How to Make Fake Rocks for Kids

Children spend the majority of their time pretending, and fake rocks can add a touch of realism to their play. Maybe you have a budding construction worker or geologist who could benefit from playing with rocks. Although any grade school child can create these rocks, they will appear to be real. Small rocks can be obstacles for monster trucks, and larger ones are excellent for terrariums.

Crumple newspaper to make the core of your rocks. Make pieces that jut out or large crevices to make them look more realistic.

Cut pieces of tape no longer than 6 inches and tape the wadded paper together. Use just enough tape to keep the crumpled newspaper from coming undone.

Tear more newspaper into strips up to 6 inches long.

Mix one cup of flour with water to make a paste about as thick as pancake batter.

Soak three to four strips at a time in the paste. Pull each strip between your fingers to remove excess paste. Apply the strips one at a time to the rock form, overlapping each strip, until the rock form is completely covered. Let the paper dry completely, at least 24 hours.

Soak more paper in the paste. Apply it to the rock. Let it dry for at least 24 hours.

Paint the entire rock medium gray. Allow the paint to dry.

Cut the sponge in half. Dip one half into the black paint. Sponge the black paint lightly over the entire rock. Allow the paint to dry.

Repeat Step 8, with the white paint and the other half of the sponge, to give the rock depth in color.