Oh, Cannon Kids Rock! Returns August 13 for a Free Afternoon of Art, Rocks and Community Fun

If your kids like painting, rocks, fire trucks, getting a little messy, or simply doing something different on a summer afternoon, mark your calendar for Thursday, August 13 from 3 to 5 p.m.

Oh, Cannon Kids Rock! is returning to Cannon Township for its second year, giving local kids another chance to create something that will become part of a growing community art installation.

The free event will take place at Cannon Township Center Park, 6878 Belding Road NE in Rockford, and all painting materials will be provided.

The event is designed for kids of all ages, although the activities are especially well suited for children roughly ages 4 to 15.

This Is More Than Just Painting a Rock

Local artist Jeff Grill will once again lead the project.

Kids will choose and paint rocks that will eventually become part of a larger labyrinth-style art installation at the park. After the rocks are painted, they will be sealed and incorporated into the evolving public artwork.

That is one of my favorite parts of this event.

Your child is not simply making something to bring home and eventually discover under a pile of papers six months from now. They are contributing a small piece to something that will live in our community.

Last year, FOX 17 visited Cannon Township to cover the project and spoke with Jeff about his long-term vision. The idea is for children to be able to return years later, find the rock they painted, and remember being part of creating the installation. 

That is pretty cool.

Last Year's Kids Really Did Rock

The first Oh, Cannon Kids Rock! was held in August 2025, and families came out to paint rocks and help launch the project. 

FOX 17 captured some of the kids painting, learning about the project, and getting excited about the idea that their artwork would remain in the park. One parent told the station that her older son was so inspired by the activity that he wanted to recreate it at home. 

Jeff explained that the installation is intended to grow over several years as more children contribute rocks. 

So if your child participated last year, come back and add another one.

And if you missed it, this is a perfect year to start.

We Are Adding a Little Science Too

This year, the afternoon will include more than paintbrushes.

Families can also stop by a geology station and learn a little more about what is happening beneath our feet. The geology component was also highlighted when Jeff Grill, Township Trustee Jessica Gutowski-Slaydon and young artist Blake Slaydon recently joined WGVU's The Shelley Irwin Show to talk about Oh, Cannon Kids Rock. 

I love events where kids can bounce between art, nature and learning without realizing anyone is trying to teach them something.

And Yes, There Will Be Fire Trucks

The event coincides with an open-house atmosphere at the park, giving kids another reason to come explore.

For a four-year-old, frankly, you could stop the blog post right there.

Painting rocks + fire trucks = pretty solid Thursday afternoon.

Why We Keep Doing Events Like This

One of the goals behind Cannon Township Parks and Recreation programming has been creating simple opportunities for families to get out, meet one another and give kids some ownership in their community.

This one checks a lot of boxes.

It is free.

It is creative.

It gets kids outside.

There is no registration process to navigate.

And at the end of the afternoon, the kids have contributed something tangible to the place where they live.

There are plenty of big-ticket ways to entertain children. Sometimes, though, a paintbrush, a rock and a couple of hours in the park are plenty.

Oh, Cannon Kids Rock! Event Details

Thursday, August 13, 2026
3 to 5 p.m.
Cannon Township Center Park
6878 Belding Road NE, Rockford, MI 49341

Cost: Free
Best ages: Approximately 4 to 15, although all kids are welcome
Materials: Provided
Registration: No advance registration required
Featuring: Rock painting with local artist Jeff Grill, the growing community labyrinth project, geology activities and fire-truck fun.

Come for 20 minutes or stay for the afternoon.

Bring the kids, invite a neighbor, grab a grandparent and come help us add another batch of colorful rocks to Cannon Township.

We hope to see you there!

And if your child painted a rock last year, make sure to tell them they are officially a returning artist