Customer Reviews
Can't go wrong with Step 2 Products! 
2008-07-30
Sole owner/operator of small Family Day Care, toys take a beating from the children. Step 2 stands behind their products and they are truly durable and worth the money. As for educational value for my preschoolers, this product teaches them a life lesson, social skills (communication & sharing), pre-math skills (i.e. measuring) and problem solving (how do we get this much sand into this tube), and home economics (the use of kitchen utensils) plus small motor skills (use of spoons, sifters, cups) all this is acquired knowledge, available for the children to learn just be 'playing' with this large Step 2 Summertime Play Center! Now, don't you agree the price is worth it? Thank you Step 2.
Love it! 2008-07-10
It is a good product. It is made in the USA, too. I bought it for less though directly from amazon. Then I had to find safe sand on the market
(it wasn't cheap). So generally we are happy with the product. I consider it to be a good investment into good fun time. I decided I would rather buy less all kinds of plastic toys to justify this expense.
Pleased Mom of Two! 2008-05-19
This sandbox is GREAT! I have a four-year-old and a two-year-old, and they both have fun with this nearly every day for hours. I let them bring out some of their favorite things into the sandbox -- cars, dinosaurs, digging toys, and plastic bugs --- and they come up with so many imaginary stories and games. My oldest took her tea set into the sandbox to play restaurant with the table. Someone mentioned that the umbrella blew away quite a bit; we have had some very windy days, but it hasn't blown away -- it seems like they may have improved the fit of the umbrella into the table part because it fits rather 'tight.' The lid has also been doing a great job at keeping out the rain. I notice there are four holes made for bungee cords to keep the lid down tighter if you want.
Overall, this is the best sandbox I have ever seen, and I am well pleased.
Good in theory, but not as dual-purpose as we had hoped. 
2008-04-11
We bought this hoping we could use it as both a sandbox and a place for our toddler to sit and eat his lunch while outside. It works great as a sandbox--the umbrella is especially nice. But the proximity of the table and benches to the sandbox make it impractical for us to use it for lunchtime. You see, the table is a great place, in his opinion, to pour sand all over, draw shapes in it, line up sand-filled buckets, pour small hills, etc. And the faux-wood finish on the plastic table and bench make it really hard to clean off the sand very easily. So, if you want this set so that you don't have to buy a sandbox AND kiddie picnic table, this is probably not the set for you. You are better off buying a regular sandbox and separate picnic table.
Great 1st sandbox 2008-02-23
Got for my sons 1st b-day. He loves it. The lid could be a little better, but over all it is a great value. Shipping on the other hand was not so good, we told shipping company specific times we would be home, and they tried to deliver item 3 times outside times given.
GREAT BDAY PRESENT 2008-02-15
Sailors and land-lubbers alike will love this shaded sand and water combo. This unique play center combines a sandbox/pool with a built-in picnic table and bench. Large umbrella provides protective, shaded play, or remove it for indoor or warm sun play (design and color may vary). Lid protects sand or water from weather and pets. Accommodates four children on the picnic bench, with two additional seats on sandbox sides to promote group play. Built-in drain plug allows for easy water removal and holds up to 300 pounds of sand (not included). Natural colors and realistic wood textures blend with today's residential landscaping and outdoor living areas. Popular umbrella style and colors add an element of lively fun. Coordinates with the other Naturally Playful products, sold separately. Accessories include: two shovels, two pots and one umbrella. Minimal adult assembly. Measures 13"H x 57"W x 70"D.
Great toy, umbrella and lid need work 
2007-09-11
This is a great toy! My son loved it, my only complaint is the lid is kinda flimsy and did not keep the water out of the sand. Also the umbrella is very flimsy and after a few months of sun it has become paper thin and has begun getting holes in it. Fortunately a replacement is around $12, but still...
The concept behind this set is great, and I would recommend it.
Our daughter loves it 2007-08-27
We have a 15-month-old (at the time of this posting) who loves to dig and get dirty. This sand box and table are a lot of fun for her. The box is good size, comfortable with two kids, a little crowded with three, but it works. The umbrella is a great benefit and definitely helps on the sunny days, the only complaint would be that it only goes in the hole in the table (as pictured), so sometimes it does not completely shade the sandbox. Also, the umbrella does not lock in to the table and sometimes on windy days it has taken off, but has help up.
The little table is great too for a snack. It can seat three kids and is very easy to get on and off. Our daughter has taken to putting sand on the table though, and since the table as a faux wood grain in the plastic, there is some sand that cannot be brushed off the table back into the sand box easily. With a small broom, it's no problem though.
Before we bought the sand, we also filled up the sand area with water. It works well as a kiddie pool as well and was a lot of fun. There is a small drain the bottom to let the water out too. The cover for the sandbox works well and is heavy enough to keep it on even during high winds.
Overall, a great product.
Great Sandbox, Flimsy Lid 2007-07-15
This is a very nice sandbox! The picnic table and umbrella are a nice little bonus. The sandbox itself and the table/umbrella are well-made. It has survived my "rough and tumble" son and nephews quite well!
I would, however, recommend buying it at Toys R Us to avoid a HUGE shipping charge. It comes in a very large (but light) box, so take your truck!
The only down side I can see with this item is that the lid is what my husband called "cheesey"; it is very thin and VERY light. The lid doesn't fit onto the sand area tightly, so in a storm with heavy winds you may want to secure it.
Overall, it's a great sand box!
Step 2 Sand Box 2007-07-12
I highly recommend this item.... My daughter just loves her new sandbox. While I find the lid that is used to cover the sandbox is on the flimsy side, I have not had any problems with it. The sandbox has good curb appeal and does not stand out like an eye soar in the yard. This item has provided many hours of fun playtime for my daughter. This item is very easily assembled, I put it together in approx. 10 min or less. The attached table is also a great added feature. My daughter loves to sit up at the table when she wants to take a break.
Oppenheim Toy Portfolio, 2005. The Best Toys, Books, Videos, Music & Software for Kids