Chalk Game for Outdoor Play

Wondering what you can do with sidewalk chalk? This outdoor game used some chalk, a recycled box, and a driveway, for a whole lot of laughter.

Spring is the perfect time for sidewalk chalk. We played many rounds before dinner, which was a great way to get fresh spring air before bedtime. You will love this chalk game!

RELATED: Want great ideas to keep at home? I’ve got you! We made these activity cards for you to have ideas at your fingertips.

Table of Contents:

1. Supplies
2. How to Set Up the Chalk Game
3. Hidden Skills Inside This Chalk Game
4. Chalk DIY Game Boards are the Best!
5. Want More Outdoor Activities?
6. Frequently Asked Questions

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Supplies

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• Markers – I use these to draw on the dots for the dice.
• Reusable box – I use this box to make the giant dice for the chalk game!
• White paper – I use this to cover the box that makes the dice, but you can also use wrapping paper.

How to Set Up the Chalk Game

Making this chalk game was actually super enjoyable. I went outside as the boys were inside watching a show and grabbed the chalk. I wanted to surprise them with something we could all play together.

Step 1. Draw a large loop with white chalk.

This acts as the ‘path’ of your chalk game. I drew it in a large loop so the kids could practice walking along curved lines.

Step 2. Section off the inside of the loop.

These will be the “steps” inside the game for your children to hop along and win the game! It provides children with small, achievable movements.

Step 3. Add color to some blocks.

It’s easier for your kid’s eyes to see which section they need to jump to when you add different colors. 

Step 4. Add in extra directions.

Include a fun way to advance the gameboard if landed upon to add another level of excitement. I like to add directions, such as “jump four”.

Step 5. Make the large outdoor dice.

To make the dice, I covered an Amazon box in the garage. You can see we love to make DIY dice with our movement dice from a previous post. For this DIY dice, I added dots.

My boys decided the oldest would go first. The second time we played, the winner went first. Their game, their rules. As long as they cooperated and worked together to form a plan, I was happy with it.

Step 6. Start playing!

The kids took turns rolling the dice and advancing the correct number of spaces. The first person to reach the end of the game is the winner! Then put this on repeat because your family will want to play again!

RELATED: Kid activities at home are our jam. You will love this list!

Hidden Skills Inside This Chalk Game

• Counting – Counting both the dice and the steps really improves the kid’s counting skills.
• Directions – Practice starting and working around clockwise is an amazing way to learn how to follow directions.
• Gross motor – This game gets the kids moving large muscles in their bodies.
• Number recognition – Seeing a group of dots on the dice and automatically recognizing the number it represents gives them a head start at Kindergarten.
• Patience – Learning to wait their turn is super important for cooperation and teamwork.
• Teaches winning and losing – If your kid is anything like mine, they don’t like to lose! One will do everything in his power to win. The solution? Keep playing. Play to practice losing with grace and winning with a humble heart.

I noticed that the boys began to appreciate the wins and losses with a little more sportsmanship each time we played. You can read about the 6 reasons children need to play outside to help you stay motivated to keep the kids off screens and out in the fresh air!

RELATED: Here’s a great article about how to grow endurance with preschoolers and toddlers by my friend at What’s Up Fagans.

Chalk DIY Game Boards are the Best!

I love setting up this game because it’s quick and straightforward yet provides hours of fun. When will you set up this chalk game for outdoor play?

Want More Outdoor Activities?

• Outdoor Prewriting with Movement 
• Outdoor Sensory Play Supplies
• 27 Types of Outdoor Toys for Kids
• 35 Winning Water Games for Kids

Frequently Asked Questions