Riverbanks Zoo and Garden 2010 Calendar

March for Meals 5K Run/Walk at Riverbanks

March 6, 2010

Join Riverbanks Zoo and Garden as we host the annual March for Meals 5K Run and Walk. The race will kick off at 7:30am and check-in begins at 6:15am. The cost of registration is $20 for adult runners, $15 for adult walkers and $10 for children 12 and younger until February 15. Those registering after February 15 will pay $25 to run and $20 to walk. On the day of the race, the registration fee increases to $30 for both runners and walkers. Registration fees include a T-shirt and a one-day pass to the Zoo. T-shirts are only guaranteed if you register by February 15. Those interested can register online at www.seniorresourcesinc.org or call 803.252.7734. All proceeds benefit Meals on Wheels. Please note: Jogging strollers will only be welcome on the walker course. No strollers will be permitted on the running course.

Springtime at the Garden Festival

March 27, 2010

Garner inspiration and discover tricks of the trade to motivate you for a successful gardening season at the Springtime at the Garden Festival at Riverbanks Botanical Garden on Saturday, March 27, 2010. Guests can consult the experts on how to keep their backyards in bloom, managing those pesky fire ants and even tackle tougher questions with the Master Gardeners from Clemson Extension. In addition to the garden-related activities, there will be live music in the amphitheater and just-for-kids arts and craft stations. Activities will be held from 9am to 4pm, and participation is free with paid admission to Riverbanks Zoo and Garden.

Spring Break Camp

April 6 – 8, 2010

Enjoy three fun-filled days at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden over spring break! Kids ages 5 to 10 will celebrate the spring season with hands-on activities, animal encounters, arts and crafts, games and much more! Camp runs from 9am to 3pm. The cost for camp is $120 for members, $150 for non-members. Drop off begins at 8:20am and extended Stay-n-Play options are available. For more information, call 803.779.8717 x1113 or visit www.riverbanks.org.

Members’ Night Series

April 16, May 21, June 18 and July 16, 2010

The 2010 Members’ Night Series is free, after-hours and for members only (no guest passes, please). On four Friday evenings, Riverbanks members can stroll through the Zoo for two extraordinary hours – when the park is normally closed to the public. Come one evening or all four! Gates open at 6:00pm.  Parking is at the main Zoo entrance only. Pre-registration is not required. For up-to-the minute details, log on to www.riverbanks.org and click on membership.

Party for the Planet

April 17, 2010

Join Riverbanks on Saturday, April 17, as we celebrate Earth Day with a Party for the Planet to motivate visitors to take a closer look at ways they can make a positive impact on the environment. From 10am to 3pm party-goers will engage in interactive and exciting educational activities. All Earth Day activities are free with paid admission to the park.

Plant Sale

April 17, 2010

Riverbanks horticulture staff has handpicked employee and visitor favorites to be featured at the annual spring plant sale. More than 40 varieties totaling more than 4,000 individual plants will be available for purchase. The sale will run from 9am to noon and there will be no pre-sale. Most plants will range from $5 to $10. Admission is free for those who enter at 1201 Seminole Drive. For more information, call 803.779.8717.

Wine Tasting at Riverbanks Botanical Garden

April 23, 2010

Enjoy the beauty of the Botanical Garden while sampling from domestic and imported wines during the annual Wine Tasting at Riverbanks Botanical Garden. Guests will enjoy live jazz, savory light bites and the opportunity to consult wine experts and vintners. Advance tickets are $40 for Riverbanks members and $50 for the general public. All tickets purchased the day of the event will be $50. For more information, visit www.riverbanks.org.  A limited number of tickets will be available for this sell-out event, so make your plans early. Rain or shine. Proceeds support ongoing conservation and education efforts at Riverbanks.

Rhythm and Blooms

May 6, 13, 20 & 27, 2010

Every Thursday during May

Music and flowers after hours—you won’t experience a night like this anywhere else in Columbia! Guests can enjoy live entertainment and local artists in the Botanical Garden every Thursday night in May. Cash bar and tapas will be available for purchase at the event. For more information, visit www.riverbanks.org or call 803.779.8717.

Members’ Night Series

May 21, June 18 and July 16, 2010

The 2010 Members’ Night Series is free, after-hours and for members only (no guest passes, please). On four Friday evenings, Riverbanks members can stroll through the Zoo for two extraordinary hours – when the park is normally closed to the public. Come one evening or all four! Gates open at 6:00pm.  Parking is at the main Zoo entrance only. Pre-registration is not required. For up-to-the minute details, log on to www.riverbanks.org and click on membership.

Summer Camps for All Ages

10 Week-Long Sessions Begin June 7, 2010

Three- to four-year-olds grow wild with Sprout Camp! Four- to five-year-olds can’t wait for KinderCamp! Six- to eleven-year-olds go ape over Wild Weeks and twelve- to fourteen-year-olds think Adventure Camp is awesome! All campers will learn about animals, plants and how to save the Earth that we all share!  Don’t miss the chance to enroll your child in Riverbanks Zoo and Garden’s summer camp programs, the most popular summer programs in the Midlands. For more info, visit www.riverbanks.org or call 803.779.8717 x1113 (for Sprout Camp info, call x1799.)

Members’ Night Series

June 18 and July 16, 2010

The 2010 Members’ Night Series is free, after-hours and for members only (no guest passes, please). On four Friday evenings, Riverbanks members can stroll through the Zoo for two extraordinary hours – when the park is normally closed to the public. Come one evening or all four! Gates open at 6:00pm.  Parking is at the main Zoo entrance only. Pre-registration is not required. For up-to-the minute details, log on to www.riverbanks.org and click on membership.

Father’s Day

June 20, 2010

Riverbanks has teamed up with Operation Military Kids to offer free admission to children of deployed military personnel on Sunday, June 20. Kids who have military dads (and moms) deployed overseas must bring a copy of deployment orders to receive free admission. Riverbanks also offers free admission to all fathers on Father’s Day.

Members’ Night Series

July 16, 2010

The 2010 Members’ Night Series is free, after-hours and for members only (no guest passes, please). On four Friday evenings, Riverbanks members can stroll through the Zoo for two extraordinary hours – when the park is normally closed to the public. Come one evening or all four! Gates open at 6:00pm.  Parking is at the main Zoo entrance only. Pre-registration is not required. For up-to-the minute details, log on to www.riverbanks.org and click on membership.

Brew at the Zoo

August 7, 2010

Make plans now to join us for what is certain to be the coolest suds sippin’ safari in Columbia! Brew at the Zoo provides the perfect remedy to a muggy day in the Midlands—samples of cold, frothy beer. From domestics to imports to specialty micros, guests can choose their brew and meander through the Zoo or hang out in the plaza and listen to live music. No one under 21 will be admitted. Rain or shine. Visit www.riverbanks.org for more information. Proceeds support ongoing conservation and education efforts at Riverbanks.

Riverbanks ZOOfari

October 2, 2010

You’re invited to the wildest fundraiser in town! The annual Riverbanks ZOOfari, the Zoo’s premier fundraiser, is set for Saturday, October 2 at 7pm. Take an evening stroll through the Zoo, catch a glimpse of some wild creatures, savor tasty cuisine and cool libations and bid on one-of-a-kind silent and live auction items. Riverbanks ZOOfari is sponsored by Riverbanks Society, the private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization supporting the needs of Riverbanks Zoo & Garden. A portion of the ticket price is tax-deductible.

Boo at the Zoo

October 15 – 17  and 22 – 30, 2010

Hey, kids! Put on your cutest costume and head over to Riverbanks Zoo and Garden for the annual Halloween spook-tacular, Boo at the Zoo. The family-friendly Halloween event runs from 6 to 9pm each evening. Children 12 and under are invited to wear costumes for a spook-fest complete with Frankenstein’s Foam Zone, an eeky freaky DJ dance party and a trick-or-treat trail with candy and more!

Veterans Day

November 11, 2010

Active duty and retired military personnel with a military ID card receive free admission in honor of Veterans Day.

Lights Before Christmas

November 19, 2010 – January 2, 2011 (closed November 25, December 24, 25 and 31)

Each evening from 6 to 9pm experience Columbia’s longest running holiday tradition at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. Explore the Zoo illuminated by nearly one million twinkling lights and more than 350 handcrafted images. Take your photo with Santa, roast marshmallows at the Jingle Bell Bonfire and be sure to wear your hat – it snows nightly at Riverbanks during the Lights Before Christmas.

A Turtle’s Adventure Showing in the 3-D Adventure Theater

Throughout the Year

Experience beautiful coral reefs and ocean canyons in the mysterious and unpredictable deep-sea. Join baby turtles on an adventure that includes giant sharks, huge octopuses and frightening sea-eels! The show runs every 30 minutes from 10am to 4pm.

Behind-the-Scenes Adventure Tours

Every Saturday

Experience Riverbanks Zoo through the eyes of the animal care staff. Walk on the “wild side” as you get an inside look at some out-of-sight places. Explore the animal hospital, take a peek inside the animal kitchen, and meet a live animal! Adventure Tours allow participants to marvel at the unique challenges of animal care and the amazing efforts that go into creating and sustaining a world-class zoo. This fun-filled tour ends with a tasty treat. Tours are available on Saturdays only. For more information on upcoming behind-the-scenes tours, visit www.riverbanks.org.

Education Programs at Riverbanks

ZooVentures and Backyard Buds

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden presents fun and educational programs for kids and adults including interactive programs that incorporate live animal demonstrations, gardening, bug hunts and more! ZOOventure programs are on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays and Backyard Buds programs are on Saturdays. All programs are taught by Zoo and Garden professionals and are available for all ages. Topics rotate. Pre-registration required. Prices are typically $9, with paid admission, though prices are subject to change. For more info, call 803.779.8717 or visit www.riverbanks.org.

Homeschool Monday

Riverbanks invites homeschooled children ages 5–12, accompanied by an adult, to participate in the Homeschool Monday program. Programs are offered most Mondays of each month, September through May. Class times are 9:30am for the 5- to 8-year-old program and 11:00am for the 9- to 12-year-old program. Programs last between 45 minutes and an hour. The cost is $10 per student. Admission for one student and one accompanying adult is included and covers staffing and materials. This rate applies only to those taking part in the program. Regular Zoo admission rates apply to those not participating. For more information email Jolen Sindelir at jsindelir@riverbanks.org. For a complete listing of program topics, visit www.riverbanks.org.