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Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Garden

500 Wildlife Pkwy, Columbia, SC
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Ranked #1 of 47 attractions in Columbia
Type: Zoos, Gardens, Nature/ Wildlife Areas
Activities: Hiking
Description: A popular zoo best known for its beautiful butterfly gardens and family-friendly atmosphere.
Useful Information: Activities for young children
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508 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    356
    125
    24
    2
    1
Date Rating
Lancaster, South Carolina, United States
Senior Reviewer
10 reviews 10 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 May 2013 NEW

Ww really enjoy the zoo, they are always changing things there. No matter how many times you been to the zoo, something always catches you eyes different.

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1 review
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 May 2013 NEW

Their customer service was poor from the ticket window on. With the exception of the young lady working the giraffe exhibit, zoo staff was unhelpful and unengaging. They have incredibly strict policies concerning reciprocal zoo membership and the staff was rude and difficult in discussing those policies. The bathrooms were disgusting and the buildings and grounds were poorly kept. While... More

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New York City, New York
Top Contributor
55 reviews 55 reviews
31 attraction reviews
Reviews in 19 cities Reviews in 19 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 May 2013

The zoo appeared to be pretty well managed and very popular. The bridge connecting the zoo to the garden gives some nice views, in fact, we spotted a river otter below. There is a tram to take you up the short hill to the garden, and everyone apparently waits for it. It's not that big of a hill. At the... More

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See 3 more reviews by dmadeo for Columbia
VA Beach
Top Contributor
62 reviews 62 reviews
27 attraction reviews
Reviews in 31 cities Reviews in 31 cities
30 helpful votes 30 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 May 2013

Don't get me wrong because this is a place worth a visit but one of the "20 best" public gardens I don't think so. Conveniently located and a very clean open feel. Not a massive facility but the walk from the zoo to the park,even with the tram, is not for the weak of heart. Zoo isn't large but animals... More

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See 2 more reviews by alphotodoc for Columbia
Murrells Inlent, SC
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 May 2013

This is the best zoo - and I've been to a lot - We took our 6 year old on the Penquin adverture and had a great time!

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Chesapeake, Virginia
2 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 May 2013

They had lots of children there on the day I went, hoever I never encountered any problems with seeing the exhibits or the animals. I like the enviroment and it was set to be very educational for all who visted.

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San Rafael, California
Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 11 May 2013

No charge for parking, reasonable admission rate. Enjoyed all the exhibits! Staff walked the grounds and gave explanations about many of the animals.

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See 2 more reviews by luvbuz for Columbia
London
Senior Contributor
34 reviews 34 reviews
16 attraction reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
16 helpful votes 16 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 May 2013

A truly lovely zoo! The animals look well cared for and there is so much to see at the zoo. It is easily a full day out. Attractive surroundings too. Will definitely visit again when I have the chance!

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Athens, Georgia
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
11 helpful votes 11 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 May 2013

It's been decades since my last zoo visit, so maybe this is par for the course now, but I was VERY impressed with this little jewel. The staff was wonderful, and went out of their way to be helpful. For instance, I rented one of their excellent strollers soon after they opened. We returned to our hotel around 2:00 for... More

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Columbia, South Carolina
Contributor
14 reviews 14 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 May 2013

Typical zoo but great for little kids. The food is better than average for this type of atmosphere and is not ridiculously over priced. It is a great place to spend the day with the family.

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