Illuminated Sand Box

The sun's going down and it's getting dark. That means it's time to play. Or maybe the weather is pretty horrible and you need a new plan. Well, we've got something special: an illuminated sand box. Easy and cheap to make, you won't even need the help of an adult.  

First of all, you need some fairy lights. Maybe you have some in your Christmas decorations box. Put the lights in a box, put the lid on the box and spread grains of sand over the lid. Turn the lights off and you'll soon see that you can make pictures in the sand. Pretty impressive eh?

You will need:

• A clear plastic box with a lid
• Fairy lights (ideally with battery operation)
• Sand (rice or other grains would work as an alternative)

Mini Sandpits on the Balcony

If you're fortunate enough to have a balcony, then this makes for a great place to play. Get a large plant tray or bowl from the local DIY store or garden centre, fill it with sand and you're ready to go. As you build mini sandcastles, you can decorate them with pictures as well as twigs, shells, marbles, flowers, stones, feathers or whatever else you have lying around. It's (almost) just like being at the beach! 

You will need:

• A large bag of sand for kids
• Plant tray or paddling pool

For decorational places:

• Stones
• Shells
• Small figures 
• Artificial flowers
• Feathers