INSIDE: How to easily and quickly build an outdoor chalkboard from plywood and chalkboard paint for kids backyard fun.
Call me old school but I want my kids outside. Ride bikes. Play in the backyard sandbox. Chase each other around the yard or lay on the grass and count every cloud in the sky. Doesn’t matter to me.
So in my attempt to (lovingly) get the kids out of the house, I went on a “treasure” hunt in our garage. There I found random pieces of scrap plywood and in another corner, some yellow rope. Perfect.
In about an hour’s time, here’s yet another way to get the kids outta the house…
*This post contains affiliate links. A purchase of any of these items helps to support this blog and its creative efforts at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. To read more, please see my disclosure page.
How to Make a Fence-Mounted Kids Outdoor Chalkboard
When my kids get a hold of chalk, I will find their artistic creations not only on the patio but also on the brick walls, planters, each other. So with some budding artists in my midst, I wanted to give them a more appropriate “canvas” for their masterpieces.
Supplies:
– Scrap plywood
– Drill with drill bit to fit width of rope
– Yellow polypropylene rope
– Chalkboard paint
– Small pails to hold outdoor chalk
– Metal rope to hang chalk pails from fence
Get the Kids Outside! DIY Fence-Mounted Chalkboard
Give the plywood a couple (or three) coats of chalkboard paint. Let dry in between.
Use a measuring tape to determine where you want to drill holes to hang the rope. Mark areas with a pencil.
Drill two holes through the plywood.
how to make inexpensive kids outdoor chalkboard
Insert yellow rope through one hole. Knot in the front. Hang other end of rope over the fence, insert through second hole and knot.
Cut off excess rope. Voila! Instant chalkboard.
kids outdoor chalkboard with attached chalk pails
You’ve got the canvas, now you just need the tools! Drill a few drainage holes through a small metal or plastic pail. Insert the kids sidewalk chalk.
Attach some rope to the pail handles and hang onto the fence.
How do you get your kids to play outside? Let me know in the comments.
Kids backyard sandbox from $2 redwood fence posts with DIY fabric canopy.
Other Kid Projects You May Enjoy:
- Make a BIG kids sandbox from $2 redwood fence posts
- How to turn a canvas tote into a water proof swim bag
- Make an outdoor picnic or movie blanket from a $5 bedsheet
- Play ball! Cute baseball goodie bags for game day snacks
- How to make drawer scented sachets …with photos as DIY gifts
You May Also Like:
How To Make an Outdoor Movie Blanket from a $5 Bed Sheet
Make Your Own Swim Shirts + FREE Templates
DIY Summertime Fiesta Wreath from Paper Napkins
Easy School Teacher Gift and Thank You Note Idea
DIY Kids Backyard Sandbox with Redwood Fence Posts
Create Superhero Wall Decor Using Paint Can Lids
How to Teach Kindness to Kids with Box Tops
How to Make Fun Graffiti Beach Towels with the Kids
Treat Yourself! $1 OREO Mint Chocolate Candy Bars at Walmart
10 Insanely Fun Games to Play as a Family
Great idea! I was an outdoor kid and totally agree with getting kids outdoors more.
If this makes you “old school,” then I’m old school too! My kids hear me say, “outside!!!!” all summer. Your treasure hunt turned into a genius project. I love it!
I love the idea!! So clever!
It keeps them out and all the chalk dust too!!
I am always cleaning up piles of chalk dust from the carpet under our indoor chalkboard.
I am totally making them go out and play all the time too!
This is a fun idea. I had found an old chalk board at a garage sale and we hung it outside on the deck… the kids had a a lot of fun on that. 🙂
love it, so much fun, and a grreat way to relax a bit outdoors! thanks for sharing on craft schooling Sunday!
So cute! We’ve got an old outdoor chalkboard that is in desperate need of replacing. Love that you’ve got the drainage holes in the buckets, too. Wet chalk is nasty! Thanks so much for sharing at the #happynowlinkup!
Fun idea for the kiddos. Pinning. Thanks for sharing at the To Grandmas House We Go Link Party.
Love your idea. My kids were BIG driveway chalk drawers (and we have a huge driveway!) Now they’re older but I STILL tell them to get off their screens and go outside! Thanks for sharing at Vintage Charm! xo Kathleen|Our Hopeful Home
Such a fun project for the little ones. Thanks for sharing at the Inspiration Spotlight party. Pinned & sharing.
It turned out great! Thanks for sharing at Sew It Cook It Craft It!
I love this! I have seven kids and they are gonna have fun with this one! Thank you for a great tutorial!!
Great news! Thanks for visiting.
I’m impressed by how easy this it! (I mean, who doesn’t love an easy DIY) This is a great idea, I’m looking forward to doing this and putting it in my son’s room! I can’t do it outside unfortunately, this summer has been one heatwave after the other!
Visiting from Sincerely, Paula’s Weekend Blog Party =)
What a fun idea! I love it!
This is a great way to have children remain outdoors. Its good for all sorts of activities from x and o to keeping score to babminton. Very well done.
This is a great idea for kids – love this plan for a chalkboard
This is fun! We don’t have a backyard and while we have several balconies in our apartment I’m not comfortable letting the kids play there. Still, I could make something similar to hang in their rooms.
Thank you for sharing at The Really Crafty Link Party. Pinned.
You’re not old school Victoria, kids should be outside dreaming and playing and exploring their creativeness. Love the idea of having a chalk board outside. No chalking dust to clean up and it’s just such a fun idea too
This is a such a great idea Victoria!! I know my kids would love an art station in our yard, so cool!
Hugs, Tanya
This looks like a whole load of fun. Chalk can be a little messy for indoors, so it’s absolutely perfect outside.
This is so cute and such a great idea! Great tutorial too! Thank you for sharing at Celebrate it!