Thanksgiving Painted Rocks (Tic Tac Toe Game)

Never have bored kids waiting for food on Thanksgiving again! This Thanksgiving painted rocks is the holiday version of a tic tac toe game- just as much fun to make as it is to play. Here’s how!

If you have kids (or grandkids or siblings with kids), one of the biggest challenges is keeping them busy and happy until the (almost always late) feast is ready to serve.

I have learned the hard way that planning activities for kids are just as important as planning the Thanksgiving Recipes and Thanksgiving Decorations.

I have found some success with planning crafts like this DIY Turkey Pinecone! This Thanksgiving Cootie Catcher Free Printable has also provided some levity and entertainment when the meal has been late.

But one year, I realized we needed more. Something that would hold the kids’ attention and let them actually play together. I was playing Tic Tac Toe Board Game with Rocks one day, and inspiration struck! What if I made a Thanksgiving tic tac toe board and rocks?

This painted rocks tic tac toe game is perfect for your Thanksgiving celebration with kids. I painted rocks to look like turkeys and pumpkins just for a fun game that would keep the kids entertained.

Note: If you want even more Thanksgiving decor inspiration, check out our Turkey Wreath, DIY Thanksgiving Napkin Rings, and Thanksgiving Place Cards!

How To Make Thanksgiving Painted Rocks For Tic Tac Toe

You can make this adorable DIY version with just a few supplies. It’s even a great project to get the kids involved in the painting as well. They will love helping to create this fun and unique fall tic tac toe game board.

Supplies Needed

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this painted rocks project! I’ve included some handy links to make finding certain items a little easier and faster.

• Americana Premium Paints in a variety of colors from Michaels or other craft store (for specific colors used, keep reading)
• Smooth rocks (find them around your home or purchase them)
• Wood slice
• Paint brushes
• Pencil
• Ruler

Video Tutorial

I thought I would pull together a quick video showing just how to make this painted rocks tic tac toe game. Follow along below!

Instructions

Can’t watch the video or missed some of the steps? Try our step-by-step instructions below. 

Step 1

Start by painting the rocks on both sides with a couple of coats of paint. I used Burnt Sienna and Vermillion Hue for my bases.

Step 2

Allow your base coat to dry completely before adding your other colors.

For the turkeys, add on “feathers” in three different colors. I used Pyrrole Red, Cadmium Orange Hue, and Diarylide Yellow.

Then, use the wrong end of your paintbrush to add on eyes with Titanium White and Carbon Black.

The beak and red snood were added with Diarylide Yellow and Pyrrole Red.

For the pumpkins, add on the “segments” with Burnt Sienna and also some highlights to the top using Cadmium Orange Hue.

Paint on a stem and leaf with Burnt Umber and Yellow Green Light.

Step 3

Set your rocks aside to dry completely and work on your tic tac toe board in the meantime.

Step 4

Use a ruler to draw on your grid, then use Titanium White to paint on your lines. Allow everything to dry before continuing.

The hard work is done! Add the painted rocks to your tic tac toe game, and let the fun begin.

FAQs

Here are a couple of questions that I see readers ask about making this turkey painted rocks game. If you have a question, please check to see if I’ve already answered it below. Don’t see your question? Leave it for me in the comments!

What is the best paint for rocks?

Acrylic paints are the best for painting rocks. This type of paint dries glossy, is permanent, offers great coverage, and is available in a huge range of colors.

Could I use google eyes instead of paint?

That would be fun! I had recently run out and didn’t have any on hand when I made these rocks, so I painted the eyes on. I like the way the eyes turned out, but google eyes could provide added dimension and googly fun.

Can I use washi tape instead of paint for the lines on the board?

Yes, that would work well, and it’s another way to personalize this project to make it uniquely your own. If this game is something you plan to use frequently (ex: more than just at Thanksgiving), I recommend using the paint method because it’s permanent. Over time, the tape can wear away.

The kids at the Thanksgiving table will love a challenging tournament of tic tac toe. Plus, who could resist these cute turkeys and pumpkins?

Grab your supplies and make your own painted rocks tic tac toe game today. 

More Holiday-Themed Crafting Inspiration

Love this and want more? Try the links below as well!

• Decorative Gourds: Make A Knotty Pumpkin
• Reversible Scarecrow and Snowman Sign
• Pumpkin Patch Sign
• Vintage Pumpkins
• Reversible Scrap Wood Pumpkins

Thanksgiving Painted Rocks Tic Tac Toe

Never have bored kids waiting for food on Thanksgiving again! This Thanksgiving painted rocks tic tac toe game is just as much fun to make as it is to play.

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Supplies

• Americana Premium Paints variety of colors
• Smooth rocks from around your house, or buy them
• Wood slice large
• Paintbrushes
• Pencil
• Ruler

Instructions

• Start by painting the rocks on both sides with a couple of coats of paint. I used Burnt Sienna and Vermillion Hue for my bases.
• Allow your base coats to dry completely, then begin adding your other colors to create turkeys and pumpkins.
• Let your rocks dry while you create your playing board.
• Using a ruler as a guide for straight lines, draw your grid with a pencil. Then go over your lines with paint.
• Once everything is dry, add your rocks and begin playing!

Tried this project?tag us to show off your work!