According to the calendar, it is Spring, and hopefully very soon the weather will start to feel like Spring on a consistent basis. As the weather warms we are eager to get outside and enjoy the sunshine and fresh air. I’m always on the hunt for new activities to try, and I love it when they are cheap and simple. This month’s activity is a perfect way to get outside and use things we already have in fun new ways.
Wet Chalk Art
Supplies:
- Sidewalk Chalk
- Water
- Optional- Sugar
- Optional- Black Construction Paper
This is a very simple activity that can be a fun change from traditional sidewalk chalk. Start by soaking your chalk in water overnight. I also added about ¼ cup sugar to the water, it is supposed to make the colors more vibrant. After allowing the chalk to soak simply draw as you normally would. The wet chalk has a smooth feel to it that my boys really enjoyed. The colors were brighter and it was neat to watch them change as they dried. On a really warm day, you can also wet the sidewalk to enhance the effect. You can also use the wet chalk to draw on black construction paper for art that you can keep or display.
Fun Spring Books:
- Little Blue Truck Springtime by Alice Schertle
- Let it Rain by Maryann Cocca-Leffler
- When Spring Comes by Kevin Henkes
- Fletcher and the Springtime Blossoms by Julia Rawlinson
- Spring is Here! by Heidi Pross Gray
Other Fun Spring Activities to Try:
- Visit a new park. There are so many great parks to visit, try one you’ve never been to before!
- Go on a nature walk looking for signs of spring. You can do this in your neighborhood, a park, or give Martin Nature Park a try.
- Go on a Pajama Walk. Every once in a while when the weather is really nice we get all ready for bed and then load up in the wagon and go out for an evening stroll.
- Have a picnic. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert…pack one up and head outside.
This is one part of a series of ideas for thrifty family fun on our Thrive & Dime blog.
About the writer: Formerly a school counselor, Megan now spends her days playing trucks, reading dinosaur books, dispensing snacks and adventuring with her three little men; ages 5, 2 and 6 months.
