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8 best sandpits for children and toddlers
With spring on the way, transform your back garden into a tropical paradise for your children with one of these top sandpits, as recommended by other parents.
By Laura Westerman | Last updated Aug 19, 2025
In need of something that'll bring the beach straight to your door this year? A sandpit is one of the best outdoor toys for the spring and summer months, and one that'll hopefully keep your kids entertained (and imaginations running wild) for hours on end.
But how do you know which sandpit to buy? And is there really so much to consider before purchasing what's essentially a box with some sand in it?
You probably won't be surprised to know that sandpits have come a long way since the days of yore and are now appearing on the market in a whole host of shapes and sizes, ranging from turtles to pirate ships to classic-looking picnic benches – and, well, the little explorer in us couldn't be happier.
So to help you find the right sandpit for all your outdoor needs, we've collated a list of the products that come most highly recommended on the Mumsnet forums and across the web, including bestseller lists and other expert review sites.
And the verdict is in. Here are the best sandpits for kids and toddlers.
1. Little Tikes Turtle Sandbox
Somewhat iconic in the world of sandpits, the Little Tikes Turtle is a favourite among parents and children alike.
With a bright green exterior and interior, and moulded-in detail on the bottom to encourage some serious digging, the Turtle is a spacious play area – but not so spacious that it will take up your entire garden.
And why stop with sand? This lovely little sandbox can be used as a ball pit as well.
Key features
Turtle shell functions as a removable lid
Holds 68kg of sand
Two seats moulded in
Need to know
Age range: 12 months to 6 years
Dimensions: 30.5 × 96.5 × 109.5cm
RRP: £49.99
What parents say
“It's hard to fault our Little Tikes Turtle Sandbox.”
“The Little Tikes Turtle sandpit is good. It's cheap, has a lid and is easy to move around the garden to stop you getting patchy grass.”
2. KidKraft Pirate Sandboat
Do you have a wannabe swashbuckler in your household? Introducing the KidKraft Pirate Sandboat, a pirate-themed sandpit that's ideal for any outdoor adventure.
It features a canopy to keep children protected from the sun as they play and a mesh cover to keep the sandbox dry in wet weather.
Suitable for children aged three upwards, the Sandboat is so cool we reckon adults may well want to get involved in the fun too.
Key features
Storage space for buckets and spades
Mesh cover to protect the sandpit when not in use
Sun canopy
Made of weather-resistant wood
Need to know
Age range: 3+
Dimensions: 199.4 × 112.4 × 151.1cm
RRP: £224.78
What parents say
“Very tempted by the gorgeous wooden boat sandpit. It has a canopy and a wheel for them to play with.”
3. Plum Square Wooden Sandpit
When it comes to trampolines, sandpits and other forms of outdoor play equipment for children, Plum always seems to come up trumps.
The Plum Square Sandpit is a fuss-free, conservatively-sized option that's sure to suit any garden.
While we think it's best for toddlers and younger children due to its size, this sandpit can be used from 18 months onwards.
Key features
Made from natural wood
Fairly compact in size
Comes with a protective cover and ground sheet
Need to know
Age range: 18 months+
Dimensions: 23 × 113 × 113cm
RRP: £59.99
What parents say
“Having looked long and hard at suitable sandpits, we ended up with a combination – a Plum Wooden Sand and Water Table, which gets used throughout the year, and the basic Plum with a wooden square frame.”
4. TP Toys Deluxe Picnic Table Sandpit
Why settle for just a sandpit when you can combine it with actual garden furniture?
A picnic table and sand play area, TP Toys' Picnic Table Sandpit offers the best of both worlds. It's ideal for family picnics, but also for painting, general craft activities and water play.
Key features
Made from FSC-certified timber
Generously sized to seat four children
Two robust play bowls
Comes with its own weather cover
Need to know
Age range: 2+
Dimensions: 110 × 91 × 48cm
RRP: £119.99
What parents say
“We now have a sand table that also doubles up as a picnic table.”
5. TP Ahoy Wooden Play Boat Sand and Water Pit
Brave the high seas (aka the garden) with this multi-activity wooden play boat from TP.
Whether it's for sand play, water-based fun or arts and crafts, this boat features a hidden sandpit that can be revealed and covered when needed, a craft play area with a removal splash bowl and blackboard, and a storage box to keep all those buckets and spades safely tucked away.
For those particularly sunny days, you can rest assured that they are out of harm's way thanks to the boat's UV-resistant sun canopy.
Key features
Holds 79kg of sand
Made from FSC-certified European pine
UV-resistant sun shade
Two play modes
Sandbox and craft play area
Spacious storage box
Captain's wheel with compass detailing
Need to know
Age range: 2+
Dimensions: 118 × 92 × 180cm (smaller in compact mode)
RRP: £179.99
What parents say
“We've got the TP one. DS1 got it four years ago and he still plays with it.”
6. Early Learning Centre My First Sand and Water Table
For toddlers and younger children, Early Learning Centre's My First Sand and Water Table is more than ideal according to Mumsnet users.
Perfect in height for curious little ones, simply detach the legs to use this product as a water run and sandpit.
It also comes with a lid to keep everything protected outdoors, and three sand and water toys – a rake, scoop and boat – for children to enjoy.
Key features
Slots around its sides for storing toys
Detachable legs
Protective lid
Three toys included
Need to know
Age range: 12 months to 5 years
Dimensions: 34.5 × 46.5 × 68.5cm
RRP: £34.99
What parents say
“We have the ELC one too. You have to have the same thing in both sides else it all gets a bit messy, but I think DS likes that some days it's water and some days it's sand. He loves the wheels and funnels you can buy for it too.”
“We have the ELC table one. It is split into two halves, and comes with a lid and lots of toys as well. It also only takes one bag of sand to fill it, so it's not too bad to replenish the sand each year.”
7. Chad Valley Hippo Sandpit
While we wouldn't exactly call this a subtle addition to an understated family garden, we love the Chad Valley Hippo Sandpit for its vibrant aesthetic, 60-litre capacity and budget price.
Ideal for children aged 12 months onwards, the Hippo Sandpit can be used as a sand, water or ball pit depending on the mood.
When it's ready to store away for the night, simply pop the hippo lid safely on top.
Key features
60-litre capacity
Lid included for protection against the elements
Weighs just 3.2kg
Need to know
Age range: 12 months+
Dimensions: 71 × 34cm
RRP: £20
8. deAO Sand and Water Play Table
If you're after a sand and water table with lots of accompanying accessories, the deAO Sand and Water Play Table is one to consider.
With a double compartment and a whole host of toys, including a water and sand mill, funnel and moulds, this little contraption will keep toddlers entertained for hours on end.
Good news for parents – it's compact enough to be stored away out of sight too.
Key features
Double compartment
Lid
Lots of assorted accessories included
Detachable legs
Bright design
Need to know
Age range: 3+ (due to small accessories)
Dimensions: 42 × 40 × 60cm
RRP: £48
The verdict: best sandpit
The Little Tikes Turtle Sandbox receives top marks from parents for its budget-friendly price tag and its ability to keep children busy for hours, which is why we're recommending it as our favourite sandpit to buy this year.
For toddlers wanting to explore the world of sand and water play, the ELC My First Sand and Water Table is also an excellent choice.
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