Riverbanks Zoo and Garden
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ZOOventure Programs
ZOOventure Programs

We want your children to grow up WILD with Riverbanks Zoo. ZOOventure Family Programs are special opportunities for families to learn more about the world of Riverbanks. Age-specific programs are offered to all groups from the very young to adults!

Please review our Program Registration Policy. Pre-registration is required for all activities.

For more information on ZOOventure Family Programs, call Riverbanks Zoo and Garden at 803.779.8717x1400 or e-mail ldaly@riverbanks.org.

Members' Choice Award Favorite
Education Program
TODDLER TALES: Thursdays at 11:00am (Last day scheduled before summer—May 30)

Bring your toddler on Thursday for this age-appropriate program that includes stories, songs, and an adventure at the Zoo. These 20-minute programs will be held every Thursday, focusing on a new topic every week. Please check the front gate for program location. The Toddler Tales program is free with your Riverbanks membership or with paid admission.

DISCOVERY DAY CLASSES:
Young explorers and parents: Get ready to discover exciting things about nature! Each class is a learning adventure designed to teach your youngster new concepts that are appropriate for young minds. Classes are a combination of story time, songs, games, hands-on activities, animal encounters (when available) and crafts.
Ages: 2–5 with an adult
Length: 45 minutes
Location: Wildlife Classroom (across from the Farm)
Cost:
$9 for one child (with one adult) per class
Note: If you are not a Riverbanks member, a general admission ticket will also be required.
MAY 2013 (click each title for more information)
+ Miraculous Mothers REGISTER
Mommies play an important role in the animal world! Come join the fun as we find out about the wonderful ways mommies care for their young. Celebrate a mommy in your life and make a gift to show your love!
+ Tremendous Turtles and Tortoises REGISTER
What's the difference between turtles and tortoises? Learn which ones swim, dig, slide, and crawl as well as about other characteristics that make them unique. Then, meet one of Riverbanks own shelled residents.
JUNE 2013 (click each title for more information)
+ Fantastic Fathers REGISTER
Fathers play a crucial role in the animal world. Discover which dads take parenting to a whole new level through devotion to the family or taking on double the work of rearing young. Celebrate the father figures in your life by making a gift to take home to him.
+ Coastal Critters REGISTER
Summer is here and its time to head to the beach! Discover which animals depend on the shore for their survival and ways you can keep them safe on your beach adventures this summer.
JULY 2013 (click each title for more information)
+ Australian Adventure REGISTER
G'day mate! Join us here at Riverbanks for a class spent exploring our residents from down under. Learn how koalas, kangaroos, wallabies and more survive in the outback!
+ Astounding Aquatics REGISTER
Why does it rain? Where does river water flow? What are clouds made of? Children will learn all about the water cycle and just how important it is to all of us!
AUGUST 2013 (click each title for more information)
+ Keep It Cool! REGISTER
What do vultures, babirusas, elephants and reptiles do to keep cool in the summer heat? Find out some unusual ways these animals beat the summer sun!
+ Animal Super Heroes REGISTER
Who are the toughest, strongest, fastest, and smartest animals in the world? Join us for a fun-filled class exploring world record-holding animals with super skills. Test out your abilities – and we might even get to meet an amazing animal superhero!
SEPTEMBER 2013 (click each title for more information)
+ African Expedition REGISTER
Africa is home to some of the most well known zoo animals. Put on your safari hats as we take an expedition to learn about these incredible creatures. Children will learn about gorillas, elephants, giraffes, hyenas and more.
+ Animal Artists REGISTER
Learn all about the creative side of critters and which ones use color as a way to help them survive. Little ones will have the chance to get creative as we uncover the colorful world of wildlife.
OCTOBER 2013 (click each title for more information)
+ Cool Cats REGISTER
Join us to learn all about our feline friends here at the Zoo through a fun and interactive class. From tigers all the way to house cats, we will explore how these animals survive. Your child will have a wild time exploring stations dedicated to big cats.
+ Night Dwellers REGISTER
Halloween is almost here and we are going to encounter some astounding nocturnal animals. From bats to spiders to creepy crawlers, we will see why these animals love to party after the sun goes down!
NOVEMBER 2013 (click each title for more information)
+ All About Owls REGISTER
Owls are some of the most unusual birds, and this class is dedicated to their amazing abilities. We will learn about their nighttime activities and which types of owls you can listen for right here in South Carolina! Inquiry stations will encourage your child to do some exploring and then get a chance to check out our residents here at the Zoo!
+ Autumn Harvest REGISTER
Autumn is such a busy time of year for people and animals alike. Discover what all the hustle and bustle is about this fall at the Zoo!
DECEMBER 2013 (click each title for more information)
+ Wonderful Wanderers REGISTER
Migration is a remarkable thing that many animals do to survive the cold winter months. From geese to butterflies to whales, we will explore the journeys these wonderful wanderers take!
+ Arctic Experience REGISTER
The North Pole is an incredible place full of ice. Children will learn all about polar bears, wolves, seals and more as they survive truly chilly conditions all year round!
FAMILY ON SAFARI – OVERNIGHT:
Enjoy an exciting overnight adventure at the Zoo! Family on Safari is the perfect program to get everyone in the family engaged in nature. Once a month, participants ages 5 and up set up camp at the Zoo, enjoy a nighttime program with animal encounters, behind-the-scenes tours and a snack, and then wake up to a continental breakfast and a Zoo visit the next morning.
Cost Per Person:
$39 members / $44 general public
PONY CLASSES:

Meet our ponies up close and personal! Sure to an unforgettable experience for young pony lovers, participants get a chance to feed, brush and ride the ponies.

+ Ponies 101
Children ages 6 to 11 will experience what it takes to get our ponies ready for a day of riding. Learn how to measure, groom and tack our gentle ponies during this fun-filled class. Then, to make sure our ponies are ready for the day, participants will get to go for a pony ride around the trail!
Cost Per Child or Parent-Child Pair:
$22 (plus admission for general public)
+ Pony Pals
Children ages 2 to 5 have a chance to learn all about our ponies here at the Zoo through this fun, classroom based class. Participants will get to explore stations, crafts, and will even get to feed our ponies a treat at the end of the program.
Cost Per Child or Parent-Child Pair:
$18 (plus admission for general public)
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500 Wildlife Parkway | Columbia, SC 29210 | 803.779.8717

Accredited by:
Association of Zoos & Aquariums
A member of:
American Public Gardens Association
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