If you’re still pondering where to take and what to do with kids this Spring break, look no further than Riverbanks Zoo. Check their website for a monthly events calendar and a varitety of Zooventure family activities.

Below is the April 2009 summary of fun packed children programs grouped by age.

Welcome kids!

Riverbanks Zoo Little Kids Programs(ages 3-5)

Pony Pals – Friday, April 3, 9 – 10AM, $16 (plus admission for general public)
Meet the Shetland ponies upclose and personal! Feed, brush and ride the ponies. Parent participation is required for this class (one parent per child). Online registration is required.

Easter Brunch - Sunday, April 12, 10:30AM – 1PM, $31.95 adults / $15.95 children ages 3-12 (plus admission for general public)
Treat your loved ones to a hearty Easter Sunday brunch in the rustic Ndoki Lodge at the Zoo. Enjoy a traditional Southern breakfast or choose from custom-ordered omelets, honey glazed ham, grilled salmon, chicken piccatta, fresh vegetables, fruits and gourmet desserts. Seating is limited, reservation deadline is Tuesday, April 7. Order tickets here.

Kids admiring a silverback gorilla

A Camping We Will Go - April 23, 25 and 29, 10AM for kids age 2 and 11AM for ages 3-4, $9 (plus admission for general public)
Bring a flashlight and sleeping bag, too, because camping is the thing to do! What animals you will encounter on your camping adventure? Come and find out! Register for class here.

Riverbanks Zoo Big Kids Programs(5 years and older)

Pony Whisperer – Saturday, April 4, 8:30-10AM (ages 5-7), $18 (plus admission for general public)
Learn how to feed, groom and care for the ponies! Parent participation is required for this class (one parent per child please). Online registration is required.

Riding on Caroline at Riverbanks Zoo

ZOOm! into Spring Camp (ages 6 to 10) – Monday through Wednesday April 6-8, 9AM – 3PM, $110 members ($140 general public)
Discover how plants and animals celebrate the spring season during 3 days packed with hands-on activities, animal encounters, behind-the-scenes tours, arts and crafts, and tons of games! More details here.

Scout Saturdays – Saturday, April 18, $10 per scout (plus admission for general public)
Scout Saturdays includes a short education program, live animal encounters and a self-guided zoo adventure tour. Any scout group or individual scout can register (each child needs to be registered separately). Free for accompanying adults. Participants receive a Riverbanks Wildlife Patch.
Online registration here . Learn more on the Riverbanks website.

Family on Safari Overnight Camp – Saturday, April 18, 7PM – 9AM, $39 per member ($44 general public)
Experience the Zoo at night! Enjoy a night of games, activities and behind-the-scenes tours. Families should bring their own sleeping gear and tents and sense of adventure. Price includes light snack and continental breakfast. Register for class here.

Pet a Giant Turtle!

Party for the Planet - Saturday, April 25
Join Riverbanks Zoo party for planet and animals featuring kid-friendly conservation activities and animal enrichment. Free with regular zoo admission.

Everything sounds Zoolicious!

What a year 2008 has been. Lots of chest beating, hollering and hair pulling, hanging upside down, crying, whimpering, and laughing out loud. No, is not the stock market. No Wall Street or Main Street here.

I’m talking about the most incredible animals at the Riverbanks, Greenville and Como zoos. A “planet of the apes” filled with soul searching – and sometimes very naughty – gorillas and adorable baby orangutans.

Loud singing at Riverbanks Zoo

Noisy la-la land holler monkeys screaming and fighting all day long. “American Idol” pop diva baboons, always grooming and posing for pictures.

Here are the photos, you be the judge:

Naughty, naughty gorilla. Hope Santa brought her a sack of coal.

Kiss my...gorilla at Como Zoo

Let the singing competition begin. Bring it on!

I'm so good looking

Wise-man orangutan, the largest tree dwelling mamal in the world…

The Man of the Forest

Kids are always fascinated by the big silverback. Who’s watching who?

So close yet so far away

Sometimes you just feel like acting silly

Mr. Alligator Can't Catch Me!

Bring your kids to the zoo, the most fun thing you can do!

Every year we come to Riverbanks Zoo to experience the Lights Before Christmas. It’s a fun evening, especially for kids. The whole park is lit up, there is laughter, joy and the smell of Christmas.

Christmas Village

What kids love to do at the zoo
1. Play in the “snow” and chase falling snow-soap flakes. This is as close as it gets to a white Christmas around here.

It's snowing mom!

2. Ride the mini train. Here is the Spots and Stripes Railroad video from last summer ($2 per person)

3. Ride the Merry-go-around ($1 per kid)

4. Cooking marshmallows over the coal burning fire. You get 4 on a stick ($2)

Marshmallows Time!

5. Run, climb and slide at the playground. In fact that whole area is great to let your kids loose. There is also the carousel, marshmallows fire, restrooms and food stands.

Fun things for parents
1. Get a Starbucks coffee or hot-cocoa. The hut is strategically positioned right by the entrance.

2. Stay in line with the kids for a moment with Santa. It seems grown-ups are more enchanted photographing their prodigy in Santa’s lap than the children do. When asked what she wants for Christmas mine replied “A lollipop!”…now you tell me?

What you want for Christmas?

3. Cooking marshmallows…yep we like it too!

The Lights Before Christmas event is open till December 30 every day until 9PM (except on Christams Eve and Christmas Day). Admission is $8 adults, $6 children 3-12 and free for kids under 3. Members get a one time free entrance to the event.

Lion King at the zoo

Merry Christmas!

Treat or trick? Come see Big Boy sea lion Halloween action daily at 10:30 AM and 3 PM at the amazing Riverbanks Zoo.

Big Boy doing a flipper stand at Riverbanks Zoo

This is truly an animal show worth shouting about! And the loud holler monkeys couldn’t agree more

Other notable Zoo animal feedings and demonstrations:

• Penguin presentation 11 AM and 3:30 PM
• Gorilla presentation 11:30 AM
• Raptor aviary show 1:30 PM

Don’t miss out on Riverbanks’ latest blockbuster attraction the miniature ride on the Spots and Stripes train ($2 safari bucks per person, daily from 10 AM to 4 PM).

If you’re first time zoo visitor read my previous post for some great tips to make the best of your trip. FYI admission fees to Riverbanks:
• Adults $9.75
• Children (3-12) $7.25; under 3 get in FREE
• Military (with ID) $8.50
• Seniors (over 62) $8.25

Hosted in the same park as the zoo, the Botanical Garden it’s a horticultural delight anytime of the year. There are free shuttles to and from the zoo every 20 minutes.

Riverbanks Botanical Garden