ROVING REPTILES
OUTREACH PROGRAMS
Mobile Reptile & Amphibian Programs for Schools, Libraries, Parties & Events
Riverside Reptiles Education Center brings exciting, hands-on reptile and amphibian outreach programs directly to your school, library, camp, birthday party, or community event. Our mobile programs feature live animals, engaging presentations, and unforgettable up-close experiences for audiences of all ages.
Participants will meet amazing reptiles and amphibians, learn fun facts about how they live and survive, and discover why these animals are important - all in a safe, interactive, and entertaining environment.
“We design programs to the specified age group to ensure an enjoyable learning experience.”
Who Our Programs Are Perfect For
Our outreach programs are designed for a wide variety of audiences, including:
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Pre-K programs, preschools, and daycare centers
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Elementary, middle, and high schools
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Colleges and universities
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Libraries, museums, and nature centers
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Scout troops, homeschool groups, and youth organizations
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Summer camps and after-school programs
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Birthday parties and private events
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Adult groups such as Audubon chapters, land trusts, conservation groups, and garden clubs
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Town events, festivals, and community organizations
Programs are customized by age level, group size, and learning goals, making them appropriate for young children, families, students, and adults alike.
Outreach Program Options
REPTILES & AMPHIBIANS
Meet eight different species of reptiles and amphibians from around the world! From salamanders, frogs, and toads to turtles, snakes, lizards, and even a crocodilian, this program introduces participants to a wide variety of cold-blooded animals.
Learn about their unique adaptations, survival strategies, what they eat, and how they interact with their environments. Along the way, we lightly touch on conservation topics and explain why protecting habitats helps reptiles, amphibians, and people alike.
This is a fun, hands-on introduction that’s perfect for first-time audiences and all age groups.
SNAKES
Slithering, striking, and often misunderstood — snakes are fascinating animals! In this program, you’ll meet several different species of snakes and learn how they hunt, eat, grow, and interact with their environment.
We’ll discuss why snakes are so important to ecosystems, clear up common myths, and share simple ways people can help protect snakes in the wild. This program is designed to reduce fear, build confidence, and replace misconceptions with curiosity and respect.
LIVING DRAGONS
Dragons may be the stuff of legends, but lizards are the real-life stars of this program! Meet a variety of amazing lizards, including geckos that can climb glass, colorful skinks, a legless lizard, and relatives of the famous Komodo Dragon.
Participants learn how lizards use speed, camouflage, claws, and other adaptations to survive in habitats around the world. We also touch on how habitat loss affects wildlife and why conservation matters, all while keeping the program fun, surprising, and engaging.
JEEPERS CREEPERS
Get up close with some of nature’s most unusual — and often misunderstood — creatures! Jeepers Creepers features a fun mix of reptiles, amphibians, insects, arachnids, and other invertebrates.
Perfect for birthday parties and mixed-age groups, this program encourages curiosity and respect for all living things. Participants learn what these creatures eat, how they survive, and why even the “creepy” ones are important parts of the natural world.
Don’t worry — everything is safe, supervised, and we promise no biting!
Custom Program
Looking for something specific? We’re happy to create a custom outreach program tailored to your needs.
Custom programs can be built around:
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Specific animals or themes
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School curriculum or scout badge requirements
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Habitats and ecosystems
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Animal adaptations
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Seasonal topics
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Conservation and wildlife stewardship
Whether it’s a classroom lesson, birthday party, college program, or adult group presentation, we’ll design an engaging experience that fits your audience.
Safety & Animal Care
Safety and animal welfare are always our top priorities.
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All animals used are well-acclimated ambassador animals
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Handling is optional, supervised, and age-appropriate
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Hand sanitation is required after animal contact
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Animals are carefully transported and rotated to minimize stress
How Far Do You Travel?
We regularly travel throughout Connecticut, western and central Massachusetts, and parts of New York and Rhode Island within a 100-mile radius of Hartford, Connecticut. Travel beyond this area may be available on a limited basis — just ask!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are your reptile outreach programs safe for children?
Yes. All programs are designed with safety in mind. Animals are carefully selected ambassador animals, and all interactions are supervised by trained educators. Hand sanitation is required after animal contact.
What ages are your programs appropriate for?
We offer programs for preschool through adult audiences. Each program is adjusted for age, attention span, and comfort level. We’re happy to recommend the best option for your group.
Do participants have to touch the animals?
No. Handling is always optional. Participants are encouraged to observe if they are uncomfortable, and educators ensure respectful interactions at all times.
What types of animals do you bring?
Animals vary by program and audience but may include salamanders, frogs, toads, turtles/tortoises, lizards, snakes, crocodilians, and invertebrates that are suitable for outreach. Species selection prioritizes animal welfare and safety.
How many animals do you bring?
Typically we bring 8-9 different animals for the 60-minute program, and 4-5 animals for the 30-minute program.
Do you provide programs for schools and libraries?
Yes. Schools, libraries, and educational institutions are among our most common clients in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and area. Programs can be tailored to curriculum goals or age groups.
How far do you travel?
We regularly travel throughout Connecticut, western and central Massachusetts, and parts of New York and Rhode Island within a 100-mile radius of Hartford, Connecticut. Travel beyond this standard service area may be available on a limited basis — just ask, and we’ll be happy to discuss your location.
How long is a typical outreach program?
Programs usually run 50–60 minutes, though shorter or longer formats can be arranged depending on your schedule and group needs.
Do you offer multiple programs in one day?
Yes. We can present multiple programs in a single day, either back-to-back at the same location or at different locations. This option is ideal for schools with multiple classes or grade levels.
Discounts may be available when more than two programs are booked. If programs are scheduled at different locations, additional travel charges may apply.
Are you insured?
Yes. We carry appropriate insurance for outreach programs. Documentation can be provided upon request.
How far in advance should we book?
We recommend booking several weeks to months in advance, especially for spring and fall — our busiest outreach seasons.
2026 Program Pricing
$350 (plus mileage)
Includes one of the following options:
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One 60-minute program featuring 8–9 live animals
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Two 30-minute programs featuring 4–5 live animals per program
Discounts may be available when booking multiple programs at the same location.
For additional pricing details or to schedule a program, please contact us:
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📞 (860) 207-9335 ext. 13📧 education@riversidereptiles.com