5 Fun Games to Play with Sidewalk Chalk

Sometimes open ended play with sidewalk chalk is all you need! Just open a fresh box of chalk, and let the children take the lead. However, if you need some inspiration, here are some fun and educational ideas to shake up your sidewalk chalk play.

1. Letters or sight words
For younger children, draw letters in one colour and have them trace over them in another colour. You can even do “rainbow letters” and have them re-trace the letter several times with all the colours of the rainbow.

For older children, write out some sight words and make it into a game. Use a bean bag and have them throw it onto whichever word you call out. Or, have them run and stand on the word you call out.

Here is a list of common kindergarten sight words you can use.

2. Hopscotch Reimagined
Instead of a basic hopscotch, switch up the numbers to practice counting by 2’s, 5’s, or 10’s. Or, for a younger child, make some squares and have them practice counting and writing in their own numbers.

3. Mazes
Have your child draw a giant maze for the friends or other family members to complete. Or, draw out a maze for your child to figure out or drive toy cars through.

4. Large Game Boards
Help your child draw out a life size snakes and ladders game or twister board. For some extra inspiration, check out this giant snakes and ladders board that was created in Edmonton

5. Obstacle Course
Start with a basic hopscotch and then add additional elements such as circles with the instructions “hop” (and have them hop on one foot only), long wavy lines to walk along like a tightrope, or draw several lines a foot apart with the instructions to “jump” to each one. Get creative with this or have your child create the obstacle course themselves.