Zoo Camp offers unique and engaging experiences to connect kids with wildlife.
Campers explore little-known areas of Riverbanks, meet animals face to face, and leave inspired to care for the natural world. Each camp includes hands-on activities and experiences connected to the day or weeks theme.
(Weeks: 2, 3, 4, 5)
Young explorers and an adult will dive into the coastal habitat as they discover the creatures that live in and around the water. From pelicans to sharks, and crabs to coral reefs, this three-day camp will give participants a new perspective on what it takes to survive around the ocean, and all the fascinating creatures that call it home.
(Weeks: 7, 8, 9, 10)
Get ready for an adventure as we explore the animals of South America and Africa! Campers will investigate animal patterns, movement, and adaptations as we get a closer look at these exotic beasts.
Tuesday – Thursday.
(Weeks: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
Sometimes what’s on the outside is truly what matters most. Flamingos don’t need shells to survive, and turtles would look strange with feathers. Come discover the wonder and importance of different animal coverings.
(Weeks: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
Adventure awaits this week as we swim with fish through the coral reef, waddle with penguins around the tundra, and swing with monkeys through the rainforest! Join us as we explore these habitats and more by investigating what animals and plants call these places home.
Monday – Friday.
Available for purchase by the week and does not include a drink. $50/week per participant.
(Weeks: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
It’s a jungle in your own backyard and at the Zoo! Meet some of South Carolina’s spectacular creatures as we compare them to the Zoo’s exotic residents. Campers will be surprised by the Zoo’s local wildlife that call Riverbank’s home.
(Weeks: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
Secret weapons or great escapes are what it takes to survive where the wild things are. Don’t miss out on discovering the many kinds of armor and defenses animals use to protect themselves in the wild.
Monday – Friday.
Available for purchase by the week and does not include a drink. $50/week per participant.
(Weeks: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
What animal can swim the fastest? Who can jump the farthest? And how do animals’ abilities match up to our own? We’ll answer all these questions and more as we compete for a gold medal in the ZOOlympics!
(Weeks: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
Light is such an important part of our everyday lives, it’s hard to imagine there are animals that never see it. Come explore the ocean depths, underground tunnels, and the dark of night as we meet animals that eyes’ glow, plants that bloom in the dark, and deep-sea creatures who make their own light!
Monday – Friday.
Available for purchase by the week and does not include a drink. $50/week per participant.
(Weeks: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
Animals do some weird, creepy, and completely yucky stuff. Owls regurgitate their food, vampire bats drink blood, and koala moms feed their joeys’ poop! Spend the week investigating how being gross can actually be beneficial.
(Weeks: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
Get ready to journey across Earth’s strangest, yet most amazing islands. Traveling to the islands of Madagascar, Australia, Galapagos, and many more, you’ll discover what makes these islands’ so unique.
Monday – Friday.
Available for purchase by the week and does not include a drink. $50/week per participant.
(Weeks: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
Rainforests are incredible places full of amazing things from fish that can swim in trees to butterflies with glass-like wings. Come climb the layers of the rainforest as we take a tropical safari and meet several of the zoo’s rainforest ambassadors along the way.
(Weeks: 6, 7, 8, 9)
The natural world is a magical and mysterious place, join us as we explore animal transformations, toxins & venoms, exceptional animals, and more! We’ll meet animal ambassadors, spend time in the botanical gardens, and discover the magic of nature.
Monday – Friday.
Available for purchase by the week and does not include a drink. $50/week per participant.
Please note: Enrollment in one session is for 2 consecutive weeks of weekday camp programming. Participants should only sign up for one session for summer 2026.
Embark on a 2-week long adventure complete with on and off-site excursions to explore scientific wonders, forge leadership skills, and celebrate community amid the natural world. During this outdoor-based camp, campers will gain scientific exploration skills while building connections with their peers and the Riverbanks team. Campers will enjoy exciting experiences including behind-the-scenes tours, guest speakers, an overnight at the zoo, and off-site adventures to explore local wildlife.
Monday – Friday.
Available for purchase by the session and does not include a drink. $100/session per participant.
To register online: Riverbanks’ Summer Zoo Camp online registration has changed to allow us to better serve our participants and their families. First-time users will be prompted to create an account using an email address. The new online process collects and stores household and individual camper information that can be updated at any time by logging in using the email and password set up when creating an account. Reserving additional weeks of camp, changing camp dates, buying additional shirts or lunch add-on options can all be completed now online even after registration for camp has been completed. If you are having trouble with the online registration process, please contact email us for assistance.
Camper placement: All camps have one single group of campers for each rising grade and will not be divided.
Medication needs: If your child is bringing medicine to be administered during camp, including epipens, you will need to complete a Medication Administration Form and bring it along with the medicine to the camp director.
Policies: Education Program Policies and Waiver
Cancellation or date change requests must be received three weeks in advance of the event to receive a refund of your registration. Riverbanks Zoo and Garden will retain a $25 processing fee for cancellations and charge a $25 processing fee for date changes.
Registrations are non-refundable and non-transferable should the cancellation or need to change a date occur within three weeks of the scheduled program.
In the rare event that Riverbanks Zoo and Garden must cancel the scheduled event, all deposits or money received will be reimbursed or an option to reschedule will be provided. Notification of cancellation will be provided at least ten days prior to the scheduled event (unless weather-related). Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is not liable for any other expenses that the guest may have incurred in the preparation and execution of the event.
Refunds will not be provided for individuals who do not show up for the event.
To receive your member discount please enter the code “MEMBER26” under “Step 2: Select Sessions” of the registration process. The code can be entered by clicking the link “Enter a discount code…” located in “Your Cart” on the right side of the screen. Member verification will be requested during the enrollment form step of registration.
Campers should be prepared for the weather and lots of exploration of the Riverbanks campus. Water bottle and comfortable closed-toe shoes are among the most important items. Campers are required to wear Riverbanks Zoo Camp issued t-shirts each day for safety and identification. T-shirts will be given out during the morning of the campers first day of camp with the option to change into them in the bathrooms or put over their current shirt.
Additional camp T-shirts can be purchased during registration or by credit card the first day of camp. T-shirts are $20 each.
Participants may not bring or self-administer medications, vitamins, or supplements during Program hours without parental/legal guardian (“Guardian”) consent and prior written communication with RBZG Program staff.
RBZG Program staff will store and administer all medication, vitamins, and supplements to Participants with a signed Medication Administration Form. All medicine should be given to the RBZG Program team at check-in clearly labeled with name, dosage, and time of administration in the original container. A medication administration form giving permission to administer medication must be filled out, signed, and dated. A new form must be completed for each educational program.
EpiPens and Inhalers will be kept in first aid bags with the RBZG Program staff at all times and can be administered to Participants in the event of emergency.
RBZG Program staff are not able to administer injections of any sort including blood sugar checks or insulin shots. Guardians should contact the RBZG Program staff to discuss alternative options.
Please contact Riverbanks staff at 803.602.0803 (in advance) or 803.602.0814 (urgent). Due to the nature of camp and our end of day activities, we cannot accommodate early pick-ups after 3:15pm.
There is a single camp group for each grade. Campers entering the same grade level will not be divided.
Zoo Camp activities are designed for specific age groups. We do not allow children to be moved into another age bracket for any reason. There are no exceptions to this policy.
Campers should be registered for the grade they will be entering school in Fall 2026. Campers younger than 5 years of age by the start date of their week of camp should be registered to attend our 3- to 4-year-old camp with an accompanying adult.
Riverbanks’ Zoo Camp program has limited capacity. The summer weeks are divided into two topics for each age group starting with 3 & 4 year olds with an adult to rising 4th grade. Campers may sign up for one week of each topic each summer OR one session of Zooventure for rising 5th & 6th grade. Riverbanks Education Department reserves the right to cancel additional registered weeks beyond two in an effort to accommodate additional participants and ensure participants do not repeat the same activities.
Adults are only permitted in the “Ages 3 to 4 with Adult” sessions held at Waterfall Junction Learning Center. If your child has special needs and requires assistance, please contact 803.602.0803 to make arrangement for an accompanying adult.
Please contact 803.602.0803 in the case of a camper illness. Registration is non-refundable if we are not be able to replace your camper with someone from the waitlist.
Refunds will not be provided for individuals who do not show up for the event.
Campers in rising Kindergarten to rising 6th grade will need to be signed in at walk-up drop off and picked up using the carline at the gate indicated on the map. Please have your ID available during carline.
Campers ages 3 to 4 with their adult should meet at the Waterfall Junction Learning Center. We recommend parking and entering on the Garden entrance (1300 Botanical Pkwy, West Columbia, SC 29169).
If you have an older camper attending full day camp that you need to drop off prior to attending camp with your younger camper, please drop him/her off at the zoo. Then you may choose to drive around to the Garden entrance or enter the Zoo’s main entrance at 9:00am and walk to the garden to attend camp with your younger camper.
56-0946437
Please call 803.602.0803 or email us.
