Riverbanks Zoo and Garden
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Guest Services

Whether you're admiring a garden, catching an animal presentation or talking with a member of our staff, Riverbanks Zoo and Garden strives to provide a consistent, excellent, memorable experience for all of our guests.

Accessibility | Rentals | Amenities | Food & Gifts

ACCESSIBILITY:
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is dedicated to creating a high-quality recreational experience for all our visitors. Learn more about accessibility at Riverbanks.
RENTALS:
The park is handicapped accessible except for the upper portions of the Woodlands Walk. Trams are wheelchair and stroller accessible. For the convenience of Riverbanks guests, wheelchairs and strollers are available for rent at the Palmetto Outpost in the Zoo's entrance plaza. A $5.00 deposit is required. All rentals are first-come, first-served based on availability. No advance reservations are accepted.
Single Stroller $6.00
Double Stroller $9.00
Electric Mobility Scooter (limited qty) $30.00
Wheelchair (manual) $6.00
Wagon (limited qty) $11.00
AMENITIES:
Trams
Trams run every 10-15 minutes between the Zoo and Garden. Children must be accompanied by an adult to ride.
Picnic Area
A nature trail with picnic tables and trash facilities is located at the west end of the Zoo’s parking lot. There are no restrooms in the picnic area. Visitors may leave the Zoo for picnics and return to the park without any additional charge by presenting the original admission receipt.
Restrooms
Riverbanks’ restrooms can accommodate large groups and are located just inside the Zoo’s entrance plaza across from the lemur exhibit, across from the warthog exhibit, and in the Carousel plaza. There are also facilities in the Bog Garden plaza at the Botanical Garden entrance, as well as inside the Visitors Center in the Garden.
ATM
An ATM machine is located in the Zoo’s entrance plaza.
Lost & Found
Lost & found is located at the Zoo’s entrance.
First Aid
First aid is located near the Zoo’s entrance.
Visiting Groups
Group discounts are available for groups of 15 or more. Reservations are required two weeks prior to your visit.
Private Functions
Facility rentals and catering are available for private corporate events and weddings.
Park Manners
Riverbanks does not allow pets, food, drinks, coolers or skates in the park. Exceptions to this rule may be granted for guests with special needs. Please inquire at the front gate.
Please do not feed the animals.
Riverbanks is a smoke-free facility.
FOOD & GIFTS:
Café & Snacks
Kenya Café - (open year round at 9:00am)
Grill: burgers, chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, chicken tenders, BBQ sandwiches, veggie burgers Grab-n-Go: Fresh salads, deli sandwiches, burgers, kid-friendly options Indoor and outdoor seating.
Ape Island Snack Bar - (open seasonally)
Cold drinks, ICEE, hot dogs, pretzels, funnel cakes, popcorn and more. Outdoor seating.
Boomerang Ice Cream Shoppe - (open seasonally)
Blue Bell hand-dipped ice cream or milkshakes. Enjoy a variety of candy. Outdoor seating and playground.
Gorilla Goodies - (open seasonally)
ICEE and Dippin' Dots Ice Cream.
Ndoki Pizza - (open seasonally)
Order inside, eat outside! Enjoy tasty, brick oven pizza, sandwiches, salads and ICEE.
Coffee Hut - (open year round at 9:00am)
Located at the front gate and offers 'Starbucks Coffee'.
Dippin’ Dots - (open seasonally)
Ice cream of the future located in the main plaza by the front gate.
Shops & Souvenirs
The Elephant’s Trunk Gift Shop - (open year round at 9:00am)
We have an enormous selection of Riverbanks keepsakes! T-shirts, clothing, stuffed animals, toys, film, souvenirs, candy, drinks and more.
Palmetto Outpost - (open seasonally but also offered at the Elephant Trunk Gift Shop)
This creatively themed stopover in the Zoo's entrance plaza offers stroller and wheelchair rentals, souvenirs and snacks.
The Boomerang Shoppe - (open seasonally)
Have a sweet tooth? This is the spot for you! Enjoy a variety of candy and Blue Bell hand-dipped ice cream or milkshakes. Offers kid selection of Riverbanks keepsakes.
The Garden Gate Gift Shop - (open seasonally)
Stop by to find that unique garden treasure. Jewelry, clothing, snacks, drinks and garden-themed gifts.
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500 Wildlife Parkway | Columbia, SC 29210 | 803.779.8717

Accredited by:
Association of Zoos & Aquariums
A member of:
American Public Gardens Association
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