A daily guide through Riverbanks Zoo & Garden
Finally able to step outdoors and enjoy warm, spring weather? Not sure about what affordable outdoor attractions to visit? Still unsure? Yep, you guessed it! Take a trip to Coumbia, SC where the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden awaits.
Home to more than 2,000 animals and one of nations most beautiful botanical gardens, the Riversbank Zoo and Garden is a must-see 170 acre exhibit.
Tip 1: Pack light
I can never stress this enough. When participating in any outdoor activity, packing light will be the best decision you ever made.
Tip 2: Pay in advance.
Why wait in another line when you can walk right up to the turnstile with your printed tickets ready to scan?
Tip 3: Arrive early.
Spring is finally here and families, friends and community groups are out to play. Parking can get hectic with large vans and school buses in the mix. Give yourself some time to get inside, look over the zoo map and get that perfect shot infront of the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden sign.
Tip 4: Feed the giraffes at Giraffe Lookout.
For just $2 a scoop, I can feed a Giraffe? Yes, please! From 10:00A.M. to 1:30P.M. giraffes wait as zoo guest reach out their palms. To get eager, more hungry giraffes, try to arrive within the first hour of eating. The tour guides must close Giraffe Lookout once the giraffes have eaten their daily allotment.
Tip 5: Come prepared.
Nothings worse than paying for overpriced park food. I packed a sandwich, apple and mixed nuts for lunch. I saved myself from waiting in a line that went out the door and at least $15.00, if you don’t count their $6.00 water bottle.
Tip 6: Witness gorilla feeding
Now that you’ve eaten, the gorilla’s are ready to eat too. Daily shows start at 1:30P.M. inside the gorilla base camp exhibit.
Tip 7: Experience wildlife up-close
This educational animal demonstration allows guests to interact with wildlife creatures upclose. Guests can enjoy this fascinating attraction at 2:00P.M. daily.
Tip 8: Last stop- botanical gardens!
As the animals begin to rest their heads, various gardens are waiting for you to explore. Out of them all, the Bog Garden is my favorite with its charming essence and vibrant plants. The purple wall is a nice touch too.
It’s 5:00P.M. and the zoo is closing for the night. Guests head to their lockers to grab personal belongings and while heading to the car, I thank my friends for another day well spent.
