When you’ve got little ones, backyard entertainment is where it’s at. Keeping them busy with outdoor toys that are engaging and educational makes life so much easier. A favorite that checks all the, well, boxes? A sandbox. And for good reason!

Besides simply enjoying the outdoors (and perhaps even giving you a few minutes of peace and quiet) a sandbox offers kids of all ages a fun opportunity to learn and play at the same time. From helping develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination to learning how to share and take turns, sand play (and sensory exploration in general) is packed with developmental benefits.

If you’re looking for the best sandbox with cover (because nobody has time for wet sand or becoming the neighborhood wildlife port-a-potty) we’ve rounded up some top-rated choices that are currently in stock and ready to ship. But don’t wait—we’re not sure how long they’ll last!

Best sandboxes with covers

Best Choice Products Kids Wooden Cabana Sandbox

Best Choice Products

$139

Kids Wooden Cabana Sandbox

With a comfy place to sit, ample shade and convenient side buckets to incorporate water play or simply keep extra toys out of the way, this durable wooden sandbox invites kids to dig right in. A cover is included and according to reviewers, assembly is quick and easy. ?

Size: 50 x 46.25 inches

Badger Basket Sandbox

Badger Basket

$103

Solid Wood Sandbox

Reviewers rave about this solid wood sandbox for its easy assembly and looks that blend perfectly with their backyard. The clever design converts the cover to benches for sand-free bottoms, but clearly there are no rules that say anyone has to use them.

Size: 46.5″ x 46.5″ x 9.5″

Octagon Wooden Cedar Sandbox

Creative Cedar Designs

$84.99

Octagon wooden sandbox

According to one Motherly editor, this is “the best sandbox in the world.” The cedar planks are easy to assemble and the generous size means at least a few kiddos can play together without argument. (Well, they’ll have room at least—kids find reason to squabble with an entire beach’s worth of sand, so…) The long-lasting design also comes with a durable, eco-friendly cover that keeps out moisture and critters (of the non-human variety).

Size: 84 x 78 x 9 inches (the largest on our list!)

sandlock sandbox

SandLock

$274

Green Square Plastic Sandbox

Playing in the sand is fun. Getting a splinter in your bum is not. The best-selling, easy to assemble sandbox from SandLock is made from durable blow molded plastic that unlike wood, won’t rot or splinter. The generous size is great for multiple kids and corner seats give them a comfy place to perch. And when it’s time to head inside, the tarp cover goes on easy and stays in place via a patented lock system. One thing to note, it does need to be installed on level ground, so be sure you’ve got a prime space in mind!

Size: 59 x 59 x 9 inches

Best choice products sandbox

Best Choice Products

$129.99

Large Wooden Sandbox

For kiddos who’d rather not plop themselves directly in the sand, this clever design features benches on each side which double as a cover when not in use. (Not to mention, it’s nice on parents backs as well.) The bottomless design is made to last from heat-treated cedar and comes with a liner for underneath to help keep it drained and ventilated.

Size: 47.25 x 49 x 8.5 inches

Step2 play and store sandbox

Step2

$74.99

Play and Store Sandbox with Cover

No backyard? No problem. The compact design makes this one a great choice for balconies or decks. A hefty domed lid that doesn’t blow away in the wind also makes it easy to store toys and trucks inside.

Size: 28 x 42 x 11 inches

kidkraft pirate ship sandbox

KidKraft

$240.98

Pirate Ship Sandbox

Ships ahoy! With multiple ways to play, this super-fun sandbox will make your yard the neighborhood hot spot. The sand area is big enough to accommodate a kid or two while the back bench offers a cool place to hang out (or plot a takeover). It also comes equipped with a cover to keep sand dry and debris-free!

Size: 59.5 x 44.25 x 78.5 inches

little tikes big digger sand box

Little Tikes

$56

Big Digger Sandbox

Construction-obsessed kiddos will love the Big Digger from Little Tikes. With a set of sand toys, real working excavator, dump truck and a lid that doubles as a ramp, it comes with everything they’ll need for hours of outside fun.

Size: 61.74 x 47 x 13 inches

Little Tikes Turtle Sandbox

Little Tikes

$44.99

Turtle Sandbox

Eighties kids will appreciate the nostalgia of the turtle sandbox. As you may remember from your own childhood, this one is fairly small which makes it a great choice for toddlers. It also requires zero set up—just dump in a few bags of sand and it’s ready to go.

Size : 12 x 38.75 inches

Best Choice Products Sand table

Best Choice Products

$99.99

Kids 3-in-1 Outdoor Convertible Wood Activity Sand & Water Picnic Table

There’s more than meets the eye with this clever table/sandbox combo! After lunch, simply remove the middle panel to uncover the secret sandbox inside. Between the minimalist aesthetic and compact size, we love this super popular powerhouse for patios and decks as much as backyard shenanigans. (And major bonus points for the included umbrella!)

Size: 38 x 37.75 x 19.5 inches

A version of this story was published June 1, 2021. It has been updated.