Riverbanks Zoo and Garden : Upcoming Events & Programs

Riverbanks Celebrates International Vulture Awareness Day

Saturday, September 4

Join the flock as we celebrate the scavengers of the skies – vultures. As part of this special day, a Riverbanks bird keeper will lead a "Vulture Walk" immediately following the 1:30pm bird presentation. The guided tour will take guests to vulture exhibits throughout the Zoo. Along the way, participants will meet some vultures, learn about their natural history and even watch a vulture feeding (or two). Hungry for more vulture culture? Stop at one of the vulture education stations throughout the park.

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Pony Enrichment

Saturday, September 4 @ 9:00-10:00am (ages 3-4)

Enrichment encourages animals to interact with their environment and enhances their well being. Join us for this program to learn about the many different ways we enrich our Shetland ponies! *PLEASE NOTE: A guardian must attend the program with the child. Please do not bring other children with you.

Registration Closed
$22 (plus admission for general public)
[ View ZOOventure Programs Listing ]

Pony Bath

Saturday, September 4 @ 2:45-4:15pm (ages 5-7)

Join us while we bathe our Shetland ponies! The program starts with a pony ride. We then unsaddle the ponies for their rinse, wash, condition and squeegee. Once they are all clean, we release them into the corral and watch them roll. *PLEASE NOTE: For ages 5-7, a guardian must attend the program with the child. Please do not bring other children with you.

Registration Closed
$22 (plus admission for general public)
[ View ZOOventure Programs Listing ]

Early Childhood Classes: I'm a ZOOvivor

Thursday, September 9 @ 10:00am (age 2) / 11:00am (ages 3-4)
Saturday, September 11 @ 10:00am (age 2) / 11:00am (ages 3-4)
Wednesday, September 15 @ 11:00am (ages 3-4)
Friday, September 17 @ 10:00am (age 2) / 11:00am (ages 3-4)

Animals have adapted to their environments in order to survive. Learn about the ways animals outwit, outplay and outlast to survive in the wild.

JMG Saturday Session

Saturday, September 11 @ 10:00am-3:00pm (ages 8-13)

The Junior Master Gardener (JMG) program provides an opportunity for youth to interact and bond with nature through a new, flexible session that will be offered year-round on the second Saturday of each month. Participants can attend any month, since the material covered does not build on prior classes. Every month will cover a different section of the JMG book, so students will get certified in each section and receive an overall certification upon completion of the entire curriculum. It only takes seven Saturdays to be completely certified. Level 1 (ages 8 to 10) explores insects, plant life, design, and more. Level 2 (ages 11 to 13) focuses on plant growth and propagation methods, as well as the effects of soil and water cycles on plants.

Backyard Buds: A Garden of Animals

Wednesday, September 15 @ 10:00-10:45am (ages 3-4)
Tuesday, September 21 @ 10:00-10:45am (ages 3-4)
Thursday, September 23 @ 10:00-10:45am (ages 3-4)

Explore all the plants that have animal names and take a peek at some of the favorite plants for our Zoo animals.

Family On Safari - Overnight Camp

Friday, September 17 @ 7:00pm-9:00am (ages 5 and up)

Experience the zoo that few get to see, the Zoo at night! Riverbanks staff members are your guides on an unforgettable night of games, activities and behind-the-scenes tours. Families should bring their own sleeping gear, tents and sense of adventure. Price is per person and includes light snack and continental breakfast.

Early Childhood Classes: Wildlife Warrior

Thursday, September 23 @ 10:00am (age 2) / 11:00am (ages 3-4)
Saturday, September 25 @ 10:00am (age 2) / 11:00am (ages 3-4)
Wednesday, September 29 @ 11:00am (ages 3-4)

The quills of a porcupine, the rattle of a snake's tail, and even the shell of a turtle are all ways animals use their armor. Experience the unique armored animals of Riverbanks Zoo.

Riverbanks Roundup airs on SCETV: African Safari

Friday, September 24 @ 5:00pm

Have your question answered on TV! Email your name, hometown and zoo-related question to riverbanksroundup@riverbanks.org and then watch Riverbanks Roundup to see if your question is answered.

Concrete Leaf Art

Saturdays, September 25 and October 9 @ 10:00am-12:00pm (ages 16 and up)

Choose from the large and unusual leaves found in the Botanical Garden to create a concrete casting that can be used as a stepping stone, birdbath, decorative leaf for the garden or wall hanging. Participants will select a leaf, decide on the shape and create a casting the first week. In the second session, participants will paint and seal the cured leaf. This is a great way to make a one-of-a-kind piece of art. Dress for a mess!