Draw a chain of chalk shapes down the sidewalk or driveway — a zigzag to walk, circles to jump between, a square to crawl through, a line to balance on. Run the course, then redraw or extend it once it gets too easy.
What you need
- sidewalk chalk
How to do it
- 1Draw a sequence of five or six shapes in a line — a zigzag, circles, a square, a straight line — each meaning a different move.
- 2"Walk the zigzag, jump between the circles, crawl through the square, balance on the line." Demonstrate once.
- 3Time a run through the course, then try to beat that time on the next attempt.
- 4Let the child redesign the course themselves once they've mastered the first version.
Variations
- If chalk isn't available: use rope, string, or household items laid on the ground to mark the same shapes.
- How it ends: a final timed run against their own best score gives a clean, self-contained finish.
💡 Parent tip
Let them design the second course entirely on their own — the ownership makes them run it twice as many times.
What your child develops
- Gross motor sequencing — following a set order of different movements
- Self-directed design — building their own course afterward is real creative and spatial planning
- Timed self-improvement — beating a personal best is motivating without needing a competitor
Safety notes
- Check the surface is even and free of trip hazards before running the course.
More for “Outdoor & nature”
See allHerb Garden Smell Walk
Crush a leaf from five different herbs and guess which is which by smell alone.
Ages 3–910–25 min
Water Paintbrush Walls
A paintbrush dipped in plain water, 'painted' onto a fence or pavement, and watching the picture vanish as it dries.
Ages 1–410–20 minHousehold items
Sand Scoop and Pour
A bucket of sand, a few cups, and the endless satisfaction of pouring it from one container into another.
Ages 1–410–30 minHousehold items