12 Fun Things to Do With Pinecones for Kids

Last Updated on October 24, 2026 by ellen

Looking for fun things to do with pinecones for kids? Pinecones are perfect for inexpensive nature crafts, preschool learning activities, and homemade holiday decorations. Best of all, many of these activities use supplies you probably already have at home.

Whether your children collected pinecones during a fall walk or you have a basket of them waiting for a craft project, there are plenty of creative ways to put them to use.

These easy pinecone activities are especially good for preschoolers and younger elementary-school children. Some are perfect for fall afternoons, while others make adorable Christmas decorations or year-round nature projects.

Collecting pinecones can be part of a family nature walk. If you’re looking for more ways to enjoy the season without spending much money, try these fall family fun ideas on a budget.

How to Prepare Pinecones for Crafts

Before starting, take a few minutes to prepare your pinecones.

Choose pinecones that are relatively clean and free from visible insects, mold, or excessive sap. Shake off loose dirt outdoors and gently brush away debris.

If the pinecones are damp, allow them to dry thoroughly before using them. Parents can also gently wash dirty pinecones and let them air-dry completely.

Avoid using pinecones that have been treated with artificial fragrances or decorative chemicals.

Safety tip: Pinecones can have sharp points and small pieces that break off. Supervise young children, particularly during activities involving glue, paint, or small decorations. Adults should handle hot glue guns and other potentially hazardous tools.

1. Paint Colorful Pinecones

Best for: Ages 3 and up

Painting pinecones is one of the easiest nature crafts for preschoolers. Children can experiment with colors, textures, and patterns without needing to create anything complicated.

Supplies:

• Clean, dry pinecones
• Washable tempera paint
• Paintbrushes
• Paper plates or a washable work surface

Directions:

1. Place each pinecone on a paper plate.
2. Let children choose their favorite paint colors.
3. Paint the tips or individual scales of the pinecone.
4. Allow the pinecones to dry completely.

Try using orange, yellow, and red for fall decorations or green, white, and silver for Christmas.

2. Make Mini Pinecone Christmas Trees

Best for: Ages 4 and up

Small pinecones make adorable miniature Christmas trees that children can display on a windowsill or give as homemade gifts.

Supplies:

• Pinecones that stand upright
• Green washable paint
• Small pom-poms
• Craft glue
• Cardboard circles for bases

Directions:

1. Paint the pinecone green and let it dry.
2. Glue the bottom to a cardboard circle if it needs help standing.
3. Decorate the scales with colorful pom-poms.
4. Let everything dry before displaying.

Parents can help younger children attach the decorations. Use larger pom-poms when crafting with preschoolers.

3. Create Pinecone Bird Feeders

Best for: Ages 4 and up, with adult supervision

This classic nature activity gives children an opportunity to observe backyard birds after finishing their craft.

Supplies:

• Large pinecones
• Unsalted sunflower butter or another suitable bird-safe spread
• Plain birdseed
• String
• Shallow dish

Directions:

1. Have an adult securely tie string around the top of the pinecone.
2. Spread a thin layer of sunflower butter between the scales.
3. Roll the pinecone in birdseed.
4. Hang it outdoors where birds can reach it and children can watch from a distance.

Use a spread without xylitol, added sweeteners, or unnecessary additives. Check local wildlife-feeding guidance, and avoid putting feeders where they might attract bears or other unwanted wildlife.

4. Make Cute Pinecone Woodland Animals

Best for: Ages 5 and up

Pinecones are naturally shaped like little woodland creatures, making them ideal for imaginative animal crafts.

Children can make owls, hedgehogs, squirrels, or other forest animals using simple craft supplies.

Supplies:

• Pinecones
• Felt scraps
• Construction paper
• Craft glue
• Child-safe scissors

Directions:

1. Choose an animal to create.
2. Cut out paper or felt shapes for ears, wings, faces, or feet.
3. Glue the pieces onto the pinecone.
4. Let the animal dry before playing or displaying it.

Try making several animals and using them for a pretend woodland adventure.

5. Play a Pinecone Counting Game

Best for: Ages 3–5

Pinecones can also become inexpensive preschool math manipulatives.

Supplies:

• 10 pinecones
• Number cards from 1 to 10
• A basket or tray

Directions:

1. Spread the number cards on a table.
2. Ask your child to identify a number.
3. Have them count out the matching number of pinecones.
4. Repeat with different numbers.

For younger preschoolers, start with numbers 1 through 5. Older children can practice addition by combining two groups of pinecones.

6. Try Pinecone Stamp Painting

Best for: Ages 3 and up

Pinecones create interesting textures when dipped in paint and pressed against paper.

Supplies:

• Pinecones
• Washable paint
• Large sheets of paper
• Shallow paint trays

Directions:

1. Pour a small amount of paint into a tray.
2. Dip one side of a pinecone into the paint.
3. Press it gently onto the paper.
4. Lift it away to reveal the pattern.

Children can experiment with rolling pinecones across the page to create different marks.

7. Make a Pinecone Nature Sensory Bin

Best for: Ages 3 and up, with supervision

A nature-themed sensory bin encourages children to explore different shapes, sizes, and textures.

Supplies:

• Large, clean pinecones
• A shallow plastic bin
• Large leaves
• Smooth stones too large to swallow
• Wooden scoops or cups

Directions:

1. Arrange the natural materials in the bin.
2. Encourage children to explore the textures.
3. Ask them to sort the objects by size or type.
4. Add pretend-play activities, such as building a tiny forest.

Avoid small loose materials for children who still put objects in their mouths.

For another hands-on autumn activity, try this pumpkin sensory bin for toddlers. It’s another simple way to explore fall colors and textures.

8. Make Homemade Pinecone Christmas Ornaments

Best for: Ages 4 and up

Homemade ornaments are a fun way to turn an afternoon craft into a holiday keepsake.

Supplies:

• Small pinecones
• Ribbon or twine
• Washable paint
• Craft glue
• Optional large decorative bows

Directions:

1. Paint the pinecones in Christmas colors.
2. Allow the paint to dry.
3. Have an adult attach a ribbon loop securely to the top.
4. Hang the finished ornaments on the tree.

Children can make one each year and write the date on a small paper tag.

9. Build a Pinecone Fairy Garden

Best for: Ages 5 and up

Turn pinecones into trees, bushes, or imaginary buildings for a miniature fairy garden.

Supplies:

• Pinecones
• Small rocks
• Twigs
• Leaves
• A shallow tray or outdoor garden space

Directions:

1. Choose a spot for the miniature garden.
2. Arrange pinecones to look like tiny trees.
3. Use twigs to create paths or fences.
4. Add rocks and leaves to complete the scene.

This is a great outdoor activity because children can change their fairy gardens whenever they discover new natural materials.

10. Create a Pinecone Wreath

Best for: Ages 5 and up, with adult help

A pinecone wreath makes a beautiful homemade decoration for fall or Christmas.

Supplies:

• Small pinecones
• Sturdy cardboard
• Craft paint
• Strong adhesive applied by an adult
• Ribbon

Directions:

1. Have an adult cut a large ring from cardboard.
2. Paint the cardboard to match the pinecones.
3. Arrange the pinecones around the ring.
4. Have an adult attach them securely.
5. Add a ribbon for hanging.

For younger children, make a small wreath using lightweight pinecones rather than a large, heavy decoration.

11. Sort Pinecones by Size and Shape

Best for: Ages 3–6

Not every pinecone activity needs paint or glue. Sorting pinecones is a simple way to encourage observation and early science skills.

Supplies:

• A collection of pinecones
• Three baskets or trays
• Optional ruler

Directions:

1. Ask children to find the smallest pinecone.
2. Arrange the pinecones from smallest to largest.
3. Sort them into groups based on shape, size, or color.
4. Compare their textures and count how many are in each group.

Older children can measure the pinecones and record their findings.

Want to collect more nature treasures? These outdoor fall activities for toddlers include nature walks and scavenger hunts that younger children can enjoy.

12. Make Pinecone Thanksgiving Turkeys

Best for: Ages 4 and up

Pinecone turkeys make cute Thanksgiving table decorations and are simple enough for a family craft afternoon.

Supplies:

• Pinecones
• Brown construction paper
• Red, orange, and yellow paper
• Craft glue
• Child-safe scissors

Directions:

1. Cut colorful paper feathers.
2. Glue the feathers to the back of the pinecone.
3. Create a small paper turkey head and beak.
4. Attach the head to the front and let the craft dry.

Make one turkey for each child and use them as decorations on the Thanksgiving table.

Tips for Making Pinecone Crafts With Preschoolers

Keep the activities simple and let children do as much of the work as they safely can.

Choose washable paints and adhesives, cover the work surface, and prepare materials ahead of time. Young children often enjoy the process of creating more than the finished craft.

It’s also helpful to collect extra pinecones. Children may want to try several different ideas once they get started.

Can You Save Pinecones for Future Crafts?

Yes! Once pinecones are clean and completely dry, store them in a breathable container in a cool, dry location.

Check them occasionally for moisture, mold, or insects. Avoid storing damp pinecones in sealed plastic bags.

Keeping a small collection on hand makes it easy to put together a quick nature craft whenever children need something creative to do.

Pinecone crafts aren’t just for fall. They can also help entertain children during winter break. For more inexpensive indoor and outdoor ideas, see these things to do with kids during the post-Christmas slump.

More Fun Nature Activities for Kids

Pinecones are just one of the many natural materials children can use for crafts and learning activities.

Try collecting colorful leaves, interesting stones, or fallen twigs during your next family walk. These materials can inspire painting projects, sorting games, nature art, and imaginative play.

Whether you’re looking for easy fall crafts, preschool activities, or homemade Christmas decorations, these pinecone projects are a fun way to spend time together without buying expensive supplies.