One activity your kids will surely enjoy is playing with sand at the park, in your backyard, or at the beach. With the plethora of sandbox toys in the market that sometimes all look the same, it can get confusing to find the most durable and child-friendly items. That's why we searched Amazon for 10 of the best sandbox toys that will bring smiles to children of all ages.
Our top favorite is Reeves International Sandbox Excavator for its innovative design that allows children to have hands-on experience operating a machine. Of course, we also included staple sandbox toys like shovels and pails on our list. Browse through the items below to find the best one your child will enjoy playing with! We even added a buying guide to help you further on your purchase.
Quick List - Top Sandbox Toys
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Finding the perfect sandbox toys for your kids depends on their age and how safe the toys are to play with. Take a look at the buying guide below to help you find the perfect toys for your children.
When picking out sandbox toys for your kids, take the toy’s designated age group into consideration. Little ones are easier to please with simple toys, while older kids need more enticing and mind-stimulating toys to keep them from getting bored.
The best sandbox toys to get for young kids are ones that exercise eye-to-hand coordination. Try getting them the usual and most popular sandbox toys like shovels, buckets, sandcastle formations, and other shape molds.
Young kids will be hooked and satisfied with the cycle of digging, dumping, and shaping sand. Some other toys that are great for this age range are bulky toy trucks that transport sand. Make sure to get toys that are not choking hazards and instead go for bulky ones that are easy to grasp and hold for long periods.
Elementary schoolers and older kids will enjoy imaginative play that exercises their brain muscles. Invest in sandbox toys that give your child the freedom to make their own universe; some examples are dinosaur figurines and wild animals toy sets.
Some toys even mimic bulldozers and are specifically made for the beach or sandboxes. Not only will your child enjoy their time in the sand, but they will also exercise their creativity by creating different scenarios and situations.
It's also safe to go for smaller, more detailed pieces because of the lower risk of them placing the pieces in their mouths.
You can also think about whether the toy is suited for solo or group play. Some toys like shovels and buckets can only be used one at a time, while other toys can be played with simultaneously.
Consider getting group-oriented toys if you have more than one child to keep busy or want your child to make new friends. For group play, you can go for sandbox toy sets that come with multiple shovels, buckets, and molds so that each kid will have something to play with and won't fight over the cutest star-shaped mold.
Be sure to purchase safe and non-toxic toys for your kids to play with. Since most sandbox toys are made of plastic, check if the toys are free from Bisphenol A (BPA). This toxic chemical is used in plastic toys to make them more lightweight, heat-resistant, and durable, but can be harmful.
The majority of toys sold online will specify if they are BPA-free; however, if you do come across one that does not mention anything about this chemical, it’s best to do a little research.
If you plan to have your child play with the toys outdoors in the sand as well as indoors in their rooms, go for toys that are easy to wash and clean. Bulky toys, like shovels and pails, are easy to wash and store, and can be used in many situations.
On the other hand, smaller toys with tiny crevices for sand to seep in might be harder to bring indoors. If you’re planning to get a set of sandbox toys, it’s more convenient to get one with a storage bag included for a stress-free clean-up and put away.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Reeves International Sandbox Excavator | ![]() | The Ultimate Digging Machine Great for Sand and Snow | |
2 | Click N Play Beach Sand Toy Set | ![]() | A Toy Bundle Perfect for a Day in the Sand | |
3 | TOMY John Deere Sandbox Vehicle|2 pack | ![]() | Durable Toy Trucks for Hauling Sand | |
4 | Melissa & Doug Seaside Sidekicks Sand Baking Set | ![]() | A Sand Baking Set for Aspiring Young Bakers | |
5 | Top Race Beach Pails Sand Buckets and Sand Shovels Set | ![]() | A Bundle of Buckets and Shovels | |
6 | Little Tikes Big Digger Sandbox | ![]() | A Digger Sandbox Toy Set Great for Playdates | |
7 | Melissa & Doug Seaside Sidekicks Funnel Fun | ![]() | Sand and Water Funnel With a Handy Handle | |
8 | FoxPrint Beach Sand Toy Set | ![]() | A Portable Sandbox Toy Set Great as Gifts | |
9 | Liberty Imports Large Dinosaur Fossil Sand Molds | ![]() | Perfect for the Dinosaur Lover | |
10 | CubicFun Bath Toys for Kids | ![]() | Sand and Water Toys Safe for Babies to Use |
Turn your backyard into a construction site with this mini digger. It has a 360-degree swivel action and up to 15-inches deep digging capacity. The mini digger has two handles for scooping sand, snow, or even dirt. Kids three years old and above will have immense fun playing with this excavator.
Multiple reviewers complained that there were missing parts in their purchase. However, satisfied customers liked the easy assembly and sturdy build of the digger. Buyers also liked that it could be used in the snow!
This 18-piece sandbox set with various shovels, rakes, sand sifters, and molds is the ultimate toy bundle. The toys are made from non-toxic plastic and are safe for kids as young as three years old to use. You even get a mesh bag to store all the toys in!
A few reviewers said that the mesh bag broke easily. Some buyers also found the toys small and wished they were a bit bigger. Other than that, buyers liked the numerous pieces, durable quality, and easy transport of the toys. Many said that this toy set was perfect for the beach!
This toy set comes with a durable plastic dump truck and tractor. Let your kids play with them indoors in their rooms or outdoors in a sandbox! These toy trucks are easy to use and have free-rolling wheels that allow your child to move them wherever they wish. Kids as young as 18 months old can already enjoy playing with them.
The feedback for this set is overwhelmingly positive. The only common criticism is that the toys broke after some use. Past this, buyers said it's a wonderful toy set for toddlers to play with. Some even used the vehicles as birthday cake toppers!
With this sea animal-themed sand baking set, your kid can make as many mudpies and sand cookies as they wish. The toy set has three shell measuring cups, a crab mixing spoon, an octopus whisk, and a mixing bowl with a turtle cover that is also a sifter. Children from three to five years of age will be preoccupied for hours.
A lot of reviewers did not like that the lid of the mixing bowl did not snap and lock into place. Meanwhile, satisfied customers loved the cute sea animal designs and the durable plastic of the items. Families like to bring this sandbox set to beach trips!
You can't go wrong with these staple sandbox toys: buckets and shovels. This bundle comes with six multicolored buckets and six white shovels. Each bucket can hold up to 30 fluid ounces and has a depth of five inches. These are great for beach events and outdoor parties.
Some buyers found that the plastic was not that durable. Others complained about the bucket's handles coming off. On the bright side, happy customers liked the versatile use of the set. While kids used them to play in the sand, adults served drinks at the beach using the buckets! Some even used the pails to hold party gifts.
This digger set has a built-in excavator to scoop up sand and load it into a dump truck. The truck ramp is removable and doubles as a lid to keep the sand from falling out. This toy set is great for playdates and can hold up to 100 pounds of sand! There are a total of seven accessories included, so each child will have something to play with.
Some did not like how rainwater seeped into the container even with the lid on. Other than that, the majority of customers liked that the digger set could be used indoors and outdoors. People also liked its sturdy construction and accessories.
Spice up playtime with this multi-layered funnel that tips, spins, and sifts sand or water. Use this toy in the sandpit or in the bathtub! The sandbox toy has a built-in handle for easy transport. The bright colors and fun animal designs will catch the attention of toddlers and elementary kids alike.
Some reviewers said that the top funnel is relatively small and tends to clog. Apart from that, buyers liked the sturdy quality and versatile use of this toy that works in both water and sand. People also liked that it's easy to store.
This 16-piece sandbox toy is the perfect gift for young children. You get different shaped and colored molds, a shovel, rake, bucket, and even a tiny watering can! The reusable zippered bag it comes with is easy to clean and fits all the items in snuggly. All items are made from non-toxic plastic.
A couple of reviewers complained that they didn't receive the mesh bag that's supposed to be included. Past this, most were satisfied with the durable quality of the toys and the wide variety of pieces. Some buyers even used this toy set in water and snow!
Are your kids avid dinosaur fans? Surprise them with this dinosaur fossil set that lets them mold a Triceratops, Tyrannosaurus, and a Stegosaurus! The sandbox toy set also includes a rake and shovel. The molds create 22 to 25-inch dinosaur figures.
Reviewers loved this set and said their kids had fun digging up the dinosaur molds. However, some younger children didn't quite understand how to put the dinosaurs together, and the pieces were hard to use as molds. Still, the set is very popular!
This sand and water toy set is made for toddlers as young as one and a half years old to use. The animal molds are safe and shaped in a way that is easy for small hands to grab. Use this toy set indoors in the bathtub or outdoors in a sandbox for hours of fun!
Some reviewers said that these toys could not handle rough play. Past that, most buyers liked the cute and colorful design of the molds and their baby-safe size and features.
Still lacking in outdoor activities for your kids to do? Take a look at these toys that will turn boredom into laughter!
No. 1: Reeves International|Sandbox Excavator
No. 2: Click N Play|Beach Sand Toy Set
No. 3: TOMY|John Deere Sandbox Vehicle|2 pack
No. 4: Melissa & Doug|Seaside Sidekicks Sand Baking Set
No. 5: Top Race|Beach Pails Sand Buckets and Sand Shovels Set
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