Wilderness Youth Project (WYP) will host a free Community Nature Play Day, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4 outside at Oak Park (creekside Sycamore Picnic Area) in Santa Barbara.

At the event, which is open to all ages, participants can play, explore, and connect with the natural world alongside the staff and friends of Wilderness Youth.

This year’s Nature Play Day features a collaboration with Grammy Award-winning musical group the Alphabet Rockers, who will guide attendees in a collective songwriting experience to find your voice in nature through music and expression.

“We have nearly 20 years of this intentional work making music to inspire culture change,” said Kaitlin McGaw of Alphabet Rockers. “Nature has a similar impact, aiding our mental health, widening our perspectives on life, and creating peaceful memories we can access anytime.

“We are thrilled to show up with Wilderness Youth Project and create music that reflects the impact and experience that has changed so many people’s lives.”

There will be hands-on, creative activities including nature crafts, earth-based skills, and other interactive activities led by WYP staff and local community partners, like Yes Yes Nursery, which will be leading a seed planting activity.

“Nature Play Day is a celebration of everything we stand for at Wilderness Youth Project: connection, creativity, and community,” said Gloria Sánchez-Arreola from WYP.

“It feels important to bring in even more opportunities this year for local kids and families to find joy and belonging in nature. This is an event for everyone,” she said.

For free tickets and more, visit www.wyp.org/community-events.

The Wilderness Youth Project’s mission is to foster confidence, health, and a lifelong love of learning for young people and families through active outdoor experiences and mentoring.

WYP brings participants to creeks, beaches, mountain trails, and open spaces in Santa Barbara’s front country. Their adventures center on exploration, curiosity, and nature-based mentoring to build deep, lasting connections—to self, community, and place.

To volunteer or donate to support scholarships, visit www.wyp.org or contact 805-964-8096 / info@wyp.org.

Photos from Wilderness Youth Project