There’s something about pinecones that feels instantly nostalgic—they’re crunchy underfoot on fall walks, collected by the handful on family hikes, and often end up forgotten in jacket pockets after camping trips.
For kids, they’re also one of the easiest (and most underrated) crafting materials out there.
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Pinecones are free, plentiful, and surprisingly versatile, turning into everything from woodland animals to festive decorations with just a little glue, paint, and imagination.
This roundup of 23 pinecone crafts for kids is full of projects that are simple enough for beginners but creative enough to proudly display.
They’re the kind of crafts that spark curiosity, celebrate the outdoors, and make everyday nature finds feel just a little more special.
1. Pine Cone Hedgehogs
CREDIT: EASY PEASY & FUN
Add a clay or felt face and some googly eyes, and suddenly a pinecone is an adorable little hedgehog. Kids will love giving each one its own personality.
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2. Pine Cone Terrarium
CREDIT: DESIGN IMPROVISED
Create a nature-inspired terrarium by placing pinecones, leaves, moss, and feathers in a clear glass container.
3. Pine Cone Owls
CREDIT: LIA GRIFFITH
With felt wings and big round eyes, pinecones make perfect little owls. These are great for fall or camping-themed crafts, and they look adorable perched on a bookshelf.
4. Pine Cone Bird Feeder
CREDIT: ONE LITTLE PROJECT
Classic, simple, and always a win—roll a pinecone in peanut butter and birdseed, then hang it outside. It’s a craft that doubles as a nature lesson when the birds come to snack.
5. Pine Cone Fairy
CREDIT: THE BEST IDEAS FOR KIDS
A pinecone body, paper wings, and a painted face transform into the sweetest fairy friends. These are wonderful for imaginative play or decorating a child’s room.
6. Pine Cone Christmas Tree Craft
CREDIT: HELLO WONDERFUL
Tiny pinecones become festive evergreens with just a little paint and a sprinkle of pom-pom “ornaments.” They’re fun to craft and make adorable table decorations.
RELATED: 8 Cute Pom Pom Craft Ideas To Make
7. Pine Cone Succulents
CREDIT: CRAFT YOUR HAPPINESS
Transform pinecones into faux succulents with just a little paint! These colorful creations look amazing in small pots or trays and make lovely decorations for kids’ rooms, play kitchens, or even as a handmade gift.
8. Pine Cone Flowers
CREDIT: THE BEST IDEAS FOR KIDS
With a splash of paint and some bright stems, pinecones take on the look of zinnias or dahlias. It’s a surprisingly pretty DIY that makes a thoughtful handmade gift.
RELATED: 22 Flower Crafts for Kids That Are Bright, Cheerful, and Easy to Make
9. Felt Pinecone Fox
CREDIT: LIA GRIFFITH
These little foxes are almost too cute for words. With a pinecone body and felt ears, tails, and paws, they’re the perfect mix of woodland charm and kid-friendly crafting.
10. Pinecone Wreath
CREDIT: THE INSPIRATION BOARD
Glue pinecones together in a circular shape to make a rustic wreath. Kids can leave it natural for a woodland look or paint it with seasonal colors to match fall, Christmas, or even camping themes.
11. Spooky Halloween Spiders
CREDIT: MY POPPET MAKES
Turn pinecones into spooky spiders with paint, pipe cleaner legs, and googly eyes. They’re the perfect mix of silly and creepy for Halloween.
RELATED: 27 Creative Spider Crafts For Kids
12. Pinecone Turkey Craft
CREDIT: DIY CANDY
A pinecone, some colorful feathers, and googly eyes make the cutest little turkeys.
RELATED: 32 Thanksgiving Craft Ideas For Kids
13. Pinecone Bats
CREDIT: HANDMADE CHARLOTTE
Add paper wings and little ears to pinecones and you’ve got spooky-cute bats! These are perfect for Halloween decorations and classroom activities.
14. Pine Cone Snake
CREDIT: KIDS ACTIVITIES BLOG
Paint pinecones in different bright colors, add googly eyes and a tongue, and line them up to create a playful pinecone snake.
15. Pinecone Peacock Craft
CREDIT: I HEART CRAFTY THINGS
A splash of blue paint and some colorful feathers turn a pinecone into a dazzling peacock. Kids can get creative decorating their birds with sequins or glitter for extra flair, making this a fabulous craft for animal lovers.
CREDIT: KIDS CRAFT ROOM
Glue colorful pom-poms inside pinecone scales for a craft that pops with fun and cheer. These look amazing as holiday ornaments, but kids can also use them as bright and silly decorations year-round.
CREDIT: IT’S ALWAYS AUTUMN
Add felt hats and wooden noses to pinecones to make charming little gnomes. Simple, festive, and great for holiday décor.
18. Pinecone Pumpkin Craft
CREDIT: A DAB OF GLUE WILL DO
Paint pinecones orange, add a green pipe cleaner stem, and you’ve got mini pumpkins! These little creations are perfect for fall decorating, Thanksgiving tablescapes, or as a no-carve pumpkin alternative for kids.
CREDIT: FIREFLIES AND MUDPIES
Pipe cleaner legs, felt hearts, and googly eyes turn pinecones into quirky little “love bugs.” They’re especially fun as a Valentine’s Day activity.
RELATED: 35 Valentine’s Day Crafts That Go Beyond Just Cutting Out Hearts
CREDIT: CREATIVE JEWISH MOM
With a coat of yellow paint and some green paper leaves, a pinecone is instantly transformed into a cheerful pineapple!
21. Pine Cone Butterfly Craft
CREDIT: OCEAN CHILD CRAFTS
Bright wings paired with a pinecone body make these butterflies a whimsical project. The best part? Kids can go wild with paint and glitter to make their creations as bold as they like.
22. Pine Cone Lion Craft
CREDIT: OCEAN CHILD CRAFTS
This creative craft uses small pinecones to build the lion’s mane around a paper plate face. It’s bold, playful, and a great project for younger kids.
23. Snowman Pine Cone Craft
CREDIT: HELLO WONDERFUL
These pinecone snowmen are extra cozy with felt scarves and hats. Kids can paint the pinecones white and give each snowman its own fun look.
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