For our smallest naturalists, we offer a variety of creative, open-ended, exploratory programs for children ages 2 to 5 and their caregivers.
Tyke Hikes
for Ages 2–5 (w/an Adult)
Children and their adult companions can join us for a story and a stroller-friendly hike around the Botanical Garden while we focus on a different nature book topic each week during the summer. Come dressed for outdoor weather!
Scheduled Programs
Program Details
- Cost :
No additional cost. Note: If you are not a Riverbanks member, a general admission ticket will be required.
- Location :
Classes take place in the Waterfall Junction Learning Center at Riverbanks Botanical Garden.
- 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.
Knee-high Naturalist
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
Digging for Dinos
- Friday, September 6 @ 9:45am
- Monday, September 16 @ 10:15am
- Monday, September 23 @ 10:15am
Do you dig dinosaurs? Come discover some fascinating facts about these beasts of long ago and meet some of our living animal ambassadors with dinosaur-like traits.
Ants on the Move
- Friday, September 20 @ 9:45am
Have you ever stopped to watch an ant? These tiny creatures always seem to be on the move. Let’s take a closer look to see where they could be going and why.
Birds of Prey
- Friday, October 4 @ 9:45am
- Monday, October 14 @ 10:15am
- Monday, October 21 @ 10:15am
Did you know that birds can be fierce flying hunters? In this class we will explore the lives of hawks, owls, eagles, falcons and vultures and what makes them special.
Harvest Festival
- Friday, October 18 @ 9:45am
It’s harvest time at the Zoo and Garden! Harvest time is often a time of celebration for people all over the world. Come celebrate with us!
Sea Turtles
- Friday, November 1 @ 9:45am
- Monday, November 11 @ 10:15am
- Monday, November 18 @ 10:15am
Let’s dive into the mysterious lives of sea turtles! Did you know these majestic creatures have existed since the time of dinosaurs? They spend their whole lives in the ocean, only touching land as hatchlings running for the sea or as females returning to lay eggs.
Turkey Tales
- Friday, November 15 @ 9:45am
We are talking turkey this month. For example, did you know that a turkey’s head and neck will change color with his mood? Join us to learn more about this amazing bird.
Wildlife in Winter
- Monday, December 2 @ 10:15am
- Monday, December 9 @ 10:15am
- Friday, December 13 @ 9:45am
What do frogs do in winter? Where do the hummingbirds and dragonflies go? In this class we will explore the different ways animals cope with cold weather.
Program Details
- Cost :
$8 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 :
Classes take place in the Waterfall Junction Learning Center at Riverbanks Botanical Garden, except for Monday programs, which are held in the Farm Classroom 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.
Nature Art
for Ages 2–5 (w/an Adult)
Every month is a new theme to encourage young learners to create, explore, and play with the natural world through art and sensory experiences.
Scheduled Programs
Sand and Bubbles
- Friday, September 13 @ 9:45am
Summer is sun, sand, bubbles and fun! We bid farewell to the hot, sunny summer days by getting creative with sand and bubble painting.
Sun Catching Wind Chimes
- Friday, October 11 @ 9:45am
The winds of fall are blowing, and the days are getting shorter. Let’s create a work of art that captures the sun and uses the wind to make music!
Painting Leaves
- Friday, November 8 @ 9:45am
Nature is colorful! In this class we will explore color through the changing leaves. We will use nature’s colors in our art and add some colors of our own imaginings.
Weaving with Nature
- Friday, December 6 @ 9:45am
Join us for a wintery walk as we explore the forest. We will weave our finds together into a one of a kind work of art.
Program Details
- Cost :
$8 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 :
Classes take place in the Waterfall Junction Learning Center at Riverbanks Botanical Garden.
- 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.
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 Little Learners at Riverbanks?
Please call 803.602.0803 or email us.