We've sifted through countless sandboxes to find the best, and we’ve sought expert advice from our professional consultant, Aimee, to help you choose the sandbox that's right for you.

So if you’re in a hurry to get that sandbox set up, jump straight to our recommendations to pick your favorite. Or, read on to find out more about what sets the best sandboxes apart from the rest.

More than just good, wholesome outdoor fun, playing in a sandbox has a number of surprising benefits as well. Whether playing alone or with others, sandboxes are a fantastic way for kids to learn more about themselves and the world around them. Before we dive into the details of choosing the perfect sandbox, let's take a look at some of the advantages of sandbox play.

Most children can happily spend hours at a time digging, pouring, and building. This often entails a considerable amount of lifting, pushing, and pulling, which engages a wide variety of upper-body muscles.

Using small sandbox toys such as mini shovels, trucks, and molds requires coordination, and it gives little ones the opportunity to practice their motor skills.

With it's uniquely pleasing texture, sand is an excellent medium for tactile exploration. It can be soft and almost fluid when dry, yet it can be hard when damp and packed. Shaded sand is cool to the touch, while sunbaked sand is warm.

Even if they choose to play separately or work on their own “projects,” children in a sandbox can learn to share toys, mind each other's creations, and develop the ability to forgive when accidents happen.

There's just something about a large body of sand that inspires children to collaborate. Whether it's building a castle, constructing a wall, or digging a hole, kids often learn that working together is not only fun, but it’s also more effective than working alone.

Beyond being a treasure trove of sensory stimulation, a well-maintained backyard sandbox provides a safe place for young imaginations to run wild. Whether they're burying gold, building a castle, or digging a hole to China, children are sure to tap into their creativity and make full use of the wonderful flexibility of sand.

Sandboxes are typically made of either wood or plastic. Both can provide children with hours of fun and entertainment, and it will be up to parents to choose which of these materials best fulfills their personal requirements.

Plastic sandboxes tend to be lightweight and easier to move than wooden sandboxes. As an added bonus, they're easy to clean and require little maintenance. Often, all that's needed to keep the exterior of a plastic sandbox looking fresh is a good wipe with a damp cloth.

On the downside, this type of box can become hot to the touch on sunny days, and bright colors may fade with prolonged exposure to sunlight.

Whether large or small, wooden sandboxes are designed to be robust, and with the right care, they can last for many years. Sizeable wooden sandboxes often feature built-in seats that are not only convenient for little ones, but may appeal to parents as well.

Wooden sandboxes are also eco-friendly. They won't leach chemicals, and they are unlikely to to become dangerously hot when exposed to direct sunlight.

However, the wood does require a certain level of maintenance, and parents will need to perform frequent checks for splinters and loose or rusty screws.

When selecting a sandbox for home use, don't forget to give the following factors some careful thought before making your purchase.

Sandboxes come in a wide variety of sizes, and choosing one that comfortably fits your space while still meeting your family's playtime needs is key. Large sandboxes are often designed to accommodate adults as well –  an important feature for those with younger children who require close supervision. However, if you have limited space, or if you need a sandbox for just one child, a smaller option may be more practical.

Don't forget to consider the volume of sand you'll need to fill your sandbox. Bigger models require a considerable amount of sand, and parents are sometimes taken aback by just how much the extra bags of play sand can end up costing.

We believe that covering your sandbox is absolutely essential for keeping your sand dry and neighborhood animals out. Sandboxes are every bit as irresistible to cats as they are to children, but for entirely different reasons. To keep your sandbox from becoming a giant litter box, opt for one with a built-in cover or one that comes with a custom-made lid to ensure a secure fit.

While children certainly don't require a host of added bells and whistles to enjoy a sandbox, there are a handful of features that can help make playtime happier and safer.

• A canopy stretched over the sandbox will help protect kids’ sensitive skin from direct sunlight. It will also help keep the sand cool and safe to play with.

• Built-in seats or covers that convert to benches are comfortable and convenient, especially for adults who might otherwise avoid participating in sandbox play.

• Some sandboxes come with fun extras like chalkboards or sand and water compartments for added entertainment.

A sandbox doesn't have to break the bank. Simple plastic varieties can be found for as little as $50, while larger plastic models with lids can reach up to $100.

Wooden sandboxes tend to cost a bit more, with prices typically ranging between $100 and $300+.

If you want a sandbox with some extra-special features, such as a larger size, convertible benches, or a canopy, you’ll likely pay more than you would for a basic sandbox.

Q. At what age can babies safely play in a sandbox?

A. There's really no set “minimum age” for sandbox play. As long as little ones are closely supervised during playtime, parents can introduce their babies to a sandbox as soon as they feel they're ready. That said, by the ages of between 12 and 18 months, most children will be able to more fully appreciate playing in a sandbox, and explaining why it's not a great idea to eat sand may be a little easier, too.

Q. What can I do to keep my sandbox clean?

A. First and foremost, ensure that your sandbox is securely covered when not in use to prevent animals and bugs from taking up residence … or using it as a toilet. A good cover will also help keep sand dry. Wet sand can be a breeding ground for mold and bacteria. Should your sand happen to get wet, spread it out and allow it to dry in direct sunlight before covering. Run a rake through the sand often, keeping an eye out for clumps, foreign objects, or sharp pieces of broken toys.

Q. How often do I need to replace the sand?

A. Vigilance and proper care will greatly increase the shelf life of your sand. However, for health and safety reasons, it's best to change your sand at least once a year. As tempting as it may be to fill your sandbox with beach sand or other freely available forms of filler, the health risks simply aren't worth it. Only use sand that's clearly labeled as “play sand.”