What You’ll Need

• Paint in your favorite colors

• Paintbrush

• Sturdy stick (find one that’s a little shorter than your shoulder)

• Skein of yarn

• Nontoxic water-base sealant (optional)

What You'll Do

1. Paint your walking stick in your favorite colors.

2. Secure one end of the yarn on the top of your stick. Wrap the yarn around the stick until the top 6 inches are covered.

3. Optional: Waterproof your stick by covering it with a nontoxic water-base sealant. 

Extend the Fun

Younger kids: As your child paints the stick, talk about the colors she’s using. If she layers one color over another, point out any new colors that she makes, such as green from layering blue and yellow. Or if she’s putting the colors on in a pattern, talk about the repetition.   

Older kids: Turn the next outdoor hike into a scavenger hunt. Make a list of things for your child to look for, and try to focus on seeing, not taking (better for the environment, better for your clean house).