Kick the sand...Make some Mudpies, dirt pizza, and bug cupcakes in your backyard sandbox!

Remember making mudpies when you were little? Everyone loves playing with dirt! Here's how I did it in my backyard with minimal mess and easy clean-up. I got this great idea from the Garfield Park Conservatory's family programs (http://www.garfieldconservatory.org/families.htm), where they have large "dig pits" for kids to "play soil kitchen."

The "dirt"

You could use any soil you can get your hands on, but it's better to buy new for a number of reasons: there are not unknown insects, debris, or bacteria inside the soil. The soil you buy from Home Depot is sterilized. Natural soil you find out in your garden is fine that has been exposed to natural microrganisms, worms, etc. is fine as nature has taken care of the sterilizing. However, you may find large chunks of stuff that may not be good for babies. If you have an older kid, then go ahead!

I bought a bag of peat moss ($4-8) and regular old top soil ($1) the peat moss lightens your soil adds some larger particles to your soil so it doesn't get so muddy. Be sure to get plain topsoil with no fertilizers and other additives in it. In other words, when your kid pours a bunch of water in it, you don't have a mudpit. Peat moss also makes this soil mix easy to brush off (=easy clean up for Mom or Dad). Espoma 027043 Organic Peat Moss 8 Quart

Start with a sandbox...but throw out the sand!

This is a Step 2 Sandbox. It has a cover to it so it is easy clean up and set up. I got this used for $10. Why people have used sand for so long in their backyard sandboxes I don't know. Sand gets everywhere and really hurts when it gets in your eye. Plus it's harder to clean up, in my opinion.
"Naturally Playful Sandbox"

Add the topsoil and peat moss. Mix!

Mist!

Since peat moss can get dusty, add some water. Repeat as needed from time to time. The sun will bake it inside this sandbox with the cover on it.

Now add the fun.

I have placed a carpet sample inside for the baby to sit on. This is so she doesn't sink in the soil and has a sturdy surface to balance herself. And so she doesn't get soil in her diaper. I have put a inflatable toy behind her to block her head in case she falls. The sandbox is plastic, but it's much nicer to fall on a squishy toy. She is 7 months and is still mastering sitting.

Now add any old kitchen utensils you may have-muffin tins, cookie cutters, those funky copper colored tins people use for decorations, wooden spoons, pizza pans, cake pans, cups, etc. You can get these things really cheap at thrift stores, but you can find them online, too if you prefer not to hunt or don't have any extra to spare. 

Spoons for making dirt cakes.

Worried about the long handles of the spoons gagging your baby or young child? Saw off the end and sand by hand. Done in 5 minutes.

 Baby finds a clump of soil. Hmmm...interesting. This kind of "loose part" learning helps foster creativity, problem-solving skills, and inquisitive minds. Learn more about the benefits of letting kids play with "loose parts" at http://www.oxonplay.org.uk/#/loose-parts-for-play/4542808737.

You can add some fun by using old salt or herb shakers from the kitchen. Take off any small parts, and fill with soil. Watch it rain soil!

You can also add fun...and rain by incorporating a mister bottle. Mud pies, anyone?

When you're all done, put the toys inside and cover on! And go wipe and rinse your kid off! A good nap guaranteed afterwards! To make things extra fun for toddlers, you can put a play kitchen outside so they can "cook" their culinary masterpieces. Or, a pint-sized table will work as a countertop. You can also cut fresh herbs, leaves, and flowers from the garden to use as ingredients.