Looking for a fun, easy, and nature-inspired fall craft for kids? This pinecone dinosaur craft is the perfect DIY project to spark creativity and keep little hands busy!
Fall is our favorite season to craft, there are so many treasures just lying around outside. Pinecones may seem like simple landscape leftovers, but with a bit of imagination, they can become roaring dinosaurs ready for prehistoric adventures!
Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or caregiver, this is a budget-friendly and fun fall activity your kids will absolutely love. Let’s get crafting!
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Why You’ll Love This Pinecone Dinosaur Craft
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Combines nature with creativity
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Perfect for fall walks and outdoor scavenger hunts
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Fun craft for elementary-aged kids
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Simple, affordable materials, most you already have at home!

Adorable Pinecone Dino
Supplies Pinecone Dinosaur Craft
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Pinecones, any size works (if they don’t grow nearby, you can buy them online)
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Colored cardstock (minimal 200+ grams recommended)
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Acrylic paint (we love Amsterdam Acrylics)
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A small piece of cardboard
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Hot glue gun or craft glue
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Black marker or fine liner
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Scissors
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Googly eyes (optional but super cute!)
- Cute Fall Dinosaur Craft
- Dinosaur Layout
How to Make a Pinecone Dinosaur
Step 1: Gather all your supplies from the list above.
Step 2: Clean your pinecones. Brush off any grass, pine needles, or bugs. Give them a quick rinse and let them dry completely.
- Fun Fall Craft
- Combine Pinecones with Cardstock
Step 3: Paint your pinecone! Choose your favorite dinosaur color, green, purple, blue, even glittery gold. We recommend acrylic paint for best coverage. Want a rustic look? Keep it natural and skip the paint!
Step 4: Draw your dinosaur parts, head, tail, and feet on colored cardstock. Make sure they’re sized proportionally to your pinecone.
Step 5: Add fun details! Use black cardstock for spikes or claws. Use your marker or fine liner to draw a smile, nostrils, or dinosaur eyes.
- Paint Dinosaur In Your Favorite Color
- Adorable Pinecone Dinosaur
Step 6: Optional: Stick on googly eyes for extra personality.
Step 7: Create a sturdy base so your dinosaur stands up. Glue together a few small cardboard squares (about 2×3 cm) and attach them to the bottom of the pinecone. Your dinosaur’s feet are decorative, so this base keeps it stable.
Step 8: Assemble your dinosaur by gluing all the parts onto the pinecone. We recomend to use a hot glue gun to make sure the different materials stick well together. You did it, rawr-some work!

Dinosaurs From Pinecones
More Pinecone Craft Ideas You’ll Love
If your kids enjoyed this dinosaur craft, try these next:
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Pinecone squirrels with real pinecone tails
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Pinecone lion wall hanger, a beautiful nature-themed decor piece for kids’ rooms
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Pinecone butterflies, with beautiful mirrored wings
Pinecones aren’t just for decoration; they’re the star of some amazing kids’ crafts! Explore our top pinecone craft ideas for classrooms and home. Get inspired right here!
Final Tips & Crafting Fun
This pinecone dinosaur project is perfect for classroom activities, nature units, or weekend family crafts. It’s also a wonderful way to teach kids about repurposing and being creative with what nature gives us!
Got questions about supplies or need more craft inspiration?
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