One of the best parts of summer is going on a hike. But do you know how to make it even better? Gather up the interesting things you find and take them home with you, because rustic crafts made with things found on a hike are a great way to save those fun memories you make. You can even make this a fun activity for the family during your next camping trip!

Rustic Crafts Made With Things Found on a Hike

Pine Cones

Some of the easiest rustic crafts are made with pine cones. Not only can you turn those pine cones into birdfeeders, you can also turn them into fun outdoor characters. Kids especially love an adorable pine cone owl. The pine cone makes the perfect body for the owl. Use felt for the owl’s eyes, brows and wings. Add pipe cleaner feet to complete the project. A glue gun and a pair of scissors are the only tools you need for this rustic craft.

Apply some acrylic craft paint to a pine cone and it magically becomes a pineapple. At our house, we’ve spray painted pinecones in gold metallic paint and used them for Thanksgiving table decorations. Just use your imagination to turn pine cones into a fun craft!

Leaves And Sticks

If you camp near a river, the craft ideas get even more fun. Take the kids on a hike to gather up some sticks and broad green leaves. Be sure to bring along some extra crafting supplies such as twine–you’ll need it to lash your own mini raft. Use the leaves to fashion a sail. Now the real fun begins! Take the rafts to the river and launch them. See who’s raft makes it the farthest without capsizing!

Before you head out, check out these 20 camping hacks!

Collect your favorite things from your hike and then use them to make clay dioramas. Modeling clay in earth colors is a great medium for this. Roll the clay out into your desired shape, and then press designs into it with the things you found on your hike. Kids love this!

It’s also fun to form clay into bowls or cups, and then press nature designs into it. Just use your favorite leaves, sticks, rocks and other objects you find on a hike. Let the clay dry to make your designs permanent.

Rustic crafts are fun for kids {of all ages!}. What better activity for a family day in the woods?