You are never bored at the Riverbanks Zoo. There is always some drama unfolding with the animals and people alike. It’s relatively cheap, you get plenty of exercise and fresh air walking in the beautiful surroundings, and most important, the little kids can scream their hearts out and run around for a couple of hours while no one there really cares. When my daughter Lana was months old she got her best hour-long naps as we were strolling pass the big cats exhibits.
Tips to know before you go
1. Get the membership it will pay for itself after two family visits.
2. Go during the week. By all means avoid Friday which is free day for Richland and Lexington counties residents and when most school, church and senior tours visit.
3. Get the 10 safari “bucks” for $8 ticket. This will save you $2 and lets you do a girls magnet pony ride or a 3D movie (each costs $4), two carousel runs ($1 per run and you get to join in for free…yeah! better not eat anything heavy ahead of time), and you can feed the animals along the way ($1 each). At the farm go with the goats, they’ll put on a show.
4. Know the animal shows and feeding times; this is when animals are most active and crowds gather to a specific location (so you’ll know when and where to get away!)
5. Young kids love to climb the many bronze statues scattered around the park. Let them do it; you’ll get a rest, they get a great kick out of it and it’s also a good motivation to keep them going “to the next one”.
6. If you plan on eating while at the zoo, Kenya café is your best bet although don’t expect Wolfgang Puck style dining. Get the hot-dog and fries combo with the yogurt smoothie or the salad box (each about $2.00). There are water fountains throughout the zoo so don’t spend money on drinks…unless it’s your only option to shut the kids up.
What you might run into at the zoo
Scrawny-looking lion is bored to death by the endless exhibit of photo shooting humans. He’s looking for refuge along the more self-assured matriarchs.
Flute singing gorilla finds peace by the shade secluded rocks
Laying around and eating upside down the lazy sloth got it all figured out. Flower, power.
The stone face impenetrable alligator. If you ask me I think it’s a fake; he never moves!
Relaxed lady elephants enjoy an afternoon snack, always socializing or scratching a perennial itch. They truly seem in their element in spite of the relatively small enclosure.
Super model frilly lizard will make sure to hold the pose until you get your best shot. Very professional indeed!
The impassable tiger yawns heavily unfazed by the ruckus nearby 
Brady Bunch little parrots will delight kids of all ages for a $1 nectar cup. Relax, stay still, pray for no “oops accidents” and enjoy the show. Check out these funny videos to get even a better idea of all the fun that awaits you there:
Riverbanks Zoo
500 Wildlife Parkway, Columbia, SC 29210
Open daily 9 AM to 5 PM (6PM weekends), except Thanksgiving and Christmas day
Discount rates available for seniors, military personnel and groups
For more information and year round calendar of events visit http://www.riverbanks.org/ or call (803) 779-8717
Filed under: Columbia, Mysterious, Funny & Weird, Riverbanks Zoo, Walking and Jogging, Zoo Tagged: | Columbia activities under 15, Columbia best family attractions, Columbia exciting weekend family things to do, Columbia fun kids activities, Columbia just for kids, outdoor weekend fun downtown, Riverbanks Zoo attractions, Riverbanks Zoo photos, Riverbanks Zoo romance, what to do with children in Columbia
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