Awesome Rock Painting Ideas and Activities For Kids

I was overwhelmed, stressed and downright worn out. After dropping the kids off at school, I grabbed Jonah’s hand and asked him what he would like to do. I had high hopes that he wanted to do something that would make me forget about my worries for a little while.

His answer was “playground”, not a surprising answer. The surprising part might have been that I agreed to it. My to-do list was long, but I needed a break from running like a hamster in the non-stop wheel of no-progress. Off to the playground we went.

As we approached our neighborhood playground, I said a little prayer, as one does when nerves are shot and patience is worn thin by things not going as hoped. I simply asked for a sign that everything would be fine – that the Universe has us on the right track.

Jonah ran up to the teeter-totter, his favorite playground activity. He stopped suddenly, looked down, then up at me and then down again. He was waiting for approval from me to check something out.

There, on the ground, among the mulch, sticks and brown leaves was a ladybug. It wasn’t your average ladybug from the great world of insects. This was a perfectly round smooth rock, painted like a lady bug. The rock fit comfortably in Jonah’s toddler hand. He gave me the rock with the biggest grin.

The rock flipped over in my hand, exposing its other side. There, in bold black letters were the words: “This too shall pass.”

“My City Rocks” Rock Painting Initiative:

The rock is part of a community effort taking off in cities across America – even throughout the world. People paint rocks and leave them in public places for others to find. Sometimes the rocks have inspirational messages, other times they are simply decorated to brighten someone’s day – as the ladybug did to me.

Are you wondering if your town has started this initiative? Go to Facebook and type in “(the name of your town) rocks” and look for a Facebook page with that name. We live in Jupiter and Jupiter Rocks! is a popular Facebook page where people share pictures of their finds. There are also posts left by the rock-painters, hinting of their rocks’ whereabouts.

All in all, this initiative is a wonderful way to bring the community together and teach kids the value of spreading unsolicited random acts of kindness. This summer, we will paint rocks and share them with unsuspecting neighbors, in hopes that our creations brighten their day.

I gathered a wonderful list of rock painting ideas and activities for kids (of all ages). Be sure to bookmark this page, so you won’t run out of inspiration – ever.

Animals & Pets Rock Painting Ideas:

Kids will love making these Painted Stone Fish, and these Farm Animal Story Stones by Messy Little Monster or these adorable Macaroni Puffer Fish to play with. The whole family can enjoy the classic story of Dominic about a free spirited dog, and make these super cute Paw Print Rocks from Sunny Day Family.

Easy Peasy and Fun shows you how to make precious Hedgehog Rocks and equally cute Rock Turtles (who knew rocks could look so positively lovable?) It’s hard to go wrong with pet rocks, and these Matchbox Stone Pets from Red Ted Art are completely doable and fun!

I just love how You Clever Monkey made these Farm Stones, and this Simple Spider Craft from Mother Natured promises a good bit of potentially messy fun.

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People & Faces Rock Painting Ideas:

Putting faces on rocks comes to a whole new level with these Painted Rock People from Non Toy Gifts. I just love the hair! These Funny Stone Faces from Messy Little Monster crack me up! Kids and adults could entertain themselves for hours playing with these. The mix and match possibilities with these Rock People from You Clever Monkey are endless! What a great way to play the summer months away.

Crafts & Gifts Rock Painting Ideas:

There are so many precious and quite lovely ways to decorate rocks, to make them into the ultimate keepsakes, and treasured gifts. Personalize and embellish your garden and your friends’ and neighbors’ gardens with these Garden Markers by Adventure in a Box. These Rock Garden Markers from Crafts by Amanda are tailored to your herb gardens, and these Stone Plant Markers from Rainy Day Mum are really quite useful.

Making Zentangle Rocks from KC Edventures is sure to be an engaged activity for all ages, and will result in amazing gifts. For timeless appeal the Flag Rocks from Non Toy Gifts are both educational, and beautiful. Of course, Minion Rocks, well, rock. Especially these ones from Mum in the Madhouse.

More Rock Painting DIY Crafts and Gifts for Kids to Make:

Melting Crayon Garden Rocks by Mosswood Connections

Memory Stones from Mum in the Madhouse

Frederick Rock Craft by Sunny Day Family

Painted Ladybug Rocks by Crafts by Amanda

Melted Crayon Rock Gifts by Red Ted Art

Earth Day Stones by Twitchetts

Dad Rocks for Father’s Day and Painted Minion Rocks by Non Toy Gifts

Rock Monsters, DIY Rock Cactus and Painted Monster Rocks by Easy Peasy and Fun

Story Stones Rock Painting Inspiration:

Everybody loves a good story, and when you combine it with an awesome rock painting idea, it’s a win win. For a really easy way to encourage creativity try DIY Camping Story Stones or Sea Story Stones by Crafts on Sea, Painted Story Rocks from Hand Made Kids Art and these super cute Penguin Story Stones by Adventures and Play.

Games & Activities Rock Painting Fun:

If you are looking for great ways to play, explore, create and learn with your kids this summer, these rocks painting games and activities are sure to be your go to boredom busters of the season.

DIY Number Stones by Crafts on Sea , the DIY Rainbow Rock Clock by The Kavanaugh Report, as well as the Painted Stone Rainbow from Non Toy Gifts and Stack a Stone Rainbow by Adventures and Play are all ideal for practicing with numbers and sorting throughout the summer.

This Tic Tac Toe Game from Red Ted Art is sure to be a crowd pleasure, along with the Mud Kitchen Food from the Gingerbread House.

Be sure to also check out these other great rock painting activities:

Nature Craft for Kids by KC Edventures

Collect and Paint Rocks by Rhythms of Play

Superhero Pattern Stones by Rainy Day Mum

And Painting Rock for Kids by Living Life and Learning

Enjoy!