Comments on: Keep cats out of sandbox http://www.frugalvillage.com/2009/05/06/keep-cats-out-of-sandbox/ Sat, 21 Nov 2009 03:22:58 -0500 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: Maura http://www.frugalvillage.com/2009/05/06/keep-cats-out-of-sandbox/comment-page-1/#comment-26301 Maura Sat, 23 May 2009 20:31:28 +0000 http://www.frugalvillage.com/?p=1333#comment-26301 Sandboxes are great, but I've had the same concern - and since we are a military family and we'll be moving often, a big sandbox isn't a logical or cost-effective option for us. It's a great option for anyone who lives in an apartment with a tiny patio or an unwelcoming or non-kid-safe common area. What I've done instead is to get about 20 pounds of play sand, an underbed storage box with a lid (ours snaps in place with two simple latches), and an inexpensive plastic mesh tote basket (for the toys). The sand goes into the box, which is still light enough to rest on a kids' play table or be moved as needed, and the lid can go on whenever it's not being played with to keep out critters and unwanted moisture, while the sand toys are stored in the mesh basket and can be shaken over the sandbox to get excess sand off while minimizing mess (and keeping them available and ready for trips to the playground or the beach, as well). Added bonus: When the sand is moist from water play and covering it is not a great idea, the box is still small enough to be lifted up out of the way and set on a table in the sun to dry before covering. Sandboxes are great, but I’ve had the same concern – and since we are a military family and we’ll be moving often, a big sandbox isn’t a logical or cost-effective option for us. It’s a great option for anyone who lives in an apartment with a tiny patio or an unwelcoming or non-kid-safe common area.

What I’ve done instead is to get about 20 pounds of play sand, an underbed storage box with a lid (ours snaps in place with two simple latches), and an inexpensive plastic mesh tote basket (for the toys).

The sand goes into the box, which is still light enough to rest on a kids’ play table or be moved as needed, and the lid can go on whenever it’s not being played with to keep out critters and unwanted moisture, while the sand toys are stored in the mesh basket and can be shaken over the sandbox to get excess sand off while minimizing mess (and keeping them available and ready for trips to the playground or the beach, as well).

Added bonus: When the sand is moist from water play and covering it is not a great idea, the box is still small enough to be lifted up out of the way and set on a table in the sun to dry before covering.

]]>