13 Chalk Art Ideas That Will Make Your Sidewalk the Coolest One in the Neighborhood
These easy creations are sure to bring a smile to anyone who passes by.
Creating art with sidewalk chalk is a timeless tradition; even in the age of screens and so many other high-tech distractions, chalk art remains a family-favorite activity. That’s not to say it hasn’t evolved beyond stick figures and hopscotch. In fact, bloggers have come up with scores of inventive of ideas for taking chalk art to the next level — even in out-of-season conditions. Think innovative drawing and painting techniques, educational games and activities, inspirational messages, and of course incredible photo backdrops. (Pics or it didn’t happen, right?) Consider these chalk art ideas for taking the fun to the next level — just right for amateur artists of all ages.
Stencil Affirmations
Buy or make stencils bearing cheerful or inspiring messages to serve as fun — even moving — affirmations for all who pass by. Think “Be You” or “Be Happy” — or whatever feels right.
Patriotic Chalk
Create a patriotic chalk art look any time of year (not just for Independence Day!) with red, white, and blue chalk art nodding to Uncle Sam, the Statue of Liberty — and plenty of golden stars, of course.
Sunny Scene
Chalk your way to a sunny day — no matter the weather outside. Create a sunshiny and transporting scene with a palm tree, chaise lounge, fruity drink on a side table, and of course a smiling sun.
Chalk Art Town
Use sidewalk chalk to create a fanciful roadway or track; let your kiddos envision the details however they like. Not just a fun treat for passersby on the sidewalk, this idea is interactive too: Zoom around the track using toy cars, trains, or little feet.
Chalk Champ
Celebrate your little champion with a chalk art scene meant to mimic an Olympic sporting competition. Customize it to reflect any athletic aptitude or passion.
Outer Space
Launch your child into outer space — in their imagination — with this simple backdrop idea. Draw some stars, a rocket, a planet — and draw a circle around your child’s head to represent an astronaut’s helmet as you stand above for a perfect picture.
White-Water Rapids
You don’t need to be a skillful artist to make this fun chalk art photo backdrop: To create the look of a roaring river carrying your kiddo on a white-water adventure, just make wavy blue lines swishing into white swirls.
Chalk Resist Art
Create a cool chalk art look by laying down painter’s tape first. Draw a pattern or word using the tape; then chalk over it in colors of your choice. When you remove the tape, you’ve got a cool resist look left behind.
Balloons
Let a bouquet of whimsical balloons carry your littles on a mid-air adventure with this photo backdrop chalk art. Stand on a stool above while your kid outstretches arms for the look of lift.
Faux Flowers
Oh, you shouldn’t have! Chalk up a cheery bouquet of oversized flowers in your favorite colors and varieties. Stand overhead to grab a shot that makes it look like your subject is clutching the bunch gladly.
Self Portrait
Try a chalk art project that doubles as a form of self expression: Have someone lie down on the sidewalk while you trace their silhouette with chalk. Then let the traced person decorate so it looks like them. Add clothes, jewelry, accessories, and more.
Word Play
Use chalk play as a way for kids to practice their sight words: Simply write the words on the sidewalk, tossing a bean bag and practicing each word it lands on a few times.
Puddle Art
Yes, sidewalk chalk becomes extra vibrant when you add water — which makes it a perfect art tool for even rainy days. Draw a rainbow and transform it into a brilliant blur within shallow water. Or stomp colors into deeper puddles to create joyful splash art.
Alesandra is a digital travel and lifestyle journalist based in Los Angeles whose work has appeared in Good Housekeeping, Woman’s Day, Prevention, Insider, Glamour, Shondaland, AFAR, Parents, TODAY and countless other online and print outlets. Alesandra has a masters degree in journalism with an emphasis on cultural reporting and criticism from NYU, and a bachelor’s degree from UC Berkeley. An avid traveler, she trots the globe with her husband and their twins.
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