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 Mondays
for Ages 2–5 (w/an Adult)
Discover amazing plants and animals through engaging activities, imaginative play, and crafts as we explore different topics in an informal learning environment.
Scheduled Programs
Seals and Sea Lions
- Monday, September 27 @ 10:45–11:45am
- Monday, October 4 @ 10:45–11:45am
Seals and sea lions are spectacular! Check out why these guys are truly stars of the sea.
Alligators and Crocodiles
- Monday, October 18 @ 10:45–11:45am
- Monday, October 25 @ 10:45–11:45am
Do you love dinosaurs? Join us to discover more about their closest living relatives.
Spiky Animals
- Monday, November 8 @ 10:45–11:45am
- Monday, November 15 @ 10:45–11:45am
These creatures may not be very huggable, but they are amazing! Come find out more about animals with spikes, quills and spines.
Program Details
- Cost :
$10 for one child (with one adult) per class. Note: If you are not a Riverbanks member, a general admission ticket will also be required.
- Location :
Little Learners Homeschool Monday classes take place in Safari Camp next to the Farm at Riverbanks Zoo.
- Registration :
Pre-registration is required for all activities. Available programs may be registered for via the eTickets Store. Upon receipt of your registration, a confirmation will be sent when you are placed in the activity.
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
Pollinator Partners
- Monday, September 27 @ 10:30am–12:00pm
- Monday, October 4 @ 10:30am–12:00pm
Explore the important role bees, butterflies, beetles and birds play in the health of our planet and at the Zoo!
Animal Allies
- Monday, October 18 @ 10:30am–12:00pm
- Monday, October 25 @ 10:30am–12:00pm
Did you know that some animals act as dentists, hairdressers, bus drivers and even police officers for other wildlife? Don’t miss the fun as we discover the art of living together in nature.
Marvelous Marsupials
- Monday, November 8 @ 10:30am–12:00pm
- Monday, November 15 @ 10:30am–12:00pm
Marsupials are not your average mammals! Join us as we learn more about some of the Zoo’s most popular and unique wildlife.
Magnificent Metamorphosis
- Monday, February 7 @ 10:30am–12:00pm
- Monday, February 14 @ 10:30am–12:00pm
From millipedes to frogs, many creatures go through amazing transformations as they grow. Take a closer look with us at these incredible changes.
Brilliant Burrowers
- Monday, March 7 @ 10:30am–12:00pm
- Monday, March 14 @ 10:30am–12:00pm
Get the scoop on underground homes and cities being formed daily at Riverbanks by some of its smallest and largest residents.
Skillful Shell Builders
- Monday, March 28 @ 10:30am–12:00pm
- Monday, April 4 @ 10:30am–12:00pm
Have you ever wondered where the sea shells you pick up at the beach come from or why insects look so different? Join the exploration as we take a closer look at animals that build their skeletons on the outside.
Program Details
- Birthdate Ranges :
Level 1 : Ages 5–6 (Birthdate: 9/1/2014 – 8/30/2016)
Level 2 : Ages 7–9 (Birthdate: 9/1/2011 – 8/30/2014)
- Cost :
$10 per participating student. Note: If you are not a Riverbanks member, a general admission ticket will also be required.
- Program Length :
Programs 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
Nature’s Teamwork
- Monday, September 20 @ 10:30–11:30am
Just like us, nature depends on teamwork to get the job done. Join us as we discover the many symbiotic relationships in plants and animals.
Unique Lifecycles
- Monday, November 1 @ 10:30–11:30am
Every living thing goes through a series of stages as they grow, even plants! Discover the many unusual detours plant life cycles can take along the way.
Animal Architects
- Monday, February 28 @ 10:30–11:30am
Animal homes come in all shapes, sizes and materials. Come participate in activities testing your own building skills as we learn about different ways plants are used as building materials.
Program Details
- Cost :
$25 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 :
Norman & Gerry Sue Arnold Learning Center at Waterfall Junction 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.