One of my kids’ favorite summer activities is to play in the sandbox. Even my nine-year-old can spend long periods of time playing in the sand. In fact, recently, when I added some new sand to the box, my 4 yr old exclaimed, “It’s just what I always wanted!”. I love how something so simple can bring them so much joy and keep them both happily entertained for hours. However, as parents and caregivers know all too well, sandboxes can quickly become a breeding ground for dirt, debris, and unwanted pests. To ensure that your sandbox remains a clean and safe haven for your little ones throughout the summer, we’ve gathered five essential tips that will help you keep it tidy and enjoyable.
Sprinkle cinnamon into the sand to keep bugs away. As an added bonus, cinnamon has natural antiseptic properties too.
A perimeter of black pepper around the sandbox will keep ants away. Remember to reapply after a rainstorm.
Apply baby powder or corn starch to wet skin that has sand on it, and the sand will instantly fall right off. This trick is great for the beach, too, so keep some baby powder or cornstarch in your beach bag!
Every few months, you may want to add some fresh sand to the box. Little ones tend to spill it outside of the box anyway. This is a good time to rake or sift the sand and allow it to air out in the sunshine.
Keep the sandbox covered when it’s not in use, and make sure it has proper drainage.
PS: If you don’t already have a sandbox, our favorite is this Step2 Sand and Water Table
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