Kinetic sand or normal for sand tray?

[Citytwin]

I’ve just bought a table type sand and water tray for my 18 month old twins to use on our patio. Would it be better to fill it with kinetic sand or normal stuff? I think at this age they’re mainly going to be filling and emptying containers rather than making grand models 😀

Just use water, sand gets absolutely everywhere!

Kinetic sand isn’t really sand-it has hideous smelly magnetic stuff mixed in with it. Normal sand all the way-I got rid of kinetic sand after one use, such is its hideousness.

Kinetic sand is dangerous if swallowed. My boys would definitely have eaten some at 18 months ( still would at 7 and 5 tbh). It moulds to the shape of their intestines or whatever instead of passing through. So you know your kids if it would be safe or not but I'm not sure what the manufacturers recommend age wise.
Normal sand is messy but fun enough. You can wet it a bit to make it more fun.

Good point, that would be easier. But they always make a beeline for the sandpit at our local park and I’m very reluctant to let them play in there as think it’s one big litter tray for the local wildlife.

Sand tray for outside? Don't have it inside!

That’s good to know., thanks. I certainly don’t want to give them anything dangerous and they are likely to put some on in their mouths. I’ll oder some normal play sand then.

As a pp said use water. There are two of them, they are twins, you will forever be getting it out of their hair, mouths, ears and noses where they have thrown it at each other or wiped handfuls on each other. Plus you have to sweep it up and remember to cover it when not in use because of cats.

Water is much more fun, when it's a bit warmer freeze blocks in old ice cream tubs and float it in the water, you can put plastic toys in before you freeze it. Then there are bubbles, food colouring , giant paintbrushes, watering cans, washing dolls clothes, boats, tea sets......

I would say normal sand would be more fun.

PS if you do want to use sand then buy a large cat litter tray from pets at home, put some sand in it and plonk it on the patio, they will still get the tactile experience , there will be enough to dig in but it won't be a permanent feature of your garden. You will still need to cover it over against cats though.

I'm huge fan of kinetic sand it's amazing!!

But not for this age