
I can’t think of a summer DIY that is more fun than learning how to make homemade sidewalk chalk with kids! You only need 3 ingredients, and a handful of household supplies that you will most likely find in your kitchen junk drawer. This craft is perfect for kids of a variety of ages–great for the classroom, summer camps, or to make at home.
Our DIY sidewalk chalk tutorial is so quick and easy that your kids will be drawing beautiful sidewalk murals in no time!
How To Make Homemade Sidewalk Chalk
Whenever we buy a new tub of sidewalk chalk it inevitably is dropped, and the chalk is toast within at least a week. {giggle} Now that I know how to easily make more sidewalk chalk at home, I will save SO much money.
Plus, it becomes even more fun for the kids, because not only do they get to draw, they can help make their own chalk, too!
Spending hours outside, writing and drawing on the sidewalk is a staple childhood memory! It’s a great way to entertain kids of many different ages at once.
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Supplies Needed
- Cardboard tubes from paper towel or toilet paper, we used coin wrappers
- Plaster of Paris
- Water
- Tempera paint
- Duct tape or heavy packing tape
- Containers for mixing
- Rubber spatula
Instructions

Step 1
Prepare cardboard tubes by taping off one end with tape. Cut paper towel tubes in half.

Step 2
Mix 1 cup plaster of paris with ¾ cup water until well combined.

Step 3
Add tempera paint. Amount will depend on what color you want. Start with about 4 tablespoons. Mix well.

Step 4
Fill each tube with plaster mixture.
Step 5
Tap the tube on your work surface to release any air bubbles.

Step 6
Let sit for 2-3 hours and remove the cardboard tube beginning with the tape. Don’t leave in cardboard longer than 24 hours.
Step 7
Place chalk on wire rack to dry completely, 3-4 days before using.

How To Play With Sidewalk Chalk
No summer bucket list is complete without playing with sidewalk chalk!
Aside from drawing epic sidewalk murals, here are fun ways to keep your kids learning and creating with sidewalk chalk:
- Take family game night outside and use sidewalk chalk to draw game boards the whole family can enjoy! Rub it in, in front of the entire neighborhood, that your kiddo beat dad at tic-tac-toe! {giggle}
- Speaking of some healthy family competition, use sidewalk chalk to create a fun obstacle course in your yard!
- Transform your driveway into a race track for bikes, using sidewalk chalk and your imagination!
- Looking for a fun way to bring the neighborhood together? Here is how to host a fun and easy “chalk your walk” event in your neighborhood!
- Have your kids surprise a neighbor by decorating their walkway or sidewalk with their sidewalk chalk masterpieces (with their permission of course!). Not only is this a fun activity, it teaches kids to think of others!
- Do you have new kids on your block? Help your kids make a batch of homemade sidewalk chalk to leave on their front porch with a “welcome to the neighborhood” note!

Chalk Toys & Supplies That Kids Love
There are so many cool sidewalk chalk accessories that can add hours of fun onto your sidewalk drawing adventures!
Here are some of our favorites:
Creating sidewalk chalk art is one of the most treasured childhood memories for both parents and children. Save time and money by learning how to make homemade sidewalk chalk with this easy tutorial!
Materials
- Cardboard tubes from paper towel or toilet paper, we used coin wrappers
- Plaster of Paris
- Water
- Tempera paint
- Duct tape or heavy packing tape
- Containers for mixing
- Rubber spatula
Instructions
- Prepare cardboard tubes by taping off one end with tape. Cut paper towel tubes in half.
- Mix 1 cup plaster of paris with ¾ cup water until well combined.
- Add tempera paint. Amount will depend on what color you want. Start with about 4 tablespoons. Mix well.
- Fill each tube with plaster mixture.
- Tap the tube on your work surface to release any air bubbles.
- Let sit for 2-3 hours and remove the cardboard tube beginning with the tape. Don’t leave in cardboard longer than 24 hours.
- Place chalk on wire rack to dry completely, 3-4 days before using.

Chalk Activities For Kids
What is the first activity you are going to try with your homemade sidewalk chalk?