Sidewalk chalk is one of our go-to during spring and summertime in my household!
While I could usually do without the dust-covered hands and clothes, I still enjoy soaking up the memories. Last year we tried to think outside our normal bubble and really explore the fun ways we could enjoy our chalk, so I’ve compiled a list of a few of our favorites!
1. Self Portraits
These can be fun, silly, or you can really put your artistic skills to work here! Think back to your own youth, trace your siblings’ or friend’s outline in chalk, and then decorate your person; only now you get to do it with your kids! They can also go bananas and freestyle their drawing and add their own unique details.
2. Games, games, games
We love getting to use our chalk to not only to color or draw but to play games too! Think beyond just hopscotch and really get creative with it! Play Tic Tac Toe or draw a checkers board and use rocks for the “checker” pieces. Draw a bullseye and get some target practice in! With a stick of chalk in hand, any game is possible.
3. Obstacle Course
This was probably our favorite to make! Grab different colors of chalk and get to work. Draw squiggly lines, triangles, circles, a straight line, whatever comes to mind. Then you can walk through it and give your own directions; like run on the straight line, zig-zag across the triangles, spin 3 times when you get to the circle, etc.
4. Interactive Murals
This is super fun to create scenes or draw murals and then pose in them! Think balloons tied with a ribbon, sun shining in the corner, and green grass; now envision your child laying on the ground “holding” the chalk balloons “standing” on the green grass. Or draw an ocean with birds flying and fish jumping, and have your kids throw on their swimsuits and bring that mural to life!
5. What to do with those broken pieces and leftover nubs of chalk?
We’ve got you covered! Our preferred use of old chalk is to crush it up into a powder and pour it into muffin tins. Next, you’ll want to add a little warm water and a few drops of food coloring and you’ve got chalk paint! Use it to paint some rocks outside or on boxes in recycling for a bonus craft!
You can also crush up leftover chalk into a powder, mix with a little water, pour into a silicone mold, and let dry. Now you’ve got repurposed chalk!
Step up your family’s chalk game this summer, and see what you can do together! There are no rules, just the freedom of fun!
Does your family have a favorite way to enjoy sidewalk chalk?
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