A humble piece of chalk sparks endless creativity—from hopscotch and tic-tac-toe on sidewalks to vibrant drawings and games on playgrounds. No screens or batteries required. This tried-and-true DIY sidewalk chalk recipe is straightforward, fun, and perfect for rainy days (with adult supervision).
Plaster of Paris is the base for easy homemade chalk. Toilet paper rolls yield ideal size and grip, but cardboard tubes or silicone molds for candies or baking work great too.
Tape the bottom of each toilet paper roll securely with duct tape. This recipe makes one stick at a time—scale up for multiple colors.
Cut wax paper ½ to 1 inch longer than the tubes. Line each one, overlapping edges to fully protect the cardboard.
In a sandwich-size zip-top bag, blend 1 cup plaster of Paris with ½ cup warm water.
Stir in about 2 tablespoons of tempera paint—a non-toxic, washable option perfect for kids. Use less for pastels, more for bold shades (though excess softens the chalk). Seal and knead into a smooth, thick paste.
Cut a ½-inch hole in one bag corner. Insert into a tube and squeeze in the mix evenly, avoiding air bubbles. Use fresh batches per color.
Stand undisturbed for 24 hours to fully harden.
Peel off the cardboard and wax paper to free your chalk.
Hit the driveway! This sturdy, washable chalk is as fun to use as it is to create.
