6 Sidewalk Chalk Games to Supercharge Summer Reading
Chalk and summer go hand in hand like books and bedtime. It’s not just for doodles; it’s a fun way to boost your child's reading and writing skills all summer long.
Whether you’re a parent, camp counselor, or the coolest aunt or uncle on the block, grab a bucket of sidewalk chalk and turn your neighborhood into a learning playground.
Alphabet Hopscotch
Write the letters A-Z in random order on the pavement. Call out a word and have your child hop from letter to letter to spell it out. For little ones, stick to calling out single letters or have them hop to the letters in their name. Older kids can try longer words, sounding them out as they go or racing against the clock for some friendly competition.
You’re helping build: Letter recognition, spelling, and phonemic awareness.
Rhyme Leap
Draw a winding path of shapes, each with a simple word written inside—leave one blank at the end. Kids hop along, reading each word aloud, then land on the blank and shout out a rhyme. Younger kids can draw quick sketches to spark ideas, while older kids can challenge themselves with multi-syllable rhymes.
You’re helping build: Phonological awareness, vocabulary, and creative thinking.
Story Starter
Write a fun prompt on the pavement with a big question mark. Invite children to imagine and tell a story inspired by it! Try prompts like:
Once upon a time in South Philly…
What happens on your perfect summer adventure?
Imagine you found a magic key—where does it lead?
Kids can share their stories out loud or write them down in chalk right on the sidewalk. Encourage wild twists, silly details, or even collaborative storytelling where you and your child each add a sentence.
You’re helping build: Imagination, oral language skills, and creative writing.
Obstacle Course
Level up hopscotch with a full-blown obstacle course. Add doodles and directions like zig-zag, dance break, bunny hop, spell your name or roar! The sky’s the limit! Kids (and grown-ups) can follow the course, get moving, and practice listening to directions.
Check out these creative course ideas here.
You’re helping build: Listening skills, following directions, and expressive language.
Letter Trace
Write the alphabet across the sidewalk and let kids trace the letters (trust us, it doesn’t get old). They don’t have to just trace with chalk. And Next Comes L had the great idea to trace letter shapes with rocks or other found objects. For a bonus, challenge them to say the letter name as they trace it. Next, say the letter sounds!
You’re helping build: Alphabet knowledge, letter-sound correspondence, and fine motor skills.
Illustration Station
After reading a story together, draw big blank squares on the pavement. Ask children to recreate their favorite scenes in chalk, then explain their drawings. For younger kids, ask questions like “What color is the dragon? Who was your favorite character?” For older kids, challenge them to add speech bubbles, thought clouds, or even create their own sidewalk comic strip with an alternate ending.
You’re helping build: Comprehension, understanding order, expressive language.
When the chalk dust settles, don’t forget to head to your local library and check out Summer of Wonder, a treasure trove of self-paced games and activities designed to spark a lifelong love of reading for kids of all ages!
Creativity powers strong readers.
