Most kids love collecting, washing, and painting rocks. It’s the perfect activity for summer. Start the project with searching for pebbles and stones at a neighborhood park, a hiking trail, the beach, or a nearby garden center.

Once each child has a small pile of stones, hand out cheap toothbrushes and buckets filled with water. Some books recommend using a garden hose. It’s definitely an option. But once you have seen how hard kids work with their little brushes and how much fun they have splishing and splashing – you might prefer not rushing this part of the project. Make sure that all dirt is carefully brushed off. Once the rocks are completely dry the children can start painting their treasures. Have a hair dryer ready in case the sun is hiding.

There are all kinds of ways to do that. Rocks can be painted with acrylic paints, markers, watercolors, even colored pencils. Personally, I found the book “Rock Art Handbook” by Samantha Sarles most helpful. Just have fun with this project. Painted rocks make great gifts (paperweights), storytelling and learning props, and even toys.