This post is sponsored by Walmart, but as always, all opinions are 100% my own. Purchases made through affiliate links in this Kinetic Sandbox for Kids post give a small percentage commission to Honey Built Home at no extra cost to you.

Summer break can be ROUGH if your kids are constantly complaining that they are bored or there is “nothing to do”. I was determined to find activities that would keep them entertained for longer than 5 minutes, and I think I hit it out of the park with this one.

I loved the idea of a sandbox for them to have some sensory/creative play, but the idea of sand all over was enough to drive me crazy. The perfect solution? Kinetic Sand! Is it 100% clean? Absolutely not. But because of how it clumps together, it’s definitely more manageable. Here’s how I made ours!

Finding the Perfect Sandbox:

I found several different Sandboxes at Walmart, but ultimately decided on the Step2 Naturally Playful Red Plastic Sandbox. This one was a great option for us because one, the height is perfect for little ones to stand, or older kids to sit next to. The second feature I liked was that it has a lid that secures on with elastic tie-downs on both sides to ensure it doesn’t blow off. Another cool thing about the lid is that the top has indents that are the perfect width to be a road for matchbox cars! So it’s fun when it both opened and closed.

Another great sandbox option is the Step2 Crabbie Sandbox Red Plastic Sand Table for Toddlers with Cover 4-piece Playset. Can we just take a minute to talk about how cute the crab is?! While it’s not the one I went with, it would be a cute addition to any backyard, and based on reviews, it’s very durable as well.

Last, but not least the Step2 Cascading Cove Blue Plastic Sandbox and Water Table for Toddlers with Cover and Umbrella. This last table has a double use. One side can be used for sand, while the other is intended for water. If you’re one that loves to mix the two, then this is great. It also has a small umbrella to shade your kiddos while they play.

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Sand & Filler Toys

Now, in my opinion, is the fun part–filling the sandbox with sand and toys! Here are some of my favorites that I found.

Sand:

Kinetic Sand, 3lbs Beach Sand – This is the main filler sand. Depending on the sandbox you choose and the fullness you want it, you many need multiple 3 pound bags.
Kinetic Sand Deluxe Beach Castle Set with Molds & Tools – This set comes with sand as well as molds to create beach-like castles.
Mold n’ Flow 1.5lbs Kinetic Sand Play Sand with 3 Tools – I feel like you cant have enough miscellaneous tools in a sandbox, so this is perfect to get you started.

Toys & Tools:

Dig & Demolish Playset with 1lb Kinetic Sand and Toy Truck, Play Sand Sensory Toys – Build, destroy, repeat. This is the perfect use for this Dig and Demolish kit.
Rubble & Crew, Rubble and Mix Figures with Kinetic Build-It Sand and Toy Tools – If you’ve got a Paw Patrol or construction truck lover, then this is the perfect combo for you.
Kinetic Sand, Soft Serve Station – Play pretend Ice Cream shop? Don’t mind if I do! This is the perfect combination of sensory play and make believe.

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