Explore nature through hands-on learning during Riverbanks’ Homeschool programs throughout the school year. Whether you’re an animal enthusiast, budding gardener, or knee-high naturalist, homeschooled children ages 3–12 will enjoy a variety of exciting experiences to pique every interest.
Homeschool Classes
for ages 5–13
Homeschool students will wade, trek, and swim through ecology this Fall as we explore various ecosystems and the importance of biodiversity. Students will register for a 3-course series in the fall and/or spring.
Scheduled Programs
Daytime Crew
Do you prefer a set schedule or like flexibility? Homeschoolers will investigate factors that influence creatures and plants patterns of activity in nature.
Monday, September 15 (Fall Session A) / Monday, September 22 (Fall Session B) / Monday, September 29 (Fall Session C)
10:30am–12:00pm
Night Shift
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.
Monday, October 13 (Fall Session A) / Monday, October 20 (Fall Session B) / Monday, October 27 (Fall Session C)
10:30am–12:00pm
Twilight Team
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!
Monday, November 10 (Fall Session A) / Monday, November 17 (Fall Session B) / Monday, November 24 (Fall Session C)
10:30am–12:00pm
Nature’s Doctors
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.
Monday, January 12 (Spring Session D) / Monday, January 19 (Spring Session E) / Monday, January 26 (Spring Session F)
10:30am–12:00pm
Habitat Heros
Discover the value of ecosystem engineers and umbrella species in protecting, modifying, and even creating habitats for other organisms that share their homes.
Monday, February 9 (Spring Session D) / Monday, February 16 (Spring Session E) / Monday, February 23 (Spring Session F)
10:30am–12:00pm
Wildlife Guardians
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!
Monday, March 9 (Spring Session D) / Monday, March 16 (Spring Session E) / Monday, March 23 (Spring Session F)
10:30am–12:00pm
Program Details
- Birthdate Ranges :
- Level 1 : Ages 5–6 (Birthdate: 9/1/2018 – 8/30/2020)
- Level 2 : Ages 7–9 (Birthdate: 9/1/2015 – 8/30/2018)
- Level 3 : Ages 10–13 (Birthdate: 9/1/2012 – 8/30/2016)
- Cost :
- $50 per participating student per session (3 classes). Note: If you are not a Riverbanks member, a general admission ticket will also be required. We are unable to make changes to session rosters or make up days for participants that miss dates within their reserved session.
- Program Length :
- Programs run 90 minutes.
- Location :
- Colonial Life Discovery Center (at the Zoo).
Opens July 15
Homeschool Little Learners
for ages 3–5 with accompanying adult
These programs are offered for our littlest learners. Ages 3–5 can join us in discovering cool things about the animals in our world.
Scheduled Programs
Slippery Snails
Join us as we learn about these fascinating gastropods!
Monday, September 15 (Fall Session A) / Monday, September 29 (Fall Session C)
10:45–11:45am
Skeletons
Let’s examine different types of skeletons!
Monday, October 13 (Fall Session A) / Monday, October 27 (Fall Session C)
10:45–11:45am
Aussie Animals
Hop on over to explore the land down under and the unique inhabitants of Australia!
Monday, November 10 (Fall Session A) / Monday, November 24 (Fall Session C)
10:45–11:45am
Penguins
March on over to Riverbanks Zoo to learn more about our best-dressed residents!
Monday, January 12 (Spring Session D) / Monday, January 26 (Spring Session F)
10:45–11:45am
Marvelous Meerkats
Meerkats are all about family and teamwork! Would you make a marvelous meerkat?
Monday, February 9 (Spring Session D) / Monday, February 23 (Spring Session F)
10:45–11:45am
Fireflies and Beetles
Fireflies will be lighting up the night soon! Let's learn about these magical beetles and their kin!
Monday, March 9 (Spring Session D) / Monday, March 23 (Spring Session F)
10:45–11:45am
Program Details
- Cost :
- $40 per participating student per session (3 classes). Note: If you are not a Riverbanks member, a general admission ticket will also be required. We are unable to make changes to session rosters or make up days for participants that miss dates within their reserved session.
- Program Length :
- 10:45–11:45AM.
- Location :
- Riverbanks Farm Classroom (at the Zoo).
Opens July 15
Homeschool ZooCrew
for ages 11–14
ZooCrew is Riverbanks’ learning program for middle school youth. The ZooCrew meets twice monthly, September through May, to explore the field of conservation biology. ZooCrew will utilize the Riverbanks campus and exhibits to learn about environmental stewardship and the science behind animal care. Participants will cooperate with their peers and Riverbanks staff during classroom lessons while collecting and analyzing data and conducting their own research projects.
Program Details
- Content :
- During the 2025-2026 school year, ZooCrew students will engage in project-based learning by exploring how communication is critical to Riverbank’s mission, wildlife, and protecting the environment. Students will decide on a way they would like to engage the public in conversations about conservation as their final project. Through observations, scavenger hunts, group discussions, guest speakers, and behind the scenes exploration, participants can get an inside scoop into the importance of communication both in nature, our daily lives, and at Riverbanks!
- Session Dates and Times :
- August 25 : Virtual Family Orientation Meeting (9:30–10:30AM)
- September 8 & 22 (9:15AM–12:15PM)
- October 6 & 20 (9:15AM–12:15PM)
- November 3 & 17 (9:15AM–12:15PM)
- December 8 (9:15AM–12:15PM)
- January 5 & 19 (9:15AM–12:15PM)
- February 2 & 16 (9:15AM–12:15PM)
- March 2, 16, & 30 (9:15AM–12:15PM)
- April 20 (9:15AM–12:15PM)
- May : Presentation & End of Year Celebration (TBD)
- Ages :
- Youth entering 6th, 7th or 8th grade and at least 11 years old.
- Cost :
- Annual tuition is $480 for Riverbanks members and $600 for the general public, with a $50 deposit due at the time of registration for all participants. Tuition includes all classes, supplies, nametag, and one ZooCrew T-shirt per year. Tuition can be paid in eight monthly installments over the course of the year.
- Location :
- Riverbanks Farm Classroom (at the Zoo).
- Sign In/Sign Out :
- Monday ZooCrew guardians will be required to enter the zoo to both sign in and sign out their students. In doing so, they will be required to either show proof of membership or purchase an admission ticket for each date of programming in compliance with Riverbanks’ admission policy.
Opens July 15
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations must be received three weeks in advance of the session start date to receive a refund for your registration. Requests must be submitted in writing at education@riverbanks.org. Registrations are non-refundable and non-transferable should the cancellation or need to change a date occur within three weeks of the scheduled session.
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 cancellations will be provided at least ten days prior to the schedule 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 or portion of the session dates.
Questions about Homeschool Programs?
Please call 803.602.0803 or email us.
