Top Tips for Riverbanks Zoo (From a 6-Year Annual Passholder)

top tips for riverbanks zoo in columbia, sc

Written by Krystin Dean from DEAN TEAM ADVENTURES.

We first made the 2.5-hour drive to Riverbanks Zoo and Garden in Columbia in 2016, and we’ve renewed our annual passes every year since then.

We have a thing for zoos. Growing up near great zoos in Cleveland, OH and Louisville, KY, it’s something we seek out wherever we go. Luckily, Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is one we enjoy returning to year after year.

From the amazingly well-kept animal habitats, to the splash-tacular Waterfall Junction, to extra experiences like feeding giraffes and scaling a ropes course, there are so many reasons to keep coming back to Riverbanks.

why we love the annual pass

Riverbanks also has fun seasonal events like Boo at the Zoo and Lights Before Christmas that are very different than a typical day at the zoo. Another reason to return to Riverbanks if you’ve already been is the new Aquarium & Reptile Conservation Center that will open this year.

Here are some top tips for visiting Riverbanks from our family to yours.

Tip #1 | Consider getting a membership

General admission is $21.99 for adults, $19.99 for seniors 62+, $18.99 for kids 2-12 and free for kids 2 and under. Parking is $5 per vehicle.

There are several membership options that include free daytime admission to the Zoo and Garden year-round, free parking, guest passes, and a visit to Lights Before Christmas. You can see all the details of those packages at their membership page here. We opt for the Family Plus pass, which is $159 and includes 12 guest passes (a $264 value). We give away those passes to family and friends to make return visits even more fun!

tip #2 | Plan for the extras

There are several activities at the zoo that require an additional fee… and your kids will see them. So it’s best to have a conversation in advance about what you will or will not be paying extra to do.

The Spots & Stripes Railroad, Farmyard, Giraffe Overlook feeding, lorikeet feeding near Koala Knockabout, and Endangered Species Carousel are all two “Explore More Credits” (aka $2 each). The Sky-High Safari Ropes Course is 7 credits per person or 5 credits for members. The Scale the Wild Adventures Rock Wall is 3 credits.

The giraffe feeding is only open from 10a–1:30p and typically has a long line, but it is the coolest experience. And you only have to buy one helping of greens for your whole family to share (whereas you need 2 credits per person to enter the lorikeet enclosure).

Our kids love the rock wall. It’s big, challenging, and you can spend as much time up there as you like. You must be 48″ tall without parental supervision and need close-toed shoes.

tip #3 | make time for waterfall junction

One of the coolest things about Riverbanks is it isn’t just a zoo. There’s a whole other area called Waterfall Junction where kiddos can run around and under a 25-foot waterfall and splash pad area. Plus you can dig for dino bones, play in a giant tree house, pop in and out of rabbit holes, hula hoop on the lawn, and more. And it is included with park admission!

We like to drive instead of taking the tram that runs between the zoo (pickup near the carousel) and Waterfall Junction (pickup at the Botanical Gardens) so that we can leave our towels and swimsuits in the car until we’re ready for them. We also often picnic at one of the covered shelters available in both parking lots.

Waterfall Junction is part of the Botanical Gardens, which feature 70 acres and more than 5,700 species of native and exotic plants. It’s a great spot for a family photo, but be warned, it’s not very shady!

tip #4 | save the stuff by the zoo entrance for last

Right when you enter the zoo, you will see the Birdhouse on your right, Sea Lion Landing on your left, and the very-soon-to-open Aquarium & Reptile Conservation Center straight ahead. While it’s tempting to do these first since they’re right in front of you, we recommend doing them at the end of the day.

This is because these are the three main building with AC – and even though the zoo does offer a lot of shade, you’re likely going to want to cool down toward the end of your adventure.

tip #5 | visit your favorite animal first or last

Animals are most active when they first go on exhibit at opening and as they prepare to return to their evening quarters just before closing.

We passed the lions, tigers, and bears at the end of our “loop” around the zoo, and they were all snoozing by lunchtime. We visited Gorilla Basecamp first thing because that’s our favorite spot, and they were super active.

While Riverbanks is home to almost every zoo animal you would expect to see, there are no elephants. The white rhino area is a standout spot, allowing you to get super close to Winifred, Kande, and Bill. Sea Lion Landing, a reproduction of San Francisco’s Pier 39, is also a must-see and has daily shows to enjoy.