The sun is shining, you have your chalk bucket, and miles of blank pavement are calling to you.

But what to draw?

If you’re stuck thinking of some new sidewalk chalk ideas, we’ve got seven fun ones to get you started on a new masterpiece! 

1. Photo backgrounds

Pretend you’re looking down on the pavement from above and draw a scene such as a city skyline or a beach chair. Once you’re done, your child can lay on the pavement and pretend to be flying over the skyscrapers or lounging on the sand.

Or you could go with simpler sidewalk chalk art ideas and draw a bouquet of flowers for them to hold as they lay on the ground. 

2. Inspirational quotes

Make your neighbors’ day a little brighter by leaving them some encouraging words in the midst of your art. Find an inspirational quote to write out, then build your work from there with colorful flourishes that attract their eye and draw out a smile. Something timeless like “2020 will be over soon enough” always works! 

3. Classic games

For really easy sidewalk chalk ideas, you can’t beat classic games such as hopscotch, checkers, tic-tac-toe, or target games.

You can even go really big with your child’s favorite board game like Candy Land or Monopoly!

4. Mosaics and stained glass

Looking for a simple idea that delivers stunning results? Try this out! Use blue painter’s tape to mark off lines on your pavement. Color each section between the tape a different color.

Pull off the tape and you have a stunning and colorful work of art!

5. Build a town

Okay, maybe not an actual town...but a chalk town. If you’re looking for cool sidewalk chalk ideas, consider building a town complete with roads and buildings. Design the streets to serve as a bike or scooter course for your child to use to explore the different locations.

6. Self-portraits

Children love to draw their families, so they shouldn’t need much encouragement to turn their chalks to draw themselves. Don’t worry, these don’t have to be as detailed as the Mona Lisa, a Jackson Pollock portrait works, too.

7. Obstacle course

Take hopscotch to a whole new level with this idea. Instead of just numbered squares, how about using different shapes and directions for more fun? Have your little ones snap, roar, or clap when they land on a square instead of just jumping from block to block.

Make your own chalk

Did you run out of chalk before you ran out of ideas? Make your own! It’s a great way to spend the days when you can’t be outside creating.

Sidewalk chalk can be made using tempera paint, plaster of Paris, water, and a mold. You can make colors not normally found in a box of chalk for a custom set. 

For something a little different, consider whipping up a batch of chalk paint. You’ll get a different level of control and saturation with paint rather than chalk. All you need is cornstarch, water, and food coloring!

Have some good sidewalk chalk ideas?

Chalk opens up a world of creativity that goes far beyond art. We’d love to see the ideas you come up with as well! Contact us and share your ideas with our community!