A sandbox for recreational play is disclosed which has a slidable cover. The cover slides between a closed position covering a container for holding sand to an open position wherein the sand container is uncovered. The cover has a downwardly depending end portion which supports the cover when in the open position, enabling the cover to be used as a play deck. The cover advantageously has an entertaining play surface formed thereon, preferably a miniature marina. To this end, a depression is formed in the cover into which water is received for use with water play toys. A toy vehicle roadway is also formed along the upper portion of the sandbox, and on the cover. The roadway is endless regardless of whether the cover is in either the fully open or fully closed cover position. The container has a channel formed in three of its sidewalls. The ends of the channel are open to the exterior of the container. The cover slides between positions guided by the channel. An upward indentation is formed around three-quarters of the bottom of the cover adjacent the side edge so that with the cover in the closed position, water will drip from the indentation and into the channel and flow out the open ends so as to keep the inside of the container substantially dry.