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Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Garden


TripAdvisor Traveler Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #1 of 19 attractions in Columbia
Traveler Description: A popular zoo best known for its beautiful butterfly gardens and family-friendly atmosphere.
Familiar with Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Garden? Write your own description and share what you know with other travelers.
Attraction type: Nature center, Zoo, Garden
Activities: Hiking
Address: 500 Wildlife Pkwy Columbia, SC

Reviews you can trust

[ Date ] [ Rating ]
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4 of 5 stars
Wazzy22   15 contributions
Rochester, NY
Oct 15, 2009

We did a behind-the-scenes tour about grizzly bears and it was great! You can sign up at the website, in advance. Best parts of the zoo were seeing where they cut up and prepare the animals food, and also the flamingos were cute because there was a baby one. We took a walk over to the botanical garden later in... more

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5 of 5 stars
melarina   4 contributions
SC
Oct 9, 2009

We have enjoyed multiple trips to the Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Garden in Columbia, SC. The diversity of the animals is exciting, and there are multiple programs for students and for families. In the "off" season, some of the food vendors and other attractions may be closed (i.e. the train) so be sure to check in advance if there is... more

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5 of 5 stars
puravidaagain   7 contributions
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Jun 28, 2009

I am a college student who took three kids- 8, 9, and 13 year olds- to the Riverbanks Zoo for a day trip last week. Every one of us absolutely loved it, and agreed it was worth the 3 hour drive each way. Much to my excitement, the zoo was extremely affordable: the entrance prices were excellent and the attractions... more

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5 of 5 stars
scbeachblonde   2 contributions
Columbia, SC
Jun 27, 2009

I live nearby, and keep a season pass to this Zoo. I have loved it for many years, even though the zoo keeps changing...I saw the original gorillas on loan from the Chicago Zoo; I had seen them before, in Chicago! The gorilla exhibit is always popular. There aren't any polar bears anymore, but there are 2 grizzlies (brothers) on... more

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3 of 5 stars
knshirle   10 contributions
Mooresville, North Carolina
Jun 1, 2009

We visited the Zoo this past Saturday. We spent about 4 hours and saw almost everything in the Zoo. We did not venture in to the Gardens. There were 4 adults and 1 child in our group and he wasn't going to stand (or walk) for the gardens. The zoo was really nice and I would recommend getting there when... more

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5 of 5 stars
DizTravelMom   9 contributions
Virginia
Apr 23, 2009

Great zoo to visit while in Columbia. The animal exhibits were very interesting and covered a wide variety of habitats and types of animals. Loved the giraffe and lorikeet feeding! Beautiful grounds to explore and enjoy! more

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5 of 5 stars
Sunroom   32 contributions
Dec 31, 2008

What a great zoo, combined with wonderful gardens. Very user friendly. We have seen bigger, but the quality is very high at Riverbanks. more

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4 of 5 stars
froggymom3   2 contributions
asheville
Oct 25, 2008

We had a great time at the zoo. Lots of interesting animals and exhibits. Many of the animals were out and easily visible during the late afternoon and early evening. Definitely an all day trip. Possibly two visits, if you want to see both the zoo and the gardens. The only downsides were limited food options and a crowded gift... more

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5 of 5 stars
jjjlf_12   5 contributions
jjjlf_12
Mar 25, 2008

The zoo was beautiful, clean and the animals were on their game! I recommend this zoo for a nice afternoon with the family. It is not too big that you can't do it in a few hours, easpecially if you have small children and cannot walk all day. The garden is gorgeous and a must see!! more

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5 of 5 stars
PaducahTravelers   49 contributions
Paducah, Kentucky
Jan 2, 2008
1
person found this review helpful

I would definately give this zoo an above average rating, and an excellent rating for a zoo in a smaller-sized city. We stopped by the zoo on an unusually warm day in December (set the record actually). The zoo had very few visitors (due to it being midweek and December of course) and was very easy to navigate. The enclosures... more

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Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Garden Address

500 Wildlife Pkwy, Columbia, SC