Fizzing Chalk Paint: A Fun Baking Soda & Vinegar Art Activity for Kids -

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Looking for a simple science activity that doubles as an art project? Fizzing chalk paint is one of our favorite easy STEAM activities because kids get to paint, experiment, and watch their artwork bubble and fizz before their eyes. It also used the same kitchen ingredients that are in many of the other projects my kids love – baking soda, vinegar, food coloring, and cornstarch – so we almost always have the ingredients on hand for this one. The fun and novel child project of our Baking Soda Volcano or Baking Soda Sensory Bin and our classic Chalk Paint, you can create colorful outdoor chalk paint that reacts when vinegar is added and keeps kids entertained twice as long.

Whether you’re looking for an outdoor summer activity, a rainy day craft, or a preschool science experiment, this fizzing chalk paint is sure to be a hit.

Why You’ll Love This Activity

Uses simple ingredients you probably already have
Combines art and science into one fun project
Great for toddlers, preschoolers, and elementary-aged kids
Encourages creativity and experimentation
Easy to clean up outdoors

What Is Fizzing Chalk Paint?

Fizzing chalk paint is a homemade sidewalk paint made with baking soda and cornstarch. Once kids paint with it, they can spray or drip colored vinegar over the artwork to create an exciting fizzing reaction.

The bubbling happens because baking soda (a base) reacts with vinegar (an acid), releasing carbon dioxide gas. Those tiny gas bubbles create the fun fizzing effect kids love.

Supplies You’ll Need

1 cup baking soda
½ cup cornstarch
¾–1 cup water
1 tablespoon liquid dish soap
Food coloring (gel or liquid)
White vinegar
Small bowls or muffin tin
Paintbrushes
Spray bottles, droppers, or pipettes
Sidewalk, driveway, or paintable surface

How to Make Fizzing Chalk Paint

Step 1: Mix the Paint Base

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

1 cup baking soda
½ cup cornstarch
1 tablespoon liquid dish soap

Slowly stir in the water until the mixture is smooth and similar to regular paint. Add a little more water if needed. Don’t skip the dish soap – that’s what makes the fizzing reaction really bubble.

Step 2: Divide and Color

Pour the mixture into several small bowls or sections of a muffin tin.

Add a few drops of food coloring to each bowl and stir until well combined.

Step 3: Paint Your Design

Use paintbrushes to create colorful pictures on the sidewalk or other approved surface.

The paint will dry with a soft, chalky finish if left alone.

Step 4: Make the Magic Happen

Fill a spray bottle, dropper, or pipette with white vinegar.

Spray or drip vinegar over the painted artwork and watch it bubble, fizz, and foam!

Kids love experimenting by adding more vinegar to different colors and watching the reaction continue.

The Science Behind the Fizz

When baking soda meets vinegar, they undergo a simple chemical reaction.

Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) + vinegar (acetic acid) → carbon dioxide gas + water + sodium acetate

The carbon dioxide gas forms tiny bubbles, creating the exciting fizzing effect.

This makes a wonderful introduction to:

Chemical reactions
Acids and bases
Cause and effect
Observation skills

Tips for Success

Outdoor surfaces work best since the activity can get messy.
Food coloring creates brighter colors (these are my favorite food coloring drops!).
Let kids use droppers, pipettes, or spray bottles to strengthen fine motor skills.
Make extra vinegar in different colors for even more excitement – color changing fun!
If the paint thickens while sitting, simply stir in a bit of water.

Fun Variations

Rainbow Fizz Art – Paint a rainbow, then spray each color with vinegar to create a bubbling rainbow.

Nature Painting – Collect leaves, flowers, or sticks and paint around them before adding vinegar.

Letter Practice – Paint letters or numbers and let kids “activate” each one with vinegar.

Hidden Messages – Write secret messages with the chalk paint, then “reveal” them by spraying with vinegar.

Marble Art – Drip different colors together and watch the bubbling create unique patterns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use sidewalk chalk instead?

This recipe creates a chalk-like paint, not actual chalk. While you can crush sidewalk chalk into powder, baking soda produces the fizzing reaction, so it shouldn’t be replaced.

Does it stain?

Food coloring can stain some surfaces and clothing. It’s best to use washable food coloring and work outside on concrete or on disposable paper.

How long does the paint last?

The paint is best used the same day it’s made. If it thickens, stir in a little water before using.

Is this safe for toddlers?

Yes, with adult supervision. Since vinegar and baking soda are common household ingredients, it’s a fun sensory activity for young children. Be sure to discourage tasting the mixture.

Storage Tips

If you have leftover paint, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Stir well before using again, as the ingredients may separate.

More Easy STEAM Activities Kids Love

If your kids enjoyed this fizzing chalk paint, they may also love:

Ready, Set, Fizz!

Fizzing chalk paint is one of those activities that’s equal parts science experiment, art project, and outdoor fun. It comes together in just a few minutes, uses inexpensive pantry ingredients, and keeps kids engaged as they paint, spray, and discover the exciting chemical reaction. It’s a win all around.

The best part? There are no rules. Kids can create colorful masterpieces, practice letters and shapes, or simply enjoy making bubbles appear with every spray of vinegar.