Columbia South Carolina's World-Class Zoo
Looking for something fun to do in Columbia SC that can fit into a day trip? The Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Garden may just fit the bill. While this isn't a huge zoo, don't let its size fool you. Riverbanks Zoo's diverse animal collection and engaging educational presentations will easily occupy your day.
The zoo itself has a very nice layout with mostly level and shaded walking paths that circle back onto itself, guiding you back to the entrance. There are plenty of signs and maps to direct you to specific animals if there are any you want to make a bee-line for. You should be able to explore the majority of exhibits comfortably within just a few hours.
Giraffe Overlook and Sky High Safar Area
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Explore More Credits Give You Added Access Throughout the Zoo
Be sure to purchase a few "Explore More Credits" when you pay for your admission. These credits cost $1 each and will allow you to buy a cup of greens to feed the giraffes (2 ECs) or a cup of nectar to feed the lorikeets (2 ECs). Explore More Credits also allow you access to additional attractions such as the Wild Adventures Rock Wall (3 ECs per climb) and Sky High Safari (7 EC per climb), which will have you climbing rope ladders and swaying on bridges, cargo nets, and tightropes high above the nearby Giraffe Overlook.
If you plan to feed the animals, I recommend getting to the animals you want to feed early, as zoo staff will stop allowing feedings once the animals have had their fill.
Newly Remodeled Aquarium
The new aquarium and reptile conservation center opened in March of 2023. This beautifully designed aquarium includes several tanks showcasing a variety of sea creatures and fish. Just inside the entrance, you'll find a theater of sorts, where you can relax and watch the colorful fish and sea turtles cruise through the water with ease.
Down the corridor is a wall of moon jellies in a black-lit tank that highlights their iridescent glow. There is something oddly memorizing about watching these little invertebrates float up and down. It's somewhat reminiscent of a giant, live, lava lamp.
Continue through this building and you'll see conservation labs, all sorts of reptiles from turtles to snakes, and an area dedicated to desert habitat which showcases desert-dwelling reptiles and animals.
Darnall W. and Susan F. Boyd Aquarium & Reptile Conservation Center
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Walkway and Bridge to Riverbanks Botanical Garden
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Take a Walk Over the Saluda River to the Riverbanks Botanical Garden
Once you've made your way through the zoo and its various exhibits, you might enjoy a relaxing stroll through the Riverbanks Botanical Garden. You can get to the garden via the back part of the zoo. There is a long bridge connecting the zoo to the tram area that will take you up the to botanical garden.
The walk along the bridge is quite lovely in and of itself, as you'll find yourself high above the Saluda River. Take a look over the edge and you'll likely find turtles sunning themselves on the rocks below and people on innertubes floating down the river during the dog days of summer.
A Peaceful Botanical Garden with a Splashpad for the Kids
Just beyond the botanical garden entrance coming from the zoo, you'll find Waterfall Junction -- 3 acres of splash pad fun, included in the price of admission to the zoo.
While the water play area will keep your kids entertained for hours, you'll enjoy strolling through the garden on your way in and out. You can take the tram (or walk if you're so inclined) back down to the zoo and head for the entrance if you parked near there. However, there are actually two parking lots -- one of which will place you right near the botanical garden entrance for easy access. Locals who have been to the zoo will often park here to take the kids to the splash pad for the day.
Whether you decide to tour the zoo and garden or just see one of the other, Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is a really great way to spend a day -- especially if you have kids in tow.
Waterfall Junction Entrance in Riverbanks Botanical Garden
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Plan Your Visit
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How much does it cost?
- Adults (ages 13–61) — $24.99+tax
- Children (ages 2–12) — $21.99+tax
- Children (younger than 2) — FREE
- Military (please present military ID at gate) — $22.99+tax
- Senior Citizens (ages 62 and up; please present photo ID at gate) — $22.99+tax
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When Is Riverbanks Zoo Open?
Monday through Friday from 9AM to 5PM (except Christmas and Thanksgiving)
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Are there discounted tickets?
You can save money on admission tickets for Riverbanks Zoo with ID if you are a senior citizen or veteran. SNAP recipients can get up to 6 tickets for $5 each. During the summer they ofter offer promotions such as Toucan Tuesdays where you can get two admission tickets for the price of one by bringing 2 canned food items to the admission booth. For locals wishing to visit often, an annual membership will save you after just a few visits. The zoo’s website also lists any current promotions they are offering.
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Parking Fees
If you purchase your zoo admission online in advance you can get free parking. Otherwise the parking fee is $5.
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Recommended Amount of Time to Spend at the Zoo
We recommend setting aside at least 3-4 hours to get through the zoo. If you’re an avid walker, you can take the ⅓ mile trek uphill to get to the botanical garden, but if you’re not – the free tram will take you up to the garden. Plan another hour or so to wander around the botanical garden or more if you’re taking your kids to Waterfall Junction (the water play area located in the botanical garden).
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Food and Drink Options
Outside food and drink isn’t allowed. If you're looking too save on food and drink, pack a lunch and leave it in your car. You’re allowed to leave and re-enter the zoo as often as you like throughout the day with your admission ticket.
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What can you do at the Riverbanks Zoo?
Aside from the obvious, casual stroll around the zoo, there are some unique and fun things to that the whole family can enjoy:
- Wild Adventures Rock Wall - A 40 foot tall rock wall with 25 different climbing routes
- Sky-High Safari - A four-story vertical ropes course open to anyone 48"+
- Waterfall Junction - A 3-acre water play area located within the botanical garden
- The Endangered Species Carousel - A beautiful hand-carved carousel featuring 48 endangered species from around the world
- Feed the Giraffes & Lorikeets - Get up close and personal with these beautiful animals
- The Farmyard Petting Zoo - Feed and brush all sorts of friendly farm animals and learn about farm animal care
- Spots & Stripes Railroad - A small railroad that travels around the petting zoo
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When is the Best Time to Visit?
Weekday mornings seem to be the best time to visit Riverbanks Zoo & Botanical Garden. We found Tuesday to have low attendance, even during summer while kids are out of school. During the Spring and Fall the animals tend to be a bit more active and visible throughout the day due to the lessened heat.
Be sure to check the weather forecast before you go. Most of the animals are out in the open and rain will cause them to seek shelter inside out of view. Additionally, many of the attractions will be closed.
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When Should I Avoid Visiting?
Rainy days mean the animals outdoors will likely be hard to see or taking shelter out of view. If you aren't a fan of heat and humidity, avoid mid-day visits during the peak of the summer heat (usually July - August).
Article Updated: October 22, 2023
Authored by Samara Hart; wife to Kyle, mom of 4, and resident of the South since 2018. Exploring the South has brought me much joy. I love learning about history, photographing places, buildings, food, and things up close. But, my favorite thing of all is sharing the adventure with you. Learn more about me or what I do for a living on LinkedIn.