20 Pine Cone Crafts for Kids

If you’re looking to incorporate natural items into your preschool crafts, give these pine cone crafts for kids a try.

The pine cone craft ideas can be integrated into a wide variety of preschool, pre-k, and kindergarten themes throughout the school year. Some are perfect for specific seasons and holidays, while others can be done any time of the year.

In addition to all the creative fun, the crafty pine cone activities let children practice a variety of early learning skills! I’m a big believer in having fun while learning, and these pine cone crafts definitely fit the bill.

Read below for all the details about the pine cone craftiness. I’ve also included some tips for cleaning, as well as some tips for materials you need.

Since this is a collection, you’ll find a variety of links. Each of the links goes to an individual pine cone craft idea. Take a peek through everything, and then pick the crafts you’re most interested in trying with the children.

Do You Need to Bake Pine Cones Before Crafting?

If possible, I highly recommend going on a pine cone hunt with your students. It’s fun, gets the kids moving, and they’ll be even more into the pine cone crafts for kids this way. Plus, observing and experiencing nature has tons of benefits.

Of course, this means you might have some hitchhikers on your pine cones in the form of dirt and bugs. And those aren’t the best craft supplies, are they? So, yes, you need to clean up the pine cones beforehand. You can do this a couple of ways.

Add a little bit of white vinegar to a bowl of water. Then let the pine cones soak in that mixture for twenty to thirty minutes. If needed, grab an old toothbrush to clean off any additional debris. This method will get those cones clean, but they also might close up.

Consider baking the pine cones at 200 degrees Fahrenheit for about an hour and a half. This will dry the pine cones, get rid of pests, and it will make sure they open up for all the crafting fun. Just keep an eye on the oven after a bit to ensure the cones aren’t “overcooked” or brittle. Basically, pull them out of the oven once they’re opened up to your satisfaction.

You can just move straight to baking, but I think it’s fun to let the children help clean up the pine cones. Kind of a take on a nature sensory bin, with some cleaning thrown in there.

Materials for the Pinecone-Based Crafts

You very well may have most of these items on-hand already. Or maybe you need an excuse to go and peruse the craft store? If so, I’m more than happy to be your excuse! (Just be aware of the birdseed you purchase if you have any nut allergies in your class.)

Pine Cone Crafts for Kids

Let’s jump right into all the crafty pine cone fun! Remember, this is a collection of ideas. So check out the pictures, then click on the individual links to read all the specifics about your favorites.

Pinecone hedgehogs are a loveable keepsake for your students using a plentiful, natural, autumn material.

Multitask with this pine cone bee craft that becomes a toy children can play with long after the craft is finished.

Wrap cotton around a pinecone to make the cutest pine cone lambs in the spring.

Go on a nature walk to collect small pinecones then teach students how to make pine cone fireflies.

Try this owl pinecone craft to diversify your animal study in the fall.

This royal penguin pine cone craft could be incorporated into a habitat unit or after a field trip to the zoo.

A great winter science lesson could be to read a book then create this precious pine cone snowy owl.

Connect your students to nature by making this pine cone bird feeder. Hang them outside the window and let kids identify all the birds they see.

Impatient for that first snow? Conduct an outdoor scavenger hunt to find pinecones then make them into pinecone snowmen.

Looking for a Christmas craft? Try this pine cone angel ornament, an easy keepsake.

Invite children to engage their imagination with this open-ended decorating pinecones activity.

Pinecone Indian corn make a charming centerpiece for your Thanksgiving classroom celebration.

A fine motor powerhouse, this pine cone Christmas tree craft is sure to be treasured for years to come.

Cultivate imaginative play with this pine cone monster craft, and don’t forget to invite students to tell you stories about their creations.

Let children decorate their own pine cone Christmas trees this December

Encourage their love of fantasy with these autumn pinecone fairies, and then make houses for them out of found objects.

Invite children to imagine their own super cute pine cone pals. Googly eyes make any craft silly, pom poms and glitter add personality.

Students can engineer their favorite animal or imaginary pet with this super easy pine cone animal craft.

Pine cones make a great base for this colorful pinecone felt turkey craft.

Celebrate winter’s glory with these gorgeous frosty pinecones.

Which one was your favorite? Be sure to save this post for future reference! An Art and Crafts Pinterest board would be a great place to start.

More Kids’ Pine Cone Activities

Tree Lesson Plans

Let my sister site, Preschool Teacher 101, save you a ton of planning time with our done-for-you resources. You’ll find lesson plans, circle time songs, digital games, literacy activities, dramatic play sets, and so much more.

I think our tree lesson plans will be a good complement to the pine cone crafts for kids. Click on the image below for more information:

And be sure to check out The Pack, our membership for preschool and kindergarten teachers. Members have access to all of our materials at a very steep discount.

You can also find us on Teachers Pay Teachers.

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