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Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Garden

2,537 Reviews

#1 of 115 things to do in Columbia

Features Animals

Gardens, Nature & Wildlife Areas, Zoos & Aquariums, Nature & Parks, Outdoor Activities

500 Wildlife Pkwy, Columbia, SC 29210-8014

+1 803-779-8717

Website

Review Highlights

“Wonderful Zoo and Gardens”

Pros: free parking, lots of animals, indoor aquarium/reptile house, indoor Bird exhibit (including... read more

Reviewed 3 days ago

A TripAdvisor Member

via mobile

“Great place to spend a day”

I visited Riverbanks wirh my 92 year old dad who has been a member for years. The West Columbia... read more

Reviewed 5 days ago

ne14monet

Columbia, South Carolina

via mobile

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Overview

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

2,537 reviews

Excellent70%
Very good23%
Average5%
Poor1%
Terrible1%

Travellers talk about

“zip line” (111 reviews)

“pony rides” (63 reviews)

“ropes course” (59 reviews)

Closed Now

Hours

Hours Today: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Suggested Duration: More than 3 hours

LOCATION

500 Wildlife Pkwy, Columbia, SC 29210-8014

CONTACT

Website

+1 803-779-8717

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1 - 10 of 2,514 reviews

A TripAdvisor Member

343

Reviewed 3 days ago via mobile

Wonderful Zoo and Gardens

Pros: free parking, lots of animals, indoor aquarium/reptile house, indoor Bird exhibit (including penguins), petting zoo, rides, can feed giraffes, beautiful gardens, splash area for little ones and play area. Tuskers restaurant has salads, burgers (including black bean), and wraps. There are also vegetarian options....More

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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

ne14monet

Columbia, South Carolina

Reviewed 5 days ago via mobile

Great place to spend a day

I visited Riverbanks wirh my 92 year old dad who has been a member for years. The West Columbia entrance is easier to get in by having parking closer to gate. The botanical gardens are colorful in all seasons with a variety of seasonal plants....More

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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

Barbara L

Savannah, Georgia, United States

10226

Reviewed 1 week ago

if you want to do the Zip line- WEAR CLOSED TOE SHOES!!!

We went there specifically to try the zip line. After we had paid i overheard another employee telling the group next to us that it was mandatory that they all had closed toed shoes on. Well, our guy did not bother to tell US that...More

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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

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schmitthappens22

Irmo, South Carolina

226

Reviewed 1 week ago

Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Garden

The zoo and the gardens are really a good value. I like the layout of both, easy to see everything in 1/2 to 3/4 of a day. Food and refreshments easy to find, with a good assortment. The zoo is an easy walk and is...More

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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

James M

Rock Hill, South Carolina

7414

Reviewed 1 week ago

Family Visit

I have been going here since I was a child. Now I'm bringing my children and they love it. The new splash pad area is great. It is a little bit of a wait for the trolly (not much though) but it is well worth...More

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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

Doc687

Rochester, Minnesota

11132

Reviewed 1 week ago

One of the nicest small zoos!

The Riverbanks Zoo is one of the nicest zoos in the South. It is well laid out and the grounds are beautifully landscaped and maintained. Many of the exhibits had a staff person available to provide additional information and answer questions. They were all very...More

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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

Lisa070161

Boonsboro, Maryland

2923

Reviewed 1 week ago via mobile

Great zoo and garden.

Could spend all day there watching the animals. The garden is wonderful with all the different colors and types of flowers.

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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

dneese2018

Lexington, South Carolina

Reviewed 1 week ago

The Riverbanks Zoo is absolutely beautiful.

I have been to several zoos in the United States, such as, NC and CO but Riverbanks Zoo is by far the best. The beautiful scenery and the various activities for the kids such as, riding ponies, train ride, and the carousel. The kids favorite...More

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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

teri7478

Columbia, South Carolina

468

Reviewed 2 weeks ago via mobile

Better than Ever!

It had been a while since I visited our zoo in Columbia so when I had the opportunity to go with my sister-in-law and my 2 great nieces, I jumped on it! I was not disappointed! Riverbanks is a wonderful park that offers something for...More

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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

Brandon G

8112

Reviewed 2 weeks ago via mobile

A nice zoo

The riverbank zoo was a nice zoo with great selection of animals and great facilities. It was awesome how they had a zoo and walk across the bridge to the botanical gardens. And also had a water park for children. Great property to spend a...More

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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

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