If there’s one thing we remember extra fondly about childhood summers, it’s playing in the sand. Whether you’re at the beach or at the park, your kids will adore building sand castles and generally getting messy in the sand this summer as well! What if you don’t live near any sandy parks or beaches, though? DIY sandboxes are your definite solution!
Check out these 15 great DIY sandbox tutorials that will have you digging and building with your kids in no time.
1. Canopy sand box
Building a canopy above the sandbox gives your kids some shade while they play. This will help protect them from heat stroke and sun burns, even if they insist on building sandcastles for hours on end. Check out how this one is made on
2. Simple sandbox on wheels
Especially if you live in an apartment complex or have a very small yard, attaching wheels to your sandbox can prove surprisingly useful! The wheels will let you move the box to make space for barbecues or patio furniture, and they’ll also let you store it away in the winter. Just make sure you choose wheels with locks and always keep them locked while the kids play! Check this design out on
3. Portable mini sandboxes
Are you going on a road trip and looking for a way to help your kids unwind on the breaks between long driving stretches?
4. Old wine barrel sandbox
Perhaps you want to make your kids a sandbox for the backyard but you’re not that handy of a wood worker?
5. Brick edged sandbox
Have you had bad experiences with wooden splinters and your kids? Eliminate the need for wood all together by outlining your sandbox with cement bricks instead!
6. Wooden sandbox with doors
Adding doors that close over your sandbox lest you prevent it from turning into a mud pit in the rain. It also lets you close the box at night so the neighbour’s cats don’t use it as a giant litter box!
7. Striped sandbox
Sometimes a regular old sandbox just isn’t what you had in mine, despite wanting to give your kids the classic place to play. Instead, try making your own version of
8. Pool noodle sandbox with webbed lid
Are your kids very little and prone to toppling over as they run around in excitement? Protect them from rigid wooden edges by lining the sides with pool noodles.
9. $10 mini sandbox
Are your kids in love with the sand but you simply don’t have the space for a whole sandbox? Make them a mini sandbox instead, just like this one by
10. Sandbox in a drawer
This adorably easy project is a great way to both upcycle your old furniture and give your kid a great new place to play. Check out
11. Tire sandbox
Are you looking for something other than would to edge your sandbox with, but also something that’s sturdy enough for your kids to sit, jump, and play on? A big old truck tire is exactly what you need! Get the instructions for this design on
12. Car sandbox
Are you feeling up for a challenge in the wood working and tools department? Then you definitely need to check out this awesome car sandbox design by
13. Backyard beach sandbox
If your chances to make it to the beach this summer are unfortunately limited, then bring the beach to your kids instead!
14. Sailboat sandbox
Besides being an awesome place to play and pretend, this “sailboat” sandbox is a great way to keep your kids out of the sun while still letting them play, learn, and get some fresh air. See how it’s made on
15. Tree stump sand circle
If you can, why not make use of the raw materials around you? Plenty of cottages, campsites, and country homes are surrounded by large log sections and tree stumps set aside for bonfires. Grab a few of these, arrange them in a circle, and fill the center with sand! The logs will stop the sand of escaping so your kids can play for as long as they want. See the full tutorial on
Have you built another type of awesome sandbox that we should definitely see? Tell us about it in the comments section or link us to a picture of your work!
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