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Upcoming Events and Programs

Here’s a look at all of the events and programs currently scheduled at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. This schedule is (of course) subject to revision. As the year goes on, please revisit this page for any changes.

December 2020

Saturday, December 5

5
Sat
Create some seasonal ornaments using gifts from Mother Nature during this hands-on, crafty program for kids. Of course, we will have fake snow and wintery games to get you in the spirit of the season as well!
COST: $20 per family (up to 6 people max per family).
Registration Closed  Family Fun Events

 
 
Lights Before Christmas
@ 5:00–9:00pm
Lights Before Christmas, presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina, will shine on select evenings November 21 – December 30 from 5:00pm – 9:00pm. Enjoy a dazzling display of more than one-million twinkling lights, animated story tree, Jingle Bell Bonfire, and more.
COST: $12 Adults / $10 Children ages 2–12. All Riverbanks members receive one free visit.

Sunday, December 6

6
Sun
Lights Before Christmas
@ 5:00–9:00pm
Lights Before Christmas, presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina, will shine on select evenings November 21 – December 30 from 5:00pm – 9:00pm. Enjoy a dazzling display of more than one-million twinkling lights, animated story tree, Jingle Bell Bonfire, and more.
COST: $12 Adults / $10 Children ages 2–12. All Riverbanks members receive one free visit.

Wednesday, December 9

9
Wed
Lights Before Christmas
@ 5:00–9:00pm
Lights Before Christmas, presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina, will shine on select evenings November 21 – December 30 from 5:00pm – 9:00pm. Enjoy a dazzling display of more than one-million twinkling lights, animated story tree, Jingle Bell Bonfire, and more.
COST: $12 Adults / $10 Children ages 2–12. All Riverbanks members receive one free visit.

Thursday, December 10

10
Thu
Lights Before Christmas
@ 5:00–9:00pm
Lights Before Christmas, presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina, will shine on select evenings November 21 – December 30 from 5:00pm – 9:00pm. Enjoy a dazzling display of more than one-million twinkling lights, animated story tree, Jingle Bell Bonfire, and more.
COST: $12 Adults / $10 Children ages 2–12. All Riverbanks members receive one free visit.

Friday, December 11

11
Fri
Create a unique wreath out of greenery from Riverbanks’ campus. With more than a dozen types of fresh greenery and unusual seed pods for accents, each wreath is a true expression of your individuality!
COST: $25 per person, pre-registration required.

 
 
Lights Before Christmas
@ 5:00–9:00pm
Lights Before Christmas, presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina, will shine on select evenings November 21 – December 30 from 5:00pm – 9:00pm. Enjoy a dazzling display of more than one-million twinkling lights, animated story tree, Jingle Bell Bonfire, and more.
COST: $12 Adults / $10 Children ages 2–12. All Riverbanks members receive one free visit.

Saturday, December 12

12
Sat
Adult Garden Workshops: Holiday Wreath Workshop
@ 10:00–11:30am / 1:00–2:30pm
Create a unique wreath out of greenery from Riverbanks’ campus. With more than a dozen types of fresh greenery and unusual seed pods for accents, each wreath is a true expression of your individuality!
COST: $25 per person, pre-registration required.

 
 
Lights Before Christmas
@ 5:00–9:00pm
Lights Before Christmas, presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina, will shine on select evenings November 21 – December 30 from 5:00pm – 9:00pm. Enjoy a dazzling display of more than one-million twinkling lights, animated story tree, Jingle Bell Bonfire, and more.
COST: $12 Adults / $10 Children ages 2–12. All Riverbanks members receive one free visit.

Sunday, December 13

13
Sun
Lights Before Christmas
@ 5:00–9:00pm
Lights Before Christmas, presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina, will shine on select evenings November 21 – December 30 from 5:00pm – 9:00pm. Enjoy a dazzling display of more than one-million twinkling lights, animated story tree, Jingle Bell Bonfire, and more.
COST: $12 Adults / $10 Children ages 2–12. All Riverbanks members receive one free visit.

Wednesday, December 16

16
Wed
Lights Before Christmas
@ 5:00–9:00pm
Lights Before Christmas, presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina, will shine on select evenings November 21 – December 30 from 5:00pm – 9:00pm. Enjoy a dazzling display of more than one-million twinkling lights, animated story tree, Jingle Bell Bonfire, and more.
COST: $12 Adults / $10 Children ages 2–12. All Riverbanks members receive one free visit.

Thursday, December 17

17
Thu
Lights Before Christmas
@ 5:00–9:00pm
Lights Before Christmas, presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina, will shine on select evenings November 21 – December 30 from 5:00pm – 9:00pm. Enjoy a dazzling display of more than one-million twinkling lights, animated story tree, Jingle Bell Bonfire, and more.
COST: $12 Adults / $10 Children ages 2–12. All Riverbanks members receive one free visit.

Friday, December 18

18
Fri
Lights Before Christmas
@ 5:00–9:00pm
Lights Before Christmas, presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina, will shine on select evenings November 21 – December 30 from 5:00pm – 9:00pm. Enjoy a dazzling display of more than one-million twinkling lights, animated story tree, Jingle Bell Bonfire, and more.
COST: $12 Adults / $10 Children ages 2–12. All Riverbanks members receive one free visit.

Saturday, December 19

19
Sat
Lights Before Christmas
@ 5:00–9:00pm
Lights Before Christmas, presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina, will shine on select evenings November 21 – December 30 from 5:00pm – 9:00pm. Enjoy a dazzling display of more than one-million twinkling lights, animated story tree, Jingle Bell Bonfire, and more.
COST: $12 Adults / $10 Children ages 2–12. All Riverbanks members receive one free visit.

Sunday, December 20

20
Sun
Lights Before Christmas
@ 5:00–9:00pm
Lights Before Christmas, presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina, will shine on select evenings November 21 – December 30 from 5:00pm – 9:00pm. Enjoy a dazzling display of more than one-million twinkling lights, animated story tree, Jingle Bell Bonfire, and more.
COST: $12 Adults / $10 Children ages 2–12. All Riverbanks members receive one free visit.

Monday, December 21

21
Mon
ZooLife: Bear Husbandry
@ 8:30am–4:00pm (K–4th Grade)
If you can bear-ly contain your excitement for grizzlies come discover how Riverbanks cares for these charismatic giants.
COST: $35 members / $40 general public.

 
 
Lights Before Christmas
@ 5:00–9:00pm
Lights Before Christmas, presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina, will shine on select evenings November 21 – December 30 from 5:00pm – 9:00pm. Enjoy a dazzling display of more than one-million twinkling lights, animated story tree, Jingle Bell Bonfire, and more.
COST: $12 Adults / $10 Children ages 2–12. All Riverbanks members receive one free visit.

Tuesday, December 22

22
Tue
ZooLife: Bear Exhibit Design
@ 8:30am–4:00pm (K–4th Grade)
If you can bear-ly contain your excitement for grizzlies come discover how Riverbanks cares for these charismatic giants.
COST: $35 members / $40 general public.

 
 
Lights Before Christmas
@ 5:00–9:00pm
Lights Before Christmas, presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina, will shine on select evenings November 21 – December 30 from 5:00pm – 9:00pm. Enjoy a dazzling display of more than one-million twinkling lights, animated story tree, Jingle Bell Bonfire, and more.
COST: $12 Adults / $10 Children ages 2–12. All Riverbanks members receive one free visit.

Wednesday, December 23

23
Wed
ZooLife: Bear Conservation
@ 8:30am–4:00pm (K–4th Grade)
If you can bear-ly contain your excitement for grizzlies come discover how Riverbanks cares for these charismatic giants.
COST: $35 members / $40 general public.

 
 
Lights Before Christmas
@ 5:00–9:00pm
Lights Before Christmas, presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina, will shine on select evenings November 21 – December 30 from 5:00pm – 9:00pm. Enjoy a dazzling display of more than one-million twinkling lights, animated story tree, Jingle Bell Bonfire, and more.
COST: $12 Adults / $10 Children ages 2–12. All Riverbanks members receive one free visit.

Saturday, December 26

26
Sat
Lights Before Christmas
@ 5:00–9:00pm
Lights Before Christmas, presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina, will shine on select evenings November 21 – December 30 from 5:00pm – 9:00pm. Enjoy a dazzling display of more than one-million twinkling lights, animated story tree, Jingle Bell Bonfire, and more.
COST: $12 Adults / $10 Children ages 2–12. All Riverbanks members receive one free visit.

Sunday, December 27

27
Sun
Lights Before Christmas
@ 5:00–9:00pm
Lights Before Christmas, presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina, will shine on select evenings November 21 – December 30 from 5:00pm – 9:00pm. Enjoy a dazzling display of more than one-million twinkling lights, animated story tree, Jingle Bell Bonfire, and more.
COST: $12 Adults / $10 Children ages 2–12. All Riverbanks members receive one free visit.

Monday, December 28

28
Mon
Lights Before Christmas
@ 5:00–9:00pm
Lights Before Christmas, presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina, will shine on select evenings November 21 – December 30 from 5:00pm – 9:00pm. Enjoy a dazzling display of more than one-million twinkling lights, animated story tree, Jingle Bell Bonfire, and more.
COST: $12 Adults / $10 Children ages 2–12. All Riverbanks members receive one free visit.

Tuesday, December 29

29
Tue
Lights Before Christmas
@ 5:00–9:00pm
Lights Before Christmas, presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina, will shine on select evenings November 21 – December 30 from 5:00pm – 9:00pm. Enjoy a dazzling display of more than one-million twinkling lights, animated story tree, Jingle Bell Bonfire, and more.
COST: $12 Adults / $10 Children ages 2–12. All Riverbanks members receive one free visit.

Wednesday, December 30

30
Wed
Lights Before Christmas
@ 5:00–9:00pm
Lights Before Christmas, presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina, will shine on select evenings November 21 – December 30 from 5:00pm – 9:00pm. Enjoy a dazzling display of more than one-million twinkling lights, animated story tree, Jingle Bell Bonfire, and more.
COST: $12 Adults / $10 Children ages 2–12. All Riverbanks members receive one free visit.

January 2021

Friday, January 15

15
Fri
Knee-high Naturalist: Rascally Raccoons
@ 10:30–11:30am (ages 2–5 with an adult)
Raccoons are known for being clever and mischievous as they search for food in a variety of places. We will discover just what makes these common backyard mammals so rascally.
COST: $10 for one child (with one adult) per class. Plus admission for general public.

Saturday, January 16

16
Sat
Knee-high Naturalist: Rascally Raccoons
@ 10:30–11:30am (ages 2–5 with an adult)
Raccoons are known for being clever and mischievous as they search for food in a variety of places. We will discover just what makes these common backyard mammals so rascally.
COST: $10 for one child (with one adult) per class. Plus admission for general public.

Friday, January 29

29
Fri
Knee-high Naturalist: Backyard Birds
@ 10:30–11:30am (ages 2–5 with an adult)
Spring is the season for birds to begin migrating and nest building. We will learn all about some cool bird behaviors as we explore the world of nests and eggs.
COST: $10 for one child (with one adult) per class. Plus admission for general public.

Saturday, January 30

30
Sat
Knee-high Naturalist: Backyard Birds
@ 10:30–11:30am (ages 2–5 with an adult)
Spring is the season for birds to begin migrating and nest building. We will learn all about some cool bird behaviors as we explore the world of nests and eggs.
COST: $10 for one child (with one adult) per class. Plus admission for general public.

February 2021

Monday, February 1

1
Mon
By extracting dye from plants, pressing flowers, and creating chlorophyll paintings, we will use plants as the basis for different types of art.
COST: $20 per family (up to 6 people max per family).

Saturday, February 6

6
Sat
This intro to propagation workshop will give the basic principles on ways to grow new plants, with a focus on stem cuttings. Participants will take several cuttings as well as learn the techniques needed to continue propagation at home.
COST: $20 per person, pre-registration required.

Monday, February 8

8
Mon
Homeschool Class: Sailing the Southern Seas
@ 10:30am–12:00pm / 1:30–3:00pm (ages 5–9)
While all oceans share spectacular wildlife, the Southern Ocean holds its own mysteries below its brilliant blue waters. Students will voyage through the seas to discover what characteristics set it apart from all other places on the planet.
COST: $10 per participating student. Plus admission for general public.

Friday, February 12

12
Fri
Show your love to nature by creating some edible valentines for our backyard animal friends.
COST: $20 per family (up to 6 people max per family).

Saturday, February 13

13
Sat
Show your love to nature by creating some edible valentines for our backyard animal friends.
COST: $20 per family (up to 6 people max per family).

Friday, February 19

19
Fri
Knee-high Naturalist: Gentle Giraffes
@ 10:30–11:30am (ages 2–5 with an adult)
The tallest animal in the world is all grace and beauty. Journey into Africa and discover the amazing ways that giraffes survive in their home!
COST: $10 for one child (with one adult) per class. Plus admission for general public.

Saturday, February 20

20
Sat
Knee-high Naturalist: Gentle Giraffes
@ 10:30–11:30am (ages 2–5 with an adult)
The tallest animal in the world is all grace and beauty. Journey into Africa and discover the amazing ways that giraffes survive in their home!
COST: $10 for one child (with one adult) per class. Plus admission for general public.

Monday, February 22

22
Mon
Homeschool Class: Sailing the Southern Seas
@ 10:30am–12:00pm / 1:30–3:00pm (ages 5–9)
While all oceans share spectacular wildlife, the Southern Ocean holds its own mysteries below its brilliant blue waters. Students will voyage through the seas to discover what characteristics set it apart from all other places on the planet.
COST: $10 per participating student. Plus admission for general public.

Friday, February 26

26
Fri
Knee-high Naturalist: Frogs and Toads
@ 10:30–11:30am (ages 2–5 with an adult)
This frog and toad class is going to be a hopping time as we dive into the difference between these two groups and find out what all that croaking is about.
COST: $10 for one child (with one adult) per class. Plus admission for general public.

Saturday, February 27

27
Sat
Knee-high Naturalist: Frogs and Toads
@ 10:30–11:30am (ages 2–5 with an adult)
This frog and toad class is going to be a hopping time as we dive into the difference between these two groups and find out what all that croaking is about.
COST: $10 for one child (with one adult) per class. Plus admission for general public.

March 2021

Monday, March 1

1
Mon
Herbs are great for seasoning our food, creating amazing scents, and healing our bodies. Learn about some common herbs and the different uses for them.
COST: $20 per family (up to 6 people max per family).

Saturday, March 6

6
Sat
Make your spring cleaning a little greener this year by creating your own cleaning solutions. By using mostly common household ingredients and herbs, you can make cleaners and insect repellants that are better for Earth and your wallet.
COST: $25 per person, pre-registration required.

Monday, March 8

8
Mon
Homeschool Class: Touring the Taigas
@ 10:30am–12:00pm / 1:30–3:00pm (ages 5–9)
Asia’s vast taiga (boreal forest) is the largest land biome on earth extending into Europe. Join the excursion as we travel through towering evergreens in search of tigers, brown bears, Eurasian eagle owls, otters, and more.
COST: $10 per participating student. Plus admission for general public.

Friday, March 12

12
Fri
Our St. Patrick’s Day celebration will be filled with activities that explore rainbows and shamrocks. Of course, festivities wouldn’t be complete without leprechaun bowling!
COST: $20 per family (up to 6 people max per family).

Saturday, March 13

13
Sat
Our St. Patrick’s Day celebration will be filled with activities that explore rainbows and shamrocks. Of course, festivities wouldn’t be complete without leprechaun bowling!
COST: $20 per family (up to 6 people max per family).

Friday, March 19

19
Fri
Knee-high Naturalist: What in the World is a Babirusa?
@ 10:30–11:30am (ages 2–5 with an adult)
We all know famous zoo residents like lions and rhinos, but what about some lesser-known animals? Explore some of the unusual inhabitants at Riverbanks through this fun program.
COST: $10 for one child (with one adult) per class. Plus admission for general public.

Saturday, March 20

20
Sat
Knee-high Naturalist: What in the World is a Babirusa?
@ 10:30–11:30am (ages 2–5 with an adult)
We all know famous zoo residents like lions and rhinos, but what about some lesser-known animals? Explore some of the unusual inhabitants at Riverbanks through this fun program.
COST: $10 for one child (with one adult) per class. Plus admission for general public.

Monday, March 22

22
Mon
Homeschool Class: Touring the Taigas
@ 10:30am–12:00pm / 1:30–3:00pm (ages 5–9)
Asia’s vast taiga (boreal forest) is the largest land biome on earth extending into Europe. Join the excursion as we travel through towering evergreens in search of tigers, brown bears, Eurasian eagle owls, otters, and more.
COST: $10 per participating student. Plus admission for general public.

Friday, March 26

26
Fri
Knee-high Naturalist: Bouncy Bunnies
@ 10:30–11:30am (ages 2–5 with an adult)
We are bouncing into spring with some hare-raising discoveries about the bunnies in our backyard.
COST: $10 for one child (with one adult) per class. Plus admission for general public.

Saturday, March 27

27
Sat
Knee-high Naturalist: Bouncy Bunnies
@ 10:30–11:30am (ages 2–5 with an adult)
We are bouncing into spring with some hare-raising discoveries about the bunnies in our backyard.
COST: $10 for one child (with one adult) per class. Plus admission for general public.

April 2021

Monday, April 12

12
Mon
Homeschool Class: Rainforest Romp
@ 10:30am–12:00pm / 1:30–3:00pm (ages 5–9)
Madagascar or the “red island” is known for leaping lemurs, red soils, and strange rock formations; however, its hidden gem is its lowland rainforests with stunning orchids and colorful chameleons. Join the expedition as we explore this amazing ecosystem.
COST: $10 per participating student. Plus admission for general public.

Thursday, April 15

15
Thu
Riverbanks’ horticulturists will lead participants through the Botanical Garden as we discuss tips and tricks for gardening in the South. This expert advice will help your garden flourish. We encourage participants to bring their questions for this informal program.
COST: $15 per person, pre-registration required.

Friday, April 16

16
Fri
In honor of Earth Day, we will celebrate Earth through fun games and crafts that show us all the gifts we get from our planet.
COST: $20 per family (up to 6 people max per family).

Saturday, April 17

17
Sat
In honor of Earth Day, we will celebrate Earth through fun games and crafts that show us all the gifts we get from our planet.
COST: $20 per family (up to 6 people max per family).

Monday, April 19

19
Mon
A healthy garden begins with a healthy ecosystem, which means a variety of bugs and critters that keep plants healthy. Learn which bugs you want in your garden and how they help.
COST: $20 per family (up to 6 people max per family).

Friday, April 23

23
Fri
Knee-high Naturalist: Animal Superheroes
@ 10:30–11:30am (ages 2–5 with an adult)
This program will focus on the superhero bugs and creatures that help our planet and protect our plants.
COST: $10 for one child (with one adult) per class. Plus admission for general public.

Saturday, April 24

24
Sat
Knee-high Naturalist: Animal Superheroes
@ 10:30–11:30am (ages 2–5 with an adult)
This program will focus on the superhero bugs and creatures that help our planet and protect our plants.
COST: $10 for one child (with one adult) per class. Plus admission for general public.

Monday, April 26

26
Mon
Homeschool Class: Rainforest Romp
@ 10:30am–12:00pm / 1:30–3:00pm (ages 5–9)
Madagascar or the “red island” is known for leaping lemurs, red soils, and strange rock formations; however, its hidden gem is its lowland rainforests with stunning orchids and colorful chameleons. Join the expedition as we explore this amazing ecosystem.
COST: $10 per participating student. Plus admission for general public.

Friday, April 30

30
Fri
Knee-high Naturalist: Otterly Awesome Otters
@ 10:30–11:30am (ages 2–5 with an adult)
Otters are truly awesome! Dive in to learn more about different types of otters and how they survive!
COST: $10 for one child (with one adult) per class. Plus admission for general public.

May 2021

Saturday, May 1

1
Sat
Knee-high Naturalist: Otterly Awesome Otters
@ 10:30–11:30am (ages 2–5 with an adult)
Otters are truly awesome! Dive in to learn more about different types of otters and how they survive!
COST: $10 for one child (with one adult) per class. Plus admission for general public.

Saturday, May 8

8
Sat
Have a vegetable garden but don’t know what to do with all the bounty? This basic canning workshop will demonstrate how to make jams and jellies, as well as canning common crops like tomatoes and corn.
COST: $25 per person, pre-registration required.

Friday, May 14

14
Fri
Knee-high Naturalist: Plants and Pollinators
@ 10:30–11:30am (ages 2–5 with an adult)
Discover what types of animals are pollinators and how they help our plants form the seeds they need to keep on growing.
COST: $10 for one child (with one adult) per class. Plus admission for general public.

Saturday, May 15

15
Sat
Knee-high Naturalist: Plants and Pollinators
@ 10:30–11:30am (ages 2–5 with an adult)
Discover what types of animals are pollinators and how they help our plants form the seeds they need to keep on growing.
COST: $10 for one child (with one adult) per class. Plus admission for general public.

Riverbanks Backstage

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Rides and Attractions

Maximize your Zoo visit with hands-on, interactive activities.

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