Childrens Sandbox

**adalynn** · 06-09-2010, 02:10 PM

I would like to make my Sweet Pea a small sandbox, but it must be very inexpensive to make & maintain. I have a few ideas but would like to hear others. Thanks!

**craftypam** · 06-09-2010, 03:03 PM

How about buying one of those plastic pools and fill it. If there are any outdoor cats near where you live you will have to have a cover on it or they'll use it as a litter box.

**mek42** · 06-09-2010, 04:38 PM

How small is small; how much is inexpensive?

The small pool idea might be the best bet. Hmmm.... would it work to fill only half with sand and have a beach?

If you already have stuff laying around, maybe a tarp stapled to 2 by 4 walls would work too.

**mauimagic** · 06-10-2010, 12:35 PM

We often use just any small container - but large enough for a child to sit in.

**adalynn** · 06-10-2010, 01:05 PM

I'm thinking about using kiddle pool with holes drilled in bottom, will have to keep cover with tarp. How expensive is sand?? That's what will cost the most. But please keep ideas coming!

**mauimagic** · 06-10-2010, 04:34 PM

Silly question I know....why would you drill holes in the bottom?

**adalynn** · 06-10-2010, 04:42 PM

I know we will be playing with a lot of water, SSSSSOOOOOO HOT here. So I want to make sure the sand stays drained.

**mauimagic** · 06-10-2010, 05:28 PM

Mahalo!! You are much braver than I!! We keep the sandbox in the backyard and the pools in the front - keeps our lives simple!!

**Lady_V** · 06-10-2010, 05:32 PM

Free sand and water table plans and pictures | EricsProjects < if you are crafty

I have seen the turtle sandboxes, with the covers... for $19.99 at Kmart. A cover is a must... cats are one problem, but raccoon poo can cause worms

We also used small, low totes filled with sand. They have a cover and can be moved when done.

**Luckybustert** · 06-12-2010, 01:36 AM

Originally Posted by craftypam

How about buying one of those plastic pools and fill it. If there are any outdoor cats near where you live you will have to have a cover on it or they'll use it as a litter box.

I was just thinking the same thing about the cats. I am having a similar problem with the flower beds closest to my front door.

**JanahPrice907** · 01-23-2012, 11:58 PM

I use an under-the-bed rubbermaid container for my kids' sandbox. Here in TX we have HOT, MISERABLE summers, so playing outside is not always an option for us. I lay out a tarp, slide the box on top of it and let them play. Afterwards, I sweep up the misplaced sand and dump it back in the box. Snap the lid on the container and slide it back under my son's bed. Works great for us!!!

**Spirit Deer** · 01-24-2012, 12:12 AM

If you call a place that sells sand by the dump truck load and ask them how much it would cost you to get a half a pick up load or a car trunk full of sand, they may just give you some or just charge you a couple bucks as long as you're willing to get it yourself. Bring a shovel and your containers. Not all will do so, but it's worth a try. The last time we got pea rock for our dogs to play in, the owner just loaned us the keys to his pit and told us to take what we wanted. (Gotta love small towns.)

When I was a kid my sandbox was a tractor tire. You can usually get tires free from someplace that recycles tires, and there are many sizes available. They last forever, are comfortable to sit on unless they're in direct sun, are a nice height for a little kid, and the sides make great garages for toy cars and trucks, plus you can 'drive' on the side of the tire. I spent many, many hours building all kinds of things in that old tire! You could cover it with a tarp weighted with bricks or rocks or even pop bottles filled with water.