DIY Stepping Stone Game for Kids
Creating a DIY Stepping Stone Game is a fantastic way to encourage kids to be active while helping them learn colors and develop motor skills. This simple DIY project uses cork trivets, painted in various colors, and a matching spinner to direct the game.
It’s a perfect indoor or outdoor activity and easy to customize with your child’s favorite colors or themes. Here’s how you can make a Stepping Stone Game that will provide hours of fun for kids!
Safety First!
Just remember whenever you make a toy or game for kiddos that they play with it supervised. If anything seems dangerous (baby chewing or kids slipping on the trivets for example) stop playing and make adjustments so it is safe for everyone.
Materials You’ll Need for DIY Stepping Stone Game
- Cork trivets (one for each color)
- Acrylic or craft paints in multiple colors
- Paintbrushes or sponges
- Cardboard or sturdy paper for the spinner
- Brads or a paperclip for the spinner
- Scissors
- Ruler and pencil
Alternative Materials
CORK TRIVETS: You can easily make this with pieces of cardboard or fabric, just be careful that they may be slippery, which can be dangerous with kiddos running around. You can apply some hot glue, puffy paint, or glue on extra rug backing to make them more safe.
CARDBOARD for the spinner: For my stepping stone game I used some scrap wood and my laser cutter. It gave the game a really nice finish, but absolutely isn’t necessary and not everyone has access to a laser cutter. (Check your local library or makers space!)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Cork Trivets
- Cork trivets are easy to find in craft stores or home goods stores, and they provide a durable surface for stepping. I found some from IKEA.
- Decide on the colors you want to use for each trivet. Using vibrant colors works well to capture kids’ attention and adds an extra layer of visual fun to the Stepping Stone Game.
2. Paint the Cork Trivets
- Lay down newspaper or a drop cloth to protect your work area.
- Using acrylic paint or craft paint, cover each trivet in one solid color. Let each one dry completely before applying a second coat if needed.
- If you’d like, add extra designs on each trivet, such as polka dots, stripes, or stars, to give each color a unique look. If you want them to stay the same color, you could just add a bit of white paint to make a lighter version of the same color to avoid confusion but still add some fun.
3. Create the Color Spinner
- On a piece of cardboard or sturdy paper, draw a large circle (6-8 inches across works well).
- Divide the circle into equal sections, with each section representing one of the colors used on the trivets. Use a ruler to ensure the lines are straight. You can decide to not paint an inner circle like I did.
- Paint in each section to match the colors on the trivets.
- To make the spinner arrow, cut a small arrow shape from cardboard. Punch a hole in the base of the arrow and in the center of the circle. Use a brad or bent paper clip tapped to the back to attach the arrow to the center of the circle, allowing it to spin freely. Make sure it’s secure but loose enough to rotate easily.
Ways to Play With the Stepping Stone Game
- Spin and Step: Players take turns spinning the color spinner. The color they land on indicates which trivet they should step on next.
- Obstacle Variations: Add fun challenges to each color! For example:
- Red = Jump on one foot.
- Blue = Spin in a circle before stepping.
- Green = Hop to the next color.
- Yellow = Clap your hands before stepping.
- Expand the Learning: You could tape letters, numbers, or animals to the trivets to practice learning
- Team Play: This game can be played individually or in teams. In team play, one player spins and gives directions, while another player follows the path based on their teammate’s guidance.
- Race Against the Clock: For an added twist, set a timer and challenge players to reach the end of the path within a set time.
Benefits of the Stepping Stone Game
This DIY Stepping Stone Game isn’t just about fun – it also supports children’s development in several ways:
- Gross Motor Skills: Stepping, hopping, and balancing help improve gross motor coordination.
- Color Recognition: Younger kids can learn and practice colors.
- Teamwork and Communication: If played in pairs, kids practice taking turns and following directions.
- Creative Play: This game can spark other imaginative games, such as pretending the trivets are islands in a sea of lava or rocks in a river.
Wrapping Up
This Stepping Stone Game is a simple yet versatile activity that’s easy to make and fun to play. It encourages movement, learning, and laughter – a wonderful combination for playtime. Plus, it’s fully customizable, so you can tailor it to your child’s interests and skill level.
Gather your materials, let the kids join in on the crafting, and get ready to step into a colorful world of fun!
