Riverbanks Zoo & Garden

It was a very walkable zoo. You save money by buying tickets online and free parking as well. We got there at 1:45 ish and stayed untilclosing at 5. We did go to the Garden area as well. We stopped for a snack. We didn't get to see the giraffes, penguins and the bird house due to habitat changes or upgrades. We enjoyed the aquarium and the octopus did come out. Our granddaughters 11 and 8 both chose 5 stars and want to go back to try some of the things we missed and the rock climbing. They enjoyed the carousel. They was 2$ per rider the digital bucks can be used at the gift shop so we used that at the end.

My recent visit to Riverbanks Zoo and Garden was nothing short of extraordinary. This destination offers a perfect blend of wildlife adventure and botanical beauty, making it a must-visit for anyone in the area. **Diverse Animal Exhibits:** The zoo boasts a wide variety of animal exhibits, each thoughtfully designed to resemble natural habitats. From majestic elephants to playful otters and exotic birds, every corner of the zoo is teeming with life. The Gorilla Base Camp and African Savanna are particularly impressive, providing close-up views and interactive experiences that are both educational and fun. **Beautiful Botanical Gardens:** The Botanical Garden is a serene oasis within the zoo. Spanning over 70 acres, it features themed gardens, winding pathways, and picturesque landscapes. The Walled Garden and Bog Garden are personal favorites, showcasing a stunning array of plants and flowers. It’s a perfect spot to relax and soak in the beauty of nature. **Family-Friendly Atmosphere:** Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is ideal for families. The zoo offers numerous activities and exhibits designed to engage children, including the Riverbanks Farm, where kids can interact with farm animals, and the Kangaroo Walkabout, allowing close encounters with these adorable marsupials. The zoo also hosts seasonal events and educational programs that are both fun and informative. **Interactive and Educational:** The staff and volunteers are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about wildlife conservation. Interactive displays and informative signage throughout the zoo provide fascinating insights into the animals and plants, making the visit both enjoyable and educational. The zoo's commitment to conservation and education is truly commendable. **Cleanliness and Maintenance:** The facilities are impeccably clean and well-maintained. The attention to detail in maintaining both the animal habitats and the botanical gardens ensures a pleasant and comfortable experience for all visitors. **Accessibility and Amenities:** Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is conveniently located and easily accessible. Ample parking, well-marked pathways, and plenty of seating areas make navigating the zoo a breeze. The on-site cafes and gift shops offer a variety of dining options and souvenirs, adding to the overall experience. In summary, Riverbanks Zoo and Garden offers an exceptional experience that combines the excitement of a world-class zoo with the tranquility of a botanical garden. Whether you're an animal enthusiast, a gardening aficionado, or a family looking for a fun day out, Riverbanks Zoo and Garden has something for everyone. I highly recommend it and can’t wait to visit again!

We love going here. Grew up going to this zoo, and so much has changed, but for the better! We love seeing all the flora they have and the variety of animals. They also have a splash pad for the summertime and several things throughout the year. Highly recommend!

Riverbanks Zoo is an amazing experience! I had a blast walking around and seeing all the animals. The zoo is well-maintained, and the habitats are designed to give you a close-up view of the animals while keeping them comfortable. The variety of animals is impressive, from majestic big lions to playful otters and colorful fish. The botanical garden is a lovely bonus, offering a peaceful escape amidst all the excitement. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, making the visit even more enjoyable. It's a perfect spot for a day out, whether solo, with friends, or family. Highly recommend visiting!

Absolutely fantastic zoo, buy tickets online ahead of time to save on parking. Worth every penny to see the wondrous animals so happy in their environments. Also quite amusing to hear the reactions to the impromptu biology lesson from the rattlesnakes, I hope that clutch of eggs comes out safely and hatch healthy babies. Would also be interested to find out how one of the younger gorillas learned a certain gesture lol. That’s what you get for calling a beautiful ape a monkey, folks.

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is a fantastic family-friendly destination with something for everyone! The kangaroo walk-in area is a standout, offering an up-close and interactive experience with these fascinating animals. The aviary is equally impressive, allowing you to immerse yourself among colorful, free-flying birds. Both areas provide unforgettable encounters that make the zoo truly special. The well-maintained grounds and diverse exhibits ensure a fun and educational visit for all ages. It’s a must-see attraction!

Hello, we are members at the zoo and go there at least 2x a month. It will be every week now we moved to Columbia. Zoo is wonderful,great layout for walking and enjoying the animals. Zoo lights are fabulous. It is worth the drive. So much better than i expected. Bring your children for an experiebce of lights and sounds. It even snows at the Zoo!!!

They really improved and added so much more here, so many more new exhibits, more attractions, and a new membership system & prices. With the membership, they now allow the wrist bands to do everything instead of needing to have a reloadable card to do any of the activities they have throughout the zoo. With the many new changes, they changed how some of the older things worked. For example, it's no longer pellets, and it's necter to feed the birds and a smaller area to stand in. They have a lot more chances for you to feed the animals now, giraffes, birds, farm animals, and so on. It's well worth the passes if you plan on visiting all the new attractions. They even have wild out nights at the zoo.