Upcoming Events and Programs :: Riverbanks Zoo & Garden

Donate two cans (or bags and boxes) of non-perishable food to Harvest Hope Food Bank and get buy-one get-one admission and regular sized ICEEs during Toucan Tuesdays every Tuesday through August 12th. The promotion applies to general admission rates only (purchase one admission and get the second for equal or lesser value free; Explorer wristbands and Riverbanks’ memberships are not included). Donation bins will be located at both the Zoo and Garden entrances.

9:00_AM – 5:00_PM

Summer Zoo Camp City Critters (Week 6)

What animals are lurking in our city? Come discover the fascinating secret lives of the critters that live just outside our doors!

9:30_AM – 12:00_PM

Donate two cans (or bags and boxes) of non-perishable food to Harvest Hope Food Bank and get buy-one get-one admission and regular sized ICEEs during Toucan Tuesdays every Tuesday through August 12th. The promotion applies to general admission rates only (purchase one admission and get the second for equal or lesser value free; Explorer wristbands and Riverbanks’ memberships are not included). Donation bins will be located at both the Zoo and Garden entrances.

9:00_AM – 5:00_PM

Summer Zoo Camp City Critters (Week 7)

What animals are lurking in our city? Come discover the fascinating secret lives of the critters that live just outside our doors!

9:30_AM – 12:00_PM

Donate two cans (or bags and boxes) of non-perishable food to Harvest Hope Food Bank and get buy-one get-one admission and regular sized ICEEs during Toucan Tuesdays every Tuesday through August 12th. The promotion applies to general admission rates only (purchase one admission and get the second for equal or lesser value free; Explorer wristbands and Riverbanks’ memberships are not included). Donation bins will be located at both the Zoo and Garden entrances.

9:00_AM – 5:00_PM

Summer Zoo Camp City Critters (Week 8)

What animals are lurking in our city? Come discover the fascinating secret lives of the critters that live just outside our doors!

9:30_AM – 12:00_PM

Hours of Operation : 9:00_AM – 5:00_PM

Summer Zoo Camp KinderZoo (Week 9)

Warm up for kindergarten this summer as we explore why bright colors, unique patterns, and basic shapes are important to living things. Campers will love giant games of “I spy” as they explore the zoo, sing songs, and read stories to find letters, numbers, and more.

8:45_AM – 4:00_PM

Rising Kindergarten.

$265 Riverbanks members; $315 general public.

Register for Camp

Summer Zoo Camp Fight or Flight (Week 9)

Secret weapons or great escapes are what it takes to survive where the wild things are. Don’t miss out on discovering the many kinds of armor and defenses animals use to protect themselves in the wild.

8:45_AM – 4:00_PM

Rising 1st Grade.

$265 Riverbanks members; $315 general public.

Register for Camp

Summer Zoo Camp Life without Light (Week 9)

Light is such an important part of our everyday lives, it’s hard to imagine there are animals that never see it. Come explore the ocean depths, underground tunnels, and the dark of night as we meet animals that eyes’ glow, plants that bloom in the dark, and deep-sea creatures who make their own light!

8:45_AM – 4:00_PM

Rising 2nd Grade.

$265 Riverbanks members; $315 general public.

Register for Camp

Summer Zoo Camp Island Fever (Week 9)

Get ready to journey across Earth’s strangest, yet most amazing islands. Traveling to the islands of Madagascar, Australia, Galapagos, and many more, you’ll discover what makes these islands’ so unique.

8:45_AM – 4:00_PM

Summer Zoo Camp KinderZoo (Week 9)

Warm up for kindergarten this summer as we explore why bright colors, unique patterns, and basic shapes are important to living things. Campers will love giant games of “I spy” as they explore the zoo, sing songs, and read stories to find letters, numbers, and more.

8:45_AM – 4:00_PM

Rising Kindergarten.

$265 Riverbanks members; $315 general public.

Register for Camp

Summer Zoo Camp Fight or Flight (Week 9)

Secret weapons or great escapes are what it takes to survive where the wild things are. Don’t miss out on discovering the many kinds of armor and defenses animals use to protect themselves in the wild.

8:45_AM – 4:00_PM

Rising 1st Grade.

$265 Riverbanks members; $315 general public.

Register for Camp

Summer Zoo Camp Life without Light (Week 9)

Light is such an important part of our everyday lives, it’s hard to imagine there are animals that never see it. Come explore the ocean depths, underground tunnels, and the dark of night as we meet animals that eyes’ glow, plants that bloom in the dark, and deep-sea creatures who make their own light!

8:45_AM – 4:00_PM

Rising 2nd Grade.

$265 Riverbanks members; $315 general public.

Register for Camp

Summer Zoo Camp Island Fever (Week 9)

Get ready to journey across Earth’s strangest, yet most amazing islands. Traveling to the islands of Madagascar, Australia, Galapagos, and many more, you’ll discover what makes these islands’ so unique.

8:45_AM – 4:00_PM

Tap into your Wild Side for the 20^th annual Brew at the Zoo! Experience an unforgettable evening of craft and local beer, live music, and wildlife set against the stunning backdrop of Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. This event promises to be a memorable night for beer enthusiasts and animal lovers alike.

7:00 – 9:30_PM

No one under 21 will be admitted.

General Tickets Member Tickets

Tuesday, August 5, 2025

Hours of Operation : 9:00_AM – 5:00_PM

Toucan Tuesdays

Donate two cans (or bags and boxes) of non-perishable food to Harvest Hope Food Bank and get buy-one get-one admission and regular sized ICEEs during Toucan Tuesdays every Tuesday through August 12th. The promotion applies to general admission rates only (purchase one admission and get the second for equal or lesser value free; Explorer wristbands and Riverbanks’ memberships are not included). Donation bins will be located at both the Zoo and Garden entrances.

9:00_AM – 5:00_PM

Tuesday, August 12, 2025

Hours of Operation : 9:00_AM – 5:00_PM

Toucan Tuesdays

Donate two cans (or bags and boxes) of non-perishable food to Harvest Hope Food Bank and get buy-one get-one admission and regular sized ICEEs during Toucan Tuesdays every Tuesday through August 12th. The promotion applies to general admission rates only (purchase one admission and get the second for equal or lesser value free; Explorer wristbands and Riverbanks’ memberships are not included). Donation bins will be located at both the Zoo and Garden entrances.

9:00_AM – 5:00_PM

Friday, September 5, 2025

Hours of Operation : 9:00_AM – 5:00_PM

Members’ Night Out

It’s free, after-hours, and for members only. Stroll around the park with a new perspective, see our animals engaging with enrichment, and meet members of our animal care team as they roam the Zoo sharing personal stories throughout the night.

6:00 – 9:00_PM

Free for Riverbanks members only (no guest passes, please). Pre-registration is not required.

Monday, September 15, 2025

Hours of Operation : 9:00_AM – 5:00_PM

Homeschool Class Daytime Crew (Fall Session A)

Do you prefer a set schedule or like flexibility? Homeschoolers will investigate factors that influence creatures and plants patterns of activity in nature.

10:30_AM – 12:00_PM

Children ages 5–13.

Colonial Life Discovery Center (at the Zoo).

$50 per participating student per session (3 classes). Note: If you are not a Riverbanks member, a general admission ticket will also be required.

Opens July 15

Homeschool Little Learners Slippery Snails (Fall Session A)

Join us as we learn about these fascinating gastropods!

10:45 – 11:45_AM

Children ages 3–5 with accompanying adult.

Riverbanks Farm Classroom (at the Zoo).

$40 per participating student per session (3 classes). Note: If you are not a Riverbanks member, a general admission ticket will also be required.

Opens July 15

Monday, September 22, 2025

Hours of Operation : 9:00_AM – 5:00_PM

Homeschool Class Daytime Crew (Fall Session B)

Do you prefer a set schedule or like flexibility? Homeschoolers will investigate factors that influence creatures and plants patterns of activity in nature.

10:30_AM – 12:00_PM

Children ages 5–13.

Colonial Life Discovery Center (at the Zoo).

$50 per participating student per session (3 classes). Note: If you are not a Riverbanks member, a general admission ticket will also be required.

Opens July 15

Friday, September 26, 2025

Hours of Operation : 9:00_AM – 5:00_PM

Signature Event Riverbanks ZOOfari

Join us for the 51^st anniversary edition of ZOOfari — an unforgettable evening of cocktails, cuisine, and conservation! Experience the nostalgia with flavors from previous ZOOfari events, paired with specialty cocktails throughout the Zoo.

7:00 – 9:30_PM

Opens August 1

Monday, September 29, 2025

Hours of Operation : 9:00_AM – 5:00_PM

Homeschool Class Daytime Crew (Fall Session C)

Do you prefer a set schedule or like flexibility? Homeschoolers will investigate factors that influence creatures and plants patterns of activity in nature.

10:30_AM – 12:00_PM

Children ages 5–13.

Colonial Life Discovery Center (at the Zoo).

$50 per participating student per session (3 classes). Note: If you are not a Riverbanks member, a general admission ticket will also be required.

Opens July 15

Homeschool Little Learners Slippery Snails (Fall Session C)

Join us as we learn about these fascinating gastropods!

10:45 – 11:45_AM

Children ages 3–5 with accompanying adult.

Riverbanks Farm Classroom (at the Zoo).

$40 per participating student per session (3 classes). Note: If you are not a Riverbanks member, a general admission ticket will also be required.

Opens July 15

Monday, October 13, 2025

Hours of Operation : 9:00_AM – 5:00_PM

Homeschool Class Night Shift (Fall Session A)

Are you more of a night owl or early bird? Participants will enjoy exploring the unique adaptations and behavior of wildlife that prefer the dark.

10:30_AM – 12:00_PM

Children ages 5–13.

Colonial Life Discovery Center (at the Zoo).

$50 per participating student per session (3 classes). Note: If you are not a Riverbanks member, a general admission ticket will also be required.

Opens July 15

Homeschool Little Learners Skeletons (Fall Session A)

Let’s examine different types of skeletons!

10:45 – 11:45_AM

Are you more of a night owl or early bird? Participants will enjoy exploring the unique adaptations and behavior of wildlife that prefer the dark.

10:30_AM – 12:00_PM

Children ages 5–13.

Colonial Life Discovery Center (at the Zoo).

$50 per participating student per session (3 classes). Note: If you are not a Riverbanks member, a general admission ticket will also be required.

Opens July 15

Homeschool Little Learners Skeletons (Fall Session C)

Let’s examine different types of skeletons!

10:45 – 11:45_AM

Children ages 3–5 with accompanying adult.

Riverbanks Farm Classroom (at the Zoo).

$40 per participating student per session (3 classes). Note: If you are not a Riverbanks member, a general admission ticket will also be required.

Opens July 15

Signature Event Boo at the Zoo

Gather your little ghosts and goblins and head to Boo at the Zoo, Riverbanks’ annual family-friendly spook-tacular!

6:00 – 9:00_PM

Buy online and save! Children younger than 2 will be admitted free.

Opens September 15

Tuesday, October 28, 2025

Hours of Operation : 9:00_AM – 5:00_PM

Signature Event Boo at the Zoo

Gather your little ghosts and goblins and head to Boo at the Zoo, Riverbanks’ annual family-friendly spook-tacular!

6:00 – 9:00_PM

Buy online and save! Children younger than 2 will be admitted free.

Opens September 15

Wednesday, October 29, 2025

Hours of Operation : 9:00_AM – 5:00_PM

Signature Event Boo at the Zoo

Gather your little ghosts and goblins and head to Boo at the Zoo, Riverbanks’ annual family-friendly spook-tacular!

6:00 – 9:00_PM

Buy online and save! Children younger than 2 will be admitted free.

Opens September 15

Thursday, October 30, 2025

Hours of Operation : 9:00_AM – 5:00_PM

Signature Event Boo at the Zoo

Gather your little ghosts and goblins and head to Boo at the Zoo, Riverbanks’ annual family-friendly spook-tacular!

6:00 – 9:00_PM

Buy online and save! Children younger than 2 will be admitted free.

Opens September 15

Monday, November 10, 2025

Hours of Operation : 9:00_AM – 5:00_PM

Homeschool Class Twilight Team (Fall Session A)

Why are early mornings or late afternoons the best time to visit Riverbanks Zoo? Participants can look forward to discovering why many animals at the zoo are most active at Twilight!

10:30_AM – 12:00_PM

Children ages 5–13.

Colonial Life Discovery Center (at the Zoo).

$50 per participating student per session (3 classes). Note: If you are not a Riverbanks member, a general admission ticket will also be required.

Opens July 15

Homeschool Little Learners Aussie Animals (Fall Session A)

Hop on over to explore the land down under and the unique inhabitants of Australia!

10:45 – 11:45_AM

Children ages 3–5 with accompanying adult.

Riverbanks Farm Classroom (at the Zoo).

$40 per participating student per session (3 classes). Note: If you are not a Riverbanks member, a general admission ticket will also be required.

Opens July 15

Monday, November 17, 2025

Hours of Operation : 9:00_AM – 5:00_PM

Homeschool Class Twilight Team (Fall Session B)

Why are early mornings or late afternoons the best time to visit Riverbanks Zoo? Participants can look forward to discovering why many animals at the zoo are most active at Twilight!

10:30_AM – 12:00_PM

Hours of Operation : 9:00_AM – 5:00_PM

Homeschool Class Nature’s Doctors (Spring Session D)

Nature’s doctors help scientists identify and diagnose the overall health of an ecosystem. Join us as we learn how “indicator species” are important to their environments.

10:30_AM – 12:00_PM

Children ages 5–13.

Colonial Life Discovery Center (at the Zoo).

$50 per participating student per session (3 classes). Note: If you are not a Riverbanks member, a general admission ticket will also be required.

Opens July 15

Homeschool Little Learners Penguins (Spring Session D)

March on over to Riverbanks Zoo to learn more about our best-dressed residents!

10:45 – 11:45_AM

Children ages 3–5 with accompanying adult.

Riverbanks Farm Classroom (at the Zoo).

$40 per participating student per session (3 classes). Note: If you are not a Riverbanks member, a general admission ticket will also be required.

Opens July 15

Monday, January 19, 2026

Hours of Operation : 9:00_AM – 5:00_PM

Homeschool Class Nature’s Doctors (Spring Session E)

Nature’s doctors help scientists identify and diagnose the overall health of an ecosystem. Join us as we learn how “indicator species” are important to their environments.

10:30_AM – 12:00_PM

Hours of Operation : 9:00_AM – 5:00_PM

Homeschool Class Habitat Heros (Spring Session D)

Discover the value of ecosystem engineers and umbrella species in protecting, modifying, and even creating habitats for other organisms that share their homes.

10:30_AM – 12:00_PM

Children ages 5–13.

Colonial Life Discovery Center (at the Zoo).

$50 per participating student per session (3 classes). Note: If you are not a Riverbanks member, a general admission ticket will also be required.

Opens July 15

Homeschool Little Learners Marvelous Meerkats (Spring Session D)

Meerkats are all about family and teamwork! Would you make a marvelous meerkat?

10:45 – 11:45_AM

Children ages 3–5 with accompanying adult.

Riverbanks Farm Classroom (at the Zoo).

$40 per participating student per session (3 classes). Note: If you are not a Riverbanks member, a general admission ticket will also be required.

Opens July 15

Monday, February 16, 2026

Hours of Operation : 9:00_AM – 5:00_PM

Homeschool Class Habitat Heros (Spring Session E)

Discover the value of ecosystem engineers and umbrella species in protecting, modifying, and even creating habitats for other organisms that share their homes.

10:30_AM – 12:00_PM

Hours of Operation : 9:00_AM – 5:00_PM

Homeschool Class Wildlife Guardians (Spring Session D)

What do sea stars, bees, saguaro cactus, and alligators have in common? Homeschoolers explore these “Key” species to find out how they are vital to conserving their environments food webs and maybe even nominate their own flagship species for conservation!

10:30_AM – 12:00_PM

Children ages 5–13.

Colonial Life Discovery Center (at the Zoo).

$50 per participating student per session (3 classes). Note: If you are not a Riverbanks member, a general admission ticket will also be required.

Fireflies will be lighting up the night soon! Let's learn about these magical beetles and their kin!

10:45 – 11:45_AM

Children ages 3–5 with accompanying adult.

Riverbanks Farm Classroom (at the Zoo).

$40 per participating student per session (3 classes). Note: If you are not a Riverbanks member, a general admission ticket will also be required.

Opens July 15