Tours
Riverbanks is pleased to offer several group tours. School Tours are most appropriate for grades 7-12, college groups and special needs groups and take students on an enlightening excursion through the park; Guided Garden Tours allow budding gardeners in pre-school through grade 12 to explore the Botanical Garden; and Behind-the-Scenes Adventure Tours give individuals or small groups an inside look at some out-of-sight places in the Zoo.
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Join one of our experts for a 45-minute tour of your choice. Tours include fun-filled facts, conservation issues and an inside look at our exhibit collection. The tours are most appropriate for grades 6 – 12, college groups and special needs groups. Please look below to find the tour that's best for your group!
If you have any questions, please email astewart@riverbanks.org.
How much do the tours cost?
A program fee of $55 is charged for each tour reserved.
When are the tours offered?
Tours are offered Thursdays and Fridays, September - May. |
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Piecing it Together: Where do you fit? Biodiversity is the variety of all life on this planet. Through looking at the wealth of habitats that house all forms of life and the interconnections that tie everything together, students will examine their role in this ever-changing world. |
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Animal Behavior 101: Learn how our Zoo experts use their knowledge of animal behavior to create interesting environments, assist with training and provide medical care. Students will learn observation skills, including the development of a behavioral ethogram at a live animal exhibit! |
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Zoo & Garden Careers: This tour presents students with detailed descriptions and a behind-the-scenes look into the many career opportunities found within Riverbanks Zoo & Garden. This tour will provide students with the insight they'll need to pursue an array of career choices and volunteer opportunities found here at Riverbanks. |
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Animals Around the World: (ideal for special needs) Take a trip around the world in less than an hour! This tour will take students from the Australian outback to the African savanna and beyond. Our guide will give students a chance to ask questions and learn about the many different animals that inhabit our planet! |
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Bug Hunt: (Pre-school-2nd grade)
This tour is hands-on as children learn about insects before going out into the Garden to dig up their own creepy crawly bugs. The group will look for bugs in various habitats discovering the secret world where insects live. The tour ends with an appropriate story. |
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All Living Things: (K-2nd grade)
As plants grow from tiny seedlings to mature plants, they provide many different elements for other living things. Students will learn about the relationship between plants and bees, butterflies, birds and people. They will see how fruit grows and learn the importance of plants in our lives. (45 minutes) |
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Plant Adaptations: (Grades 3-6)
Students will see various plants from different habitats that include the desert, wetlands and rain forest. Their explorations will lead them to investigate the different adaptations that are necessary to survive in each habitat. |
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General Tour: (Grades 6-12)
Students will be introduced to the various themed elements of the Garden. Explanations of plant combinations are given with emphasis on plants of interest. Plants with special conservation needs are highlighted. |
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Guided tours may be scheduled Monday - Saturday. |
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Tours must be scheduled in advance by calling 803.779.8717 x1799. |
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Tours last approximately one hour. |
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Tours cost $55 for a maximum group of 20. For groups of more than 20, you may split your group and pay for the number of tours required. |
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Plant Packs are now available for rent at the Garden Ticket Booth. These packs are full of self-guided activities to do through the Botanical Garden. Each pack contains a Garden Activity Guide, which leads children through the different areas of the Garden and encourages them to think about the things they see. There are also many hands-on activities in the packs that help make the Garden a fun, tactile place for discovery. |
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Plant Packs are available for two age groups: K-2 and 3-6. |
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Plant Packs are recommended for teachers, parents or leaders and a group of 10 children or less. |
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Plant Packs cost $7 to rent. |
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Packs should be picked up and returned to the Garden Ticket Booth. |
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Reserve a pack by calling 803.779.8717 x1799 or emailing asegura@riverbanks.org. |
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You may rent a pack without a reservation, based on availability. Fill out a reservation form at the Garden Ticket Booth. |
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Plant Packs are the perfect way for school groups, home school students, scout troops and families to explore the Garden on their own. |
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Experience Riverbanks Zoo through the eyes of the animal care staff. Walk on the “wild side” as you get an inside look at some out-of-sight places. Explore the animal hospital, take a peek inside the animal kitchen, and meet a live animal! Adventure Tours allow participants to marvel at the unique challenges of animal care and the amazing efforts that go into creating and sustaining a world-class zoo. This fun-filled tour ends with a tasty treat.
Join Us for an Adventure Tour today! |
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