Seasonal lineup includes dinosaurs, Halloween fun, holiday lights and hands-on workshops
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is welcoming the fall and winter seasons with a lineup of family-friendly experiences, holiday traditions, creative workshops and a prehistoric adventure in the Botanical Garden.
“Every season at Riverbanks is an opportunity to create meaningful connections — between families, with nature, and with the wildlife we are all working to protect,” said Tommy Stringfellow, president and CEO of Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. “This year’s seasonal experiences invite our community to explore, create, celebrate, and make new traditions together, all while supporting a mission that reaches far beyond our gates.”
Toucan Tuesdays helps fight food insecurity
Riverbanks guests collected 1,433 pounds of food during the 2026 Toucan Tuesdays food drive, providing approximately 1,194 meals for individuals and families through Harvest Hope Food Bank.
“We are grateful to our partner Riverbanks Zoo and Garden for helping us bring awareness to food insecurity through their Toucan Tuesdays promotion,” said Sy Hughes, CEO of Harvest Hope Food Bank. “Together, through the generosity of Riverbanks guests, we are able to provide 1,194 meals to our South Carolina neighbors.”
Fall and winter calendar
Dinosaurs Around the World: The Great Outdoors
Open through January 4, 2027, this outdoor exhibition brings towering dinosaurs, immersive soundscapes and prehistoric storytelling to the Botanical Garden. Visitors can also ride the Saluda Skyride above the river and treetops on their way to the exhibit. Admission is included with daytime zoo admission or membership.
Sensory-Friendly Day
October 13, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. This special day offers a welcoming environment for guests with sensory sensitivities, including reduced music volume throughout the Zoo and Garden. Guests can connect with community partners and learn about year-round resources available through Guest Relations. Included with general admission or membership.
Boo at the Zoo
October 16-30, 6-9 p.m. Riverbanks’ Halloween tradition returns with 15 nights of family-friendly fun, including trick-or-treat stations, Ray’s Moonlight Magic, the Eeky Freaky DJ Dance Party, carousel rides, themed railroad journeys and private Haunted Hideaway igloo rentals. Children are encouraged to wear costumes, and adult costume safety guidelines apply.
Longleaf Pine Ornament Workshop
November 7, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Catawba artist Teresa Dunlap will lead a hands-on basketry workshop featuring introductory pine-needle hand-stitching and coiling techniques. Participants will create an ornament to take home, with all supplies included. Tickets are $50 for members and $60 for the general public.
Wild Lights
Select nights, November 20-January 10, 5-9 p.m. The Zoo will transform into an illuminated wildlife safari featuring nature-inspired lanterns, dazzling light displays, interactive experiences and festive photo opportunities. Highlights include nightly snowfall, private igloo rentals and visits with Santa through December 23. Tickets go on sale November 2, and advance purchase is strongly recommended.
Holiday Wreath Workshop
December 12, at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Participants can create a holiday wreath using freshly cut greenery from Riverbanks’ campus. Each participant will receive a grapevine wreath base, assorted greenery and natural materials to design a personalized decoration for a door or table. Tickets are $45 for members and $55 for the general public.
For event details, tickets, workshop registration and additional seasonal programming, visit the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden website at riverbanks.org.
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