The Outdoor Discovery Park In Nebraska That’s Perfect For A Family Day Trip

Nebraska may be known for its big zoo on the east side, but there's another fun place for learning about animals and nature on the opposite side of the Cornhusker State. Riverside Discovery Center in Scottsbluff has elements of an amusement park, outdoor classroom, traveling performance group, and of course an educational zoo.

The Riverside Discovery Center began life as three different attractions: the Riverside Zoo, Wildlife World, and Children's University.

They all came together to form a single attraction that's fun AND educational.

When you visit, you'll see the typical zoo animals - big cats, zebras, primates, and birds - along with a few endangered species.

Overall, more than 175 animals call RDC home. The zoo is dedicated to conservation and education.

Regular zookeeper talks are a great way for visitors of all ages to learn about the animals, their habitats, and how the zoo works.

RDC offers summer camps for kids of all ages. The camps give kids a chance to explore their favorite subjects in depth and even get some hands-on interaction.

School groups visit the zoo regularly for a wide variety of educational programs. They learn about all aspects of the natural world while enjoying the lovely zoo environment. Here, kids are learning about the importance of the sense of smell.

But the zoo also travels to schools for fun educational programs. Some programs include hands-on interactions with animals, which is always a big hit with participants.

You can always learn about the natural world at RDC without being part of a group. There's educational information spread out in the various exhibits. You can even get up close to some of the animals at the petting zoo.

The Dino Dig area lets kids unearth "bones" and learn about ancient animal history.

It's a newer exhibit that has proven very popular.

Even the play areas teach about science and nature...but in a sneaky way, so that kids just think they're having fun. This contraption teaches kids about waterways.

You never know what you'll find on your visit as new displays and exhibits, as well as temporary displays, are added regularly. The RDC is always growing and improving.

The splash pad is another very popular part of the RDC. In the summer, bring your swimsuit and play in the water to cool off after a long day of walking around and looking at animals.

A new Children's Museum will soon be added to the RDC, providing even more opportunities for fun, adventure, and learning.

You can visit the Riverside Discovery Center at 1600 South Beltline Hwy West, Scottsbluff NE, 69361. Winter hours (through the end of April) are 10:00 am to 4:00 pm; summer hours are 9:30 am to 4:30 pm.

Admission is just $6.50 for adults, $5.50 for seniors (65+), $4.50 for children 5-11 yrs, $2.25 for children (2-4 yrs), and free for children under 2.

Keep up with news and learn more about this fun family activity at their website and Facebook page.

For some little-known facts about Nebraska's "other" zoo, check out this article from the archives.