Build and decorate your own hiking stick at the ONC in Ogden, then test it on a short scavenger-hunt loop. Family-friendly and accessible, this hands-on program pairs craft time with an immediate outdoor adventure.
Build and decorate your own hiking stick at the ONC in Ogden, then test it on a short scavenger-hunt loop. Family-friendly and accessible, this hands-on program pairs craft time with an immediate outdoor adventure.
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Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Ogden Nature Center · Ogden, Utah
At the ONC in Ogden, Utah, Make Your Own Hiking Stick turns a simple stick into a personalized companion for exploring the preserve. This 90‑minute program begins in the Education Building, where participants choose a hardwood shaft provided by the program and decorate it with paints, leather wraps, beads, and natural accents. When crafting wraps up, families and solo travelers follow Birdhouse Trail and other ONC paths for a short scavenger hunt that puts the new stick to work. The experience is intentionally low-friction: craft supplies and the stick are included, check-in happens in the classroom off the visitor center, and most of the ONC’s trails are wheelchair and stroller accessible. The program is geared toward kids ages six and up, with adult supervision required for hot-glue tasks, so it’s a practical family outing as much as a creative workshop. The route highlights the preserve’s hands-on teaching areas and trail junctions rather than ambitious terrain, making it a good first outdoor skill-building activity. Key features include the Education Building classroom, the nearby visitor center, the Birdhouse Trail, and the short scavenger hunt that follows completion of each stick. Wildlife and flora are part of the lesson: expect to encounter local songbirds, and the preserve’s mixed grass and wetland edges—ideal places for observational learning about plant identification and small wildlife behavior. The program encourages gentle interaction with the landscape while teaching leave-no-trace habits. Why this offering stands out is its blend of craft and immediate application. Instead of a craft that goes into a bag, your creation becomes a tool for curiosity on the trails. It’s an especially strong option for visitors staying in Ogden who want a compact, educational outdoor experience that doubles as a keepsake. The ONC setting adds a practical educational frame: staff lead the activity in an education space, then guide visitors onto accessible trails that showcase the site’s natural features. Plan ahead: arrive via the main parking lot, take Birdhouse Trail to the visitor center, then continue to the Education Building for class check-in. Bring a reusable water bottle, any personal craft items you want to add, and snacks for kids. The program includes all basic materials and runs with a 48‑hour cancellation policy for a full refund minus processing fees. Whether you’re looking for a gentle family adventure or a creative way to tune into Ogden’s outdoors, this workshop delivers a short, memorable loop of learning and exploration. Sessions run morning and afternoon; check the booking link for exact start times and availability. One stick per registration keeps supplies fair; children must work with adults on hot-glue tasks. Bring closed-toe shoes for trail sections and a small bag to carry out any trash you create.
easy.
1–2 hours.
Light: suitable for families and casual walkers; minimal uphill effort
Minimum age is 6; children using hot-glue or similar tools must have an adult assist.
All basic craft items including the hiking stick are provided; bring any additional personal craft materials you want.
Park in the main lot, take Birdhouse Trail to the visitor center, then continue to the Education Building classroom for check-in.
Most areas are wheelchair and stroller accessible; the classroom and nearby trails are suitable for visitors with mobility needs.
Full refunds are honored if canceled 48 hours prior, less credit card fees. Cancellations under 48 hours are considered case-by-case.
One stick per registration to keep supplies fair for all participants.
The ONC supports hands-on environmental education; the Education Building is used regularly for youth and family programs.
Bring reusable containers and pack out any trash; the program emphasizes leave-no-trace practices and respect for habitats.
Ogden Nature Center is a community-focused nature education organization located in Ogden, Utah. The center provides hands-on environmental education, seasonal camps, family programs, school field trips, and volunteer opportunities designed for learners of all ages. Programs include guided pond ecology and pollination sessions for elementary students, toddler and fledgling camps for young children, weeklong and single-day camps for school-age kids, family overnight camps, and teen-focused Volunteens that emphasize citizen science and habitat restoration. Instructional experiences combine outdoor exploration with science, crafts, games, and supervised, project-based learning. School field trips and class visits focus on curriculum-aligned topics such as pond life, pollinators, indigenous land practices, and backyard birdwatching; many programs include take-home materials like field guides and bug boxes. Summer camps offer themed weeks covering survival skills, STEM experiments, natural history, and wildlife observation, while family camps provide meals and activities designed for multi-age participation. The center partners with families, educators, and community volunteers to foster environmental stewardship and practical skills. Programs are delivered by trained staff and experienced instructors in structured, supervised settings, with limited enrollment on select offerings to ensure quality and safety. The organization promotes hands-on discovery, community engagement, and conservation education through accessible programs in the Ogden area. Visitors and participants can expect active outdoor learning, structured curricula, and opportunities to contribute to local habitat projects.
Book with Ogden Nature Center