10 Best Chalk Paint and Markers for Kids & Toddlers in 2024
Chalk is a fun, colorful medium for many children. But it can also be messy–especially since kids are often holding the giant chalk stick, meaning that the color doesn’t just wind up on the sidewalk or chalkboard, but also on their little hands and clothes. If you’re looking for something a little more advanced, consider chalk paint and markers. These mediums allow children better control over their tools and can be a little tidier when used properly. Below, we’ve compiled ten of our favorite chalk paints and marker sets for your family!
This is the best product on our list that is currently in stock:
Set includes 12 neon liquid chalk markers of various colors
Includes two bonus metallic markers of gold and silver
Fast drying and non-toxic
Contains 5 bonus safety caps, and an erasing sponge that is designed specifically for the Biami brand of markers
Each marker has a chiseled tip designed to give sharp or thick bold lines
10 Best Chalk Paints & Markers Reviewed
1. Cedar 12 Pack Reversible Bullet
Includes a free tweezer to prevent a mess
The upgraded cap for marker preservation
Comes with two complimentary metallic colors
Perfect for use in the classroom
Includes 40 free chalkboard labels
The markers are prone to leaking
What’s better than not making a mess? Having tools that help you to avoid making a mess, obviously! The tip on these chalk markers is reversible, but Cedar Markers took that one step further -- They’ve included a pair of mini tweezers that will help you to reverse the marker tip without making a mess.
Read moreEducational Value
We’re convinced that these are the chalk markers of the future. They’ve even been updated to include a cap that Cedar Markers calls “revolutionary” because it’ll keep your marker tips from become flat and pushed out of shape.
Entertainment Value
You’re getting a lot with these markers for a truly remarkable price. The best part is that all of these things are very useful for both at school and at home.
Materials
This is also great for kids who want to go between a thicker and thinner, fine point tip because the process will be virtually mess-free. These marker sets also come with 40 free chalkboard labels which are great for teachers and parents who are looking to label things for their children at home. The fun doesn’t stop there, though! Two complimentary metallic markers are included for the price of one set...Now that’s what we call getting the most bang for your buck.
2. Blami Erasable Neon 14 Pack
Set includes 12 neon liquid chalk markers of various colors
Includes two bonus metallic markers of gold and silver
Fast drying and non-toxic
Contains 5 bonus safety caps, and an erasing sponge that is designed specifically for the Biami brand of markers
Each marker has a chiseled tip designed to give sharp or thick bold lines
Markers could have an issue flowing at first on a vertical surface
Gold and silver markers are more permanent type ink and not chalk base
Not exactly conventional chalk paint more like chalk markers but this set from Biami Arts gives a different twist to working in the consistency of liquid chalk. The set features a variety of bright neons colors in which to choose from.
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Provides all that is necessary to allow creativity to flow forth and to give good hand dexterity and coordination. Also provides good visualization skills as a child uses the colors and see their vibrancy come forth. Engages the imagination as well, as a child comes up with various new ways to use the set in different ways. Kids can also benefit from being able to explore more sensory skills by using various textures to bring forth their artistic projects.
Entertainment Value
These chalk marker have rave reviews online for a reason. This set makes chalk art easy and less messy for a child to use.
Materials
The markers have a chiseled tip that helps to create fine lines. This quality set also works on practically any surface. A child can use them to draw or write on a chalkboard, a window, a sidewalk, construction paper, a cardboard box, and even plastic bags. In fact, these will work on just about any surface that is non-porous. The set also comes with two replacement tips and an erasure pad that will help to remove the artwork when done.
3. Kassa Liquid Chalk Markers
Each marker is equipped with two different tips
Set is composed of bright neon colors
Markers can be used on a variety of different surfaces
Non-toxic, odorless, and quick drying
Some reviewers experienced difficulty erasing
Stimulate your child’s imagination and encourage them to unleash their creativity with Kassa’s ten pack of neon liquid chalk markers.
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The vibrancy of each marker will not only increase your child’s color recognition but will also grab the attention of onlookers. These markers are designed to write on almost any surface, thus your child will learn how to work with different mediums.
Entertainment Value
With ten different neon colors, your child will have a blast with either using colors they may have never used before or enhancing their original creations with colors they are familiar with. Each pen includes a reversible tip. One side is a chisel fine tip which can be used for small details, lettering, and writing. The other side is a bullet point which can be used for more broad strokes. Switching between the tips is easy as your little one will simply have to pull the tip out and flip it. With these markers being able to be used on a variety of different mediums, your child will have a blast creating all sorts of projects
Materials
The liquid dries quickly and will not smudge, thus allowing your little artist to create flawless designs. The water-based formula keeps the designs from flaking and allows each marker to be odorless. If your child uses these markers on a blackboard or mirror they will easily be able to erase if a mistake is made. All of the markers in this package are non-toxic, thus your little one is perfectly safe to unleash their creativity.
4. Chalktastic Glass Window Erasable
Easy cleanup with a wet or dry towel
Reversible tip for various project options
Good for teaching
Easy for kids to use
Reversing the tip can get very messy
Dare we say it? These markers are “Chalktastic!” It’s true, though, for a good, solid option in chalk drawing, these markers hold their own. They can be removed easily with a wet or dry towel which makes them great for using on-the-go or in any other places besides home where you don’t immediately have access to water.
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The easy cleanup of these markers puts them at the top of our list, but it’s really the versatility that makes them so convenient. They’re a good teaching tool for kids who are just learning to write and can easily be transitioned from a writing tool to a fun drawing tool.
Entertainment Value
Teachers are always looking for new and creative ways to help kids learn, and this is a great tool for parents at home as well. If you have a miniature chalkboard, this is the perfect thing for parents to use as a teaching device -- As a reward, just swivel the marker tip around and let your kids draw with their writing utensil!
Materials
Like any other chalk markers, they will become permanent on porous surfaces, but come off like a dream on non-porous surfaces. They’re a good option for teachers as well because the tip can actually be reversed -- On one side you’ll have a thicker tip, while the other contains a fine point that can be used for writing on chalkboards.
5. VersaChalk 8 Pack
Safe, non-toxic formula
High-density, durable tips
3 different palettes to choose from
Reversible tips for fine or bold lines
Easily washable and works on a variety of surfaces
Difficult to erase from some blackboard surfaces
VersaChalk is available in three different palettes: classic, metallic, and neon. They work well on glass, ceramics, whiteboard, chalkboards, plastic, metal, and vinyl. This eight pack features professional-quality ink that is both easy to create with and clean up, as it erases easily.
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These pretty, bold colors will catch kids’ eyes immediately. The formula is safe for children to use, washable, and the markers have reversible tips that allow your little ones to control just how thick their lines are. Children gain confidence, autonomy, and enhanced self-expression from visual art forms and chalk is a fun medium not to be ignored!
Entertainment Value
These are vibrant and they look beautiful. They’re also great for older kids or children with a little more artistic experience, as they can flip the tips around and experiment with bolder and finer lines in their work.
Materials
The reversible tip allows you to write and draw with both fine and bold lines and is made from high-density material that won’t fray easily. The ink is non-toxic, odorless, and dust-free. It’s also washable, so if little ones get it on their cute little outfits, don’t sweat it: just through the laundry in for a cycle.
6. ChalkOla Jumbo 8 Pack
8 jumbo markers
Nibs can be used for three different line consistencies
Easy to wash off
Two color palettes in the 8-pack option
28 grams of ink per marker
These do wipe away with water on nonporous surfaces, so writing on outdoor surfaces when there’s moisture is going to be difficult
With 28 grams of ink per marker and eight markers per set, this Jumbo pack will last your family quite some time. The markers have tips that can be used three ways: lay them flat for thick, bold strokes, turn them on their side for slightly finer details, or use them at a diagonal angle for a true thin line.
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Kids love decorating with their own designs. These are a super fun accessory for colorful car decor or nonporous chalkboards. Children who engage artistically tend to be more empathetic, confident, and capable of expressing themselves and their creativity.
Entertainment Value
If you want to go big or go home, these are the markers for you. The markers have tips that can be used three ways: lay them flat for thick, bold strokes, turn them on their side for slightly finer details, or use them at a diagonal angle for a true thin line. They’re capable of finer detailing but they’re made for large, loud designs.
Materials
They work well and erase easily on nonporous surfaces such as chalkboards, whiteboards, glass, ceramics, plastics, metal, and vinyl. They’re applicable on surfaces such as concrete, paper, wood, and painted surfaces too, they just become permanent on those. Choose from earthy tones, a neon pack, or a dual pack of plain white markers. These are eco-friendly, non-toxic, odorless, and xylene-free.
7. Positive Art 30 Pack
30 different colors in one set
Easy to wash off
Blend easily
Finer tips for detailed work
Smooth, vibrant ink colors
The paint does drip so be careful when using them
Positive Art’s liquid chalk marker set comes with not one, not two, not three, but thirty different colors. Yep. 3-0. The markers are a little smaller, as a result, so don’t opt for this if you want thick jumbo lines, but these are great for smaller, more detailed projects or designs that require a lot of tones and shading.
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This is a great set for kids with a little more artistic skill and experience. With so many color options, they can truly get creative, and the tips are a little finer, allowing them to work with detail. Additionally, you can blend with these.
Entertainment Value
This pack has nearly four times as many colors as most sets do. That allows for a lot of artistic freedom. Additionally, the colors seem to come out pretty bright without a lot of hassle, so you won’t have to go back over the same line multiple times to get it to show.
Materials
These work on nonporous surfaces semi-permanently, and permanently on porous surfaces, like most chalk markers. They blend well and the company offers a satisfaction guarantee so if you have any problems with their product, reach out to customer service so they can rectify it.
8. Chalkola Fine Tip Pack of 10
Non-toxic which makes them safe for kids
Xylene-free
Great for a variety of non-porous surfaces
Three sets of colors to choose from
A fine tip is an option
Certain markers might stain surfaces such as the metallic colors
Watch your child’s oiginal creations come to life when they use the Chakola fine tip chalk markers.
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These markers are made without the use of Xylene, which makes them extra safe for kids of all ages to use. Parents can rest assured knowing that their kids are safe with these markers and as an added bonus, they’re fragrance-free, making them tolerable for long periods of time as well.
Entertainment Value
These markers work on just about any surface but you have to be careful, they work so well that they quickly become permanent on porous surfaces such as wood, concrete, paper, and painted surfaces. On a non-porous chalkboard, glass, whiteboards, vinyl, ceramic, plastic, and metal, they’re fairly easily removed. This all goes to say that these markers would extraordinarily well and will provide your kids with hours of decorating fun!
Materials
They come in earth tones, metallic, or neon colors to suit your child’s decorative needs, and also have the option of a fine tip which helps when writing. The formula for these markers is water-based and only takes a few pumps to use and removing is as simple as a wet paper towel. They’re eco-friendly and non-toxic, making them the perfect creative gift for your child. Use them for decorating windows around the holidays, drawing on vinyl for a fun new decoration, or take them to school to have fun free time on the chalkboard.
9. Crafty Croc Liquid Calk Markers
Works on a variety of different surfaces
Stimulates Development and increases fine motor skills
Each marker includes 8 grams of ink and a reversable tip
Easy to use
Tips could be made more durable
With Crafty Croc’s eight pack of chalk markers, your child can take their art to the next level.
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While grasping the markers will increase your child’s fine motor skills, coloring with them will stimulate their cognitive development. The bright neon colors will appeal to your child’s visual senses while also increasing their ability to recognize colors.
Entertainment Value
Each marker is designed with a reversible tip, making fine or bold lines possible. Chalkboards, glass, paper, tile, and any non-porous surface can be used as the base for these markers. With a wide variety of possible surfaces, the opportunities to get creative are practically endless. A recipient of the TillyWig Sterling fun award, there’s no doubt in our mind that your child will have anything but a blast with these markers.
Materials
Each 6mm pen is equipped with 8 grams of high-quality ink. The quantity of ink will allow your child to create several different projects before needing to purchase another pack. When using Chalkboards and glass the ink can easily be wiped off using a damp paper towel or wet wipe. The ink will not leak out of the pen, thus you don’t have to worry about the liquid formula getting all over your child’s clothes.
10. Crayola Washable Neon Sidewalk
3 large 8 oz bottles of bright neon colored sidewalk paint
3 good size standard sidewalk chalk
Includes one paintbrush, a paint roller, and a paint tray.
Safe, non-toxic and easily washes off
Ideal for ages 4 and up
Paint isn’t as bright when it dries and could take more than one coat to give it more of a neon look.
From Crayola, a trusted name in creating quality art products for kids comes this nine-piece sidewalk art set. This one includes three large bottles of bright neon paint in three beautiful colors. There are also three different colors of standard chalk sticks.
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Gives kids an opportunity to explore using chalk paint and standard chalk together. Provides a creative and imaginative outlet that is engaging to kids. Also while using on a flat surface such as a sidewalk will provide good motor skills as well along with good hand coordination. Will also give a child a way to exercise their sensory skills as well by providing bright vivid colors.
Entertainment Value
A quality kid that comes from a well-known company that parents know and have relied on to provide safe quality brand products. This one is large and supply all that is needed for plenty of outdoor sidewalk art.
Materials
The set also provides a standard paintbrush and a paint roller, both of which can be used to help apply the paint. Rounding out the set is a paint tray where the paint can be dumped into before using. Also, true to the Crayola brand of products this one is safe and non-toxic to use. Plus, not to worry about the paint staining because it will easily wash off when wet or fade away over time.
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Educational Value
While painting with chalk, a child will, of course, be working on their hand coordination and dexterity. If a child is doing this art on a vertical surface such as a chalkboard or a window, there are also opportunities to strengthen the muscles in the elbows and shoulders. When working on a surface such as a sidewalk, there is also the engaging of the leg muscles as the child kneels down or sits down on the sidewalk. If a child decides to create using the chalk paint such as hopscotch, even more, motor skills that will be engaged as well.
Entertainment Value
While using chalk paint, a child will sharpen various avenues of their mind. Of course, a child will explore their creativity and their imaginations as the ideas flow forth. A child will engage their concentration skills as they work on achieving their particular project at hand. They could also go about learning more about problem-solving as they figure out what space they have to work with and trying to bring about the vision in their minds.
Materials
Kids love art and being artistic can be a helpful thing for a child’s overall development. When it comes to using chalk paint, a kid can explore this fun beneficial medium to their heart’s content. Mainly because it is a type of paint that is designed for use by kids as young as toddler age. It is safe to use and is washable. As for the benefits of using chalk paint, here are the criteria for which we have discovered and wanted to cover through our list of products.
Through the use of bright vibrant color of chalk paint, a child is already sharpening their visual perceptions. A child can also see how the colors come together and how chalk reacts to water to create a vibrant finish.
A kid could explore which colors blend well together and they could also learn about which ones will complement each other. Through engaging their eyes in their work, a child will work more on their eye coordination.
Other Factors to Consider
Emotional Development
Through the artistic process, a child can feel a sense of accomplishment. When a child looks at what they created in chalk paint as a medium be it on a sidewalk or another surface, they tend to feel a sense of pride, they want to share their work with others. Through this a child could gain more self-worth, more confidence in themselves that they can accomplish other goals, or perhaps one day take their artistry to the next level by becoming a professional artist.
Frequently Asked Questions
q: Can chalk paint be made at home?
Yes, in fact, it is as simple as getting some chalk, crushing into a powder using a plastic bag, then placing it in a plastic container and adding water, and finally mixing the two together well. For those who want a more natural way to create chalk paint, it can also be done using baking soda, cornstarch, and food coloring.
q: Is chalk paint really safe and nontoxic?
The products we included on this list are labeled to be nontoxic. It is important, however, when looking for a chalk paint for a child to use to find out if the product is non-toxic and this will usually be found on the packaging. If in doubt and not sure, then it’s wise not to chance it, especially with kids who are toddler age. Making your own chalk paint is always an option. However, in doing so when using sticks of chalk, make sure that these too are labeled as being nontoxic.
q: Can glow-in-the-dark powder be added to chalk-paint mixtures?
It would depend on the type of glow-in-the-dark powder and whether it would be compatible with the water that is added to make the chalk paint. Remember, chalk paint is water-soluble and it would be recommended that the glow-in-the-dark powder also be water-soluble. However, there is no real guarantee that the paint will actually glow.
q: Is painting a sidewalk acceptable in all neighborhoods?
There have been issues with Homeowners Associations (HOAs) having an issue with this creative outlet for a child. If your neighborhood has an HOA, it might be advisable to check to ensure this would be acceptable. Some may not have a problem with this while others will not only have a problem with the sidewalk outside your home but even your own driveway if it is painted with chalk paint. If this is the case, there are other avenues, for example, letting a child have a piece of the backyard patio to explore their creative outlet. Another idea is to designate an area of the garage for the child to draw their pictures.
q: Can sidewalk-style chalk paint also be used on a concrete wall or on a blacktop surface?
Yes, certain types of this chalk paint can be used on these surfaces as well. But keep in mind that it may not be too easy to get the chalk paint off once it is applied. So, before painting on one of these surfaces make sure that the desire is to keep the artwork for quite some time.
q: How long will chalk paint last on a sidewalk with people constantly walking on it?
It will depend on a few factors. First of all, how much of the sidewalk paint is applied at the time of application; a thick coat tends to last a bit longer. Second, if the sidewalk has a whole lot of texture to it, chalk paint will last longer since it holds the paint in the crevices.
q: Can chalk paint be used on a chalkboard or a cardboard box?
As shown above on our list, there are some chalk paints that do allow different types of textures which to use the paints on. However, it is important to look for this kind specifically. If a chalk paint says it is used for the sidewalk, odds are it isn’t advisable to place this type of chalk paint onto a surface such as a chalkboard.
q: Can using chalk paint be a fun family activity?
Definitely, not only is it advisable for a parent to supervise them as they participate in an art project such as using chalk paint but a parent can also interact with a child as they explore the fun of painting with chalk paint, and perhaps even help a child to create their creations. Chalk painting is also a fun activity for siblings. Just like creating murals and drawing pictures with friends could be a fun activity, siblings could also participate in this activity together as well. The same with playing games created on the sidewalk with chalk paint, another great way for quality time to be spent with the family.
Sources
- Neighborhood considers ban on sidewalk chalk, Blog Article ,
- Painting with Chalk and Water, Informative Article ,
- 6 Benefits of Drawing Time for Children, Online Article ,
- The Benefits of Art for Kids, Online Article ,
- Sidewalk Chalk Paint , Blog Article ,