Whether you teach preschool or high school, we have a school program to fit your needs. All programs are carefully crafted around South Carolina Science Academic Standards and are developed to involve your students in active, student centered learning.
Classroom Programs
Your group can join us in one of our on-site classrooms to go deeper into standards-aligned hands-on activities with one of our trained educators.
Available Programs
On the Move (Preschool)
Can you swim like a fish? Slither like a snake? Swing like a siamang? Students will explore animal movement as they hop, crawl and wiggle their way through story, song and activities.
SC State Standards: APL-1, APL-5, APL-8, HPD-4, LDC-1, LDC-2, LDC-3, LDC-7, LDC-8, CD-10
Colorful Creatures (Preschool)
Join the worldwide game of hide and seek as we explore how both animals and Riverbanks’ keepers use colors.
SC State Standards: APL-1, APL-8, ESD-5, LDC-1, LDC-2, LDC-3, LDC-7, LDC-8, CD-10
Kindergarten Keepers (Kindergarten)
Kindergarteners will count, play and pretend their way through this fun class exploring what it takes to care for an animal’s needs.
SC State Standards: K-LS1-1, K-ESS3-1
Investigating Adaptations (1st Grade)
Students will put their observation and critical thinking skills to the test as they discover how wildlife adaptations help us all survive, grow and meet our needs.
SC State Standards: 1-LS1-1
Seeds on the Move (2nd Grade)
Students will explore and experiment through this windy, wet, sticky and sometimes yucky investigation of seed dispersal.
SC State Standards: 2-LS2-2
Escaping Extinction (3rd Grade)
In this mystery inspired class, students will have to put their geography skills and knowledge to the test to save local species from extinction.
SC State Standards: 3.1.1.AG, 3-LS4-3
Adaptation Engineers (4th Grade)
Work as a team to overcome a challenge in this adaptation themed class. Students will observe living plants and animals as well as design their own model plant.
SC State Standards: 4-LS1-1
Mighty Plankton (5th Grade)
Students will get an introduction to the base of the ocean’s food web while using engineering design skills to create models of plankton to compete in the Great Plankton Race.
SC State Standards: 5-PS3-1, 5-LS1-1
Pollination Investigation (6th–8th Grade)
Help Riverbanks staff identify factors that could be affecting pollinator populations at nearby farms in this project-based class, BEEfore all your favorite foods disappear for good!
SC State Standards: 7-LS2-1, 7-LS2-4, 7-LS2-5
Program Details
- Cost :
- $90 per program.
- Capacity :
- Up to 25 students and 2 adults.
- Program Length :
- 45 minutes.
- Program Start Times :
- 9:30AM, 10:45AM, 12:00PM, 1:15PM, and 2:00PM.
Groups should arrive at the zoo at least 30 minutes prior to their program start time to ensure adequate time to enter the park. Groups arriving more than 15 minutes late for programs will result in cancellation of the program without refunds and will not be rescheduled.
Instructor Led Tours
Allow our trained educators to guide your group through the zoo and provide your students with an insider’s knowledge of Riverbanks Zoo and Gardens.
Available Programs
Specialized to Survive Tour (3rd–5th Grade)
From alligators with their special eyelids to zebras with their stripes, animals have unique bodies that allow them to live in their different habitats. On this tour, learn more about how animals’ adaptations are suited to their specific environments.
SC Science Standards: 3-LS3-2
Animal Senses Tour (3rd–5th Grade)
From whiskers to magnetoreceptors, animals have some of the most unique sensory organs to detect and respond to signals in their environment. Students will enjoy using their senses to discover more about Riverbanks wildlife.
SC Science Standards: 4-LS1-2
Prehistoric Creatures Tour (6th–12th Grade)
Millions of years ago, different animals roamed the planet. Join us on a journey to the past as you learn about these amazing prehistoric creatures and how animals today might not be so different.
SC Science Standards: 8-LS4-1, 8-LS4-2
Riverbanks Careers Tour (6th–12th Grade)
Are you interested in computers, photography, marketing, horticulture or guest services? The Zoo might be the place for you! Take a tour with us to discover the teamwork and talented people that run the Zoo.
Program Details
- Cost :
- $75 per program.
- Capacity :
- Up to 16 students and 2 adults.
- Program Length :
- 45 minutes.
- Program Start Times :
- 9:30AM, 10:45AM, 12:00PM, 1:15PM, and 2:00PM.
Groups should arrive at the zoo at least 30 minutes prior to their program start time to ensure adequate time to enter the park. Groups arriving more than 15 minutes late for programs will result in cancellation of the program without refunds and will not be rescheduled.
Self-guided Tours
Promote student engagement with a personalized Goosechase. Riverbanks has Goosechase Experiences to engage students of any age with a variety of activities and questions that student’s or chaperone’s can access from their mobile device.
Available Programs
Wild Families (Kindergarten–2nd Grade)
Life on our planet is incredibly diverse. Join us in exploring and celebrating all kinds of wild families in the animal kingdom.
SC Science Standards: 1-LS1-2, 1-LS3-1
Who Works at the Zoo? (Kindergarten–5th Grade)
Did you know Riverbanks is like a mini city with staff that work as chefs, teachers, police, and veterinarians. Explore the many amazing jobs that work together to care for wildlife.
A Watery World (3rd–5th Grade)
Whether you live on the coast or far inland, we all need a healthy ocean and stable climate to survive and thrive. Meet marine species and identify conservation in action during this experience.
SC Science Standards: 3-LS4-3, 3-LS4-4, 4-ESS3-2, 5-ESS3-1
Conserving Wildlife and Wild Places (6th–12th Grade)
Travel around Riverbanks to explore various wildlife and how humans impact their survival. Don’t miss out on the chance to find out Riverbanks and you can conserve wildlife and wild places.
SC Science Standards: 7-ESS3-4, 8-LS4-4, B-LS2-7
A Wild Look Back (9th Grade–Adult)
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is celebrating 50 years of wildlife, conservation and family fun. Discover how the campus has grown from a small zoo in 1974 to the most visited zoo in the southeast today.
Program Details
- Cost :
- $10 set-up fee.
Career Day
Take your school’s career fair off-site this year! School groups, elementary through high school, are invited to explore exciting job opportunities in animal care, education, horticulture, and more! Discover the tools of the trade, meet zoo professionals and ask questions, and learn how to apply for seasonal and full-time opportunities at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden.
Program Details
- Date :
- Friday, February 21, 2025 at 9:00am–12:00pm.
- Cost :
- Free with park admission. Space is limited, school groups please book your field trips at least two weeks in advance.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation or date change requests must be received three weeks in advance of the event to receive a refund of your registration. Requests must be submitted in writing at education@riverbanks.org Riverbanks Zoo and Garden will retain a 10% processing fee for cancellations.
Groups should arrive at the zoo at least 30 minutes prior to their program start time to ensure adequate time to enter the park. Groups arriving more than 15 minutes late for programs will result in cancellation of the program without refunds and will not be rescheduled.
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. Notifications 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.
Programs Information Inquiry Programs may be requested in advance online or by calling the Education Department at 803.602.0803 Monday through Friday between 8:00am and 1:00pm. Once your information is received, we will check availability and reply to your request in a timely manner. This request does NOT guarantee availability! Groups will receive an emailed “Field Trip Confirmation Letter” with reserved date and program details.
Don’t see something that meets your needs? We will create custom programs for your group. Requests must be made at least 30 days in advance. A nominal development fee will be charged.
Interested in college level programs? Please contact the Education Department at 803.602.0803.
Questions about School Programs at Riverbanks?
Please call 803.602.0803 or email us.
