Preview draft. Activities have not been tested with caregivers.
Art · The activity desk
Pine Cone Color Garden
Paint the tips of a pine cone and imagine it as a tiny garden.
Let's play →
A little plan for play
Open interactive activity →Add to play journal →What you need
A large clean dry pine cone, washable paint, brush, paper and a tray
Age: 3–5 years; choose for the individual child.
Stay with the child throughout. Check the space and supplies, including anything within reach of younger siblings. Skip any activity that is unsuitable. Stop if a child puts non-food material in their mouth or becomes distressed. Use intact books, full sheets of paper, a large child-appropriate crayon and a clean, dry towel. Follow product labels; remove torn paper and keep broken crayons and caps away from children. Adult handles and stores supplies.
Set up: An adult checks the pine cone for dirt, insects, loose pieces and sharp edges, then places it on a tray.
Adult's role: Choose a pine cone too large to swallow, supervise handling and help steady it while painting.
Let's make it happen
- Touch the brush to several open pine cone tips to make colorful garden flowers.
- Turn the cone carefully and add a different color on another side.
- Set the cone on the paper and draw a path leading to your imagined garden.
Make it simpler: Paint just a few tips in one color.
Clean up: Wash the brush and hands, wipe the tray and let the cone dry out of reach.
Pine cones and paint are not food. Avoid cones with sharp or loose pieces and keep them away from mouths.