How To Do Rock Painting With Kids This Summer
Last Updated on: 23rd February 2025, 11:59 am
Rock painting with kids can be a fun and creative activity! Here’s a simple way to entertain the kids over the weekend and half terms this summer. Rock painting is a free activity and you can also combine it with a trip to the beach or the woods.
What You Need For Rock Painting
- Smooth rocks or stones (you can find these outdoors or buy them at a craft store)
- Acrylic paints or paint pens (waterproof and non-toxic)
- Paintbrushes in various sizes
- Water cups for rinsing brushes
- Paper towels or old cloths for cleanup
- Optional: Sealant (such as Mod Podge or clear acrylic spray) to protect the finished rocks
Prepare The Rocks
Wash the rocks thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. Let them dry completely before painting. You can paint a base coat of white acrylic paint on the rocks to provide a smooth surface. It will help the paint stick to the rocks.
Choose Your Rock Painting Designs
Encourage kids to brainstorm ideas for their rock designs. They can paint animals, flowers, patterns, inspirational words, or anything else they like! Rock painting can be as easy or as hard as you want it. It might be helpful to have some design ideas or reference images on hand for inspiration.
Painting The Rocks
Set up a workspace with newspaper or a plastic tablecloth to protect surfaces. A table, on the floor or even in the garden are great surfaces to get them to paint on. Give each child a selection of paint colours and brushes.
Let the kids use their creativity to paint their chosen designs onto the rocks. They can mix colours, add details, and experiment with different techniques. Remind them to rinse their brushes in water between colours to keep them clean.
Drying The Rocks
Let the painted rocks dry completely before handling them or adding additional layers of paint. You can leave them to dry in the sun, or even in the garden. You don’t want them to smudge and ruin the design.
Finishing Touches
Once the paint is dry, kids can add any final details or embellishments with paint pens or markers.
You can add a coat of sealant to protect the paint and make the rocks more durable. Follow the instructions on the sealant packaging and allow it to dry completely. Clear nail polish, PVA glue and Modge Podge all work as a sealant.
Display Or Hide Their Rock Painting
Encourage kids to display their painted rocks in a garden, on a windowsill, or anywhere they like. Some families like hiding painted rocks in their community for others to find. Think about joining a local rock painting group or Facebook community to join in with rock hiding and hunting activities.
Clean Up Afterwards
Once the painting is done, help kids clean up their workspace by disposing of any leftover paint, rinsing brushes, and wiping down surfaces. Remember to encourage creativity and experimentation throughout the process, and most importantly, have fun!
