let’s scent it:

You’ll need these ingredients:

50 to 70 ounces (5 to 7 cups) of fine play sand, or even better, fine craft sand
10 ounces to 15 ounces (1 to 1 ½ cups) of corn starch
1 tablespoon of dish soap
10 ounces (1 cup) of water
Tea tree oil

This is how you do it:

Make sure the sand is dry and clump-free.
Mix the sand and cornstarch together in a large bowl.
Once that is done, mix the water and dish soap. Stir it until you see bubbles.
Now slowly pour the water mixture into the dry ingredients, mixing as you add it.
Add a few drops of tea tree oil to add a lovely fresh smell to the sand. And for its antibacterial properties.

And now you have lovely, fresh smelling kinetic sand.

How do you make kinetic sand really work?

Use very fine sand. Make sure there are no clumps in the sand. Don’t add the fluids too quickly to the mixture as this could make the sand too flow-y.

And if it doesn’t work the first time, try again. You’ll get this. You’re a rock star, remember?

What is kinetic sand made of?

Kids today are so blessed with a great variety of toys and play aids. Just a few decades ago, the choices were much more limited. Today they can choose between play sand, play dough, sensory sand, and, wait for it, kinetic sand.

The word kinetic links back to the Greek word “kin?tikos” which means motion or to move. And that really does describe kinetic sand. It moves. Not very fast, but place a blob of it somewhere, and in very slow increments, it moves. Neat right?

Let’s find out how it works.

What is kinetic sand made of?

Kinetic sand, enjoyed by young and old alike, is usually made of 98% sand and 2% silicone. Children love the playful creativeness of the sand. Adults relax by watching the enthralling kinetic sand ASMR (Autonomous/Auto Sensory Meridian Response) videos they find on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, etc.

The reason that this sand can “move” if you watch it closely, is because the sand is coated with a silicone type of oil. Silicone refers to a group of materials. These materials contain elements that contain silicon and oxygen.

Silicon is the naturally occurring 14th chemical element on the periodic table. It’s nestled between Aluminium and Phosphorus. After oxygen, it is the second most abundant element in the crust of the earth.

Silicone on the other hand is synthetic.

Silicone is polymers. According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, polymers are synthetic or natural substances that are composed of very large molecules. Macromolecules if you will. This means that silicone is made up of repeated units of long chains. Macromolecules are found in cellulose, proteins, quartz, diamonds, sealants, concrete, shampoo, rubbers, glass, conditioners, paper, etc.

Silicone has a fascinating characteristic called viscoelasticity. It can flow freely in liquid form. In the absence of pressure, it flows slowly in semisolid form. Put it under stress and you get a rubbery solid.

When kinetic sand is made, the silicone goes into a semisolid form. The long polymer chains make the sand stick together. That’s why you can form it into a ball. But because of the absence of pressure, it will flatten over time.

Also, because the sand particles are covered with the silicone oil, it sticks to one another, but not to other surfaces. Less stickiness. Less clean-up. Just more fun.

Right, now that we’ve had our science lesson for the day, let’s explore kinetic sand further.

Comparisons

Let’s compare different types of sand to kinetic sand.

This video above shows how different types of play sand, including Kinetic Sand, compare to each other. These different brands are all similar to Kinetic Sand, except for the moon sand.

Sensory sand vs Kinetic sand

Kinetic sand is also referred to as sensory or magic sand. It has a texture that is difficult to describe. The sand sticks to itself. But it’s not sticky. It kind of feels like wet sand. But it’s not wet.

It holds forms very well. You can squish it, let it flow, (because it doesn’t run like ordinary sand), through your fingers, or create amazing shapes with it.

When doing the cut test, it showed that the edges are crisper than other sand toys. It smells a little bit like wet sand. Not a bad, ugh-get-that-away-from-me smell. Just an organic smell.

The manufacturers of Kinetic sand states that it won’t dry out. That being said, it is prudent to keep it clean and dust-free by placing it in an airtight plastic container, using cling wrap to cover it, or a resealable plastic bag when not in use.

Squishy sand vs kinetic sand

Squishy sand has a cookie dough feel to it. And leaves a slight, greasy residue when played with.

It smells a bit like coloring in crayons, like Crayola crayons. It does not hold forms as well as other toy sands. Please note, some customer reviews mentioned getting a rash when touching and playing with the sand.

Kinetic sand vs play sand

Play sand has a soft, dry texture. It can create shapes, roads, and bridges when built right by adding a bit of water. It can adhere to clothes, hands, and feet.

Play sand usually smells like natural sand but can become smelly if not cleaned and disinfected on a regular basis.

Play sand is usually used in sandboxes. To maintain the sand and keep it clean and dry, cover the sandpit when it is not being used.

Kinetic Sand vs Play doh

Play dough can have different textures depending on how it’s made. If you add coarse sea salt, it gives a different grainy texture. If you use table salt, it has a softer texture.

You can add lovely aromas to play dough if you add a few drops of scented oil. Usually, it smells like, well, it smells like play-dough. You have to take a whiff for yourself if you never smelled it before. For those of us that know the smell, it smells like rainy days of childhood.

Play dough retains its shape very well. It does dry out if you don’t keep it in an airtight container or plastic baggie. If you add cream of tartar to the dough recipe, it could last for up to 6 months, or longer.

Moon sand

Moon sand is crumbly in nature. It kind of looks like the surface of the moon, that’s why it’s called moon sand.

It doesn’t really smell like anything except if you buy or make the scented type. Even though this toy is moldable, the drawback is it can be dry and messy, compared to kinetic sand.

Store the moon sand in an airtight container to keep it fresh for longer.

Can you fill a sandbox with kinetic sand?

Yes, you can. But depending on the sandbox size, it might cost you a pretty penny. Also, this toy is designed as an indoor toy, for those rainy or snowy days when the kids can’t play outside.

It’s best to place the kinetic sand on a tray or a big piece of paper and play with the sand inside the borders of the tray or paper. Much easier clean-up too.

Please note that the original Kinetic Sand was discovered by Jonas Modell and Staffan Thuresson in the 1990s. Today it is trademarked and produced by a Canadian company, Spin Master Ltd.

Hopefully, this helped you on your quest to understand kinetic sand and the difference between it, and other competitors.

Image Credits: Canva Pro

Masonry sand vs play sand

There are so many decisions we have to make every day. What should we eat? Which route should we take to work? Which sand should we put in the kids’ sandbox?

I’m going to help you to make an informed decision regarding the latter conundrum. We’ll look at the differences between masonry sand vs play sand. See which one you prefer. Enabling you to tick off one of your to-do list items.

What is sand?

Basically, sand is made from rocks. Through the action of waves, erosion, and wind, these rocks have been eroded, broken, and ground down into small particles.

This happens over a long period of time and gives us the lovely sea sand we know and love so much. Other sand is found around lakes, river beds, and other shorelines.

Is masonry sand safe for sandboxes?

Masonry sand is also known as river sand, builders sand, bricklayer’s sand, screeding sand, plasterer’s sand, sharp sand, and bricklayer’s sand. It is used, as the name suggests, for construction work. The different uses are general masonry work, plastering, bricklaying, and rendering.

This type of sand is collected from riverbanks and beds and areas that are more inland, not coastal. Salts and organic matter have to be kept at a minimum as this could influence the moisture absorption of the sand. And like all builders know, damp and rust issues are never good for building projects.

The grains found in masonry sand are made up of different-sized grains. They consist of sharp, smooth, and rounded shapes, which is why many builders use them for construction projects.

The very fine particles that cause the dust in masonry sand are beneficial for building purposes and therefore the dust is not washed out of the sand.

Good for the building industry. Not so good for use in sandboxes.

Since the sand has not been washed (on purpose), it causes dust clouds when incorrectly used as play sand. The dust particles, called microcrystalline silica, in masonry sand cause dust to rise when children are frolicking about in the sandpit. It is this particular product that causes dirty little hands, adheres to clothes, and could affect allergies and asthma in kids and adults.

What is play sand?

Play sand also called sea sand, washed sand, silver sand, beach sand, and jointing sand. This type of sand is best suited for children’s sandpits but has to be double washed to remove the contaminants.

Other uses of this type of sand include paving and patio slabs, golf bunkers, and recreational areas, like long jump pits, free slide landings, fire pit, molds for metal casting, and volleyball courts.

The reason why it is sometimes called washed sand is because of the way they process the sand. The sand is washed and any unwanted dust, sediment, silt, clay is removed. It is then left to drain and dry out.

Some play sand is collected inland from deserts, rivers, and mountain ranges. Safe play sand comes straight from the source. It is not pulverized or crushed in the processing phase as this could potentially cause harmful dust particles.

Other play sand is collected from beaches and areas around the coastline. Due to the salt content, builders tend to stay away from this type of sand for big construction projects as the salt could cause moisture absorption.

That being said, salt is a natural disinfectant that is good to use in sandboxes where little ones play. Even though this type of sand is very fine, it should not cause dust clouds if it is given a proper double wash in the processing phase.

The difference between play sand and builders sand

Texture

The basic difference between play sand and builders sand is play sand has a softer, finer texture. Builders’ sand is rougher in nature. The grains found in building sand have sharper edges and feel rough to the touch. Under a microscope, play sand particles appear smoother, rounder, and feel softer.

Color

Another difference is the color. Builders’ sand is usually yellowish in color. It can also have a reddish tint due to the iron oxide found in the sand. Play sand is usually a light cream color.

Washed vs Unwashed

Play sand is washed thoroughly in the preparation phase. This washes out the unwanted oxides, contaminants, resulting in a lighter color.

Dust

Another big difference is the dust content in these two types of sand. There is a lot of misinformation floating around on the internet about how dangerous silica is to have in play sand. Many people warn that play sand should be silica-free. This is impossible seeing that silica is found in about 99% of sand.

Let me explain the confusion. The crystalline silica is not the concern. The portion of the material that can be inhaled is the concern. These particles are called microcrystalline silica. This toxic ingredient is washed out of safe play sand.

Grip

Play sand does not crumble as easily as builders’ sand. This is very important because we don’t want the kid’s sandcastles to come crashing down.

The builder’s sand grains, as previously mentioned, are rougher with sharper edges. This causes cavities between the particles and does not allow the grains to “grip” each other, causing falling castles and tears of disappointment.

Grain Size

Sandbox sand should be uniform in grain size. If the grains consist of non-uniform particles, the bridges, roads, and walls created by little ones will not keep their shape. Also, different grain sizes could cause it to become coarse, dusty, and dirty.

Moisture

The moisture absorption and retention of play sand are better than builders’ sand. This helps to keep the shapes created with molds intact. Builders’ sand absorbs water well but retains it poorly, becoming dry quickly.

Due to the double wash process that the play sand goes through, there is less dust. This is good in a sandbox as the sand won’t become as muddy as the builder’s sand.

Hopefully, this information helped you to decide to choose the right sand for the sandbox.

If this seems a bit much and taxing, know that your children will benefit from your tenacity to find the perfect sand for them.

Image credits: Canva Pro

Are sandboxes safe?

Sand is a great way for children to play and learn. Most of us have childhood memories of building roads, using buckets to make sandcastles, and create dams using the garden hose pipe in the sandbox.

Usually, sandboxes are relatively safe but there are some precautions to be taken to keep them that way. Let’s look at the safety concerns, how to mitigate them so that children can enjoy playing in the sand, and be kept safe at the same time. While keeping an eye on all the benefits children get from playing in a sandpit.

Safety concerns for kids in general

We all know there are ‘good’ germs and some ‘bad’ germs out there. The ‘good’ germs are found in plain dirt, shared playground equipment, and toys. These germs can aid in building and strengthening children’s immune systems.

And then there are the ‘bad’ germs. Some of these germs can be found in sandboxes. Cats, dogs, and raccoons sometimes use the sandboxes as their own personal toilet. And that’s where the problem comes in as their fecal matter contains diseases like toxoplasmosis carried by cats, toxocariasis carried by dogs and cats, and ringworm or roundworm carried by raccoons.

These nasty illnesses are transmitted via the fecal-oral route, which means that as children put things in their mouths, they could digest these awful germs.

That being said. Well-maintained sandboxes are safe to play in.

Are sandboxes safe for toddlers?

Yes, it is safe for toddlers to play in a sandbox. The recommended age that children can start playing in a sandbox is 12 to 18 months, with constant supervision of course. But because toddlers “see” with their mouth by placing all kinds of things in their mouth, keeping a hawk-eye on them is a must. If at all possible, climb into the sandbox with your child and play together. This is a wonderful bonding experience as well.

Also, remove all debris and foreign objects allowing your little one to play. It goes without saying if you do see a cat, dog, or raccoon feces, do not allow your child to play in that particular sandbox.

Make sure the sand has been properly washed and does not contain microcrystalline silica. There is a toxic ingredient, namely microcrystalline silica that could be found in playground sand if not washed properly. As the child plays, these particles could become airborne, entering their lungs.

Keeping toddlers out of public sandpits for the first few years of their life might be a good choice as public sandboxes may be dangerous. The reason for that is public sandpits are usually not well-maintained. They are open to stray cats, dogs, and raccoons. Also, the quality of the sand might not be the best.

Buy a sandbox for your kids

After reading all the dangers of what sandboxes can do to children, you might think there is no way that you will allow your precious little one to play in one. But the benefits definitely outway the cons.

It allows a child to get absorbed in his/her imaginary world. Studies have shown that imagination ignites passion in humans. Imagination helps children’s creative and problem-solving abilities later in life. It also develops decision-making skills towards behavior and social skills.

They learn how to play with others, practicing sharing is caring, which helps them in their social actions and behavioral skills.

The smooth, rough, bumpy textures they experience as they touch the sand aids in their sensory vocabulary. Sensory integration is the ability to interpret information using our 7 senses. Sight, touch, hearing, taste, smell, balance, and body awareness.

Playing with the sand and the toys will also strengthen their hand and finger muscles, helping with their fine motor activities.

Children learn to collaborate as they work together building a city with castles and roads. They will learn how to negotiate and brainstorm by simply playing, which is still the best way to learn.

If a child accidentally damages another child’s castle or house, it teaches humility and forgiveness. How to say sorry. And how to accept an apology. The small spaces teach children how to share and take care of each other’s creations.

It also teaches children some things are impermanent, and even though rain washes away their artwork, it’s okay because another one can be built in its place.

Having your very own sandbox at home is a great natural way for children to play. Also, you will have the assurance by knowing what type of sand is in the sandbox, when last the sand was replaced, and just how clean it really is.

How to mitigate the safety concerns

As mentioned above, animals sometimes use sandboxes as their personal toilet. To avoid this and the nasty repercussions, properly cover the sandbox when playtime is over. This will keep animals and insects out of the sand, and keep it safe for your little ones to play in.

Keep pets out of the sandbox. They might take it over as their personal place and litter box.

In the unfortunate event that the sand does get wet, allow it to dry out properly. Once it is dried, place a well-fitting cover over the sandbox. This will deter bacteria that likes to live in wet sand.

A good tip is to rake the sand on a regular basis and remove any clumps, debris, or foreign material.

The sandbox frame needs to be made from proper material and well-maintained. The frame should not be made with inexpensive railroad wood as this could cause splinters and might contain creosote which is a carcinogen. Rather use non-toxic landscaping timbers, or recycled furniture wood, or splurge and buy a ready-made one.

The sand quality is of utmost importance. Avoid products that are made of crushed quartz that contain crystalline silica, crushed limestone or marble, or very fine sand that causes excess dust. Rather opt for play sand or washed sea sand.

In closure, if your home cannot sustain a full-fledged backyard sandbox, smaller sand trays and sand tables work just as well, just on a smaller scale.

When you bless your children with a sandbox, you’ll give them more than sand. You’ll give them great childhood memories.

How to sanitize sandbox sand

Sandboxes are so much fun. A pile of dirt can be transformed into an imaginary land where castles are guarded by water-filled moats. Cars drive on the roads, up and down they go. Mountains are made and destroyed at a whim. It satisfies the explorer, architect, and dreamer in all of us.

Like most things in life, sand in a sandbox can become dirty. Here are some tips and tricks on how to clean the sandbox and sand, and how to get rid of all the bugs, slugs, and dead leaves, etc. that call the sandbox home.

To keep or to throw away, that is the question

The first step is to remove all the toys and miniatures from the sandbox. Wash them well and sanitize them well. A great tip is to place the plastic items in the dishwasher at a not too high temperature, we don’t want Froggy or camel to melt. This will save you and do the job for you.

Then remove the sand and place it in a bucket. You’ll need a large enough bucket or more than one bucket, and a spade or a shovel, depending on how much sand there is.

Now you have two options. If your budget will allow it, don’t use the old sand. Dispose of the sand in an environmentally friendly way. Or, if your budget is a bit tight, you can wash the sand.

How to wash the sand and disinfect it

If you opted to keep the sand, wash it in this clever and relatively easy way. You’ll use the sand that you placed in the bucket as mentioned earlier. You’ll also need a hosepipe connected to a tap.

Push the hose to the bottom of the sand container. Switch on the water while holding the tap under the sand, at the bottom of the bucket. The squirting action of the water will make the dirt particles come to the top and float on the water surface.

As you pour the water (but not the sand) out of the bucket, you’ll see all kinds of things that have been hiding in the sand. The tiny pieces of tree, sticks, and maybe a plaster or two, will simply float away.

Repeat this process until you don’t see things floating on the water surface.

Now that you are left with clean white sand, scoop the sand out into drying pans (the ones used for baking), spread it out so that it’s a thin layer of sand. Leave it in the sun to dry.

The next step sanitizes the sand. Take the drying pans filled with sand and place them in the oven at about 275 to 300 degrees Fahrenheit (135 to 148 degrees Celsius) for about 1 hour.

And there you have fresh, clean, sanitized sandbox sand.

If you opted to get rid of your sand, follow these instructions.

Cleaning plastic sandboxes

Once the sand is removed, clean out the sandbox with soap and water. Give it a thorough clean and also remember to bleach it to kill any germs, eggs, or larva still daring to lurk in the plastic.

Cleaning wood sandboxes

Remove the sand, wash everything off, and treat the wood with a good insecticide. There could be insects that burrow it’s way into the wood and lay their eggs, so this step should not be skipped.

Spray the sandbox and surrounding area with insecticide, cover it, and let it sit for a couple of days so that the insecticide can do a proper job.

After killing all the bugs, clean the wooden sandbox out with soap and water. Line the sandbox with plastic or some landscaping fabric. This is another barrier against the creepy crawlies coming into the sand.

If you use plastic, poke a few holes in to allow it to drain otherwise the sandbox will turn into a sand swamp.

For both plastic and wood sandboxes

Replace the new or washed and dry sand into the cleaned, insect-free sandbox. Use play sand that is made for sandpits and is safe for children.

Treat the area around the sandbox with a non-toxic bug spray. Also, mix in a container of cinnamon into the sand. Many bugs don’t like it and they stay out of the sand. A few squirts of citronella oil will not only keep mosquitos away but also keep cats away. Cats are repelled by the strong-smelling oil.

Make the sandbox a no-food zone. Explain to your children that food and candy attract bugs and that this can be a way that they can help to keep the sandbox bug-free.

Prevention is better than cure

Sift your sand regularly. This way you will be able to keep the little critters out and give you a chance to clean other debris as well, for example, twigs and leaves.

Every month treat the area around the sandbox with a non-toxic bug spray.

Change or wash the sand on a regular basis.

Keep the sandbox covered when not in use.

How to properly cover a sandbox

An ideal cover will seal well. This will help to keep bugs out.

You can try the following if the cover on the sandbox does not fit like a bug in a rug, although we’re trying to keep the bugs out, so let me rather say, if it does not fit snuggly.

Cut a piece of drop cloth, wide enough to cover the sandpit. Place this over the sandbox and place the cover over it. This way will help it to seal it better.

Place a brick or weight on top of the cover to keep the lid down for when the wind blows and to keep cats and dogs out of the sandbox.

Wrapping it Up

Most importantly, have fun. It’s so easy to get bogged down with cares of parenthood that we forget the sweet, simple things. Like sitting with your child and imagining the world through their eyes.

Ask them questions about their amazing land that they created. Don’t worry too much about getting dirty. It might just be one of the best memories you can give them.

Step 2 Crabbie Sandbox review

Those home sand pits have become really popular over the past few years and kids all over the world have fallen in love with them. In this review, we will take a look at one of the most popular models, the Step 2 Crabbie Sandbox. It is made out of plastic, which not only makes it easy to set up, it also makes it very practical.

Great for children aged between one and eight years old.

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Key Features:

This amazing sandbox is made entirely out of plastic, which makes it really lightweight, when not filled with sand that is, and easy to set up or move around. You simply pick it up and move it, anywhere you like.
It comes with a specially designed lid that will close over the sand to protect it from the weather and the rain. It will also make sure that the sand won’t be disturbed by animals, be they pets or strays.
It can support up to a whopping 300 lbs of sand, making it perfect for your children to play or make sand castles and other cool stuff in it.
Unlike other sand pits, this one is shaped like a cute looking, cartoon crab. Not only will it look nice in your garden or back yard, but its “claws” also double as seats for your kids to sit on while playing.
Dimensions: 47.5 x 47 x 16 inches. It weighs about 28 pounds.

How to assemble the Step 2 Crabbie Sandbox:

Perhaps the most amazing thing about the Crabbie sandbox is the ease with which it can be assembled and set up. It pretty much comes already assembled, all you have to do is attach the protective lid, which is shaped like a crab’s shell and fill it with sand.

You won’t have to use any power tools, and since it’s made out of plastic, all of its components are extremely lightweight, so you won’t even need someone to help you carry them.

Please note that sand is not included in the package, so you’ll have to buy some yourself. You should be able to find sand in most hardware stores, just remember to say that you need it for a sand pit for your kids, to make sure that you’ll get the right kind of sand.

Consumer concerns:

Although the Step 2 Crabbie Sandbox has gotten some overall excellent reviews, some owners do have a couple of complaints. Some parents report that the lid won’t seal, which means that although it effectively keeps all animals out, including cats and dogs, some small bugs can still make their way into it. This problem is easily solved by using some elastic cables to make the lid close tighter.

Another rather common complaint seems to be the fact that pretty strong winds can cause the lid to open. The solution to this problem is the same as for the previous one: just use some cables or something similar to make the lid close more tightly.

Step 2 Naturally Playful Little Dunes Sandbox review

If there’s one thing that kids love more than slides and swing sets, it’s the sandbox! These can be found in all parks and playgrounds and kids can safely play all kinds of games in there, or build sand castles and other cool thing with the sand.

In this review, we will take a detailed look at the Step 2 Naturally Playful Little Dunes Sandbox, one of the most popular and successful on the market.

>> Check out the Little Dunes Sandbox best price online <<

What makes this unique, is the fact that although it is made completely out of plastic, as well its very modern design that makes it look more like a garden decoration and less like a toy! In other words, your children have lots of fun in it, and it will also make your garden or back yard look much better in the process. Everyone’s a winner with this sandbox!

Great for kids aged between 24 months and six years.

Features

Unlike most other sandboxes and back yard playground play sets that need several hours worth of assembly before being ready for use, the Naturally Playful Little Dunes Sandbox comes completely assembled and your children can start playing with it, pretty much right after you take it out of the box.
It features a specially designed lid that will keep the sand inside safe from the rain and the weather in general, as well as from all animals and pets, including most insects and other creepy crawlies.
Although completely made out of plastic, this sandbox features a very modern and unique design that makes it look more natural and allows it to seamlessly blend in with your garden’s landscape. It looks a lot more like a natural garden decoration, rather than an out of place toy for the kids.
The corners of the sandbox can also be used as seats for your children and their friends to sit on while playing in the sandbox.
Dimensions: 45 x 29.2 x 8.5 inches.
It weighs about 16 pounds when empty and it can accommodate up to 150 lbs of sand.

How to assemble the Step 2 Naturally Playful Little Dunes Sandbox:

As mentioned earlier, the Naturally Playful Little Dunes Sandbox comes fully assembled. Once you take it out of its box, all you’ll have to do is take it to your back yard or garden and just fill it with sand.

Please note that is doesn’t come with sand already included, so you’ll have to buy it yourself. It can be found on most major hardware stores, just remember to specify that the sand is for a sandbox!

Just make sure that the bag or container reads “Play Sand” and that the label says that it doesn’t contain any silica.

Consumer concerns:

Although people love the Step 2 Naturally Playful Little Dune Sandbox, as evidenced by the glorious reviews, some people who bought it do have a minor issue with it. They are reporting that the lid can be blown open by strong winds. You can very easily his problem by using some elastic cables, ropes or tie downs to better secure the lid.

Step 2 Naturally Playful Sand Table review

When it comes to playgrounds, apart from slides and swings, all children love playing in the sandbox. Not only can they safely play a lot of games with their friends in there, they can also dig in the sand and even build cool sand castles and other sand sculptures.

While bringing a playground in your back yard or garden is kinda hard, although not impossible, bringing a sandbox is really easy and it is in fact very popular, as evidenced by the wide variety of “home sandboxes” that are available on the market.

>> CHECK PRICE of the Step 2 Sand Table <<

In this review, we will take a look at one of the most popular products, the Step 2 Naturally Playful Sand Table. What makes this sandbox truly unique is the fact that it is made entirely out of plastic and shaped like a table, which means that your kid won’t have to sit or crawl on the ground in order to play.

Great for kids aged between 2 and 4 years old.

Features At A Glance:

Sandbox Model Name:	Step 2 Naturally Playful Sand Table
Manufacturer:	Step 2
Dimensions:	6.2 x 26 x 36 inches
Weight (with no sand):	16.1 pounds
Sand Capacity:	80 pounds
Material:	Plastic
Recommended Age:	2 to 4 years old

Key features:

The Naturally Playful Sand Table features a unique and innovative design: it is shaped like a table and it is elevated, which means that your child won’t have to squat down. The height of the table is also ideal for toddlers.
It comes with a specially designed lid that will keep the rain and various animals, from pets to stray dogs and cats to insects and reptiles, away from the sand inside, making sure that it will always be clean and safe for your child to play with. The lid is also equipped with specially designed elastic tie downs that will make sure that it closes as securely as possible.
Unlike other sandboxes, this one comes with many toys included in the package, such as 2 shovels, 2 claw rakes and a bucket. More than enough for your kids and their friends to share and play with.
The lid features some specially designed and molded in roadways that will provide your kids with even more hours of imaginative play and games.

How to assemble the Step 2 Naturally Playful Sand Table:

Since it is made entirely out of plastic, the Naturally Playful Sand Table by Step 2 is extremely easy to assemble. It consists of very few and very large parts that effortlessly fit together to create the unique elevated table design that this product is famous for.

You won’t need any power tools or anything like that, just follow the simple instructions and you’ll be done in a matter of minutes. Please note that the package doesn’t include any sand, so you’ll have to buy your own. You can find sandbox sand in all hardware stores; just remember to ask specifically for it.

If you want to make doubly sure that you got the right kind of sand, its bag or container should state that it’s completely free of Silica.

Consumer concerns:

Although everybody seems to love the Step 2 Naturally Playful Sand Table, some consumers do have some very minor complaints to make. The first is that rain water can sometimes get through the holes made for the tie downs. You can easily solve this by filling the holes with some silicon. Another issue that some people reported is the fact that the table may be too short for some kids; this can be solved by putting a milk crate or something similar under the legs of the table, to give it a little boost.

Step 2 Naturally Playful Sandbox

The Step 2 Naturally Playful Sandbox in particular, is considered by many parents and expert reviewers alike, to be one of the best and most fun for kids to play in. What sets it apart from the other sandboxes out there, is the fact that although it is made completely out of plastic, it looks like it is made out of sandstone, which means that it will enhance the look of your back yard and garden. That’s right, not only will your children have lots of fun in it, it will also make your house look much better in the process. It’s a true win win situation.

If your house has a large back yard or a garden and you have children, then definitely the best thing you can do to make them as happy as possible , is to install a playground like small sand pit for them to play in. This will provide them with countless hours of fun and entertaining games and activities and it will also save you the trouble of having to take your children to the playground all the time.

Great for kids aged between 18 months and five years.

Key features:

Unlike other sandboxes and back yard playground play sets, the Naturally Playful Sandbox comes completely assembled. Also, since it’s made out of plastic, it is extremely easy to carry and set up, pretty much anywhere.
It comes equipped with a specially designed lid that will keep the rain and the weather away from the sand in the sand box. It will also keep all animals and pets, including most insects, away from it, making it as safe and clean as possible for your kids to play in.
Although completely made out of plastic, this sandbox looks like it was made out of sandstone, the most popular material used in garden and yard landscaping. The lid also looks like a Mayan sculpture portraying the sun. In other words, it looks like a natural garden decoration, instead of a toy for the kids.
The four corners of the sandbox also double as seats for your children and their friends to sit on while digging in the sandbox or making castles and other sand sculptures.
Dimensions: 38 x 53 x 11inches.
It weighs about 2 pounds when empty and it can accommodate up to 200 lbs of sand.

How to assemble the Step 2 Naturally Playful Sandbox:

Like I mentioned earlier, unlike pretty much all other similar products, the Naturally Playful Sandbox comes fully assembled. Once you take it out of its box, all you’ll have to do is move it to your back yard or garden and fill it with sand. Please note that the sand is not included in the package, so you’ll have to buy it yourself. It can be found on just about every hardware store, just remember to specify that the sand is for a sandbox! You should get so called safe sand that doesn’t contain ant silica in it.

Consumer concerns:

Although everybody loves the Step 2 Naturally Playful Sandbox, some people who bought it do have a couple of minor issues with it. The first issue, is that the lid can be blown open by strong winds. You can solve this problem by using some elastic cables or ropes to make the lid close more securely. Another issue brought up, is the fact that there is no drain on the bottom, which means that should the sand get wet by a sudden rain or something, you’ll have to replace it. Well, as long as you close the lid securely, you won’t run into this problem.

KidKraft Backyard Sandbox review

Great for summers, KidKraft Backyard Sandbox, made of high quality sanmu wood, is a perfect backyard equipment that provides countless hours of fun outdoors and encourages imaginative play as children build sandcastles, dig for treasure and play with their huge collection of sand toys.

>> Check Price of the KidKraft Wooden Backyard Sandbox <<

You don’t have to take your children to the beach to let them play with their sand toys; this sandbox will provide a perfect abode for the children to play with them, right in your backyard. There are countless ways a child can play in this sandbox. Parents will just love to watch them play and have unlimited fun while not even leaving the house. It is a great toy to get your backyard ready for summer splurge and give your children something to get occupied during the summer holiday.

This KidKraft Backyard Sandbox will amuse children aged 3 and up. However, even the toddlers will get really attracted to the sand and dirt and would like to get themselves dirty. However, supervision is needed for toddlers to ensure they don’t eat the sand.

This sandbox is large enough to accommodate multiple children at once. It comes with a very convenient design with built in seats which allows the kids to seat comfortably while they play in the sand. The mesh cover is also very useful in keeping the sandbox clean from debris and insects when it is not in use.

Features

Smart and solid construction and design with corners that double to provide comfortable seating
Includes mesh cover for use when the sandbox is not in use to protect it from getting plagued with debris and insects
Measures 60” x 60” x 8.5” which is large enough to allow multiple children to play at once
Wooden panels are reinforced to make it resistant to warping and weathering
Made of high quality sanmu wood
Uses about 28 bags of sand to fill it up

How to assemble KidKraft Backyard Sandbox?

Assembling is not a problem at all. The package has detailed step by step guidelines for assembling. A person can easily assemble it in 2 hours at most. The design is simple and so it isn’t a complicated task to assemble it. However, it may require the use of tools like screw drivers.

All other parts and hardware is included in the package. It doesn’t, however, include sand bags so a user will have to buy them separately and throw the sand in to fill it up.

Maintenance tips for KidKraft Backyard Sandbox

To maintain the equipment, it is important to clean it regularly. To keep the sand clean of insects and debris, change the sand every now and then. Also, ensure that you cover the sandbox with the mesh cover when not in use otherwise it might attract stray cats or dogs which can make it dirty.

Use a cloth to lay down beneath the sandbox since it doesn’t come with a floor. You can also put a wooden panel underneath if you have one. This would give more protection to the equipment and will also keep it clean.

In any extreme weather conditions, cover the sandbox with a plastic cover to protect the wood from decaying to make the equipment last longer.