How To Make Sidewalk Chalk Paint (Boredom Buster!)

This homemade sidewalk chalk paint is your answer to kids saying “I’m bored!” this summer! It will provide hours of creative fun as your kids create stunning (and washable!) designs. Learn how to make sidewalk chalk today!

If you are looking for more kid-friendly activities, check these out…..

• Rainbow Walking Water Experiment
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When the weather warms up, it’s time to get outside! I’m a HUGE fan of being out in the fresh air and exploring creativity. Today’s EASY DIY does both!

How many times have you heard your kids proclaim, “I’M BORED!” You give them multiple suggestions such as read a book, clean your room, go outside and play….but they do not find your suggestions entertaining enough.  

We as parents know that it is not always easy to keep your kids engaged especially during the summer months when we may not have the time, energy or resources to take them somewhere for the afternoon or day. The park, library or zoo may be a great place to hang out but realistically you can’t be on the go that much.

This sidewalk chalk recipe is just one of many ways to keep them occupied for hours. The awesome thing about this homemade sidewalk chalk is that it is very inexpensive AND washable.

If I had to estimate the cost of each batch after the initial cost of supplies, I would say that the cost is less than $0.75 per batch. Easy AND budget-friendly – yep, I’m IN!

Love easy DIY activities? Grab this free mini activity book for more ideas by clicking the image below!

Your kids will find plenty of things to draw and create with this sidewalk chalk. They could draw and play tic-tac-toe, hopscotch or create their very own ‘Picasso.’

TIP: Make sure you get the squirt bottles not spray bottles. The nozzles on the spray bottles tend to get clogged up. Also, you can pour some of the chalk paint into a muffin tin and provide a paintbrush for a completely different experience while painting their masterpiece.

Supplies Needed For Homemade Sidewalk Chalk Paint

Here are the items you will need in order to whip up this quick and easy outdoor craft!

• Clear plastic squirt bottles with lids
• baking soda 
• cornstarch
• water
• Food coloring 
• Medium bowl
• Small whisk
• Small funnel

How to Make Sidewalk Chalk

Just follow these step-by-step instructions and you will have this DIY sidewalk chalk ready to enjoy in just minutes!

Step 1

Add ⅓ cup cornstarch and ⅓ cup baking soda to a medium-sized bowl. Slowly add ½ cup water to the bowl and mix well using the small whisk. Mix until lumps are dissolved and the mixture is fairly thin and pourable.

If the mixture seems too thick, add a bit more water, but try not to add too much or the chalk paint will be too runny.

Step 2

Use the funnel to pour the cornstarch/baking soda mixture into the clear plastic squirt bottle.

Step 3

Add 5-6 drops of food coloring of your choice or mix the colors to create a new color. Put the lid with the cap back on squirt bottle and shake well.

If the paint color is too light, add more food coloring. This process can be quite messy, so make sure you are wearing clothes you don’t mind getting dirty and stained!

Step 4

The last step in how to make sidewalk chalk is to test your paint on a sidewalk/driveway.

If the paint comes out too quickly and runny, you will need to add more cornstarch and baking soda. If it is too thick and hard to squirt, you will need to add a bit more water.

That’s all it takes when learning how to make sidewalk chalk! Easy, peasy – right?!

Love easy DIY activities? Grab this free mini activity book for more ideas by clicking the image below!

Homemade Sidewalk Chalk Paint FAQs

Here are some common questions readers ask about how to make sidewalk chalk…

Does sidewalk chalk paint wash off?

Sidewalk chalk is designed to be used on sidewalks and driveways. Your child’s chalk drawings will wash off in a rainstorm, or you could take your garden hose and wash it off.

IMPORTANT: The chalk contains food coloring which may stain clothing and other household surfaces. Do not use it in the house or on any other surface outside in case there is slight staining from the colorants.

Do I have to use squirt bottles?

No, not at all!

How to make sidewalk chalk without bottles? You can use non-breakable bowls or muffin tins instead of or in addition to the squirt bottles. Brushes or brush sponges can be used with bowls or muffin tins.

You can experiment with spray bottles, but as was mentioned earlier, they tend to get clogged up if the mixture is too thick. And, in my experience, they are way messier. You’ve been forewarned! 😂

Can I store any unused portion of my paint?

I have found that making a fresh batch each time works best. The cost per batch is so minimal it might be best to make new each time as the cornstarch will settle and possibly get too thick and gummy.

If your preference is to keep any unused portion, it is best to put it in a glass jar/container instead of a plastic container and make sure it’s airtight at room temperature.

Love easy DIY activities? Grab this free mini activity book for more ideas by clicking the image below!

More Kid-Friendly Fun Ideas

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