Painted Rocks – Easter Tic Tac Toe Game

Easter isn’t just about chocolate and egg hunts — it’s the perfect time to make something bright, playful, and a little bit nostalgic. This Easter Egg & Baby Chick Tic Tac Toe set is an adorable springtime twist on a classic game, and it’s so cute you’ll want to keep it on display long after Easter Sunday.
Whether you’re making it with kids during school holidays, adding it to an Easter basket, or setting it out for guests after brunch, this craft is equal parts fun and festive.

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What you need

• 10 smooth, flat stones (similar size)

• Acrylic paints in pastel shades (pink, lavender, mint, yellow, blue)

• Yellow paint for chicks

• Fine paintbrushes (one for details, one for base coats)

• Fine-tip permanent marker or black paint pen

• White acrylic paint (for base-coating dark stones)

• Clear acrylic spray sealer (optional)

• Tic tac toe board: fabric, sturdy cardstock, cork board, or laminated placemat in a spring theme

Ruler and permanent marker (if drawing your own grid)

Instructions

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Stones

Wash stones in warm soapy water, rinse, and let dry. Pick 5 for Easter eggs and 5 for chicks.

2. Base Coat

If the stones are dark, give them a thin coat of white paint to help pastel colours pop. Let dry completely.

3. Paint the Easter Eggs (5 Stones)

• Paint each stone in a pastel base colour.

• Add stripes, dots, zigzags, or floral patterns in contrasting pastel shades.

• Outline gently with a fine black marker for definition (optional).

4. Paint the Baby Chicks (5 Stones)

• Cover the stone in bright yellow.

• Add two small black dots for eyes and a tiny orange triangle for a beak.

• Optionally add a white eggshell “hat” cracked open on top.

5. Seal the Stones (Optional)

Spray with a clear acrylic sealer to protect from chipping, especially if children will handle them often.

6. Make the Board

If you don’t have one ready-made:

• Cut a 20cm x 20cm square from fabric or card in a pastel floral or polka dot pattern.

• Use a ruler to draw a 3×3 grid with thin black lines or a coordinating pastel colour.

7. Play & Display

Set your chicks on one side and eggs on the other, and let the games begin. Between uses, display in an Easter basket or small tray for seasonal décor.

Variations

• Swap chicks for bunnies or lambs.

• Use glitter paint for extra sparkle.

Make a mini version with smaller pebbles for travel.

You can use graphite paper to transfer the design onto the rocks.