Need a quick, fun thing to do outside? Have you tried “chalk paint”? We got some for my son’s birthday, along with this cool paint roller:
But you don’t have to buy paint chalk from the store — or a paint roller! You can make it, and then use paint brushes. It’s easy! Here’s what you need:
- colorful chalk – can be sidewalk chalk or regular chalk
- Ziploc (or plastic) bags
- something heavy to smash the chalk (if you use a hammer, make sure a grownup is there to help!)
First, separate the chalk into different colors — put all the blues together and all the yellows together, for example. Otherwise, all your colors will get mixed up and may look brown and muddy!
Second, put one color of chalk (for example, all the blues) into a Ziploc bag. Close the bag tightly.
Third, smash the chalk into powder!
Fourth, pour the powder chalk into a container (a bowl or empty yogurt cup works well) and then add about half a cup of water. (The more water you add, the lighter the color will be, so it is up to you how much water to add.)
Fifth, stir the chalk powder until it is mostly dissolved into the water (there might still be some powdery chalk at the bottom, but that’s okay!)
Now, do the same thing with all your chalk colors. Once you’re ready, dip a paintbrush into the “paint” and start painting! (Try mixing colors to make new ones if you like.)
Have you ever tried “Make and Take”? It’s when you make something and then take it home! It’s lots of fun. We tried it a few months ago at a place in Greensboro, North Carolina, called 
