How To Make Homemade Sidewalk Chalk for Classic Outdoor Fun!

Did you know you can make this classic summer outdoor activity yourself? If you are looking for ways to keep the kiddos busy and engaged this summer, why not make your own outdoor play materials. Not only will you end up with homemade sidewalk chalk but you can also enjoy making it together. Plus, bonus points for learning in the kitchen! Reading and following recipes of any kind along with measuring is an amazing way to learn while having fun.

HOMEMADE SIDEWALK CHALK FOR KIDS

Learn how to make homemade sidewalk chalk with kids for a fun outdoor activity this summer.

SIDEWALK CHALK DIY

How do you make homemade sidewalk chalk? Plaster of Paris is the best way to go although there are alternatives, you will be glad you tried this classic sidewalk chalk recipe. This fun and easy alternative to buying sidewalk chalk is fun to mix up with your kiddos. Creating your own play and art materials including puffy paint and playdough is a great alternative to buying them! Also Check Out: Homemade Outdoor Puffy Paint!

SIDEWALK CHALK IDEAS

Try chalk art! Grab a roll of painter’s tape and make a canvas! You can tape off suggestions for nice clean lines and geometric shapes similar to our tape resist rainbow art here.
Or make an outdoor activity course along your sidewalk for everyone to join in…
Write a special note for the delivery driver or garbage person!

SIDEWALK CHALK RECIPE

YOU WILL NEED:

This sidewalk chalk without cornstarch is fun to whip up! Make sure to grab the right supplies to get started with classic fun in the sun.

2 cups Plaster of Paris, per color of sidewalk chalk
2 tablespoons liquid tempera paint, per color of sidewalk chalk
1 cup water, per color of sidewalk chalk
Cardboard tubes, approximately 4 inches long
Duct tape
Wax or parchment paper, cut into 6-inch squares
Scissors
Mixing spoon or spatula
Disposable 12 inch piping bags

HOW TO MAKE SIDEWALK CHALK

STEP 1: Prepare the cardboard tubes by sealing one end with duct tape. Next, line each tube with wax or parchment paper that has been cut into 6-inch squares. NOTE: You can also use silicone molds for fun shapes.

cardboard tubes with duct tape at the end to seal them

STEP 2: Mix together the water and tempera paint.

mixing red paint and water in glass measuring cup

STEP 3: Stir in the Plaster of Paris until you reach the consistency of toothpaste. The mixture will be thick but still liquid enough to pipe into cardboard tubes.

mixing paint, water, and Plaster of Paris in a glass bowl

STEP 4: Immediately transfer the Plaster of Paris into a piping bag. You can make your own bags from zip-top bags too. Snip the corner of the piping bag and squeeze the mixture into the cardboard tube, tapping to get the plaster mixture to settle. Alternatively, you can press the mixture into molds.

sidewalk chalk mixture shown in piping bag

chalk mixture squeezed inside cardboard tube rolls

STEP 5: Allow your homemade sidewalk chalk to dry overnight. Remove the cardboard tube and wax paper. If the sidewalk chalk is still damp, allow it to dry completely on a wire rack before using it.