Fun, Hands-On Pine Cone Activities For Kids

Pine cones are often seen as Fall or Winter decoration piece but these cute little things are much more than decorations! I found some really fun activities with evergreen tree and pine cone themes as well as ones that will help explain to children all about pine cones and let them explore their life cycles.

Math

Setting up this math station with pine cones is so easy and versatile. It can help children with estimating, counting, size comparison, measurement and so much more.

Literacy

P is for Penguins and Pine Cones. We haven’t read this book before but it looks adorable and would be a perfect addition to a pine cone unit!

Rhymes and simple songs are excellent ways to help teach kids anything and it will help them remember it. These fun rhymes and songs are based on pine trees!

Art & Crafts

All the different parts of pine trees combine into one project makes for beautiful art. This piece was done collaboratively with a classroom, but this could be done individually as well!

This pine cone firefly is one of the cutest bug craft I think I have ever seen. These would be so cute to hang up during the summer months!

My kids love spotting and watching birds, I think they would love these diy bird feeders with pine cones. They seem super simple to create and it will be exciting to watch the birds!

My girls love creating with nature in ways that we can display in our home or yard. This pine cone mobile is perfect for them and would look beautiful hanging from a porch! Such a beautiful nature craft.

This owl craft brings pieces of nature together to create another part of nature. This is a fabulous craft for a nature unit!

Sensory

This pine tree oobleck is perfect for winter or a nature themed unit. This sensory experience is ooey, gooey and full of nature colors.

An invitation to create is a fabulous way to keep your kids busy with something productive. I love that this pine cone invitation to create involves two other elements that are completely different!

Science

Did you know that pine cones can predict the weather? I didn’t but I can’t wait to do this pine cone weather experiment with my kids!

Why do pine cones open? Do you know the answer? This fun experiment can teach us all!

When winter hits, pine cones usually get at least dusted with snow. These crystallized pine cones are just as beautiful but have a tad bit more science involved!

More Forest Activities You’ll Love:

More Nature Activities to Try:

• Nature Scavenger Hunt
• Germinating Seeds in a Bag Experiment
• Leaf Confetti Hole Punch Activity
• Life Cycle of a Bean Diagrams
• Flower & Tree Theme Lesson Plans