Families with homeschooled children ages 2–13 can participate in hands-on learning experiences during Riverbanks’ Homeschool Monday programs throughout the school year. Animal enthusiasts, budding gardeners, and knee-high naturalists can find a variety of experiences to catch their interest.
Homeschool Classes
for Ages 5–9
Enjoy a new class each month for homeschool children ages 5–9. Each class focuses on a particular zoo topic and includes hands-on activities at the Colonial Life Discovery Center.
Scheduled Programs
Sailing the Southern Seas
- Monday, February 8 @ 10:30am–12:00pm / 1:30–3:00pm
- Monday, February 22 @ 10:30am–12:00pm / 1:30–3:00pm
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.
Touring the Taigas
- Monday, March 8 @ 10:30am–12:00pm / 1:30–3:00pm
- Monday, March 22 @ 10:30am–12:00pm / 1:30–3:00pm
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.
Rainforest Romp
- Monday, April 12 @ 10:30am–12:00pm / 1:30–3:00pm
- Monday, April 26 @ 10:30am–12:00pm / 1:30–3:00pm
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.
Program Details
- Birthdate Ranges :
Ages 5–6 (Birthdate: 10/1/2013 – 9/30/2015)
Ages 7–9 (Birthdate: 10/1/2010 – 9/30/2013)
- Cost :
$10 per participating student. Note: If you are not a Riverbanks member, a general admission ticket will also be required.
- Capacity :
Homeschool classes are a student drop-off program with a maximum of 15 students.
- Program Length :
Programs take place twice a month, September through April, and run 75–90 minutes.
- Location :
Colonial Life Discovery Center (at the Zoo).
- Registration :
Register online at least 10 days in advance of the class. Please note that Zoo admission is separate from your Homeschool registration. PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.
Homeschool Family Workshops
Join us in Waterfall Junction to enjoy this program designed especially for Riverbanks’ Homeschool families. Families will cooperatively learn and participate in activities that explore our natural world.
Scheduled Programs
Botanical Art
- Monday, February 1 @ 10:30–11:30am
By extracting dye from plants, pressing flowers, and creating chlorophyll paintings, we will use plants as the basis for different types of art.
Herb Power
- Monday, March 1 @ 10:30–11:30am
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.
Beneficial Insects
- Monday, April 19 @ 10:30–11:30am
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.
Program Details
- Cost :
$20 per family (up to 6 people max per family). Note: If you are not a Riverbanks member, a general admission ticket will also be required.
- Location :
The Waterfall Junction Learning Center in the Botanical Garden.
- Registration :
Register online at least 10 days in advance of the class. Please note that Zoo admission is separate from your Homeschool registration. Please meet the instructors at the Waterfall Junction Learning Center 10 minutes prior to the class time. PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation or date change requests must be received ten days in advance of the event. Requests must be submitted in writing at education@riverbanks.org. Riverbanks Zoo and Garden will retain a $2 processing fee for cancellations and charge a $2 processing fee for date changes.
In the rare event that Riverbanks Zoo and Garden must cancel the scheduled event, all deposits or money received will be reimbursed or an option to reschedule will be provided. Notification of cancellation will be provided at least ten days prior to the scheduled event (unless weather-related). Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is not liable for any other expenses that the guest may have incurred in the preparation and execution of the event.
Refunds will not be provided for individuals who do not show up for the event.
Questions about Homeschool Programs?
Please call 803.602.0803 or email us.