Hopscotch is a children’s game that can be enjoyed by grownups, too. The classic schoolyard game can be set up on a driveway with sidewalk chalk, on a kitchen floor with utility tape, or in a backyard with pavers. In this guide, learn how to build a simple hopscotch game from pavers found in the Garden Center. Get crafty and make each square an original piece of art.
Assemble Materials and Lay Out Hopscotch Board
A traditional hopscotch game is a grid of 10 squares numbered from one to ten. Players take a bean bag or small stone and toss it on each numbered square in succession. The goal is to hop to the square, turn around and hop back, all on one leg.
Materials Needed:
- 10 pavers (24 in. by 24 in. or 12 in. by 12 in.)
- Colorful sidewalk chalk
- Bean bag or small stone
Steps:
- Layout the Grid: Arrange the pavers in the traditional hopscotch pattern. Start with tile #1, followed by #2 and #3 side by side above it, continuing this pattern until you place tile #10 at the top.
- Create a Stable Base: If using larger pavers, consider creating a stable base to prevent cracking. Refer to the guide “How to Install Patio Pavers” for detailed instructions.
Create Art on Pavers
All that’s needed is for the tiles to be numbered one to ten in order, but with colorful sidewalk chalk, your artists can put their original spin on the game. The artwork will wash away with rainfall or a squirt from the garden hose, so you can have fresh hopscotch art each time you play.
Steps:
- Number the Pavers: Use chalk to write numbers 1 to 10 on each paver.
- Decorate: Let children decorate each paver with colorful designs, patterns, or themes. This can be a fun way to personalize the game and encourage creativity.
How to Play Hopscotch
Hopscotch is an easy game to teach and to learn. It can accommodate many players. You’ll need a bean bag or small stone to play.
Game Rules:
- Toss the Stone: The first player tosses the stone on the #1 square. The stone must land inside the square.
- Hop: The player skips over the square with the stone, hops to the end of the board, turns around, and hops back. They pick up the stone on their return.
- Stay Inside the Squares: The player’s foot must remain inside each square without touching the sides. If the foot goes outside the square, the player loses their turn.
- Progress: Each player takes a turn, tossing the stone to the next number with each turn. Players skip the square with the stone inside, pick it up on their return, and proceed until completing the board.
Tip: For very young children, let the youngest go first to keep the game fair and engaging.
Customize Your Hopscotch Board Game
Your customizable hopscotch board is limited only by your imagination. You can change up the patterns of the tiles or create themed holiday artwork for the pavers.
Ideas:
- Themed Art: Decorate the pavers with seasonal or holiday themes.
- Pattern Variations: Rearrange the paver layout for different hopscotch variations.
- Additional Games: Use the pavers for other games like tic-tac-toe or create a mini obstacle course.
Conclusion
Building a hopscotch game in your lawn is a fun and creative project that brings joy to both kids and adults. With just a few materials and a bit of imagination, you can create a unique play area that will be enjoyed for years to come. Encourage creativity with customizable designs and keep the game fresh with new artwork each time you play.
Whether you need the right pavers, chalk, or garden supplies, The Home Depot delivers online orders when and where you need them.
