Turn rocks into anything your heart fancies, with these awesome rock painting ideas for kids! From minions to mummies to mice, make whatever you like!

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’d know that rock painting is a ‘thing’ now, and everyone’s doing it. Even the rock you were under is probably painted!

Did you know that rock painting was actually practiced by cave men? Yes, they used all kinds of materials to paint, including water, egg, blood – and even urine!

It’s no wonder then that we now have a day dedicated to rocks – International Rock Day on 13th July. Yes, it’s official now! So it’s only proper that we celebrate this day with some awesome rock painting ideas for kids – and the kids-at-heart!

20 Awesome Rock Painting Ideas for Kids

1. Zinnia Flower Rocks

These Zinnia flower rocks from Sustain My Craft Habit are perfect for beginners to rock painting, but they don’t look anything like the work of a beginner! Try out various color combinations for a pretty little set.

2. Ladybug Painted Rocks

Ladybugs are always cute, no matter what you use to make them! Crafts by Amanda uses smooth, flat rocks to make these multicolored lady bugs that are perfect as garden decor.

3. Woodland Creatures Rocks

These little stones from Deco Art are great for Fall, or any time of the year! You can make any woodland creatures of your choice, although I have to admit the bear is my favorite one here!

4. Owl Painted Rocks

Owls are still a hot favorite and if you’re an owl lover, these stones from Frugal Fun 4 Boys are ideal for your next rock painting project! Love the side eye of that owl on the left!

5. Painted Rock Bee Craft

These bees from Easy Peasy and Fun are so cute! They’re pretty easy too – paint the rock completely yellow and let dry before adding the stripes and the facial features. A pair of blue wings and you’re done!

6. Painted Minion Rocks

A set of these minion rocks from Non Toy Gifts would make the perfect gift for any Minion lover! They all look so bright and cheery – they’ll brighten up any dull corner anywhere!

7. Cute Rock Fish

Capture the beauty of underwater life with this beautiful rock collage from Hello, Wonderful. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can go ahead and make the crab and octopus out of rocks too.

8. Pet Cactus Rocks

Who wouldn’t want a pet cactus on their desk to keep them company? These cacti from The Best Ideas for Kids are too adorable for words, what with their googly eyes and everything!

9. Hedgehog Painted Rocks

If you liked the lady bugs and bees featured above, you’re sure to love these hedgehogs from Easy Peasy and Fun too. Another fall favorite, these hedgehogs are perfectly non-prickly and safe to keep in your pockets.

10. Easy Painted Mouse Rocks

How cute is this pair of mice from I Heart Crafty Things? These work best with slightly elongated rocks. Felt for the ears and yarn for the tail complete this adorable pair.

11. Kawaii Rock Painting Foods

Kawaii is everywhere these days, so why should rocks be left behind! Make your own Kawaii food rocks like these ones from Ruffles and Rain Boots and use them for pretend play.

12. Kindness Rocks for Kids

Kindness rocks are a huge hit with kids everywhere, and the best part is they can be customized to reflect anything you like. Consumer Crafts shows us how to make some pretty rocks in soothing colors.

13. Painted Stone Rainbow

This rock rainbow from Non Toy Gifts reminds us of a stained glass mosaic – it’s so beautiful! If you have rocks that are small enough, maybe you could try gluing them onto a frame.

14. Monster Painted Rocks

So. Many. Monsters! Makoodle seems to have an explosion of monsters – single eyed, double eyed and even triple eyed!. However we don’t mind, considering how colorful they are and how cheerful they all look!

15. Cute Rock Doll Faces

If you’ve got rocks that are perfectly smooth, they’d be perfect for these pretty doll faces from Hello, Wonderful. Use wool of different colors for hair and have fun making different hair styles!

16. Fairy Rock Houses

We love decorating gardens with fairy houses, and these little ones from Messy Little Monster are just perfect! Since they are fairy houses, you can even use slightly odd shaped rocks – no perfection required!

17. Painted Rock Tic Tac Toe Game

Want a handmade travel game to keep the kids busy when on the go? Let them make their own Tic Tac Toe rock game! Get instructions from Where the Smiles have Been.

18. Halloween Mummy Painted Rocks

Get ready for Halloween with these rock mummies from The Inspiration Edit! They’re ridiculously easy to make, and look so good too!

19. Teacher Appreciation Painted Rocks

We’re sure any teacher would be floored if they got these cute teacher appreciation rocks form We are Teachers! These are so clever and so cute, I wouldn’t mind making and keeping some myself!

20. Emoji Rocks

Emojis are everywhere – even on rocks! Childhood 101 shows us how you can turn yourself into a rock emoji, complete with your trademark hairstyle!

These ideas are easier than they look, yet if you’re a total beginner, it helps to try out a few ‘throw-away’ rocks first, just to get the hang of painting on a smooth rock. Please remember to get rocks from the proper sources, and not to pick them up from railway tracks or parks. Use as many coats of paint as you need and apply a sealing spray at the end to make sure your works of art last a long while.