Craft, game and snack rolled up into one? YES! I’m busting summer boredom this summer with this Easy DIY Checkerboard for Kids – Americana Inspired. This post is a part of a Skittles® and Dollar General sponsored series for Socialstars™ #SkittlesAmericaMix May contain commissioned links.
DIY Checkerboard for Kids | Americana Inspired
My son makes the best face in the world when he’s concentrating. And lately, I get to see that face every time that my son plays checkers. He’s really become hooked on the classic game. And with 4th of July right around the corner, that got me thinking. Red, White and Blue inspired checkers game? I love it already.
Combine a favorite Americana game, a craft and a delicious snack for a perfect summer project. This Easy DIY Checkerboard for Kids definitely has to be on your summer activities list. Ready to make your own? King me!
What’s exciting about making this festive DIY checkerboard for kids is that you combine a fun paper weaving project, game and snack all in one with a holiday inspired theme. Winning. And since this board is made out of paper, it becomes the perfect game for travel – with no worries if it gets lost or destroyed.
What You Will Need
- Construction Paper – Red, White, and 2 different colored Blues. I said Americana inspired, right?
- Scissors
- Ruler
- Pencil
- Glue
- Special Edition Skittles® America Mix
Directions
Start by folding your piece of blue construction paper in half. Fold the paper in half again. Un-crease. Using your scissors, cut up the creased center fold towards the edge BUT leave a 1 inch space from the edge.
Measure (or fold) in half again and again until you have 7 slits cut into the paper (being sure to leave the 1 inch space from the edges).
Open the paper fully. It should look like the above photo.
Take your next piece of blue construction paper and cut into 8 equal long strips. Then shave off about 1/4 inch off the thickness of the strips.
Weave your strips into the cut piece of paper, going in and out to create squares. Glue down the ends of the strips to stay in place if desired.
Using the red and white construction paper, allow your kids to decorate the ends of the board. We went with red and white stripes (totally makes sense, right?) to give it an American flag look. Now it’s time to play! Time to bust out the Special Edition Skittles® America Mix just in time for 4th of July! You can pick up these Limited Edition 14 oz. bags at your local Dollar General for a festive way to celebrate 4th of July. We used the red and new WHITE colored Skittles for play time.
How festive do they look against the red, white and blue board? And every time that you capture a piece…guess where it goes? YES! A snack for every jumped move, sounds like a plan to me.
My son definitely loved snacking on Special Edition Skittles® America Mix! The new White Yumberry flavor was his favorite!
Be sure to pick up your delicious Special Edition Skittles® America Mix at your local Dollar General for this adorable DIY checkerboard for kids and for all of your delicious July 4th ideas. Need some more delicious Skittles inspiration this summer? Try these popular ideas!
Make your 4th of July extra festive with this DIY Checkerboard for Kids and Special Edition Skittles® America Mix! Go Red, White and Blue!
How are you keeping your kids busy this summer?
Be sure to follow Raising Whasians for more FUN kids crafts for the summer, family recipes, travel and more.
Need some more delicious Skittles inspiration this summer? Try these popular ideas!
Nancy Burgess says
I love this checkerboard and so much fun for the kids to play.
Michael says
Fun
Jackie Newsome says
Very cute, creative, and easy! I look forward to making this again with my son. Just a few minutes to make and smiles from within come out so beautiful and big. Like a RAINBOW!
Angela Havens says
I love these awesome skittles creations!
Cindy Wessels says
My niece and nephew loved making this checkerboard and it was a fun way to teach them how to play checkers too!
christie says
Yay! Glad they enjoyed it, Cindy!
Grace Young says
What a fun idea!
LINDA CHURCH says
THIS CHECKER BOARD IS REALLY NEAT I LIKE IT A LOT AND THE KID WILL TOO.
Katt Lewis says
Is this an after dinner game? I don’t see the skittles lasting long around my house!