Ah, Riverbanks Zoo and Gardens in Columbia, South Carolina. I have so many good memories of going here as a kid growing up in Columbia!
And it is without a doubt one of the top, if not the premier, attraction in Columbia.
While there are larger and more famous zoos, it really is top notch and very well done. If you’re planning a visit to South Carolina’s Capital City, it should absolutely be on your list of things to see in Columbia.
That’s especially true if you have kids.
Although having little ones is definitely not necessary to enjoy it!
In addition to the zoo, which has a variety of animals, there is also a highly regarded botanical gardens and even some nice nature trails at Riverbanks in Columbia.
If you are planning a visit to the Soda City and including the terrific Columbia zoo on your list of things to do (which you totally should!), read on to learn all about it in this complete guide to Riverbanks Zoo and Gardens!
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Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia, SC Guide – Contents
- Why You Should Visit – Highlights of Riverbanks Zoo
- What to See – Riverbanks Zoo Animals, Riverbanks Botanical Gardens, and Extra Activities
- The Riverbanks Columbia Zoo Map and Layout
- Suggestions for Best Routes to Tour Riverbanks Zoo and Gardens
- How Much Time Do You Need for Riverbanks Zoo and Garden
- Food and Drink at Riverbanks Zoo
- Riverbanks Zoo Hours
- Riverbanks Columbia Zoo Rules and Policies
- Riverbanks Zoo Tickets and Prices
- Getting There
- Riverbanks Zoo Membership Information
- Lights at Riverbanks Zoo and Other Annual Events
- Riverbanks Zoo Birthday Parties and Private Events
- Some Additional Riverbanks Zoo Photos
Why You Should Visit Riverbanks Zoo
Maybe I’m partial growing up here and having a website devoted to sharing and promoting South Carolina attractions, but Riverbanks Zoo is pretty top notch.
Not that I’m exactly a connoisseur of zoos, nor have I been to some of the more famous zoos in the country, but the only one I’ve ever been to that I thought was truly better was the Smithsonian Zoo in Washington, DC.
But, my point is, Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia, SC is very well done even if it’s not as large or as well considered as the most famous zoos in the country. In fact, in 2019, it earned a spot on USA Today’s Readers Choice Awards as the 7th best zoo in the nation.
Accolades aside, it’s well worth the visit if you are traveling through Columbia. It really should be at the top or near the top of your list of things to see in South Carolina’s capital.
Let’s talk about the actual highlights and best things to see at Columbia’s Riverbanks Zoo and Gardens.
Part of this will of course depend on your and/or your children’s favorite animals.
For example, when I was a kid, I was fascinated by snakes, crocodiles, and other reptiles, much to the chagrin of my mom who mostly I think gritted her teeth and was a good sport about it. Unfortunately, the Reptile House and Aquarium at Riverbanks Zoo is currently being redone and as of my last visit and this writing in January 2023 has yet to reopen.
But I imagine when it does it will definitely be one of the highlights. In fact, the zoo just announced it is set to open on March 2, 2023!
I also think the big cats at Riverbanks are big highlights and they have nice, good sized and open set ups that make them easy to see. The Africa section, which has several rhinos with neat observation area and the giraffes, which you can even feed is also a highlight.
However, if you have been to a zoo before, there’s a good chance you’ve seen lions, tigers, rhinos, and giraffes.
One animal not every zoo has is a gorilla. And Riverbanks has a whole family of them!
They also have a really great and large area with several observations points outside as well as an inside area with observation glass and a small pen where they sometimes hang out.
I remember it being a big deal when Riverbanks got the gorillas, and they have definitely done a good job with the exhibit. You might see them roaming around the landscape that looks like a jungle or get to see them face to face through the glass.
Other neat animal highlights include the koala bears, one of which recently had a baby, and the kangaroo walkabout where you can walk along a path through the pen and get up close to kangaroos and wallabies.
Finally, I’d be remiss to not include mention of Riverbanks Botanical Gardens as a highlight!
While on my most recent visit to write this guide the garden was looking a bit sad due to the exceptionally cold winter we’ve had this year, when it’s not winter, the gardens are really, really pretty.
Also, there is a great trail that runs through the forest next to river and passes the ruins of a civil war era factory and some neat boulders that connect the zoo and gardens and is well worth walking.
What Else to See at Riverbanks Zoo
Ok, we’ve talked the highlights, lets talk about what else there is to see and do at Riverbanks Zoo.
Other Animals at Riverbanks Zoo
So, the animals you can see at Riverbanks Zoo we’ve already discussed include gorillas, lions, a tiger, rhinos, giraffes, kangaroos, and koalas.
Plus, coming soon snakes, other reptiles, and fish.
Other animals you can see include sea lions, which have a neat feeding show. Past the gorilla exhibit, you’ll find a small sort of tunnel that has a number of exhibits of smaller primates like lemurs, titi monkeys, and a sloth. Lots of them are very cute!
In the Africa section, you can also see zebras, ostriches, and even a small group of meerkats by the food and drink stands at the Watering Hole (these little guys are easy to miss!) in addition to the giraffes.
On the far side of the Africa section, there is a small pond behind a restaurant where a big alligator makes its domain.
Beyond that there is the farm section which has goats, alpacas, barn owls, and cows. This is usually a highlight for younger children, especially since you can fead and pet the goats and alpaca.
Further on, you will find the birdhouse which has a lot of small penguins and a couple emperor penguins as well as some exhibits featuring colorful birds.
Outside, there are some flamingos, which look prettier than they smell!
Nearby, you’ll find the Siamangs, who have a small rocky island, although they can be hard to spot. I remember as a kid there were howler monkeys in this habitat that could be heard all around the zoo.
Next door, you’ll find the Komodo dragons, which have both an indoor and outdoor area, and next to that are the koala bears.
Finally, along with the big cats, you’ll find baboons, grizzly bears who seem to be enjoying life sleeping all day usually, and a small otter habitat.
There are also a few small aviaries scattered around in different sections of the zoo where you can see different birds including toucans and vultures as well.
Riverbanks Botanical Gardens
Honestly, I remember having about zero interest in the gardens as a kid. However, there is one attraction that kids will like here now, and there are actually future plans to further expand the zoo in this section, so hopefully more parents who want to see the gardens can enjoy them without their kids getting too bored!
The gardens are really well done!
As I mentioned above, my last visit was in January 2023, so I don’t have any great photos since it was a bit barren, but I hope to get some good ones once spring rolls around.
The highlight of the gardens is the walled garden, which contains several sections highlighting different types of plants with a pretty fountain running through the center. There is a large lili garden as well as a rose garden and bog garden as well.
While the winter is a bit sparse, anytime from late February to November, given Columbia’s short and mild winter, should offer enough to see to make a stroll through the gardens well worth it.
And, if you do have some youngins with you, the Riverbanks Waterfall Junction, which opened in 2016 will be lots of fun for them.
In addition to splash pads and a 25 foot waterfall, there are also giant tree houses and a mock paleontology dig featuring T-Rex bones. Those Riverbanks Zoo splash pads would be especially inviting during the hot and humid Columbia summers!
There is also a planned expansion of the zoo known as Bridge to the Wild at Riverbanks that will include a primate forest and section dedicated to native South Carolina animals. The zoo is currently raising funds for it, and the expansion will be along the river on the botanical gardens side.
Nature Trail
While you can take a tram between the zoo and gardens, I really encourage you to take the short nature walk instead!
This walk goes through a bit of forest along the river. With some luck you can spot some birds as you walk.
Eventually, you’ll come to the ruins of the Saluda Mill and Factory. This textile mill was built around 1830, and you can see some of the granite foundations of the mill today. There is also a small interpretive museum.
Up to this point the trail is wheelchair and stroller accessible, but the next section is not, so do keep that in mind. The trail continues through a bit more forest, passing lots of neat large boulders.
William Sherman’s Union army forces camped in this area in 1865 before crossing the river and taking Columbia. In fact, one of the large boulders at the site is often called Sherman’s rock.
After climbing up past the boulders, you’ll reach the gardens.
I would say it took me about 20-30 minutes to complete the entire half mile trail and that was with stopping to take photos. There is a bit of an incline toward the end, but it isn’t too bad.
Note, you can also walk directly up the hill along the road the tram takes to the gardens. This is a bit more of a steep incline and took me maybe 10 minutes coming down.
If you’re going to walk, do the nature trail. It’s well worth the extra 15 minutes and is an easier walk anyways.
Then, you can just walk back down the hill on your way back to the zoo.
Other Riverbanks Zoo Extra Attractions
There are several additional attractions, rides, and activities you can do while at the Columbia zoo.
Just to be clear, some of the seemingly “extra” attractions are included in the regular cost of Riverbanks Zoo admission. These are access to the Kangaroo Walkabout and the Riverbanks Zoo Waterfall Junction, including the Riverbanks Zoo Splash Pad zone.
However, the rest do have an additional cost in the form of what the zoo calls Explore More Credits.
You can buy Explore More Credit cards and add credit to them at the ticket booth when you buy your Riverbanks Zoo ticket as well at several stands around the zoo. I appreciate that you can decide as you go if you want to do all, some, or none of these extra attractions.
First up is the Sky-High Safari, a ropes course that includes plank bridges and cargo nets and goes up several stories. It’s a lot of fun for kids, and a harness that remains locked in to an overhead track makes it very safe.
Parents can climb the course with their kids, and kids must be at least 48 inches tall to do it solo. There is a max weight of 300 pounds and proper shoes are required. So, if you think you might want to do this, be sure not to come in sandals or flip flops.
One quick note, the Sky-High Safari does not have a zip line. There used to be a Riverbanks Zoo zip line over the river, but it is currently not in operation.
The Sky-High Safari has a cost of 7 Explore More Credits per climb for the general public; 5 for Individual and Family-level members; and 3 for Explorer, Patron, and Gold-level members (more on membership options below). It is open from 10 am to 4 pm. Its located next to the giraffes.
Speaking of the giraffes, you can also feed them in what I think is the coolest of the extra activities. There is a small raised area next to the giraffe exhibit called the Giraffe Overlook where you can get close to the giraffes’ height and hold out your hand to see them up close and personal.
Feeding the giraffes at Riverbanks Zoo costs 2 Explore More Credits for each portion of lettuce. You can feed the giraffes from 10 am to 1:30 pm, although if they’ve eaten their full allotment for the day, feeding is stopped.
So, I’d recommend doing this earlier than later just to be on the safe side.
You can also feed lorikeets, which is a neat way to see these colorful birds up close. The lorikeet feeding at Riverbanks Zoo is located next to the Koala Knockabout.
It costs 2 Explore More Credits per cup of nectar and is open from 9 am to 4:30 pm daily.
The plaza outside the Koala Knockabout houses several other of the additional attractions at Riverbanks Zoo.
These include a rock climbing wall. It is only open on the weekends and holidays from 10 am to 4:30 pm. Climbers do have to be at least 45 pounds and fit securely in the harness, and the climbing wall at Riverbanks Zoo costs 3 Explore More Credits per person.
You’ll also find pretty much the most classic of fun kid activities in this section of the zoo, the carousel!
I remember going on this many times as a kid. The carousel at Riverbanks Zoo is all made up of endangered species. It is open from 9 am to 5 pm daily, and it costs 2 Explore More Credits per ride.
Two other fun Explore More activities at Riverbanks Zoo are located at the Riverbanks Farm. For 2 Explore More Credits between the hours of 9 am and 4 pm daily, visitors can walk in the farm yard and see some animals like goats up close.
Right outside the farm area is a mock railroad and train tram. This was always fun as a kid. Rides costs 2 Explore More Credits and the train operates from 9 am to 4:45 pm daily.
You can double check these prices (all confirmed in January 2023) and see additional info on each of these attractions at this page on the zoo’s attractions.
Riverbanks Zoo Map
Below, you can see a photo of the map I took at the zoo.
You’ll find these in various locations around the zoo, and you can get a paper map from information stands as well.
You can also see a Riverbanks Zoo map online here.
As you can see, the main area of the zoo can be done as a big loop, but it is also easy to cut through the middle if there are certain things you want to prioritize or you want to catch a special show or feeding at a certain time.
The Riverbanks Botanical Gardens, Waterfall Junction, and nature trail are located across the river. You do need to cross the river over a bridge by foot, but there is a tram once on the other side up to the gardens.
Suggestions for the Best Routes to Take
Honestly, there’s no wrong route to take at Riverbanks Zoo and Gardens.
One of the things I think I like most about the Columbia zoo is it hits that sweet spot of medium size where it doesn’t feel small but also doesn’t feel like you need to rush to make sure you see everything either.
However, I do have a few suggestions of how you might want to tackle getting the most out of your visit.
First, whatever animal or animals is most important to see for you and/or your kids, do that first.
Animals are generally more active in the morning, especially during the steamy summers in Columbia. You’ll also generally have less crowds earlier in the day.
I’d recommend prioritizing the gorillas and the big cats, which are among the most popular.
I’d most recommend hitting the line of habitats just to the right when you enter that house the otters, grizzlies, baboons, tiger, and lions. You will almost always have the best chance to see them moving around early in the day.
Then, I would double back to the gorillas, perhaps stopping at the sea lions on the way.
The gorillas can sometimes be a little bit lazy early and take some time to get moving, but shortly after opening, trainers usually put out some bamboo or hay to get them out and about.
Early in the day, they are likely to still be congregated around the indoor observation area, but if you don’t see them there, walk around the corner through the small monkey area, as they might be on the far side of the habitat.
Truthfully though, they are fairly active throughout much of the day, which is why I’d prioritize the big cats over them.
From the gorillas, I would suggest just continuing on the loop through the Africa section, the farm if you want to see it, the Reptile Center and Aquarium once its open, the bird house, and the Koala Knockabout.
If you did do the big cats first, I’d then head over the bridge to the nature trail and gardens, stopping to do the carousel, rock climbing wall, or have a snack or lunch.
After doing the gardens and Waterfall Junction, you can head back across to the main zoo and repeat anything you want (and making sure you do stop to see the sea lions if you didn’t earlier).
It might be worth noting there are a few feedings throughout the day that will be fun to see. The sea lion feeding in particular is a highlight and always one of my favorites as a kid. There are also a couple penguin feedings throughout the day.
Times for these feedings and shows are not published online and I imagine are subject to change, so I’m not listing them here. I’d recommend asking.
The nice thing is from the main zoo area, you can get just about anywhere in 15 minutes or less if you hoof it, so if you do want to see these, just keep an eye on the time and head to those areas a little bit before they start.
How Much Time Do You Need for Riverbanks Zoo?
As I mentioned above, one of the nice things about Riverbanks Zoo is it’s a good, medium size. If you moved quickly, I’d say you could see everything in about 3 hours if you really wanted.
However, I’d recommend setting aside at least half a day. That will give you some freedom to take your time and actually enjoy seeing the animals as well as maybe doing some Explore More activities.
In fact, especially if you have children with you, I’d recommend trying to just plan for a full day here. That way, you can do all the extra activities you want, you can easily repeat any animals that were hiding or sleeping, that had big crowds that made them hard to see, or just because you want to see them again.
Plus, if you plan for a full day, you can always leave early if you have seen everything, get bored, and/or get worn out.
Food and Drink at Riverbanks Zoo
So, first of all the zoo has a policy of no outside food, drinks, outside coolers.
That being said, they are not always super strict about checking bags, so you might be able to get in a water bottle, pack of peanuts, or crackers or something like that. I wouldn’t plan to bring anything that you will be terribly upset if they don’t let you bring it in or that won’t hold up in the car though.
Do note also that there is a picnic area at the west end of the zoo parking lot, and you can reenter by showing your ticket, so you could pack a lunch that will hold up in the car, go have a picnic, and reenter.
That’s nice because food and drinks at Riverbanks Zoo are kind of what you’d expect at a zoo, perfectly fine but overpriced.
A craft beer will cost you a whopping 14 bucks for example!
That being said, there are some decent options for food in the zoo, and there is certainly a lot more variety than when I was a kid.
There are several smaller stands that offer snacks like popcorn, sodas, coffee, and cotton candy. There is an ice cream shop by the carousel (what better location!), and there are also Dippin’ Dots and ICEE stands.
For more proper food, there are also a few options.
Tuskers Restaurant serves salads, sandwiches, burgers, and chicken tenders. It’s a Green Certified Restaurant and has a deck overlooking the lagoon where the alligator hangs out. It’s located centrally near the Africa section and the new Reptile Center and Aquarium.
It’s probably the best bet for a sit down meal and has an inside section, which offers some refreshing A/C in the summer time. I’m pretty sure it had a different name, but I remember eating here lots of times as a kid as I think it was the only true restaurant back then.
Now, you’ve got a few other options. The Coop is a food truck style spot serving up chicken tenders. The Watering Hole has flatbread pizzas, wings, and giant pretzels. Finally, Wild Burger has hand made burgers and is located between the Siamang and Bird House.
You can see a full list of concessions at the zoo on their website (some have menus and order ahead available online).
Riverbanks Zoo Hours
Riverbanks Zoo’s normal hours are from 9 am to 5 pm.
It is open every day of the year except for Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
There are some special events when the zoo may have extended hours (more on those below), but usually those require a separate admission ticket.
Riverbanks Zoo Rules
Besides the aforementioned not always strictly enforced no outside food and drinks, there are a few other rules for Riverbanks Zoo you might want to keep in mind as well.
There is no smoking or vaping inside the zoo, but it is allowed outside the entrance.
Shirts and shoes are required. The exception is at Waterfall Junction and the Riverbanks Zoo Splash Pads. Do keep your bathing suits family friendly.
Children under 16 are meant to be accompanied by an adult.
Balloons, balls, laser pointers, skate boards, chairs, scooters, bicycles, and radios or speakers are all prohibited. Drones and tripods are permitted only with advanced permission.
Mobility devices are allowed with some restrictions, and strollers are allowed (strollers can also be rented).
Pets and emotional support animals are prohibited, and while service animals are allowed, they may be prohibited from certain areas (it is a zoo with other animals after all).
And of course, don’t feed the animals, tease the animals, or throw things in their enclosures, or try to hop in an exhibit with one, or try to cuddle up with a gorilla or tiger.
Of course, there are some places like the petting zoo area of the farm, where you can touch the animals, the giraffe feeding where you can sort of touch them, the lorikeet feeding where they might land on you, or the Kangaroo Walkabout where you can get close (but not touch) them.
In those areas be sure to follow what the trainers tell you.
Riverbanks Zoo Tickets and Prices
Below are the normal general admission prices for tickets to Riverbanks Zoo:
- Adults (13+): $21.99
- Children (2-12): $18.99
- Children under 2 are free
- Military (with ID): $19.99
- Senior Citizens (62+): $19.99
Please note these prices do not include sales tax. These prices are updated as of January 2023, but you can double check on the zoo’s website here.
Also, there are signs up and the zoo’s website says there is a $5 dollar fee for parking due at the time of buying your ticket.
However, the last couple times I’ve been, they have not actually charged that, and I have no idea how they would actually verify either. But, best advice, come prepared to pay it and be pleasantly surprised if you don’t have to!
Also, keep in mind, you can reenter on the same day by showing your original admission ticket, however, special evening events normally require a separate ticket.
Should I Buy Advance Tickets for Riverbanks Zoo?
I would say generally advance tickets are not necessary.
The two exceptions to this would be on holiday weekends like around Spring Break or Christmas when crowds may be larger, and if you have a limited time, just because you might save some time in line if things are really crowded.
If you’d like, you can buy tickets ahead of time on the zoo’s website.
Riverbanks Zoo Discounts and Coupons
The zoo may occasionally run special discounts or promotions.
For example, on my most recent visit, I got to take advantage of the Free Fridays for Richland and Lexington County residents during January and February.
There are lots of businesses and organizations in and around Columbia that also have special relationships with the zoo and have discounted tickets or free passes for employees, members, or volunteers. This is what is called the Corporate Ticket Club and is available to organizations and businesses of 50 or more people and offers a Riverbanks Zoo discount ticket price of around 25%.
So, ask if your place of work or any other organization you are a part of is a member, and if not ask them about joining. It is free for them to do so. You could direct them to the zoo’s website here for more info.
Other than that, I’d just keep my eyes peeled on the zoo website, papers, and Google for any other special discounts for Riverbanks Zoo tickets.
How to Get to Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia, SC
Riverbanks Zoo is easily accessible from all of the greater Columbia area as well as the major interstates in South Carolina.
The official Riverbanks Zoo address for the main entrance is 500 Wildlife Parkway, Columbia, SC 29210. It is located just off of I-126 at the Greystone Boulevard exit.
I-126 is easily accessible from downtown Columbia as well as I-26 and I-20 via a short connection on I-26.
There is another entrance to the zoo at Riverbanks Botanical Garden. The address of the Riverbanks Zoo Botanical Garden entrance is 1300 Botanical Parkway. It’s located just off of Highway 378 near exits from I-26 and I-20.
You can also take the Columbia bus system known as the Comet to Riverbanks Zoo. Route 84 that runs from downtown Columbia to the St. Andrews area can make a stop at the zoo upon request. More info on taking bus to Riverbanks Zoo and Gardens at the Comet’s website.
If you’re looking for a place to stay close to the zoo, there are a small handful of hotels located on Greystone Boulevard very close.
However, most have mediocre reviews. I’d only recommend the Tru by Hilton among the hotels right by the zoo.
However, since the zoo is only a 15 minute drive from downtown Columbia, there are many more good options there. Plus they offer easier access to Columbia’s other attractions. The Cambria, Aloft, and Hilton Columbia Center stand out there.
See some more options in this list of the best downtown Columbia hotels.
Finally, if you prefer to be in the West Columbia or Lexington area, or close to the airport, the Hilton Garden Inn is just off of I-26 and also only a short drive from Riverbanks Zoo. See more options in this area in my complete guide to hotels near the Columbia, SC airport.
Riverbanks Zoo Memberships
As you can see above, zoo members get discounted Explore More Credits. But, the main attraction of buying a Riverbanks Zoo membership is you get unlimited free year round admission!
You also get a limited number of guest passes so family and friends can also get in free.
Usually, membership does include one but not unlimited free admission to some special events, such as the Christmas Lights at Riverbanks and the yearly Members’ Night Out. You can also get a discount to other special events like Boo at the Zoo, Zoo Camp, and Riverbanks Backstage tours.
And in a nice touch, you get free rides on the Comet Bus route (Route 84) that goes to the zoo, discounted rates at a number of other zoos and aquariums around the country, and you can even add cash to your membership card to use around the park.
If you live in or near Columbia, and think you’ll visit the zoo multiple times in a year, it’s a pretty darn good deal.
For example, the cost of a standard family membership as of this writing costs only a few dollars more than paying for a family of 4 to go twice.
The memberships do have to be renewed each year and there are a number of different Riverbanks Zoo Membership levels, some that offer additional perks like unlimited free entry to the Lights at Riverbanks Zoo, unlimited free extra attractions, and more guest passes so it’s best to consider which is best for you based on how often you think you’ll use it.
See the full memberships for Riverbanks Zoo, their prices, and their perks at the zoo’s website here. You can even purchase and renew online (you can also purchase and renew at the ticket booth).
Annual Events at Riverbanks Zoo
There are several signature events at Riverbanks Zoo, the best being Boo at the Zoo and the Christmas Lights at Riverbanks Zoo.
Riverbanks Boo at the Zoo
As I imagine you guessed by the name, the Boo at the Zoo is Riverbanks’ annual Halloween event.
It’s good fun, especially for kids. They can dress up in their costumes, trick or treat, and enjoy a variety of Halloween themed activities inside the walls of the zoo.
2023 dates have not been announced yet, but normally tickets go on sale sometime in September, and the schedule is usually from 6 to 9 pm.
Lights at Riverbanks
This is Riverbanks Zoo’s longest running special event. In fact, 2023 will mark 35 years of the Lights at Riverbanks.
I remember doing this practically every year with my grandparents as a kid.
The Lights at Riverbanks, also known as the Riverbanks’ Lights, Lights at the Zoo, or Lights Before Christmas at Riverbanks Zoo, is an annual celebration of the Christmas holidays at the zoo.
There are always really cool and elaborate Christmas lights set up, with a zooey, animal theme, of course.
Other Special Events at Riverbanks Zoo
There are a handful of other special events at Riverbanks throughout the year.
These include a wine tasting night, a 5K Riverbanks Run, Brew at the Zoo beer tasting, and a fundraiser known as the Riverbanks ZOOfari.
See more information on all events and dates once they are announced at the zoo’s events webpage.
Planning a Riverbanks Zoo Birthday Party or Private Event
You can also plan a birthday party at Riverbanks Zoo as well as private events, be it for families, businesses, or organizations.
There are special Riverbanks Zoo birthday party packages for 20+ people, and the zoo also has meeting and banquet rooms during the day or evening. They even have a catering partner. You can even plan your wedding at Riverbanks Zoo!
Find out more about planning a birthday party at Riverbanks Zoo or other events at the zoo’s event planning page.
Ready to plan your visit to Riverbanks Zoo?
There you have it, a complete and comprehensive guide to Columbia’s Riverbanks Zoo. I really can’t encourage you to visit it enough, rather you’re passing through Columbia as a traveler or a midlands resident that hasn’t been in a while. Or even if you have been recently, go check out the new reptile center once it opens!
If you do go to the zoo, I hope this guide was useful and helpful in planning your visit. More importantly, I hope the animals are active and you have a wonderful time!
Cheers and Happy Exploring!
Some More Riverbanks Zoo Photos
Here are a handful more photos at Riverbanks Zoo that I managed to get on different visits and like but haven’t featured anywhere above.
I hope you enjoy them!
