Sandpits

A sandpit is the easiest way into proper backyard play for a one to five year old, and a decent cover is what keeps the cats, leaves and rain out between sessions. You'll find wooden sandpits, plastic sandboxes, sand and water tables for younger toddlers, plus play sand and sandpit toys in the same shop.

What to look for in a sandpit

Five things worth checking before you buy.

Size. A small turtle sandbox suits one child. For siblings or playdates, look at a 1m square or a 1.5m plus octagonal.

Cover type. A closing lid or wooden cover keeps animals and rain out. A canopy gives shade but doesn't seal.

Drainage. Small holes in the base let rain through so the sand dries out instead of turning sour.

Material. Plastic is light and quick to set up. Wooden lasts longer and blends into the yard.

Bench seats and canopies. Handy on wooden models for shade and a dry spot to sit.

If you're piecing together a wider backyard setup, this fits alongside the rest of our outdoor play equipment.

Covered sandpits and why the cover matters more than you think

Yes, a proper cover does keep cats out. That's the single biggest worry parents raise about a sandpit, and it's a solved problem if you pick the right one.

There's a real difference between a shade canopy and a closing cover. A canopy sits above the sandpit and keeps the sun off while your child is playing. A closing cover, either a fitted lid or a hinged wooden top, seals the sand when nobody's using it. That's what stops animals, leaves and rain getting in overnight.

For sandpits that come with a proper closing cover or a canopy that folds down over the top, have a look at the Plum sandpits with canopies and the Lifespan Playfort and Strongbox range.

What sand to use and how many bags you'll need

Use washed, sieved play sand. Not builders sand, which is coarser and can contain clay or fine dust you don't want kids handling.

As a rough guide (bag sizes vary, and depth matters), for around 10 cm of sand:

Small turtle sandbox: 2 to 3 x 20kg bags

Medium 1m wooden square: 8 to 10 bags

Large 1.5m to 1.8m octagonal or boat: 15 to 20 bags

Aim for about 10cm deep so kids can dig without hitting the base. Top up every few months as sand gets kicked out or carried off on clothes. A full replacement every 12 to 24 months keeps it fresh.

Wooden or plastic, which suits your yard

Plastic is lighter, cheaper and easy to move around. Good for under 3s, small yards, or renters who want to shift it later. Turtle sandboxes are the classic pick here.

Wooden is larger, longer-lasting and blends into the garden. Many wooden models include bench seats and a canopy. Better for 3 to 5 year olds and up, and worth the extra if it's staying put.

Sand and water tables for younger toddlers

For a 1 to 2 year old, a sand and water table often beats a full sandpit. Standing height means no bending or sitting in the sand, the volume is small so cleanup is quick, and you can tip it out and rinse it after use.

It's a good stepping stone. Table now, proper sandpit around age 3. If you want a combined setup, check the water play options too.

Sandpit toys worth having

Start with the basics. Bucket, spade, sieve and a few moulds. That's most of what a toddler needs.

For 3 and up, a sandpit digger or sit-on excavator adds hours of play, and dump trucks are always a hit. Skip anything hollow with small holes that traps sand and won't dry, and toys with tiny pieces that disappear into the pit within a week.

Keeping the sandpit clean

A simple routine keeps the sand in good shape.

Cover it every time you're done.

Rake through it weekly to lift out leaves and sticks.

After rain, take the cover off and let it dry fully before closing it again.

Sieve and top up every few months.

Replace the sand fully every 12 to 24 months, sooner if it's been left uncovered a lot.

Sandpit FAQs

How do I stop cats getting in the sandpit?

Use a sandpit with a proper closing cover or wooden lid, and put it on every time your child finishes playing. A shade canopy alone won't stop cats. A fitted lid will. Rake the surface weekly so any droppings are spotted early, and top up with fresh play sand if needed.

How much sand does a sandpit need?

As a rough guide for around 10cm depth, a small turtle sandbox takes 2 to 3 x 20kg bags, a 1m wooden square takes 8 to 10 bags, and a 1.5m to 1.8m octagonal takes 15 to 20 bags. Depth and bag size vary, so treat this as a starting point rather than an exact figure.

What sand is safe for a kids sandpit?

Washed, sieved play sand. It's been cleaned and graded so it's free of dust, clay and sharp bits. Avoid builders sand, brickies sand or beach sand, which can contain fine particles or salt. Play sand is sold in 20kg bags at most hardware stores and garden centres.

How often should you replace sandpit sand?

Fully replace the sand every 12 to 24 months. In between, sieve it every few months to remove debris and top up as needed. If it starts smelling damp, has been left uncovered through wet weather, or has visible mould, replace it sooner. Covered sandpits go longer between full changes.

Wooden or plastic sandpit, which is better?

Neither is better outright. Plastic is lighter, cheaper and easier to move, and suits under 3s and smaller yards. Wooden is larger, longer-lasting and often comes with bench seats and canopies, which suits 3 to 5 year olds and up. Match it to your child's age and where it's going.

What age is a sandpit good for?

Sandpits suit around 18 months to 5 or 6 years, with the peak being 2 to 4. Under 18 months, a sand and water table is safer and easier. For age-appropriate play at the younger end, browse infant and toddler toys.

Do sandpits need drainage?

Yes. Small drainage holes in the base let rainwater pass through instead of pooling and turning the sand sour. Most wooden and plastic sandpits come with drainage built in. If yours doesn't, drill a few small holes in the base before you fill it with sand.

How do I clean a sandpit after rain?


Take the cover off and let the sand dry fully in the sun before closing it back up. Rake through it once it's dry to break up clumps. If water has pooled and the sand smells off, scoop out the wet layer and top up with fresh play sand. Good drainage prevents most of this.