What to Do in Columbia, South Carolina: Riverbanks Zoo & Garden Basics
Riverbanks Zoo & Garden is a combined zoo and botanical garden in Columbia, South Carolina, home to more than 2,000 animals and one of the nation's most inspiring botanical gardens. It works well as a half-day to full-day outing, especially for families, animal lovers, and anyone who wants a zoo visit paired with a garden walk. Before you go, use the official Plan Your Visit, Visitor Information, and Park Map pages to confirm hours, tickets, parking, and the day's layout.
What Riverbanks actually is
The name says it plainly: this is two attractions in one property.
- The zoo side holds more than 2,000 animals and is described by the site as one of America's best zoos.
- The garden side is a botanical garden the site calls one of the nation's most inspiring.
That combination is the main reason to choose Riverbanks over a standard zoo stop. You can spend the morning on animals and the afternoon in the gardens, or split the visit across a cooler part of the day.
Main things to see and do
Based on the site's own navigation, these are the activity categories worth planning around:
| Category | What it covers | Official page |
|---|---|---|
| Animals | The full zoo collection, 2,000+ animals | Plan Your Visit |
| Botanical garden | The garden half of the property | Plan Your Visit |
| Animal demonstrations | Scheduled keeper talks and animal programs | Animal Demonstrations |
| Rides and attractions | On-site rides and extra attractions | Rides and Attractions |
| Riverbanks Backstage | Behind-the-scenes experience | Riverbanks Backstage |
| Group visits | Field trips and group bookings | Field Trips and Group Visits |
| Private events | Venue rental for events | Plan a Private Event |
If you only have a few hours, prioritize the animal areas and one garden section. If you have a full day, add an animal demonstration and check whether a ride or the Backstage experience fits your group.
How to plan your visit
- Start with Plan Your Visit. This is the hub page for trip logistics and links out to the other planning pages.
- Check Visitor Information. Use it for the practical details you need before leaving — this is where the site directs visitors for basic questions.
- Open the Park Map. The map page helps you sequence the zoo and garden so you are not backtracking across the property.
- Look at Animal Demonstrations. These run on a schedule, so check times and build your route around one you want to catch.
- Decide on add-ons. Rides and Attractions and Riverbanks Backstage are separate experiences — review them before you arrive rather than deciding at the gate.
- If you are coming as a group, use Field Trips and Group Visits instead of the general visitor pages.
Is it worth it for you?
Good fit if you:
- Are traveling with kids or a family group
- Want animals and gardens in a single stop
- Prefer a half-day to full-day attraction rather than a quick visit
- Are interested in a behind-the-scenes animal experience
Less of a fit if you:
- Want only a botanical garden with no zoo crowds
- Have very limited time and need something you can finish in under an hour
- Are looking for an indoor, weather-independent attraction
Common snags to avoid
- Assuming you can wing it. Hours, ticketing, and parking details live on the official pages — check them before you drive over.
- Skipping the map. The property combines a zoo and a garden, so an unplanned route means extra walking.
- Missing timed programs. Animal demonstrations follow a schedule; if you want to see one, plan your day around it.
- Treating add-ons as included. Rides, attractions, and the Backstage experience are listed separately — review them in advance.
For current hours, admission, and parking specifics, go directly to riverbanks.org and use the Plan Your Visit and Visitor Information pages.