This Is Sure To Be Your Kid’s New Favorite Hobby

Kids love rocks. They are colorful, and textured, and can be found just about anywhere. Rock collecting is a great way to get your kids outside and excited to explore nature. It’s also a great way to teach them about science. If you’ve been wanting to get your kids involved in a new hobby, read on for some tips. 

TIPS FOR GETTING STARTED WITH ROCK COLLECTING 

• Look for rocks in areas where there is little vegetation. This will make it easier to spot them. Try rock beds in shallow moving water, like around ponds or small creaks.
• Use a small hand trowel or spade to dig around the rocks. Be careful not to damage the roots of nearby plants.
• Once you have found a rock you want to collect, use a soft brush to remove any dirt or debris.
• Place the rock in a small bag or container. Label the container with the date and location of where the rock was found.
• Repeat steps 1-4 until you have collected a good number of rocks. Who knows, you might even come across something valuable on a search!

WAYS TO SORT YOUR ROCKS

• Separate the rocks by color. This is a great way to create a rainbow rock collection.
• Separate the rocks by type. For example, you could have a collection of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks.
• Separate the rocks by size. This is a good way to create a visually interesting display.

HOW TO DISPLAY YOUR ROCKS 

Create a rock garden

Find a spot in your yard where you can dig a small hole for each rock. Arrange the rocks in a pleasing pattern and then fill in the holes with soil. Water the garden regularly and watch it grow.

Make a rock mobile

Collect sticks or dowels and string them together with a fishing line or yarn. Attach the rocks to the mobile using glue or wire. Hang the mobile from the ceiling or in a sunny window.

Paint rocks

This is a great activity for kids of all ages. Collect rocks that are smooth and have an interesting shape. Wash the rocks and then let your kids get creative with paint and markers. You can even make a pet rock collection, just get some googly eyes and stick them on.

Polish them

Rocks, even the most basic looking, can look beautiful with good polishing. There are many different kinds of rock polishers to choose from online that smooth them and add a nice sheen. Rock polishing can add a whole new activity to your rock-collecting hobby, and you can learn about the science behind rock polishing. If the rock is small enough, it can be made into a necklace, bracelet, or keychain.

Make a rock mosaic

In an open area, assemble rocks of different shapes, sizes, and colors into a greater picture on the ground. You may choose to glue them in place. This is a great decor idea for patios or backyards.

Build a rock tower

Start with one large rock as the base, and then stack smaller rocks on top of it, using glue or wire to secure them in place. Continue adding levels until you reach the desired height. Then, step back and admire your work of art. 

CONCLUSION 

The great thing about rock collecting is that this hobby is for everyone. It’s relatively inexpensive, and there are many possibilities for fun. It helps keep kids active and curious for the next find just around the corner. All you have to do is keep your eyes peeled on the ground to enjoy this fun and engaging hobby.