Riverbanks Botanical Garden

1300 Botanical Pkwy, West Columbia, SC 29169, USA

Address:	1300 Botanical Pkwy, West Columbia, SC 29169, USA
Phone:	+1 803-779-8717
Site:	riverbanks.org
Rating:	4.7
Working:	9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 10

Amanda Coburn

We were in Columbia for a wedding and always try to visit AZA-accredited zoos when we travel. I hadnt done any research beforehand on what the zoo was like, so I was flabbergasted at how big and beautiful it was! Such gorgeous landscaping, signage, and exhibits. They had all the big-ticket animals you could ever want out of a zoo, plus many that I had never even seen before (and weve visited a lot of zoos!) Things like tree kangaroos, a variety of unique or endangered reptiles, fishing cats, etc. I had to take pictures of the exhibit signage so I could read it later because there was a lot for us to learn! The whole zoo was clean even with the heavy crowds. Even though we didnt have our daughter with us, there seem to be a TON of things to do for families & children. This can easily be an all-day excursion if you have kids. Our only complaints were: 1) So many of the other people at the zoo were unbelievably rude. (This isnt the zoos fault, of course.) People actually SITTING in front of the exhibits, like the gorillas, eating Icees and just whiling away the hours watching the animals. So disrespectful when there are 50+ people behind you wanting to get a view, just for a few minutes. And people letting their screaming, excited children run amok without any regard for the people around them. We actually had a really unpleasant overall experience because of this (we came just as a couple) but I obviously wont fault the zoo for it. The only solution I can think of would be to have zoo staff stationed at the more popular exhibits to help with crowd control? Its sad that thats necessary. 2) The sea lion exhibit was closed. Someone mentioned at the gift shop that it would be closed for 4-6 weeks. That is crazy! But, the safety of the animals & the public comes first, of course. They seem to be repairing broken glass so Id rather it get done right than be done quickly. Sea lions were one of the things we were most excited about so it was terrible not to get to see them. But, granted, its also the off-season. It makes more sense for them to repair it now than summertime or fall. Overall, an incredible zoo. If were ever down that way again, we will be back with much more time allotted!

Matthew Singletary

I wanted to take my kids to the zoo and we had already taken my daughter here when she was little and it was a blast so we decided to take her our son and newborn... the prices are outrageous it cost almost $12 for my daughter (4yr old) and my son (2yr old) 4 is a little understandable but a 2 yr old is crazy... it ended up costing $65 just to get in... the only animals we could see where mainly the ones locked up behind glass if they where in open enclosures most of them stayed in the back some looked as if they were behind a chain link fence my kids were upset that they couldnt see the zebras tiger the crazy monkeys most of the main attractions were either far away or doing absolutely nothing but looking trapped I think instead of adding more animals make it where the ones they have can actually move so it would be worth spending all that money we will not be going back due to high prices and not even being able to see the animals very disappointed

Kyle Parker

Amazing zoo with gardens and splash park for the kids. Great way to cool off on a hot summer day! We were visiting family and took kids ranging in age from 18 months to 10 years old, and everyone had a lot of fun. If the gardens/splash park are your primary objective, be prepared for a hike to get there - from the main entrance, you have to walk through a large portion of the zoo to reach the trolley that takes you to that section. For adults its not bad, but for excited and energetic kids, its tough staying focused - they wanted to run off and explore all of the other parts of the zoo that we had to walk through. Overall, it is one of the best zoos weve visited.

Kelly Smith

This is an excellent little zoo. Its amazing how many people visit each year, given the size of the Columbia metro area. Our girls especially love the new Waterfall Junction section of the zoo near the botanic garden. Its a great place to go and cool off on a hot South Carolina summer day. The sea lion exhibit is really good too. It can get crowded when there are school field trip groups and during the summer, so we try to go on cooler, rainy days. The animals are more active then anyway. The botanic garden is nice, and the trails are great.

Jessica Glass

Its really pretty with all the different plants and the way that they have it set up. The kids area is ok, they have soooo many rules for the water area. They have a slide looking spot, and kids can walk down it, or sit in one spot, but they are absolutely NOT allowed to sit and push themselves across the ground (why, I do not know). They have a huge grassy area where they have over sized games that look like they would be a lot of fun. We will go back, but mostly for the zoo, this part would only be an afterthought.

Adam Tillman

The gardens are well manicured and something is always flowering. Some usual plants and quite a few unusual or unique specimens. The wait for the tram was longer than I wanted to wait, so I walked up the foot path. Its steep, but not bad at all if you are in shape. If youre not in the best shape, waiting on the tram will be the best idea. Either way, the gardens are a cool place with an air-conditioned building and clean bathrooms which is a plus esp if you walked.

Miranda Moore

Amazing! The facility was clean and well organized and everything was priced accordingly and not outrageous. The staff were amazing. My son did the rock climbing wall and would get about half way up and then drop because he was scared but the sweet lady working it hooked up and climbed next to him so he wouldnt be scared and with her help he made it to the top. Amazing people that work there and amazing variety of animals. We will be back again soon.

Jessica Bardwell

Overall we had a great trip here! Very few exhibits were under construction so there were plenty of animals to see. Grounds are beautiful and so much to do! Staff could be friendlier and smile more. Food is pricey but tasty. "Baskets" should include fries but do not, there for, they shouldnt be called baskets. Elephants seemed lethargic and have what seem like a small enclosure. Lion seemed sickly, but most other animals seemed well cared for.

Anothercountyheard Baldwin

Beautiful gardens supplemented with a low key water park, sprinkling fountains that spray water, very welcome on a hot August day. The water feature makes the place kid friendly and provide a good incentive for children to walk through the gardens that they might not otherwise be interested in. The gardens themselves were well-maintained and full of blooming and colorful plants, and was very worth the visit.

Will Glenn

This place is always beautiful, always clean and always relaxing. There are many areas to sit and relax or meditate, some shaded, some not. There is a specific area for children to play that includes water activities, so the rest of the garden is relatively quiet and enjoyable. The nature trails for hiking have been closed about a year now, but the main gardens still present plenty of walking activity.