Toys & Gifts Kids & Teens The 15 Best Sand Toys for Kids for Hours of Creative Outdoor Play Toddler-friendly toys, trucks, buckets, shovels, and molds for epic sand play By Sarah Anzlovar, MS, RDN, LDN Updated on August 01, 2023 Medically reviewed by Tyra Tennyson Francis, MD Fact checked by Rich Scherr Print We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Verywell Family / Alli Waataja They may think of them as just a few buckets, shovels, and molds, but sand toys can really unlock a world of imaginative play and support the development of all kinds of important skills learned during childhood. According to occupational therapist Jessica Mulligan, OTR-L, playing in the sand promotes sensory exploration and development. In particular, it can provide age-appropriate challenges for a child’s tactile system. It also promotes imaginative play, which is at the core of developing problem-solving skills, practicing social scripts, learning cause and effect, and fostering creativity, she says. And let’s not forget that kids can pretty much play with sand toys independently, so maybe you’ll even get to sit down for a minute and enjoy the outdoors. To select the best sand toys for kids, we interviewed two child development experts, talked to dozens of parents, and researched hundreds of toys available on the market. We looked for options that are age appropriate, safe, durable, and that will keep kids entertained for hours at a time. Additionally, a family physician on our Review Board reviewed this article for medical accuracy and integrity surrounding what to look for in sand toys and how to play in the sand safely. Our Top Picks Best Overall: B. toys by Battat Wavy-Wagon Beach Play Set at Amazon ($18) Jump to Review Best Budget: Hape Beach Basics Sand Toy Set at Amazon ($12) Jump to Review Best for Toddlers: Melissa & Doug Seaside Sidekicks Sand Baking Set at Amazon ($16) Jump to Review The Best Sand Digger: Reeves International The Big Dig Sandbox Digger Excavator Crane at Amazon ($48) Jump to Review Best Sand Truck: Green Toys Dump Truck at Amazon ($15) Jump to Review Best Heavy Duty: L.L.Bean Castle Snow/Sand Mold Kit at L.L.Bean ($45) Jump to Review Best Sand Play Set: B. toys Beach Play Set at Amazon ($24) Jump to Review Best for the Beach: Create A Castle Castle Split Mold Set at Amazon ($58) Jump to Review Best for Pretend Play: Melissa & Doug Cookie Baking Set at Amazon ($28) Jump to Review Best for Fine Motor Development: Top Race Ice Cream Sand Toys at Amazon ($17) Jump to Review In This Article Expand Our Picks How We Selected the Best Sand Toys What to Look for in Sand Toys FAQ Why Trust Verywell Family Best Overall B. toys by Battat Wavy-Wagon Beach Play Set Amazon View On Amazon $18 View On Walmart $33 View On Kohls.com $17 Pros Variety of tools and shapes Wagon holds all of the toys Brightly colored Cons May not hold older kids’ attention The B. toys Wavy-Wagon tops our list because it comes with a wide variety of toys recommended by an occupational therapist because they offer different opportunities for skill building and development. The wagon, which is also a carrying vessel for all the toys, allows kids to practice pushing and pulling over the sand, which “provides heavy work and resistance to muscles and joints,” says Mulligan. The rake, shovel, and bucket are good for small hands and offer ways for younger kids to get used to the feeling of sand while developing fine motor skills, and the molds and sifters offer a more hands-on sensory experience. The whole kit can be used in a sandbox or at the beach. The wagon may be a little large for smaller sand tables, but the rest of the toys could still be used in a smaller space. The B. toys Wavy-Wagon is ideal for toddlers and early preschool-aged kids, but may be a little small for older kids. The wagon and toys are made from phthalate-free plastic and are easy to clean with water. The wagon handle folds into the wagon for convenient storage. Key Specs: Recommended Age: Toddlers, 18 months+ | Material: Phthalate-free plastic | What’s Included: Wagon, bucket, sifter, shovel, rake, boat, fish mold, shark lid, and nesting cups Best Budget Hape Beach Basics Sand Toy Set Amazon View On Amazon $12 View On Hape.com Pros Affordable basic set Brightly colored Durable plastic Cons Limited number of pieces The Hape Beach Basics Sand Toy Set is a great budget-friendly option that will keep young builders entertained with a bucket, a shovel, a rake, and a sifter. Each item is made from durable plastic that is free from BPA, PVC, and phthalates, and parents say these toys hold up better than many other plastic toys on the market. The toys are the perfect size for little hands, especially toddlers and preschool-age kids. And they can be easily transported from a sandbox or table to the beach. With only four pieces, the set is quite basic, so it’s a good option for beginners or as a set you can take to the beach or park. Key Specs: Recommended Age: 12 months+ | Material: BPA, PVC- and phthalate-free plastic | What’s Included: Bucket, rake, shovel, and sifter Best for Toddlers Melissa & Doug Seaside Sidekicks Sand Baking Set Amazon View On Amazon $16 View On Walmart $24 View On Melissaanddoug.com $23 Pros Creative take on sand toys Bucket can be used for storage Encourages imaginative play Cons Lid may be hard for little hands to secure Toddlers love to scoop, stir, and dump ingredients in the kitchen, and this is a great set to practice all of those skills without the mess. This baking sand toy set encourages social play as kids can “cook” together and engage in pretend play. When it gets too hot outside, this Melissa & Doug set is also a great bathtime toy to measure and stir water—don’t worry, it’s not hard to clean, so you won’t be bringing sand into the bathtub. It’s ideal for toddlers, but can also be enjoyed by older siblings and friends. Key Specs: Recommended Age: 18 months+ | Material: Not specified | What’s Included: Bucket, rake, shovel, and sifter The Best Sand Digger Reeves International The Big Dig Sandbox Digger Excavator Crane Amazon View On Amazon $48 View On Walmart $44 View On Wayfair $54 Pros Supports gross motor development and pretend play Great for younger and older kids Good for beach or sandbox Cons Heavy Turn the beach or sandbox into a construction site with the Big Dig Special Edition Sandbox Digger. Kids get to pretend they are on a construction site with a real-life excavator. Using the handles, they move the digger up and down to dig and move sand. This excavator opens the doors to hours of pretend and role play with friends, as well as the opportunity to build strength, precision, and body awareness. It’s made of durable metal, and can hold up to 110 pounds, making it great for both younger and older kids. At 9 pounds, it is heavy to transport, and it does require a large space for storage. It is a bit of an investment compared to other sand toys, but since it’s good for a wide variety of ages, it will likely get years of use. Key Specs: Recommended Age: 3-8 years | Material: Metal | What’s Included: Digger with handles and seat Best Sand Truck Green Toys Dump Truck Amazon View On Amazon $15 View On Walmart $15 View On Macy's $27 Pros Wheels are big enough to drive on the sand Made from recycled plastic Convenient size Cons Can’t carry large loads The Green Toys Dump Truck allows kids to push, dig, and dump, helping them develop balance, strength, and build motor-planning skills—all essential developmental skills according to Mulligan. The simple and uncomplicated nature of this truck allows kids to use their imagination, especially young toddlers. It’s made from recycled plastic that’s free of PVC, phthalates, and BPA. It can go in the dishwasher or you can clean it by rinsing it with water in the sink. Because it’s small, you don’t need a lot of space to store it and your child can probably help transport it from one sand play area to another. Plus, it comes in a variety of bright, kid-friendly colors. Key Specs: Recommended Age:12 months+ | Material: Recycled plastic | What’s Included: Dump truck Easy Outdoor Games and Activities for Kids Best Heavy Duty L.L.Bean Castle Snow/Sand Mold Kit L.L. Bean View On L.L.Bean $45 Pros Good for sand and snow Comes with carrying case Great for building larger sand castles Cons Not for younger kids If durability is your top priority, or you really want to build epic sand castles, the L.L.Bean Castle Snow/Sand Mold Kit is for you. L.L.Bean is known for its high-quality items that last forever, and this set is precisely that. The three castle molds included in the set are made with lightweight polyethylene, which is a plastic material that is durable, yet light enough to carry to the beach. The molds are strong enough to withstand the elements, including snow and saltwater. This kit is ideal for older kids or kids at heart who want to build bigger castles. With few crevices and parts, these molds are easy to clean. They also come with a convenient carrying case, which helps with storage and transportation. Key Specs: Recommended Age: Preschool and up | Material: Polyethylene | What’s Included: 3 castle molds and carrying case Best Sand Play Set B. toys Beach Play Set Amazon View On Amazon $24 View On Walmart $20 View On Kohls.com $7 Pros Variety of toys that support skill development in young children Made with phthalate- and BPA-free plastic Budget-friendly Cons Items are small Bucket not big enough to hold other toys This 10-piece beach play set from B. toys is a great comprehensive set of sand toys that includes a rake, a shovel, a bucket, a truck, sifters, molds, and a pinwheel. These toys will promote fine motor development, hand-eye coordination, and imaginative skill play. The set is designed so that all of the pieces store within the bucket and the sifter works as a lid, though it’s not big enough to add other items you may be transporting. This set is ideal for toddlers and younger children. Key Specs: Recommended Age: 18 months+ | Material: BPA- and phthalate-free plastic | What’s Included: large dump truck, bucket, sifter, rake, shovel, mini dump truck, pinwheel, and 3 sand molds. Best for the Beach Create A Castle Castle Split Mold Set Walmart View On Amazon $58 View On Walmart $56 View On Fatbraintoys.com Pros Great for older kids Durable Comes with carrying backpack Cons Not appropriate for young children Calling all sand castle building enthusiasts. This Create a Castle Sand Castle Kit takes castle building to the next level. With two molds, window cutters, and a scraper tool, this kit helps your kids build intricate and large sand castles at the beach, which will keep them busy for hours. Create a Castle Sand Castle Kit can be used year-round, and holds up to the snow in the winter months. It also comes with a convenient backpack for transporting to and from the beach. It’s ideal for independent play for older kids (6 years and older), though kids as young as 3 may be able to participate in the family fun with parental supervision. Key Specs: Recommended Age: 3+ | Material: Not specified | What’s Included: 10-inch and 6-inch mold, window cutter, multipurpose tool, brick form, and carrying backpack The 8 Best Inflatable Water Slides to Turn Your Yard Into a Summer Oasis Best for Pretend Play Melissa & Doug Cookie Baking Set Amazon View On Amazon $28 View On Melissaanddoug.com Pros Good for older and younger kids Comes with storage bag Creative take on sand toys Cons Might tempt younger kids to taste the sand Little chefs will enjoy “baking” sand treats with this Melissa & Doug Cookie Baking Set. It not only fosters pretend play—an important way kids learn and practice life skills—but will also keep them entertained for a good stretch of time. As they “bake,” they are also practicing fine motor skills and learning patience while they carefully try to move the cookies from the baking sheet to a plate with the spatula. This is a great set to bring younger and older kids together and encourage sharing and cooperation among family and friends. It’s small enough for a sand table or sandbox, but can also be transported to and from the beach in the mesh carrying case. Key Specs: Recommended Age: 36 months to 6 years | Material: Not specified | What’s Included: baking sheet, rolling pin, 3 cookie cutters, spatula, sprinkles shaker, 2 plates Best for Fine Motor Development Top Race Ice Cream Sand Toys Amazon View On Amazon $17 View On Walmart $16 Pros Bucket acts as carrying case Good for younger and older kids Encourages pretend play Cons Might tempt younger kids to taste the sand The Top Race Ice Cream Sand Toys is optimal for building fine motor skills as kids scoop, fill, and serve the ice cream. It also encourages pretend play and hand-eye coordination development. The 10-piece set can be used by kids as young as 18 months, but older kids (up to age 9) will still enjoy playing with the kit. Just be mindful that younger kids might try to actually eat the “ice cream,” so keep a close eye on them while they play. It comes with a bucket that acts as a carrying case you can take to the beach, which can also be used for filling water to wet the sand and help the ice cream hold its shape. The brightly colored parts are easy to find in the sand when you’re cleaning up for the day. Key Specs: Recommended Age: 36 months to 6 years | Material: Not specified | What’s Included: baking sheet, rolling pin, 3 cookie cutters, spatula, sprinkles shaker, 2 plates The 14 Best Sunglasses for Kids of 2024, Tested and Approved by Kids, Parents, and Eye Doctors Best Sand Castle Kit Top Race Sand Castle Molds Amazon View On Amazon $15 Pros Detailed castle molds Set of 4 Cons Castle design may cause it to tip over easily when used as a bucket We love the Top Race Sand Castle Molds because they are lightweight, brightly colored, good for all ages, and can be used at the beach or in a sandbox. They also double as buckets to carry other toys to and from the beach. The kit comes with four molds with handles, all of which are made from BPA-free plastic. According to Mulligan, building sand castles is a great way for kids to practice “grading their force”—learning how much pressure to put on the castle as they flip it over. This also helps with patience and regulating their emotions when a castle falls or doesn’t come out the way they had planned. Key Specs: Recommended Age: 18 months to 9 years | Material: BPA-free plastic | What’s Included: 4 sand castle molds with handles The 8 Best Wagons for Kids and Their Gear Best Silicone Sand Toys WILLOW + SIM Silicone Beach Toys for Kids Amazon View On Amazon $28 View On Walmart $31 Pros Durable Bucket acts as carrying case Made from recyclable materials Cons Neutral colors may be hard to find in the sand If you prefer silicone toys, which might be better for little ones who like to put things in their mouth, the Willow + Sim Beach Toys are a great option. The set comes with a bucket, a shovel, and three molds to keep kiddos entertained and practicing new skills in the sand. They’re made from recyclable materials that don’t contain any harmful chemicals, have soft edges, and are easy for little hands to hold. Silicone toys may be more durable than plastic toys as well, as they are less likely to crack or chip. However, silicone is more expensive than plastic, which is why this set has a higher price tag than others with similar items on this list. If you’re taking these to the beach, you may also want to keep a closer eye on them, as the neutral colors can blend in with the sand. Keep in mind that sand also sticks to silicone more than to plastic, but these can be rinsed with water to remove it. Key Specs: Recommended Age: 12 months+ | Material: Lead-, phthalate-, and BPA-free silicone | What’s Included: Bucket, shovel, and 3 molds Best Eco-Friendly LoveLotte Eco Beach Toy Set Amazon View On Amazon Pros Biodegradable Ergonomic handles good for little hands Family-owned business that gives back to environmental causes Cons Limited number of pieces The LoveLotte Eco Beach Toy Set is a favorite for its quality, durable design, and earth-friendly materials. It’s made with completely biodegradable bamboo fiber and USA-grown cornstarch, so if it gets lost at the beach and ends up in the ocean, it will break down within 12 months, leaving nothing harmful behind. The simple set, which includes a bucket big enough to carry other items, a shovel, a rake, and a spatula/scraper, will encourage creative play at the beach or in the sandbox. They can be paired with found objects such as rocks, shells, and sticks—which Mulligan recommends as a great way to encourage creativity—for hours of fun. In addition, the handles on each of the pieces are ergonomically designed for little hands. While it’s a bit more of an investment compared to other plastic toys, the pieces are extremely durable and will hold up for years of sand play. LoveLotte is a family-owned business and donates profits to Plastic Oceans, a non-profit that works to end plastic pollution. Key Specs: Recommended Age: 12 months+ | Material: Biodegradable bamboo fiber and cornstarch | What’s Included: Bucket, shovel, rake, and scraper The 10 Best Mosquito Bite Relief Products Recommended by Doctors to Stop the Itch Best Sand Shovel Matty’s Toy Stop Long Handle Sand Scoop Amazon View On Amazon $15 Pros Long handle makes it easy to dig in the sand Brightly colored Durable Cons May be too big for toddlers A good, sturdy shovel is essential for sand play, especially at the beach where kids might be digging into hard, packed sand. Matty’s Toy Stop Long Handle Sand Scoop is a durable shovel that scoops a large volume of sand. The longer handle allows the shovels to grow with your child, though they are a little long and cumbersome for toddlers. Importantly, the shovels are brightly colored, making them easy to find in the sand (and harder to leave behind at the beach). Key Specs: Recommended Age: 3+ | Material: Plastic | What’s Included: 3 shovels Best With Bag Click N' Play Sand Toy Set Amazon View On Amazon $22 View On Walmart $23 Pros 18 pieces included Brightly colored Great for cooperative play Cons Plastic may break with extended use The Click’N Play Beach Toys pack is a comprehensive set that comes in a convenient mesh backpack great for portability and storage. It contains a wide variety of brightly colored OT-recommended toys including a rake, a shovel, molds, sifters, and a bucket. The toys included are ideal for younger kids—toddlers and preschool age—though they may be a bit small for older kids. With 18 pieces, there’s plenty for siblings and friends to enjoy, share, and engage in pretend play together, encouraging motor development, and imaginative play. However, parents say the plastic is a bit thin and may not hold up to extensive use. Key Specs: Recommended Age: 3+ | Material: BPA-free plastic | What’s Included: Mesh bag, bucket, shovel, rake, molds, sifters, watering can. How We Selected the Best Sand Toys To select the best sand toys for kids, we reached out to Jessica Mulligan, OTR-L, an occupational therapist who works with children, and Stephanie Nova Fields, PhD, a child psychologist and parenting coach. Both experts gave us insights into the qualities and features to look for in sand toys, as well as the key skills kids learn and practice while playing with this type of toys. Following their recommendation, we researched dozens of top-rated sand toys on the market and selected options that are age-appropriate, durable, safe, and easy to clean. We also prioritized products that are more likely to grow with a child, so they can be used for many years. What to Look for in Sand Toys Age Range When shopping for sand toys, you’ll want to consider the age of the kids you're shopping for. Babies and young toddlers will do best with lightweight items that can easily fit in their little hands and those that don’t require manipulating anything too complicated. You’ll also want to avoid small pieces that could be a choking hazard for kids that still put things in their mouths. If you have a young toddler, the Willow and Sim Silicone Beach Toys are a good option, as is the Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch Seaside Sidekicks Sand Baking Play Set. For preschool-aged and older kids, durability is an important factor as they may be rougher on the toys than the little ones, so you might choose the L.L.Bean Sand Castle Mold, which is a heavy-duty set that allows kids to create larger blocks and epic castles with sand or snow. Older kiddos can also benefit from toys that encourage imaginative or pretend play and problem-solving skills, as well as those that might require more heavy lifting or shoveling. Use Consider how your kids will use the sand toys before purchasing. Will the toys stay in a backyard sandbox or table or will you want to carry them to the beach? If you’ll be transporting them to and from the beach, you’ll want toys that come with a carrying case and aren’t too cumbersome to carry. You may also want to consider storage space and the size of your sandbox or sand table, if that’s where you intend to use them. Durability Many sand toys are made from plastic because it’s easy to clean. You’ll want to look for products made with durable plastic that won’t crack when digging, scooping or building. This is especially important for toys that are designed for older kids. Metal and wood toys might be more durable in sandboxes but aren’t as resistant when constantly exposed to saltwater at the beach. Easy to Clean Sand inevitably leads to messy play. When it comes to cleaning, you’ll want to think about the material as well as the design of the toy. Plastic and metal are the easiest to clean. Silicone isn’t hard to wash, but sand does stick to it more than other materials. Toys that have lots of small crevices and parts will also hold more sand. Frequently Asked Questions How much do sand toys cost? Most sand toys cost between $10 and $40, though some are more expensive. Things that will affect the cost include the complexity of the toy, how many pieces are included in the set, the material, the durability, and the brand.While price does not necessarily translate to quality, those that cost more often do hold up for longer. If you only need a toy for a season or two (for example, those for babies and young toddlers), you probably don’t need to pay up for a higher-quality item.Our list of the best sand toys includes products in the $12 to $50 range. The Hape Beach Basics Sand Toy Set ($12), our best budget pick, is a basic set that includes only four pieces but is very durable. On the opposite end of the price range, the Create a Castle Sand Castle Kit ($50), is our best for the beach pick because it allows your little builder to create solid towers for their castle and larger structures. At what age can kids start playing in the sand? Children can start playing in the sand from a very young age with close supervision, according to Dr. Stephanie Nova Fields. Sand can be a great place for older babies and young toddlers to develop gross motor skills. In addition, “crawling and walking on the sand can help to develop and improve balance skills,” says Mulligan. What toys are good for the beach? The best toys for the beach are easy to transport and clean, and made with bright colors so that they don’t get lost under the sand or near the water. Found objects like sticks, shells, and rocks can also make great beach toys for older kids when the safety of using these items isn’t a concern. Why Trust Verywell Family A mother of two young boys, Sarah Anzlovar, MS, RDN, LDN, understands the importance of quality, durable toys that encourage growth and development. Her kids have played with many of the toys on this list, and both boys particularly love the Melissa & Doug Seaside Sidekicks Sand Baking Play Set. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Helpful Report an Error Other Submit