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DIY Magnetic Sand Table

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Last week we had to make a trip to the doctor’s office. Besides listening to Caspar Babypants on the journey, the only thing that made my really sick toddler happy was our doctor’s very cool magnetic sand table.

DIY Magnetic Sand Table

Simple to make one for us so I decided it’d be easy to make a DIY Magnetic Sand Table.

Here is how we did it.

DIY Magnetic Sand Table

What you’ll need:

  • Fine-grain sand – I purchased our sand at a local pet store. Amazon also sells a variety of play sand at reasonable prices.
  • A plastic storage container – We used a 28-quart Sterlite brand. This one was shallow so my sons could get into it easily.
  • A magnetic wand
  • Fun magnetic items – we used large, colorful paperclips, lids, marbles, and letters
  • Two chairs or something to prop the table up

Our approach:

I placed a “splat” mat under the “table”, placed the storage container velcroed across two chairs, and poured enough sand in to cover a thin later on the bottom of the container. You don’t want to pour a ton in or the magnetic part won’t work.

I wanted a way for my sons to reach under (or go under) the container. So, as I mentioned, I used two chairs and velcro to hold the container on the edge of the chairs.

DIY Magnetic Sand Table

I used a small strip of velcro because I didn’t want to risk any damage to the chair. A longer strip would obviously make the container even more stable. I added the items to explore and play…

DIY Magnetic Sand Table

I love this shot of the scuba diver.

DIY Magnetic Sand Table

Then I let my sons loose on the table.

DIY Magnetic Sand Table

They were really excited and began exploring the table with the wand and their fingers.

DIY Magnetic Sand Table

DIY Magnetic Sand Table

Then things started to get really wild as other items began to be added to the exploration…DIY Magnetic Sand Table

DIY Magnetic Sand Table

Super fun, easy and not a big mess to clean up. My son spent an HOUR at this table this morning.

DIY Magnetic Sand Table

 

 

Have fun! Thanks for visiting! Come back soon!
Marnie

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