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For our smallest naturalists, we offer a variety of creative, open-ended, exploratory programs for children ages 2 to 5 and their caregivers.

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

Rascally Raccoons

  • Friday, January 15 @ 10:30–11:30am
  • Saturday, January 16 @ 10:30–11:30am

Raccoons are known for being clever and mischievous as they search for food in a variety of places. We will discover just what makes these common backyard mammals so rascally.

Backyard Birds

  • Friday, January 29 @ 10:30–11:30am
  • Saturday, January 30 @ 10:30–11:30am

Spring is the season for birds to begin migrating and nest building. We will learn all about some cool bird behaviors as we explore the world of nests and eggs.

Gentle Giraffes

  • Friday, February 19 @ 10:30–11:30am
  • Saturday, February 20 @ 10:30–11:30am

The tallest animal in the world is all grace and beauty. Journey into Africa and discover the amazing ways that giraffes survive in their home!

Frogs and Toads

  • Friday, February 26 @ 10:30–11:30am
  • Saturday, February 27 @ 10:30–11:30am

This frog and toad class is going to be a hopping time as we dive into the difference between these two groups and find out what all that croaking is about.

What in the World is a Babirusa?

  • Friday, March 19 @ 10:30–11:30am
  • Saturday, March 20 @ 10:30–11:30am

We all know famous zoo residents like lions and rhinos, but what about some lesser-known animals? Explore some of the unusual inhabitants at Riverbanks through this fun program.

Bouncy Bunnies

  • Friday, March 26 @ 10:30–11:30am
  • Saturday, March 27 @ 10:30–11:30am

We are bouncing into spring with some hare-raising discoveries about the bunnies in our backyard.

Animal Superheroes

  • Friday, April 23 @ 10:30–11:30am
  • Saturday, April 24 @ 10:30–11:30am

This program will focus on the superhero bugs and creatures that help our planet and protect our plants.

Otterly Awesome Otters

  • Friday, April 30 @ 10:30–11:30am
  • Saturday, May 1 @ 10:30–11:30am

Otters are truly awesome! Dive in to learn more about different types of otters and how they survive!

Plants and Pollinators

  • Friday, May 14 @ 10:30–11:30am
  • Saturday, May 15 @ 10:30–11:30am

Discover what types of animals are pollinators and how they help our plants form the seeds they need to keep on growing.

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 :

    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.

Register for Program

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.