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.
Post updated on July 3, 2024
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.
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.
Full disclosure: We've never been to the other zoo within driving distance from Myrtle Beach yet, which is the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro, NC. Our friends at Moms of Myrtle recently reviewed that zoo, and we highly recommend you check it out.
Here are some top tips for visiting Riverbanks from our family to yours.
tip #1 Consider getting a membership to save $ over time
General admission is $24.99 for adults online and $27.99 at the ticket window, $22.99 for seniors 62+ online and $25.99 at the ticket window, $21.99 for kids 2-12 online and $24.99 at the ticket window, and free for kids 2 and under. Parking is free online and $5 per vehicle at the ticket window.
There are several membership options that include free daytime admission to the Zoo and Garden year-round, free parking, guest passes, visit to Lights Before Christmas, magazine subscription, discounted admission to more than 100 participating zoos and aquariums across the country, and more perks.
The Family OR Grandparent pass is $159 and includes two named adults and all children under 18 living in the household in addition to 6 guest passes.
The Family Explorer pass is $259 and includes 12 guest passes, which you can give away those passes to family and friends to make return visits even more fun. This pass also includes unlimited free rides and attractions except the Sky-High Safari ropes course. We opt to pay à la carte for these extras, which brings us to our next tip...
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 10-1:30 and typically has a long line, but it's 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 Sky-High Safari. It's big, challenging, and you can spend as much time up there as you like. You must be 48" 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, dig for dino bones, play in giant tree houses, pop in and out of rabbit holes, hula hoop on the lawn, and more. AND it's 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 features 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 brand new 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 buildings 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 or hippos. 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.
Tip #6 Don't miss wild lights during the holidays
We highly recommend making the trip to Columbia for Wild Lights. This breathtaking and magical event is perfect for families looking for something fun to do after the holidays. Wild Lights aims to shine a light on the beauty of nature along with the zoo’s mission of conservation. There are nearly 60 larger-than-life handcrafted lanterns inspired by nature. You’ll see many of the zoo animals you know and love along with some extinct creatures like dinosaurs and wooly mammoths–and even an ice dragon–along with beautiful flowers and plants that set the scene. While you may see some night owls during the event, most of the zoo’s residents are off-exhibit to catch some Z’s. The Aquarium & Reptile Conservation Center and Birdhouse aren’t open to the public. One of the coolest parts of the lights is that many of the lanterns move, from salamanders flicking their tails to crocodiles snapping their jaws. Near the train, there’s a brilliant blue 11-foot tall peacock that fans its feathers every few minutes. The show-stopping Lingzhi tree and massive crab in the center of the zoo blow smoke bubbles that the kids will love popping. There are moonlight swings and a light-up stepping board kids will want to try.
The Bottom Line
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden has become one of our favorite spots to take friends, check out special events, say hello to our favorite animals, and cool off at Waterfall Junction. It's the perfect excuse to head to Columbia for the day—or the weekend.
コメント