Sidewalk chalk isn't just for drawing pretty pictures; this summer staple is also a perfect tool for creating super fun games that can entertain kids of just about any age. Whether you're looking to keep little ones busy on a sunny afternoon this summer or add some fun to a family get-together, here are some creative sidewalk chalk game ideas that will keep everyone outside and having fun.
Classic Hopscotch
You’ll need chalk and a small stone or bean bag.
How to Play:
Draw a squared hopscotch grid on the sidewalk or driveway, typically a sequence of numbered squares from 1 to 9 or 10.
Take turns tossing a stone or bean bag onto a number.
Hop through the grid on one foot, skipping the square with the stone, and picking it up on the way back.
Chalk Twister
All you’ll need is chalk.
How to Play:
Draw large colored circles in a grid pattern on the pavement, similar to what you see on a “Twister” game mat.
Assign each row a color and call out body parts (e.g., "Right hand on blue!") for players to follow.
Sidewalk Simon
All you’ll need is chalk for this game, too.
How to Play:
Draw a series of colored squares or shapes on the ground.
Remember the classic color-sequence game, “Simon”? In this version, one player calls out sequences for players to remember and step on, increasing the length of the sequence with each turn.
Alphabet Hop
All you’ll need is chalk.
How to Play:
First, write the letters of the alphabet in random order on the pavement.
Call out a word and have your kids hop from letter to letter to spell out the word. If your kids are younger and not yet spelling complete words, just call out a letter and have them find it, or a word and have them find the first letter.
Obstacle Course
You'll need to chalk to get started, but grab any other household items you want to include as well (e.g. a broomstick for jumping over, buckets for running around, a jump rope to walk on).
How to Play:
First, create a chalk-drawn obstacle course with any number of different challenges along the way. You might try drawing stepping stones to walk on, sharks to avoid, squares to walk in, or even just lines to follow. Along the way, consider challenges like "jump 5 times," "spin in a circle," "run to the tree and back."
Add in props like cones, ropes, or hoops to enhance the course.
Chalk Maze
All you’ll need is chalk.
How to Play:
Draw a large maze on the sidewalk.
Challenge players to find their way from the start to the finish without lifting their feet.
Math Grid
All you’ll need is chalk for this game, too.
How to Play:
Draw a grid with numbers.
This game is great for the older kids. Call out math problems (e.g., "5 + 3"), and players must hop to the correct answer. For younger ones, try calling out just the numbers instead.
Target Practice
You'll need chalk and small bean bags or stones for this game.
How to Play:
First, draw a series of circles like a target or dartboard with point values assigned to each ring.
Take turns tossing bean bags or stones to score points.
Shadow Tracing
All you’ll need is chalk.
How to Play:
Have a player stand in a pose, then trace their shadow with chalk.
Challenge other players to match the pose or create a story with multiple shadow drawings.
Tic-Tac-Toe
All you’ll need is chalk for this game.
How to Play:
Draw a large tic-tac-toe grid.
Then use different colored chalks to represent each player.
Sidewalk chalk games blend creativity, physical activity, and learning into one fun package. It gets the kids off their screens and outside, keeps them engaged no matter what the age, and usually ends in smiles and laughter. Plus, cleanup is easy come the next summer rain storm.
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