Category: Youth & Family

Children gathered around dirt, examining something on ground.
August 20, 2025
Pathfinders: Super Seeds

What does it mean to be a Backcountry Pathfinder? A Pathfinder is an explorer, someone who respects nature and inspires others through example and leadership. Children ages 8-13 are invited to join our group of Backcountry Pathfinders where they’ll grow skills and become leaders in caring for nature. Participants who complete Pathfinder activities qualify to…

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Bee collecting pollen from vibrant red cactus flower
August 20, 2025
Alice Keck Pollinator Party

Details: Join Santa Barbara Botanic Garden for a free, family-friendly celebration of pollinators at Alice Keck Park Memorial Garden — the site of our exciting new native plant transformation. Together with the City of Santa Barbara Parks and Recreation Department, we’re showcasing how native landscapes can be both beautiful and beneficial, creating a living model…

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Children walking on tree stumps in wooded area.
August 15, 2025
Pathfinders: Nature’s Playground

Details: What does it mean to be a Backcountry Pathfinder? A Pathfinder is an explorer, someone who respects nature and inspires others through example and leadership. Children ages 8-13 are invited to join our group of Backcountry Pathfinders where they’ll grow skills and become leaders in caring for nature. Participants who complete Pathfinder activities qualify…

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Yellow flowers sway to the left in the wind, the ocean is calm behind them. The sun is setting the sky blends from a tangerine orange into a pale-yellow ending in a pale baby blue with wispy clouds across the sky. The Catilina Islands are in the background.
July 2, 2025
Sunset Season Family Event| Sold Out

Details: Sunset season begins at the start of the autumnal equinox. Families are invited to make crafts, pot a plant and sip on refreshments after hours as we welcome this magnificent season. In celebration of Members Month, Member families may reserve for free. Pricing: General Public: $10 Children ages 3-17: $8

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A yellowed rumped warbler is brown bird with a bright yellow rump perched on a tree branch.
March 13, 2025
Pathfinders: Finding Feathered Friends

Details: In this program, Pathfinders will spread their wings and soar as we discover how to get in tune with our feathered friends. From binoculars to bird language basics, Pathfinders will learn new tricks to better observe and understand our woodland birds. Registration is limited to 12 youths, ages 8-13. Pricing: This event is free…

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Woman with black gloves holding a DNA dispenser tool into a pipet in the lab.
February 12, 2025
Pathfinders: DNA Discoveries – Sold Out

Details: Join us for an exciting event that’s perfect for budding scientists looking to contribute to real science! Kids, ages 8-13, are invited to participate in a Community Science project run in collaboration with UCSB’s SciTrek outreach, to help scientists discover more about plant DNA and genetics. Participants will use special lab equipment to collect…

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Acorn with hole surrounded by dry leaves and twigs.
January 13, 2025
A Mighty Oak Morning

Details: Even the smallest acorn can make a giant impact! Enjoy a morning filled with family activities to honor these mighty trees that fill our neighborhoods and support life. Engage in stories, crafts and plantings to stop and appreciate these amazing plants.   This event is free with admission and takes place in the Backcountry next to…

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Children observing insects under plastic cups on table.
January 13, 2025
Pathfinders: Insect Investigators

Details: In this program, Pathfinders will embark on a bug-filled adventure as we explore the world of insects. Using investigation methods used by real scientists, we’ll discover how insects and native plants are connected and why they’re vital to healthy ecosystems. This opportunity is great for children aged 8-13. Learn more about Backcountry Pathfinders here.…

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