Sidewalk Chalk Ideas: Fun Games and Drawings to Try

Sidewalk chalk is one of the simplest ways to turn a driveway into a playground. In Australia we often call it footpath chalk, and it is just as popular with kids who want to draw or play. Below are chalk games, drawing ideas and tips, plus a few ideas from our colouring and painting range for when the weather turns.

Chalk games to play

The 100 pack chalk bucket holds 100 pieces of coloured chalk in 5 assorted colours, each piece 7.6cm x 1cm x 0.8cm. The listing describes it for driveway and footpath drawing, hopscotch, noughts and crosses and street games.

1. Hopscotch. Draw a grid of numbered squares, toss a small stone or beanbag, and hop through the squares and back.
2. Noughts and crosses. Draw a big grid and use two colours of chalk. Players can stand in the squares as pieces.
3. Colour jump. Draw circles in different colours and call out a colour for kids to hop onto.
4. Chalk obstacle course. Draw lines to follow, squares to jump in and curves to walk along, then time each run.
5. Number line. Draw a line from 0 to 20, call out sums and have kids jump to the answer.

To make the games last, change the rules each round. In hopscotch, try hopping on one foot, then the other, or skipping a square. In noughts and crosses, let the winner draw the next board. For colour jump, add actions such as "spin" or "clap" before the jump. A timer turns any of these into a race, and a scoreboard drawn on the ground keeps the points in view.

Chalk drawing ideas

• Life-size outlines. One child lies down while another traces around them, then they colour in the outline.
• Shadow tracing. Trace a shadow in the morning and again later to see how it moves.
• Toy car town. Draw roads, houses and a car park, then drive small toys through town.
• Rainbow arches. Draw a rainbow with a different colour for each arc.
• Under the sea. Fill a big patch of pavement with fish, shells and waves.
• Giant hello. Write a big welcome message on the driveway for visitors.

Drawing in a group is more fun when everyone has a job. One child can be the architect who plans the picture, another the colourist, and another the finisher who adds the details. Swap roles halfway through and see how the picture changes. Big pictures also make a nice backdrop for photos with friends and family.

Chalk art tips

Chalk works best on dry, flat surfaces. Draw on a warm day, and bring a bucket of water and a brush if you want to wash it off afterwards. Chalk usually brushes or hoses off paving, but test a small patch first. An art smock helps keep clothes clean, and a cushion or mat is kinder on knees.

Looking for more to do in the yard? Our outdoor play toys pair well with chalk drawings, and the wider arts and crafts range has options for the indoor days.

Colouring ideas when it rains

Not every day is dry. The colour changing markers (a 10 pack with 9 assorted colours and 1 colour changing marker), the colour magic blow pens with stencils and a set of paint brushes give you plenty to do indoors. Draw a chalk-style scene on paper, or set up a canvas painting at the table.

• Colour a hopscotch on paper. Draw the same grid on a page and colour each square.
• Marker maps. Draw a treasure map, then use it for a toy hunt around the house.
• Mini canvas. Paint a small scene on the mini canvas on easel, which is 10cm x 10cm.

Hosting a party? Give each guest a section of the driveway and a handful of chalk, then judge categories such as best colours, funniest drawing and biggest creation. Chalk also makes a fun welcome sign and a set of footprints to guide guests to the back door.