Autumn is the perfect time to get outdoors and enjoy the beauty of nature. One classic game that you can bring to life with a seasonal twist is Tic Tac Toe!
This DIY Nature Tic Tac Toe uses conkers (horse chestnuts) that have fallen from the trees, creating a fun and natural version of this simple game, and we have two sizes of tic-tac-toe boards for you to print making it even easier for you to play tic tac toe any time, whatever version of the game you want to play.
Download your tic tac toe printables at the end of this blog post, and meanwhile let me show you how to make your own nature tic tac toe game with conkers.
Playing tic tac toe (aka naughts and crosses)with conkers or horse chestnuts is a fun way to celebrate the season. It’s a good way to use natural elements and enjoy a traditional game in a new way.
Plus, this quick game can be played multiple times, offering hours of fun without any setup time. It makes for a great game that everyone in the family can enjoy!
How to Make Your Nature Tic Tac Toe Game
Follow along with the step by step below to make your own nature tic tac toe game this autumn.
DIY Nature Tic Tac Toe
Turn fallen autumn treasures into hours of fun! Our DIY Nature Tic Tac Toe game uses conkers and colorful stickers to create a classic game with a natural twist - perfect for outdoor play or cozy indoor fun.
Materials
- Conkers (at least 8-10)
- Colored stickers (e.g., pink and yellow)
- Our free printable Tic Tac Toe board - large version
- Card stock (optional, for a more durable board)
- Pencil or pen (if drawing your own grid)
Tools
- Printer for the templates
Instructions
- Gather Your Supplies
Conkers: Head outside and gather conkers that have fallen from the trees. You’ll need around 8-10 conkers, splitting them into two groups of 4-5.
Stickers: Take each group of conkers and add a colored sticker. You could use pink for one group and yellow for the other, making it easy to tell which side each conker belongs to.
Printable Tic Tac Toe Boards: You can draw your own grid with two lines down and two lines across, or use our free printable tic tac toe boards. We have a large board that's perfect for this nature version and a page filled with smaller tic tac toe sheets for more games at once.
Card Stock: If printing, it's best to use card stock for longer-lasting boards. - Prepare Your Game Pieces
Add stickers to each conker to differentiate the two groups. You now have game pieces: one set with pink stickers and the other with yellow. - Setting Up the Game Board
Use our downloadable PDF set to get your free printable game board. You can also make use of dry erase pockets for unlimited fun if you want to reuse your board multiple times. - Playing the Game
The rules of tic tac toe are simple and great for young children. The first player takes their conker and places it on an empty square of the grid, then the second player places their conker, aiming to get three in a row.
Continue alternating turns until one player achieves the goal of ultimate tic tac toe – three of their colored conkers in a straight line. This could be horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.
If all the squares are filled and no one has three in a row, it's a friendly competition resulting in a tie! - Different Ways to Play
To add more excitement, you can play a "super tic tac toe" version by using multiple boards. Set up several tic tac toe grids and challenge each other to win across them all.
This is a perfect activity for a road trip or a rainy day when you need hours of fun. It’s also a great way to engage young children in friendly competition and develop their strategic thinking skills.
Printable Tic Tac Toe Boards
We have put together two sizes of the printable tic tac toe grids to make it even easier for you to play this traditional game.
We have the large version which is perfect for your own DIY tic tac toe games like this nature version with horse chestnuts, or other larger pieces like stones.
We also have a page with tonnes of smaller tic tac toe boards which is perfect for playing your tic-tac-toe game with pencil and paper or having a tournament of multiple games.
Download Your Free Printable Tic Tac Toe Boards PDF
We’ve made it easy for you to bring this traditional game to life with our free printable tic tac toe templates! Available in PDF format, you can download tic tac toe boards in two different sizes, including the larger game board perfect for using with conkers.
Print on card stock to make them last, or use dry erase pockets for an environmentally friendly option to use and re-use if playing with pens – use dry erase markers, wipe and play again and again for as many games of tic tac toe as you need.
Whether you’re playing at home, in the great outdoors, or on the go, these printable games are ideal for players of all ages. Print as many as you need for your next family gathering, picnic, or road trip.
Terms of use: These printable tic-tac-toe board files are free downloads for personal use or classroom use only. Not for commercial use.
With just a few conkers, some stickers, and our blank tic tac toe board printables, you can enjoy a classic game with a natural twist. It’s a great way to have fun while connecting with nature, making it the perfect activity for autumn days. Gather your supplies, head outside, and enjoy this simple game with friends or family!
More Autumn Activities for Kids
Looking for more ways to celebrate the beauty of fall with your little ones? Discover a variety of autumn-themed activities that are perfect for engaging young minds and making the most of the season’s wonders.
- Autumn Nature Puzzle
- Autumn Leaf Fine Motor Dropper Art for Toddlers and Preschoolers
- Mason Jar Autumn Leaf Lanterns
More Printable Games for Kids
Keep the fun going with our collection of printable games for kids! From classic favorites to unique twists, these easy-to-print activities are perfect for screen-free entertainment at home or on the go.
- Beginner Picture Sudoku for Kids Printable
- Spot the Difference Printable for Kids
- 16 Free Printable Jigsaw Puzzles for Kids
- Travel Bingo Free Printable Game for Kids
- Road Trip I-SPY Printable Game for Kids
If you enjoyed this Nature Tic Tac Toe game, we’d love for you to share it! Spread the word to fellow parents and caregivers so everyone can join in the autumn fun.
Your support helps us bring more creative ideas to families everywhere!
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