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Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Garden

2,225 Reviews
#1 of 109 things to do in Columbia Features Animals
Gardens, Nature & Wildlife Areas, Zoos & Aquariums, Outdoor Activities, Nature & Parks
500 Wildlife Pkwy, Columbia, SC 29210-8014
+1 803-779-8717
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Review Highlights
“Wear walking shoes no sandals”

This place is really nice if I new how to dress. In June it was 99 and so hot my sandals took the... read more

Reviewed yesterday
SunshineDiane
,
Palm Bay, Florida
“Grand kids day at the zoo”

I took my 14 year old granddaughter, her boyfriend, and 2 younger grandsons for a day at the zoo... read more

Reviewed 2 days ago
DECIM8ED
,
Lexington, South Carolina
via mobile
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Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is home to nearly 2,000 animals that represent more than 350 species from around the world. A visit to the Zoo will play host to an array of wild adventures from a diving expedition on a Pacific coral reef to a safari through the plains of Africa to an interactive Outback encounter with a flock of sociable lorikeets. The Botanical Garden boasts 70-acres of unparalleled beauty and is considered one of the America's best public gardens. Dramatic and themed gardens showcase more than 4,300 species of native and exotic plants, providing a living classroom for gardeners and non-gardeners alike. The Garden also is the gateway to natural river views and spectacular valley overlooks. In addition, guests can view structural remains dating back to the early 1800s with South Carolina's textile industry and the Civil War.

About Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Garden

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is home to nearly 2,000 animals that represent more than 350 species from around the world. A visit to the Zoo will play host to an array of wild adventures from a diving expedition on a Pacific coral reef to a safari through the plains of Africa to an interactive Outback encounter with a flock of sociable lorikeets. The Botanical Garden boasts 70-acres of unparalleled beauty and is considered one of the America's best public gardens. Dramatic and themed gardens showcase more than 4,300 species of native and exotic plants, providing a living classroom for gardeners and non-gardeners alike. The Garden also is the gateway to natural river views and spectacular valley overlooks. In addition, guests can view structural remains dating back to the early 1800s with South Carolina's textile industry and the Civil War.
4.5
2,225 reviews
  • Excellent70%
  • Very good23%
  • Average5%
  • Poor1%
  • Terrible1%
Travellers talk about
“zip line” (90 reviews)
“pony rides” (57 reviews)
“ropes course” (48 reviews)
Closed Now
All hours
Hours Today: 09:00 - 17:00
Suggested Duration: More than 3 hours
LOCATION
500 Wildlife Pkwy, Columbia, SC 29210-8014
CONTACT
Website
+1 803-779-8717
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Reviews (2,225)
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1 - 10 of 2,225 reviews

Reviewed yesterday
Wear walking shoes no sandals

This place is really nice if I new how to dress. In June it was 99 and so hot my sandals took the skin off the bottom of my foot. There is a lot of walking and if you are not properly dressed it can...More

Thank SunshineDiane
Reviewed 2 days ago via mobile
Grand kids day at the zoo

I took my 14 year old granddaughter, her boyfriend, and 2 younger grandsons for a day at the zoo. This was a wonderful way to spend the day with all of them, just me and them. We all enjoyed the time together watching the animals...More

Thank DECIM8ED
Reviewed 2 days ago via mobile
Zoo alone enough but so much more

Riverbank Zoo is a real treasure. It is an exhibition of God's great creation and His sense of humor. It is both educational and fun. In addition to all of the animals there are rope courses, rides, gift shops and a botanical garden. Great for...More

Thank Mark J
Reviewed 2 days ago
Zoo AND water fun!

My husband & I took our 4 year old granddaughter recently to Riverbanks zoo. There are many things to do and so much fun for all ages! Summer is even more fun now that a water park has been added. So, pack up your kids,...More

Thank jly100667
Reviewed 2 days ago via mobile
Repeat Worthy for even us In-Towners!

Again and again, this beautiful zoo always wows! I most recently visited as a kindergarten class chaperone with the child that I mentor. Just because it is fun to see through the eyes of little people again! But my own teen and pre-teen kiddos were...More

Thank Hester D
Reviewed 2 days ago
What an incredible Zoo!

The Riverbanks Zoo is a great place to take a day trip, it's big enough that you will get tired before you've seen everything. They have a new Sea Lion Exhibit that is really cool with an underwater and above the water viewing area. If...More

Thank BenjaminSupertramp
Reviewed 5 days ago via mobile
Family friendly

Extremely family friendly. You will be able to see and do everything in one visit. The splash zone is well worth the hike for kids to cool off.

Thank Kattia47
Reviewed 5 days ago
Family or Solo Fun!

I have been to numerous zoos throughout the world...a product of being a military brat. Riverbanks stands as one of the best. The flow, variety, and location.

Thank Chapzap
Reviewed 5 days ago via mobile
This zoo is huge!!

So much to see and do! We were there for three hours and still didn't see everything! You can bring food and drink in! There's only two places to eat and it was kind of expensive. Other than that it was a great day! We...More

1  Thank Desire s
Reviewed 6 days ago
Top 5 Zoo

Sitting in boring Columbia is one of the best zoos in the country, as rated by several independent entities and magazines. The zoo has a wide variety of attractions, suitable for all ages. The animals seem very well cared for, and the enclosures are expansive...More

1  Thank Michael H
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Questions & AnswersAsk a question
Idella D
Can we bring I mms water and good
17 June 2017|
Answer Show all 6 answers
Response from Larry13C | Reviewed this property |
Yes, we even bring snacks for our kids. Plus, the prices of the concession stands are really cheap compared to other events!
0
Votes
cre8vechris
Do you have scooters available for those that can't walk too far?
1 May 2017|
Answer Show all 5 answers
Response from HbgSC | Reviewed this property |
I am sure the zoo will help with any needed accomodation
0
Votes
Mariaelena C
can i bring a small rolling cooler with a packed lunch, snacks and bottled drinks?
19 April 2017|
Answer Show all 3 answers
Response from HbgSC | Reviewed this property |
not inside the Zoo, but there are areas just outside the main entrance
0
Votes