[Petite graine]

I would like to make a sand pit for my daughter in my allotment.

My idea was to dig a one metre square hole, make it 10-15 cm deep, then put some weed guard at the bottom and on the sides, and then fill it with sand 

Would the weed guard be enough? Should I spray the ground with weedkiller first maybe?  And what would you use to cover it when not in use? I have got a piece of plastic that could do. That would keep the sand from being wet, but are there any creepy crawlies that will like sneaking in the sand? How do I prevent this?

Would it be a better idea to make a raised sand pit? 

Any other advice?

Thanks

[Trillium]

Not sure if you'd care for the Canadian version, but for our kids we make sandboxes out of outdoor plywood and 2x6" lumber for the sides. The 2x6 frame has the plywood base, then leftover plywood bits are cut into small triangles and fixed to the corners so the kids can sit safely. The sand goes into the box and not everywhere else, and if need be, it can be moved. Any sort of tarp can be used to cover the box in rainy weather. If you have cats, keep an eye on them. 

Should have added that the frame can be 2x10s if you want lots of sand.

[sunshineband]

We built one at school by digging a rectangular pit, and making sides out of decking boards, with decking used as seats around the edge -- Each side is a kind of long theinrectangular box laid on its side, with them joined to make the sides of the pit, with a triangular piece of wood on the corners to brace it.

The spare soil we used to fill raised beds.

It is lined with heavy duty weed suppressant membrane, with the corners sealed with ducttape (which can't be seen) This stops ants from finding their way in underground, as our pit is about 15 ins deep. Water can seep out through the membrabe of course.

Play sand to fill, and a cover made of a tarp with elastic threaded through a hand stitched hem, bit like a giant budgie cage bottom.

It's been there about eight or nine years and apart from the odd refill is great 

[Petite graine]

15 inches deep  Wow 

Thanks all for the advice 

[sunshineband]

Yes but there are 30 children in the class and they need to dig deep!!

[MoreWhisky]

Why use sand ? my son has a raised bed 'quarry' using soil and his digger toys etc.

I used 4 half size scaffolding boards for the sides so nice and strong he can stand on them. Then put soil or sand in.

[Petite graine]

Can he make a sandcastle with soil? 

[sunshineband]

It's just called a mud pie 

[Petite graine]