Looking for a fun and budget-friendly way to keep kids creative this fall? Pinecone crafts are the perfect solution! With just a few natural materials, some paper, glue, and a splash of imagination, kids can transform pinecones into butterflies, lions, mermaids, and even dinosaurs.

Whether you’re a parent looking for a rainy-day project or a teacher planning autumn classroom activities, these pinecone crafts for kids are simple, engaging, and packed with seasonal charm. Pinecones are free, versatile, and the textures make every creation unique.

Below you’ll find 8 pinecone craft ideas that kids will love. Each one comes with a supply list and inspiration so you can get crafting right away.

By using this site, you agree to our terms of use. This article contains affiliate links; read our full disclosure here.

1. Butterfly Pinecone Craft with Acorn Antennas

Butterflies aren’t just for spring! Using long pinecones as the body, plus wings decorated with bright colors, you can create butterflies that bring autumn magic indoors. A perfect classroom display or personalized fall decoration at home.

Supplies needed:

• Longer pinecones (for the body)
• Acorn tops (for feelers)
• Brown craft paper
• Colored markers or paint pens
• Googly eyes
• Scissors
• Hot glue

You can find the step-by-step craft instructions on these beautiful decorated pinecone butterflies right here.

2. Pinecone Lion Wall Art for Kids

Give your walls a wild twist with this stunning pinecone lion! The layered texture of pinecones makes the perfect mane, while a cardboard base helps the lion face stand out. And a fun bonus is that this fall craft doubles as wall art kids will be proud of and can be displayed in the kids ‘ room or classroom.

Supplies needed:

• Pinecones (for the mane)
• Cardboard (as a base)
• Paint or markers (to draw the face)
• Scissors
• Hot glue

You can find the step-by-step craft instructions on this cute pinecone wall hanger craft right here.

3. DIY Pinecone Palm Tree Craft with Acorns

Turn a pinecone upside down and voilà, it’s a palm tree trunk! Add paper leaves and acorns as coconuts to create a mini tropical escape, autumn style. A fun mix of summer and fall that kids will love building.

Supplies needed:

• Long pinecone (for the trunk)
• Green paper (for palm leaves)
• Acorns (as coconuts)
• Cardboard (for the base)
• Scissors, pencil, hot glue

You can find the step-by-step craft instructions on these pinecone palmtrees right here.

4. Easy Pinecone Dinosaur Craft for Kids

Roar! These adorable pinecone dinosaurs are a hit with kids of all ages. Paint your pinecones or keep them natural, either way, the results are dino-mite. A great way to combine fall crafts with kids’ favorite prehistoric creatures.

Supplies needed:

• Pinecone (body)
• Acrylic paint (optional)
• Cardstock (for dino parts)
• Googly eyes (optional)
• Markers, scissors, hot glue

You can find the step-by-step craft instructions on these awesome pinecone dinosaurs right here.

5. Mermaid Pinecone Craft with Yarn Hair

Perfect for mermaid fans! Use a long pinecone as the tail and add a bead or Styrofoam head. Yarn makes flowing mermaid hair, and cardstock fins complete the look. An enchanting pinecone craft idea for kids who love fantasy.

Supplies needed:

• Long pinecone (tail)
• Bead or foam ball (head)
• Yarn (hair)
• Cardstock (fin)
• Scissors, pencil, hot glue

6. Colorful Pinecone Snail Craft for Fall

Kids can paint pinecones in fun colors, then add a cardboard body and pom-pom feelers. These little snails are playful, quirky, and oh-so-cute. An easy craft that makes a cheerful autumn display.

Supplies needed:

• Pinecones (shells)
• Cardboard (body)
• Pom-poms & sticks (feelers)
• Paint markers or paint
• Scissors, hot glue

You can find the step-by-step craft instructions on this pinecone craft right here.

7. Fall Butterfly Stick Puppet Pinecone Craft

Pinecones and sticks become whimsical puppets with decorated wings. Add glitter and googly eyes for extra fun, then put on a puppet show! Perfect for group activities or a classroom storytelling craft.

Supplies needed:

• Pinecones
• Sticks
• Cardboard (wings)
• Markers, glitter, paint
• Hot glue

You can find the step-by-step craft instructions on these pinecone butterfly puppets right here.

8. Paper Roll Squirrels with Fluffy Pinecone Tails

What’s more fall-themed than a squirrel? These paper roll squirrels get a fluffy pinecone tail to bring them to life. A must-have on any autumn craft list!

Supplies needed:

• Pinecones (tails)
• Paper rolls (body)
• Paint, cardstock (arms, details)
• Acorn (optional)
• Hot glue

You can find the step-by-step craft instructions on these colorful pinecone squirrels right here.

Final Thoughts: Why Pinecone Crafts Are Perfect for Kids

Pinecone crafts are more than just cute decorations, they’re hands-on, eco-friendly, and inspire kids to see art in nature. From butterflies and snails to dinosaurs and mermaids, these projects spark creativity while making your classroom or home cozy for fall.

So next time you’re out on a nature walk, collect some pinecones and acorns. With just a few supplies, you’ll have everything you need for hours of creative fun.

Try one of these easy pinecone crafts for kids today and make this fall season extra special!

3