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Friends Art Lab / Blog / DIY Painted Stepping Stones: Outdoor Activity

DIY Painted Stepping Stones: Outdoor Activity

Author: Kristian Klebofski    Published: 08/27/2023     Updated: 04/21/2024

Add charm and cheer to your yard with these easy DIY painted stepping stones! Your kids will love adding their art outside.

Two white, ceramic stepping stones (unicorn and butterfly) sit on a blue table next to the packaging. Mini paint pots and paintbrushes sit beside and a child's hand is painting the unicorn.
Table of Contents:
  1. These DIY painted stepping stones are one of my favorite unexpected finds
  2. The DIY painted stepping stones are a special outdoor activity 
  3. Materials
  4. Directions
  5. How I would use these stepping stones
  6. How do you waterproof painted stones?
  7. DIY painted stepping stones are an adorable, easy activity for kids
  8. FAQ

These DIY painted stepping stones are one of my favorite unexpected finds

I had bought a stepping stone kit from Michael’s for making a paw print impression, and it was adorable.

It was the kind you mix with water and concrete, and even though I loved it for my puppy, I immediately thought about how hard it would be to do with kids because 93% of it was for adults to do.

So, I looked online for very easy stepping stones for kids and found these, and they’re inexpensive, adorable, and a complete kit.

Related: Check out our very favorite outdoor activity of all: GIANT coloring page banners.

Unicorn and butterfly stepping stones are painted from mini paint pots and sit on a blue table with the packaging box and a mason jar with water.

The DIY painted stepping stones are a special outdoor activity 

Each “stone” comes as a complete kit (most designs are under $6! 🤯).

Once complete, add to your garden for year-round cheer.

These would be adorable as little treasures to leave in the yard of friends and family, too.

Looking for more outdoor activities for kids? You’ve come to the right place!

  • Berry Basket Water Table Upcycling Activity – Friends Art Lab
  • Wash the Rocks – Water Table Activity – Friends Art Lab
  • Chalk Paint Outdoor Art – Busy Toddler
  • Mosaic Heart Chalk Activity – Lorena and Lennox
Three brand-new packaged of "paint your own stepping stone" kits (unicorn, sun, and hedgehog).

Materials

Friends Art Lab is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read more about these links in my disclosure policy.

  • Stepping stone kits
  • Clear glaze spray paint – optional 

The kits are complete, each with a stepping stone, acrylic paints, and paintbrush.

You can add clear spray paint if desired, but it’s an extra step and not at all required (I use it on some outdoor projects).

A child's hand holds a red paintbrush and uses acrylic paints to paint a unicorn stepping stone with all different colors.

Directions

Just open the kit, remove the pieces, and begin!

Each kit comes with acrylic paints, and you’ll likely have plenty left over.

Once dry, set your adorable stone in your garden and watch how happy it makes you each time you catch a glimpse of it.

NOTE: Do NOT step on these! They are called “stepping stones,” but they’re hollow and not for stepping on. They’re purely decorative.

Finished butterfly and unicorn stepping stones sit in bark next to a vining plant out in the garden.

How I would use these stepping stones

  • As a class activity – Most of the kits are under $6, and these would make a fun project for kids to work on together and scatter in our schoolyard
  • As a kids’ birthday gift – Wrap one or two of these with a bow, and you’ve got an easy, out-of-the-box gift for kids
  • As a surprise in a family member’s yard – These make me think of kids going to grandma’s house and leaving one in her yard for her to find as a happy surprise

Related: Check out our fantastic list of non-toy gifts for kids!

A brand-new, unopened package of a hedgehog "paint your own stepping stone."

How do you waterproof painted stones?

Acrylic paint is permanent and usually doesn’t need to be sealed.

I have many usealed things in my yard painted with acrylic paint that are YEARS old that show very little wear.

If you want to be extra careful to ensure it lasts longer, an adult can spray the finished stones with a clear sealant.

A completed butterfly stepping stone is held out over a garden.

DIY painted stepping stones are an adorable, easy activity for kids

With all of the materials included in the kit, these are ready to open and go.

What design are you going to make first?

A completed butterfly stepping stone sits on a blue table next to a mini paint pot set of acrylic paints.

FAQ

What age is this activity recommended for?

Any that can safely enjoy the materials.

How much weight can the stones hold?

I wouldn’t even try to find out. They’re hollow inside and used for decorative purposes.

Do I need to use my own paint?

That’s the best part – no! Everything you need is included in its own kit.

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Kristian

Hi, I’m Kristian!

I have spent over 15 years in the preschool classroom, I have a Master's degree in Early Childhood Education, and I was a college professor of education for eight years. My passion is sharing creative learning activities for children and I'm so happy you're here.

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