This Saturday is Audubon Community Nature Center’s next Nature Play Day, now free thanks to grant funding. Accompanied by their favorite adults, children ages 2 to 8 can be creative, explore and have fun in Audubon’s Nature Play Area, while a naturalist is available to answer questions.

JAMESTOWN — Let children explore unstructured outdoor play in a safe environment while adults learn how to continue the nature play experience at home.

Come to Audubon Community Nature Center’s next Nature Play Day on Saturday morning.

Children ages 2 to 8 and their favorite adults can drop in anytime from 10 a.m. to noon at the Nature Play Area. It is an open house format so guests can stay as long as they would like.

At Nature Play Days on the third Saturday of the month, young children are free to be creative with what nature provides — plus a few additional supplies from Audubon. Extra materials that change with the weather and season are placed in the play area, and a naturalist is present to answer questions and provide information.

Unstructured play outdoors is beneficial to a child’s physical and mental development as well as their understanding and appreciation of the natural world. Unfortunately, concerns about safety, location, materials and the value of play are often barriers in creating these experiences. This program aims to inspire both kids and adults to make discoveries and feel more comfortable about the natural world through play.

Adults are required to stay with their children, and they may want to bring a chair, snacks and water or a drink.

Be prepared to play outside. Wear clothes and footwear that can get wet and dirty. Families may want to bring an extra change of clothes or a towel for the car ride home.

While Nature Play Day is planned for rain, snow, or shine, in the case of severe weather, the program will be cancelled; call 569-2345 to confirm.

This program is supported by the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation Legacy Funds from the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo and is offered free of charge.

Reservations are appreciated and can be made through the Programs page at auduboncnc.org. Walk-ins are welcome.

Audubon Community Nature Center is located at 1600 Riverside Road, one-quarter mile east of Route 62 between Jamestown and Warren. The three-story Nature Center contains interactive displays, a collection of live animals, and the Blue Heron Gift Shop; building hours are Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sundays 1 to 4 p.m. The 600-acre wetland preserve with more than five miles of trails for hiking, snowshoeing and cross country skiing, and Liberty, the non-releasable Bald Eagle, can be visited from dawn until dusk daily.

To learn more about Audubon and its many programs, call 569-2345 or visit auduboncnc.org.

Audubon Community Nature Center builds and nurtures connections between people and nature by providing positive outdoor experiences, opportunities to learn about and understand the natural world, and knowledge to act in environmentally responsible ways.