Riverbanks Zoo: A Review
Looking for a fun day trip with kids from Charlotte? Just an hour away you’ll find the Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia, SC. It is one of our all-time favorite places to spend a day as a family.
Growing up in Milwaukee, heading to the zoo was an annual rite of summer. I loved turning around as a parent to take my girls to the Milwaukee County Zoo I adored myself as a child.
When we moved in 2012, I was disappointed to discover that Charlotte, NC does not have a zoo right here in town. I didn’t realize how I had taken this classic childhood attraction for granted.
With a quick scout online, I discovered the Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia, SC is only about an hour and a half away from us. Totally doable for a day trip!
When we finally made our way to Riverbanks, I was blown away by what a perfect zoo it is for this area.
Since the Milwaukee zoo is open and spread out, I worried we would bake under the hot southern sun trying to visit a zoo in summer.
Turns out that Riverbanks planned for that and the entire grounds is landscaped with large lush trees. We stayed mostly in the shade for our visit and were able to cool off inside several air conditioned exhibits.
Read on to discover our other favorite things about Riverbanks. Does your town have a zoo? Have you ever tried visiting any others? Leave me a comment below!
Map It
Riverbanks Zoo & Garden is located in Columbia, SC just about an hour and a half south of Charlotte.
500 Wildlife Pkwy
Columbia, SC 29210
Why We Love Riverbanks Zoo
Our annual visits to Riverbanks have been a treasured part of my girls’ childhood. We love visiting this zoo because:
- Easy Day Trip: Even with the 1.5 hour drive, this is a fun and easy day trip to enjoy from Charlotte.
- Perfect for Animal Lovers: My kids loved anything having to do with animals and Riverbanks offers several amazing animal encounters.
- Cool and Shady: Despite the intense Southern summer sunshine, it is pretty easy to stay cool at Riverbanks.
Peek Inside Our Visit
Riverbanks underwent some construction and expansion over the last few years and we were thrilled to discover that the Bear and Otter habitats were open for viewing during the trip when I filmed this video.
The river otters were by far our favorite moment from the day and I’m still kicking myself for missing video of one of the otters putting it’s paw up to the window to say hi to the Peanut. That interaction is going to stick with her for some time.
Why You Should Visit
If you’re looking for a trip to the zoo with your kids, here are the reasons we think you should choose Riverbanks Zoo:
Awesome Animal Interactions
At Riverbanks, you don’t just go to watch the animals from afar, you can actually interact with them!
There is a pathway through the kangaroos’ habitat, a place where you can hold out food cups to feed the parrots, and coolest of all?? You can feed the giraffes lettuce!
The Peanut was both fascinated and horrified when that giant giraffe head came swooping over for the lettuce. It was fantastic!
I can never get enough of feeding the giraffes. I wish you could have seen me trying to feed it with my left hand while recording it with my right all while that huge purple tongue was eagerly seeking out the lettuce!
Cool Animal Artwork
The girls loved seeing animal statues made out of various materials all throughout the zoo as we walked from exhibit to exhibit.
Little Pea was totally struck by this cool zebra. It was so nice seeing these surprises sprinkled in among the pathways:
Fun Photo Spots
Ok, let’s be real for a minute. How much about a trip to the zoo is about the photos for mom and dad??
I loved that they had these animal sculptures for posing. It will be fun to see the girls grow in reference to that turtle or the entry way lions.
Gorgeous Landscaping
I know I mentioned the trees earlier, but we felt more like we were walking through a lush tropical island than a zoo!
They have a small children’s garden too.
Our Tips for Your Visit
1. Get There Early: Be sure to arrive as early as possible. While the zoo does a fantastic job with fans and misting machines, it can get really hot by noon and the animals get sleepy.
2. Bring Water!: Staying hydrated is crucial with the little ones. I packed one big canteen for my bag and we shared. It kept us going until lunchtime.
3. Prepare for the Sun: Sunblock is important but don’t panic. The zoo is extremely shady and many exhibits are indoors.
4. Bring Cash: Bring cash for the giraffes. Feeding them is an extra expense and they only take cash. I believe it was $2/serving and worth EVERY PENNY.
Bonus Tip: Be on the lookout for the signage as you drive out of the zoo. My girls crack up every single time.
So how about you? What’s your favorite zoo and why? Leave me a comment below!
Visit South Carolina
While you’re down in South Carolina for a visit, here are a few more things you might want to visit:
Well I would like to say the zoo is very nice really was enjoying my self until a snake scared me to pieces I was so ready to go because I didn’t feel safe after that