Riverbanks Zoo and Garden
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Visitor Information
Visitor Information

From elephants and koalas to penguins and sharks, formal gardens to natural woodlands, Riverbanks Zoo and Garden promises new discoveries around every corner!

General Admission Rates | Hours of Operation | Directions & Maps | Hotel Accommodations | Animal Demonstrations & Other Things to Zoo

VISIT RIVERBANKS FOR AN AWARD-WINNING EXPERIENCE!
Voted Best Place to Take Your Children for the Afternoon
by readers of Palmetto Parent magazine
Voted Best Local Attraction
by readers of The State newspaper
Voted Best Day Trip
by readers of Charlotte Parent magazine
2009 BOB (Best of the Best) Award for Best Day Trip
by Charlotte Magazine
Voted Most Family Friendly Day Trip Destination
by readers of Low Country Parent magazine
Runner Up for Most Family Friendly Day Trip Destination
by readers of Palmetto Parent magazine
Runner Up for Best Place for Family Fun
by readers of Palmetto Parent magazine
Named South Carolina's Top Field Trip Attraction
by Carolina Field Trips magazine
GENERAL ADMISSION RATES: (subject to change)
Adults $9.75
Children (3-12 years) $7.25
Children (under 3) FREE
Military (with military ID) $8.75
Senior Citizens (ages 62 and up) $8.75
Regular admission rates include entry to both the Zoo and the Botanical Garden. Tickets for special after-hours events (like Boo at the Zoo and Lights Before Christmas) are separate from daytime admission. Pets, food, beverages and coolers are not allowed in the park. Riverbanks is a smoke-free facility.
For group rates and information, please click here.
HOURS OF OPERATION: (subject to change)
Daily park hours: 9:00am-5:00pm.
Extended spring/summer weekend hours:
9:00am-6:00pm on Saturdays and Sundays (effective April 4 - October 4, 2009)
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is open every day except for Thanksgiving and Christmas days. Special closings may be announced.
DIRECTIONS & MAPS:
Riverbanks Main Entrance
500 Wildlife Parkway
just off I-126 at Greystone Blvd.
[ directions | map ]
[ Get Directions Via MapQuest ]
Riverbanks Garden Entrance
1300 Botanical Parkway
just off SC Highway 378 at I-20 and I-26
[ directions | map ]
Park Guide & Map
Park Map
* (as of April 2009)
*requires Adobe Reader*
For additional information, please call 803.779.8717.
HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS:
-- Preferred Hotels --
Embassy Suites Hotel Radisson Hotel
ANIMAL DEMONSTRATIONS & OTHER THINGS TO ZOO: (subject to change)
* One Safari Buck = One Dollar. 10 for $8. Safari Bucks may be redeemed at any of the below locations.
Purchase at any ticket booth. Excellent for gifts!
** Operating times and tours are subject to change. Current schedules may be confirmed at any ticket booth.
Aquarium Dive Demo
12:30pm
Bird Show
1:30pm
Gorilla Presentation
11:30am
Feed the Giraffes**
10:00am-1:30pm daily
1 Safari Buck*/scoop
Feed the Lorikeets
10:00am-4:30pm M-F
10:00am-5:30pm Sa-Su
1 Safari Buck*/cup of nectar
Penguin Presentation
11:00am and 3:30pm
Ride the Endangered Species Carousel**
9:00am-4:45pm daily
1 Safari Buck*/ride
Ride a Pony**
10:00am-3:00pm daily
5 Safari Bucks*/ride
Spots & Stripes Railroad
(children's train ride)
10:00am-4:00pm daily
2 Safari Bucks*/ride
Wild Adventures at Riverbanks : 26-ft rock wall and coconut trees (weight restrictions – min. 40 lbs, max. 250 lbs)
10:00am-4:30pm
1 climb - 3 Safari Bucks*
2 climbs - 5 Safari Bucks*
3-D Adventure Theater**
A Turtle's Adventure - Now Showing

Experience beautiful coral reefs and ocean canyons in the mysterious and unpredictable deep-sea world. Join baby turtles on an adventure that includes giant sharks, huge octopuses and frightening sea eels!

Adventure Tours**
$20 members, $25 general public. Saturdays only. Ages 8 and up.
Explore the animal hospital, take a peek inside the animal kitchen, and meet a live animal! Our new Adventure Tours allow participants to marvel at the unique challenges of animal care and the amazing efforts that go into creating and sustaining a world-class zoo.
Home | Plan Your Visit | Animals | Botanical Garden | Education | Conservation & Care | Membership | Donate | Historic Landmarks | Join Our Team

500 Wildlife Parkway | Columbia, SC 29210 | 803.779.8717

Accredited by:
Association of Zoos & Aquariums
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