The painted rocks phenomenon is a family-friendly activity that is fun, cheap and a great way to keep the kids entertained over summer break or after school.

Why? The purpose of this phenomenon is to bring a little happiness to others and be part of a community. It’s nice to know that someone out there took the time out of their day to paint you something inspirational. Plus, you get to show your creative/artistic side by coming up with a design for your rock. You get to take something ordinary (a rock) and make it into something extraordinary!

For those of you who don’t know about this movement, here’s how it works……If you find a rock, you keep it and make another to leave somewhere else OR drop the rock off somewhere else. There are many groups out there for different communities and the group’s Facebook name is usually on the back of the rock so that you can share where you found the rock. In a lot of ways, it’s similar to a scavenger or treasure hunt.

What You Will Need:

• flat, smooth rock that is cleaned off. If you can’t find any outdoors, you can buy river rocks at Dollar Tree for $1 a bag
• acrylic paint (or $0.50 per bottle at Walmart)
• paint marker
• spray paint
• paint brushes (various sizes)
• Modge Podge outdoor sealant (coat the rock, after you have painted it and let it dry, to protect it from the environment so your design won’t be washed away if it rains!)

For a more detailed information about painted rocks, check out “Rock Painting Ideas and Resources”

What You Can Do With Painted Rocks:

• Tic Tack Toe Rocks
• Domino Rocks Game
• Rock Magnets
• Garden Markers
• Educational Purposes (ABC rocks or number rocks)
• Paper Weights
• Pet Rocks
• And much more!

Here are the best painted rocks on the internet for your inspiration:

Quote and Word Painted Rocks

You Can Move Mountains Quote Rock

Life is Beautiful Waves Rock

Flowery Live Love Laugh Rock

Kindness Rocks

Colorful Courage Rock

Pink Dream Rock

Chalkboard Rocks
(Use chalkboard paint for this one)

Olive You Rock

Smile Rock

Adventure is Out There Rock

Rainbow Love Rock

You Rock

Rainbow Quote Rock

Inspire Rock

Be Happy Rock

Assorted Quote Rocks

More Quote Rocks

Weather Forecast Rock

Change Rock

Thought Bubble Rocks

Don’t Stress Rock

Believe Rock

Stupid People Quote Rock

I Love My Cat Paw Print Rock

Life is Short Quote

Love Leafy Rock

Animal Painted Rocks

Owl Rocks

Bird and Flowers Rock

Ladybug Rocks

Hedgehog Rocks 

Cute Pig Rock

Bee Painted Rocks

Cute Cat Face Rocks

Sheep Rock

Duck Rocks 

Cute Hippo Rocks

Blue Chick Rocks

Black Cat Rocks

Panda Rock

Chick Rocks

Cute Bug Rocks

Penguin Rock

Colorful Fish Rocks

Hatching Chick Rock

Mouse Rock

Flamingo Rock

Cute Seal Rocks

Frog Rock

Caterpillar Rocks

Simple Dragonfly Rock

Shapes and Other Painted Rocks

Rainbow Rocks

Patterned Heart Rock

Fine White Detailed Rocks

Bright Heart Rocks

Music Note Rocks

M & M Rocks

Nature, Plants and Landscape Painted Rocks

Camping Rock

Cactus Rocks DIY (video tutorial)

Flower Rock

Branching Tree Rock

Blue Mushrooms Rock

Colorful Flowery Rock

Rainbow, Balloon and Heart Rocks

Blue Heart Shaped Tree Rocks

Pretty Flower Rock

Watermelon Rocks

Strawberry Rocks

Fruit Rocks

Watch for Rocks

Holidays / Seasonal Painted Rocks

Peppermint Rocks

Snowman Rocks

Snowflake Rocks

Ghost Rocks

Pumpkin Rocks

Fall Leaves

Candy Corn Rocks

Patriotic Pebble

Patriotic Rocks

Character Painted Rocks

Troll Rocks

Painted Minion Rocks

Emoji Rocks

Goggly Monster Rocks

Superhero Rocks

Cheshire Cat Rock

Peeper Rocks

Spiderman Rock

Spongebob Rock

Rocks Huddled Around Fire

Smiling Face Rocks

Ninja Turtle Rocks

Smiling Face Rocks

Nesting Doll Family Rocks