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Location
Visitor tip
Start with the popular interactive experiences like Giraffe Feeding and the Carousel Ice Cream Shop early in your visit, as these attractions are heavily mentioned and likely have peak times. Also check the Penguin live stream schedule (9am-5pm daily) to time your visit to the penguin exhibit.
Visitor tip
Visit the Splash Pad during summer months (open 9am-4:30pm daily) to cool off, and take advantage of shaded pathways throughout the zoo — reviewers specifically praise the garden areas and tree coverage as making hot weather visits more comfortable.
Visitor tip
Explore the Riverbanks Backstage experience to deepen learning about animal care and conservation efforts — this insider access complements the main exhibits and aligns with the zoo's educational mission highlighted in visitor reviews.
About Riverbanks Zoo & Garden
Wild & farm animals, plus gardens. Zoo with African & Australian animals, reptile galleries, a bird house, a farm & botanical gardens.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Zoo
- Location
- Columbia, South Carolina
- Highlights
- Penguin live stream, Saluda Skyride, splash zones, backstage animal encounters
- Special Features
- Conservation programs, aerial skyride, interactive splash zones
What visitors say
🐘🐒🦒 Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is truly one of Columbia’s greatest treasures. Whether you are visiting in the summertime 🌞 or during the holidays 🎄, it is always a wonderful experience. The zoo is beautifully maintained, easy to…
We loved this zoo so much that I had to get season passes, which are so affordable for a family and have a lot of great perks. So much to do here for the entire family. The gardens are amazing and I love getting my steps in looking at…
Absolutely wonderful ❤️ a clean zoo with active animals. All the animals were playing and enjoying their life. Also wonderful add on excursions like giraffe feeding, carousel ride or train ride and even more for all ages. Plus You are…
From 22,650 Google reviews Read all reviews
Did You Know?
- Riverbanks Zoo & Garden features a daily penguin live stream accessible from 9am–5pm, allowing remote visitors to observe penguin behavior in real-time
- The zoo operates a Riverbanks Backstage program that provides visitors with behind-the-scenes access to animal care areas and conservation education experiences
- The venue offers interactive animal encounters including giraffe feeding experiences, which generated 217 mentions in visitor reviews
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