Upcoming Events at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden | Arts & Culture

Living Heuchera Wreaths

November 3, 2012

Create a one-of-a-kind wreath for your wall or door using a sphagnum wreath base and planting it with Heuchera (Coral Bells). Every participant will plant a 13-inch wreath to take home, as well as learn about alternative plants and forms for unusual focal points. This is the gift that keeps on giving as these evergreen plants will continue to grow and wow. Class time is 10:30am to 11am. Visit www.riverbanks.org for more information or call 803.779.8717 ext. 1799.

Backyard Buds

November 8 and December 6, 2012

Discover fascinating facts about native and exotic plant life at Riverbanks and beyond through hands-on activities and demonstrations designed for children ages 3 to 4. Two all-new classes are being offered. Food for Everyone will allow participants to experiment with different types of herbs while discovering which plants are favorites of our Zoo animals. Children will also enjoy Stepping Stones—an opportunity to create garden art that they can treasure forever! For more information, visit www.riverbanks.org  or call 803.779.8717 ext. 1799.

Nature Explorers

November 10 and December 8, 2012

Young explorers are encouraged to dig in to their natural surroundings through hands-on activities designed for children ages 5 to 9. Kids can get excited about herbs and bulbs in two all-new classes. As Thanksgiving approaches, Hooray for Herbs will teach participants about some of the most common culinary herbs – many that are often used in favorite holiday dishes. In addition, kids will make their own herb mix to take home. Blooming Bulbs will give children an opportunity to dissect different bulbs while getting to the root of their growth. Participants will also plant some indoor winter blooming bulbs to take home. For more information, visit www.riverbanks.org  or call 803.779.8717 ext. 1799.

Veterans Day

November 12, 2012

Active duty and retired military personnel with a military ID card receive free admission in honor of Veterans Day. Call 803.779.8717 for more information.

Lights Before Christmas

November 17 – December 30, 2012 (closed November 22, December 24 and 25)

Experience Columbia’s longest running holiday tradition as OneMain Financial Presents the 25th annual Lights Before Christmas at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. From 6 to 9pm each evening the Zoo shines with nearly one million twinkling lights and countless animated images representing some of Riverbanks’ most loveable residents. Take your photo with Santa, roast marshmallows and sip hot cocoa at the Jingle Bell Bonfire—and if you’re dreaming of a white Christmas, Riverbanks is the only place in town where it snows every night! Guests who purchase tickets in advance will receive a $2 discounted rate of $8 for adults and $6 for children ages 3-12. Advance tickets may be purchased online at www.riverbanks.org or at any Zoo ticket window. All Riverbanks members are eligible to receive one free visit when they show their membership card and picture ID at the gate. Guest passes are not accepted.

Safari Saturday

November 17 and December 15, 2012

Young explorers and parents: Get ready to discover exciting things about nature! Each class is a learning adventure designed to teach your youngster new concepts that are appropriate for young minds. Classes are a combination of story time, songs, games, hands-on activities, animal encounters (when available) and crafts. Safari Saturdays are designed for children ages 2 to 5. Visit www.riverbanks.org for more information or call 803.779.8717 ext. 1400.

Holiday Wreaths

December 1, 2012

Using fresh greens, seed pods and natural accents, you can create unique decorations for the holidays. This workshop will cover the basics of how to use natural materials and everyone will make a fresh wreath. Class time is 10:30am to 11am. Visit www.riverbanks.org for more information or call 803.779.8717 ext. 1799.

Winter Zoo Camp

Thursday, December 20 and Friday, December 21, 2012

5 to 10 year olds are invited to explore the world through the eyes of Riverbanks’ tree huggers in this all-new two day camp. Climb with us as we discover how koalas, tree frogs, siamangs, owls and lemurs survive life in the trees. Zoo campers will share the excitement as they learn through storytelling, crafts, games, zoo walks, animal encounters and behind-the-scenes tours. Camp will take place from 9am to 3pm. The cost is $75 for Zoo members and $100 for the general public. For more information or to register, visit www.riverbanks.org or call 803.779.8717.

Girl Scout Gift-A-Paloo-ZOO and Holly Jolly Night Hike

Saturday, December 1 and Sunday, December 2, 2012

Join Riverbanks for our very first Girls’ Night Out Girl Scout holiday event—Gift-A-Paloo-ZOO and Holly Jolly Night Hike! Come see the Zoo in a different light… nearly one million twinkling lights. Gift-A-Paloo-Zoo is a fun-filled evening of crafts, animal encounters and activities that will earn credits towards your badge requirements and journeys. The wildest night ever will begin with a SWAPS meet and end with a night hike through the Zoo where you will enjoy the sights and sounds of Lights Before Christmas. The event will take place each evening from 5:30pm to 9pm. The cost is $20 per scout and $10 per adult; admission to Lights is included in the program fee. For more information, visit www.riverbanks.org or call 803.779.8717.

YEAR-ROUND PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden offers free, scheduled animal demonstrations and keeper talks throughout the day. For guests who want an all-encompassing experience, Riverbanks offers a new unlimited rides and attractions wristband. Wristband wearers can take advantage of six interactive activities, including feeding the giraffes, feeding the lorikeets, riding the ponies, riding the carousel, hopping on board the Spots and Stripes Railroad (children’s train),  and climbing the 26-foot Wild Adventures rock wall. Cost: $20 per person (plus general admission).

Behind-the-Scenes Adventure Tours

Every Saturday

Walk on the “wild side” as you get an inside look at some out-of-sight places. Meet a penguin face-to-beak, scratch a Galapagos tortoise, measure up to a grizzly bear, help train an elephant, get face-to-whiskers with a tiger or feed a flamingo!  Encounter animals up close, explore behind the scenes and meet experienced keepers. Marvel at the unique challenges of animal care and the amazing efforts that go into creating and sustaining a world-class zoo. A variety of Adventure Tours are available. For schedules and pricing, visit www.riverbanks.org or call (803) 978-1113.

Educational Programs at Riverbanks

Toddler Tales

Bring your preschooler on Thursday for this age-appropriate program that includes stories, songs, plus a wild adventure. These 20-minute programs are held every Thursday in the outdoor Congo Classroom across from Gorilla Base Camp. During inclement weather the program will be in Discovery Center Theater. The program is free with a Zoo membership or paid general admission to Riverbanks Zoo and Garden.

Homeschool Mondays
Homeschooled children ages 5 to 13, accompanied by an adult, are invited to participate in Homeschool Mondays at Riverbanks. Programs last 45 minutes and are offered twice monthly from September through May. Class times are 9:30am for the 5- to 7-year-old program, 10:45am for the 8- to 10-year-old program, and 12:00pm for the 11- to 13-year-old program. For more information visit www.riverbanks.org or email gkim@riverbanks.org.

Overnights and Night Howls

Throughout the Year

Discover the nightlife at Riverbanks! The Zoo’s interactive nighttime programs include live animal encounters, keeper-led behind-the-scenes tours, a hike through the Zoo at the end of the evening and a light snack. For those groups spending the night, light breakfast, a morning program, and free daytime admission to the park is also included. Nighttime adventures take place year-round, any day of the week, so call early to get your preferred date. Beginning in October, special event overnights are offered on select dates during Boo at the Zoo and Lights Before Christmas. A minimum of 15 participants are required for Night Howls and 25 for overnights. The Zoo can accommodate two groups per night with a maximum group size of 50.  For availability and details, visit www.riverbanks.org or call (803) 978-1113.