riverbanks zoo and botanical garden

I took my 2 year old son to the zoo this week. It was fun and beautiful. However, at this time there is a lot of construction and renovation going on, closing the bear exhibit, and making the park different than what I am accustomed to. I can tell the main entrance that is under under construction is going to be amazing and much bigger than the previous entrance. For now, a different entrance is being used. There will also be a new seal and sea lion exhibit that I'm really excited about! Tickets are about $13 for adults and $11 for kids 2 and over. It costs extra to feed the animals or ride the little train though the zoo. A small discount can be made if purchasing tickets online.

This zoo in Columbia is near other metro areas including Charlotte NC as well as Charleston, Greenville and Spartanburg, South Carolina. The flora on the grounds are varied and attractive, forming a fine complement to the animals and rides. The zoo also is quite compact considering its extensive sights, and easy to navigate. The animals are quite close to the visitors, more so than in many zoos.We were entertaining our 21 month old grandson, and so enjoyed attractions for the youngsters, including a miniature train to ride, a beautiful carousel portraying endangered animals, and most of all, hand-feeding the giraffes. Zoos have attractions for folks of all ages, and this one takes pains to ensure that all visitors are entertained regardless of age.We visited on a sunny, warm day in March. Columbia is notoriously hot and humid in the summer, so probably best to avoid summer months since the attractions are predominately outside.We live in North Carolina 75 miles away, and no doubt will visit again many times. The food and beverage choices were well-done for fast food, and reasonably priced for family budgets.

I love to visit zoos and since I am working in Greenville, I decided to check this place out. First off the price of admission is very reasonable, a cheap $14 for adults so that was great. So I parked and went in and first off there is a lot of construction going on as the zoo is expanding which is great. So after walking around I noticed the place is very clean and the staff very friendly. For a smaller zoo they have a great variety of animals including the usual staples such as lions and tigers and the bears are coming. I didnt eat so I cannot speak to the price of food, but the park is well laid out and even with the construction it was still easy to get around. While you are there you should check out the gardens as well although this time of year there isn't much to look at. I would also suggest that you do one their behind the scenes adventure tours which are only $27. I did the tiger one and it was incredible to go back behind the exhibit and be only a mere 3-4 feet from the tigers themselves! It was a great experience and I am looking to go back and do another one. If you have time, make sure you stop and spend a few hours here as it is a great place to visit.

We visited on march 7, 2015. The price of admission is great! Especially for three kids and two adults. For the most park the park was great. There is a lot of construction going on and what looks like a lot more animals to come. This made for my three little ones wanting more and I wishing we waited to spend our money. Lunch was 50.00 for all of us. Yuck. Save your money. They were out of hot dogs, out of animal crackers out of apple sauce, they only had one BBQ sand which left, we wanted two. We settled for a cold cheeseburger with fake cheese. The girls settled for quesadillas cheap cheap. cheap. For the money I expect hot food and better quality,especially since there are only a few other places to choose from. A big disappointment. I might mention it was only 1:30..! The rest of the zoo was great.

We had an afternoon with a few free hours so we toured this adorable zoo! It was perfect for a leisurely walk around with a child in a stroller. I was surprised at how many species of animals they had and construction for many more animals are in the works. Lions, tigers, elephants, flamingos, giraffes, zebras and a huge reptile exhibit. Fun at every turn!

This is my second visit, the last was spring of 2011, it has change and is still changing. Very nice zoo plenty to see and do.

I love it It has a very wide variety of animals and activities for the kids it's spread out but not too huge that you get bored or tiered walking from one habitat to another I got a yearly mbereh up and we try to go at any chance we got

The animals are treated with care and respect. The views of all are very good, and in some cases, you can pet the animals, as in the Giraffes! Several pricey snack places, beautiful botanical garden (small but lovely), little train for children to ride up to gardens, great Apes!!!

Columbia can be a little gritty and kinda run down but the zoo is the exact opposite of downtown. The animals all seemed well cared for and active. the setting was very peaceful and lots of foliage and vegetation, so you don't even notice your a few blocks from the interstate and just a few miles from downtown. Everybody enjoyed the easy walks from exhibit to exhibit, well planned and thought out. Worth It

Great family day, plenty of staff to keep things tidy and direct you when you need it. Such a fun day. Lots of exhibits, not too crowded, plenty of bathroom facilities. Will visit again!

The Rivrbanks Zoo is such a quality experience , I would give it ten stars if I could! Columbia is very proud of this fabulous venue and rightfully so! There's a lot to see and do and offers fu. For all ages! Don't miss!

So much too see in such a little time available. There were all kinds of cute and interesting animals here, from your little koalas to the fluffy penguins. This really eased the pain of the parents about finding a right place for our little devils!

Love visiting the Zoo with friends and taking my younger nieces and nephews. We always have wonderful time. If you like flowers, you'll definitely want to to see the botanical gardens. Absolutely beautiful!

I love Riverbanks...I used to come here as a child, and now I come here to bring my nieces and nephews. I love seeing the animals and the beautiful facility. A word of advice: come during the spring or fall, when temperatures are mild. After late June it gets so hot you can't really enjoy the place, and the animals are also staying where it is cool.

This zoo is sooo much fun! New exhibits are added all the time. My favorite is the Penguin House. A whole bunch of penguins are right on the other side of a huge glass window. The Nights Before Christmas is a beautiful holiday time with the zoo being lit with special Christmas decorations. The botanical garden section is gorgeous and you can learn a lot and get great ideas for your own yard. A membership is well worth the price!