Make nature Tic-Tac-Toe

This is an easy, fun activity that turns into a game you can keep playing over and over! We love using a little linen bag for holding the rocks and to draw the game grid on, but you could also use paper or cardboard. 

After spending time in Starship when I was younger, I wanted to find a way to give back and to bring a little more nature play into the hospital setting, so we made some rock painting gift packs for children in hospital this year. Thanks to Radio Lollipop volunteers for the work they do in promoting the healing power of play.

What’s you'll need:

• 10 smooth, clean and dry rocks
• coloured acrylic paint pens (or other paints you have)
• a linen bag to keep your rocks in and to play your game on (or a piece of paper or cardboard) 

Step 1: Choose your rocks

• You will need 5 rocks for one person, and 5 for another. You can decorate 5 in one pattern or colour and the other 5 in a different one. You can also label with a symbol like “X” or “O” if you prefer.

Step 2: Paint your rocks

• Using your paint pens (or any other paints you have) decorate your rocks so that you have 2 groups of 5.
• If you want the colours to be really bright, you may need to paint a layer then wait for it to dry before painting another layer.
• What designs can you come up with? We love bugs like bees and ladybirds, fruit like strawberries or kiwifruit, flowers, rainbows and more!
• Leave your rocks somewhere to dry.

Step 3: Create the Tic-Tac-Toe grid

• To create the game board, you'll need a surface with a 3x3 grid (to place the rocks).
  • Option 1: Use paper or cardboard: Draw a 3x3 grid on a piece of paper or cardboard using a pencil or ruler. The squares should be large enough to comfortably fit your rocks.
  • Option 2: Use the bag provided: Draw a 3 x 3 grid using one of your paint pens or a permanent marker on the fabric bag in your kit. You can then keep your rocks and game board together easily.

Step 4: Play the game!

• Set up the board: Place your 3x3 grid in the centre of the play area.

Game Rules:

• The first player uses one set of matching rocks, and the second player uses the others.
• Players take turns placing their rocks on the grid, trying to get three of their symbols (matching rocks) in a row—horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.
• The first player to get three in a row wins! If all spaces are filled and no one has won, the game is a tie.

We hope you love this project and we’d love to see what you create! You can tag us on Instagram @nature_clb or send us an email at hello@natureclub.co.nz. Enjoy painting and playing!