Fun Things to Do at Riverbanks Zoo & Garden in Columbia, SC

Updated

Riverbanks Zoo & Garden packs more than 2,000 animals and one of the nation's most inspiring botanical gardens into a single Columbia, South Carolina destination, so the "fun" here comes in two distinct halves: the zoo and the garden. If you have a full day, plan to do both. If you have only a few hours, pick the half that matches your group — animals for kids and first-timers, the garden for a slower, quieter visit. Below are the experiences worth building your day around, plus how to choose between them.

Start with the animals

The zoo side is the main draw for most visitors, and with 2,000+ animals there's more ground to cover than a quick walk-through allows. A few ways to get more out of it:

  • Plan around animal demonstrations. The zoo runs scheduled animal demonstrations, so check times before you go and build your route so you're near the right area when one starts. This is the easiest way to turn a passive walk into something memorable.
  • Go beyond looking. The Riverbanks Backstage experience is a separate offering that takes you behind the scenes rather than past the exhibits — worth considering if you've done standard zoo visits before and want something different.
  • Use the park map to sequence your route. With a large animal collection spread across the grounds, wandering without a plan usually means backtracking. Grab the map and pick your must-sees first.

Then slow down in the garden

The botanical garden is not a side attraction — it's described as one of the nation's most inspiring, and it rewards a different pace than the zoo. Treat it as its own stop rather than something you squeeze in at the end.

  • Best for: photography, a relaxed walk, and anyone who needs a break from the busier animal areas.
  • Give it real time. If you rush the garden in the last 20 minutes of your visit, you'll miss the point of it.

Rides, attractions, and interactive extras

Beyond the animals and plants, the zoo offers Rides and Attractions, which are a separate category from the exhibits themselves. These are the add-ons that tend to be the highlight for younger kids. Check what's running on your visit date, since offerings can vary.

If you're visiting with a group — a school, a club, or a large family — the zoo also handles field trips and group visits, which is worth knowing before you buy individual tickets.

Match your plan to who you're bringing

If you're visiting with… Prioritize Consider skipping or shortening
Young kids Rides and Attractions, animal demonstrations A long garden walk
A partner or solo The garden, Backstage experience Ride-focused areas
Photography in mind The garden, plus animal areas at quieter times Rides
A first-time zoo visitor The full animal collection, sequenced by the map Backstage (save it for a return trip)
A group or school Group visit arrangements, demonstrations —

Before you go: confirm the practical details

A few things are worth locking down in advance so you don't miss the day's activities:

  1. Check opening hours and the day's schedule — demonstration times and ride availability aren't the same every day.
  2. Look at the park map to plan a route instead of improvising on arrival.
  3. Review visitor information for current entry details, and check group visit options if you're coming with a large party.
  4. Decide on add-ons ahead of time — Backstage and rides are separate from general admission, so knowing your budget and interests first saves time at the gate.

The single biggest mistake is treating Riverbanks as a two-hour stop. Between the animal collection, the demonstrations, the rides, and a garden that deserves its own block of time, this is a full-day destination — or two half-days if you'd rather split the zoo and garden across separate visits.