Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is home to more than 3,000 magnificent and fascinating animals and one of the nation’s most beautiful and inspiring botanical gardens. The lush 170-acre site features dynamic natural habitat exhibits, scenic river views, spectacular valley overlooks and significant historic landmarks.
Hours of Operation (subject to change)
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is open daily, except Thanksgiving and Christmas days.
Regular hours: 9:00am – 5:00pm.
General Admission Rates (per visit)
Adults (ages 13–61) — $24.99+tax
Children (ages 2–12) — $21.99+tax
Children (younger than 2) — FREE
Military (please present military ID at gate) — $22.99+tax
Senior Citizens (ages 62 and up; please present photo ID at gate) — $22.99+tax
Parking — $5 per vehicle (fee collected at ticket window)
Admission includes entry to both the Zoo and Botanical Garden.
Tickets for Riverbanks’ after-hour Signature Events are separate from daytime admission.
Pets, food, beverages, and coolers are not allowed in the park. Riverbanks is a smoke-free facility.
Corporate Ticket Club (organizations of 50 or more employees)
Adults — discounted price with Corporate Coupon Code (Learn more about our Corporate Ticket Club.)
Children (ages 2–12) — discounted price with Corporate Coupon Code (Learn more about our Corporate Ticket Club.)
Children (younger than 2) — FREE
All purchases are non-refundable.
Park Rules
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden strives to maintain a family-oriented environment where all members and guests can enjoy their visit. You can make the most of your visit, and ensure the same experience for others, by keeping these rules in mind as you explore the Zoo and Garden.
- Shirts and shoes are required in all areas of the Zoo and Garden, except during water play in designated areas. Swim attire should be family-friendly. Swimwear is only allowed inside Waterfall Junction. Attire displaying offensive subject matter is not allowed at Riverbanks.
- Please show common courtesy to others by not using profanity or engaging in disruptive, loud behavior.
- Always remain on public pathways.
- Animals should not be taunted in any way. For the health and safety of the animals, please do not throw food or objects into any animal enclosure.
- Pets and emotional support animals are not allowed in the park. Properly trained service animals are permitted, but due to the nature of the Zoo, they may not be allowed in some areas. To view the full ADA policy, please visit the ADA website.
- Children under 16 must always be accompanied by a responsible adult.
- Riverbanks is a smoke-free facility. Smoking and vaping is only allowed outside of the entry gates.
- Professional photography, tripods, and the use of drones is not allowed on Riverbanks property without prior authorization. For more information, please view our Film/Video/Still Photography Policy.
- The following items are not allowed inside the park: alcohol brought from outside the Zoo, balloons, balls, fireworks, laser pointers, outside food and drinks, hard-sided coolers, lawn chairs, bicycles, scooters, skateboards, shoes with wheels, any electric or motorized transport device with less than 3 wheels. For more information, please view our Mobility Device Policy.
- Some areas, rides, and attractions may operate at a limited capacity and have additional rules for the safety of our guests, staff, and animals.
Please help us respond to emergencies or disruptions by calling 803.779.8717.
Directions to Get Here
Main Entrance
500 Wildlife Parkway
Columbia, SC 29210
(just off I-126 at Greystone Blvd.)
[ show on map | get directions ]
COMET transportation service available upon request by way of Route 84 between Downtown Columbia and St. Andrews community. Learn more.
Botanical Garden Entrance
1300 Botanical Parkway
West Columbia, SC 29169
(just off SC Highway 378 at I-20 and I-26)
[ show on map | get directions ]
Getting Around
Need more help planning your visit? Find out about park amenities and services, where to grab a bite or shop for souvenirs via our Guest Relations page.
Check Current Weather Conditions
Local Hotel Accommodations
Conveniently located within minutes of the Zoo and Garden. Discounted tickets to Riverbanks are offered in addition to various packages.
- The 1425 Inn
- Cambria Hotel Columbia Downtown The Vista
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Columbia
- Homewood Suites Columbia
- Hotel Trundle
- Hyatt Place Columbia/Harbison
- Tru by Hilton Columbia Greystone
To inquire about establishing a hotel partnership with Riverbanks, please call 803.602.0900 or send an email.
Please refer to the Columbia Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau for additional information about lodging, dining and the city of Columbia.