In this guide · 6 sections
For a child who stops in their tracks at every digger on the street, a sandbox excavator is the dream: a real ride-on digger they control themselves, scooping and swinging sand just like the machines they watch. Setting one up is a small project of its own, so here it is laid out like one, from choosing the site to the rules of the job.
Phase 1: Choose the Site
Pick a flat, level spot in the yard, ideally in partial shade so the sand and seat do not get too hot, and within sight of the house. Leave clear space around the sandbox so the excavator's arm can swing without reaching a fence, a path or another play area. Keep it well away from pools, driveways and the swing zone. For planning the whole yard, see our backyard playground ideas.
Phase 2: Lay the Foundation
An excavator needs a sandbox to dig in. Our Wooden Sandbox is about 47 by 47 inches with sides about 6.5 inches high, designed to pair with our excavators.
How much sand do you need? A 47 by 47 inch sandbox covers about 15.5 square feet. Filling it 4 to 5 inches deep takes about 5 to 6.5 cubic feet of sand, which is roughly 10 to 13 bags of play sand if each bag holds about half a cubic foot. Check the coverage printed on the bags you buy.
Use play sand sold specifically for children's sandboxes, which is washed and screened, rather than construction or builder's sand.
Phase 3: Bring in the Equipment
The ride-on excavator
A ride-on sandbox excavator is a kid-powered digger: the child sits in the seat and uses two hand levers to work the arm and scoop, and the seat swivels all the way around. Ours come in two styles:
Blippi Excavator Ride-On: in Blippi colors and branding, with a sturdy steel frame, dual control levers and 360 degree swivel.
Outdoor Excavator Digger: the same construction-style digger without the character branding.
Both are about 62 inches long and 31 inches tall, for ages 2 and up, holding up to 60 pounds per child. The sandbox is sold separately.
The sand table alternative
For younger children, or a smaller yard, a sand table brings digging up to standing height. The Mojave Picnic and Sand Table hides a sand compartment under a lift-off lid that becomes a picnic table, for ages 1 to 12. It is the sandbox picnic table that keeps sand covered when not in use.
The tool kit
Add a few hand tools for the crew who are not in the driver's seat: buckets, shovels, rakes, sieves and toy trucks to carry loads away.
Phase 4: Set the Site Rules
One operator at a time in the excavator seat, within the weight limit.
Keep hands and feet clear of the moving arm and joints, and keep other children outside the arm's swing.
Level ground only, so the excavator sits steady.
No throwing sand, which can get in eyes.
Supervise young builders, especially under age 3, who may put sand or small toys in their mouths.
Check the sand for debris before play, and wash hands afterward.
Phase 5: Close Up for the Day
Cover the sandbox when play is over to keep out rain, leaves and animals. Rake the sand from time to time to turn it over and remove debris, and top it up as it settles. Before freezing weather, follow the care steps in our wooden play equipment care guide.
Your Sandbox Excavator Questions, Answered
What age is a sandbox excavator for?
Our ride-on excavators are designed for ages 2 and up, holding up to 60 pounds per child. Younger toddlers can dig with hand tools or at a sand table.
Do you need a sandbox for a ride-on excavator?
For the best play, yes. The excavator is made to dig in loose sand, so it pairs with a sandbox like our Wooden Sandbox, which is sold separately.
How much sand does a sandbox need?
For a 47 by 47 inch sandbox, about 5 to 6.5 cubic feet fills it 4 to 5 inches deep, roughly 10 to 13 half-cubic-foot bags of play sand.
What is the best sand for a kids sandbox?
Play sand made for children's sandboxes, which is washed and screened. Avoid construction or builder's sand.
Is a sand table better than a sandbox?
A sand table is better for toddlers and small spaces, with digging at standing height and a lid to keep it clean. A sandbox gives more room to dig and pairs with a ride-on excavator.
Explore all our excavators and sandboxes.
