Make a trail with pine cones in the backyard to provide an outdoor gross motor game for toddlers and preschoolers. A pine cone trail promotes movement and fine motor play in a simple hands-on activity.

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Preschoolers love playing Follow the Leader. The idea of going on an adventure makes the game exciting and mysterious.

You can create a similar game called Follow the Pine Cone Trail. It's a little like having a scavenger hunt, but only looking for pine cones.

• Outdoor trails can be made for all seasons - footprints in the sand for summer, and boot prints in the snow for winter.

We are fortunate to have a large pine tree in our yard. Every spring there is an abundance of pine cones on the ground that are fun to collect for crafts and activities.

Related: Pine cones in the sandbox

Creating an outdoor trail for kids to follow is one way to have fun with pine cones. A pine cone trail provides a unique sensory and gross motor play opportunity for early learners.

If you don't have pine cones available in nature, you can usually find them in a department store or craft store, or purchase online.

 
Pine cone trail activity

Spread pine cones on the lawn in a long winding trail. Go around trees or bushes, a swing set, or other props in the yard.

• Space the pine cones just enough so kids have to walk to spot the next one, but not far enough to lose sight of the trail.

Place a bucket or sand pail at the end of the trail. We ended our trail with a red beach pail and shovel under the pine tree in the yard.

Grab the pail and retrace your steps! Walk back along the trail, collecting pine cones in your pail as you go.

To extend the activity try using the sand shovel, or even tongs, to pick up the pine cones. 

Use pine cones in crafts and activities

Note: Natural pine cones should be properly cleaned for indoor use. 

Math games: Count the pine cones. Weigh pine cones. Sort cones by size.

Observation: Talk about the color and texture of the pine cones.

Sensory play: Add pine cones to the sand bin.

Play and learn: Introduce interesting facts about pine cones with science activities.

Get outside for a game of Follow the Pine Cone Trail. There's lots of hands-on learning and sensory experiences waiting for kids to enjoy.

More pine cone activities from kid bloggers!

Pinecone Bats from Fireflies and Mudpies

Pinecone Winter Owls from Easy Peasy and Fun

Pinecone Pals from Sunshine Whispers

Pine Cone Science Experiment from Lemon Lime Adventures

Pine cones in the Sandbox

 Pine Cone Ornament