Riverbanks Zoo Enrichment Day: wild fun, special treats, free activities and funny moments

On September 25th the Riverbanks Zoo celebrated its animals and visitors with special treats, surprises and fun activities for kids. The event was free with zoo admission ($11.75 adults, $10.75 seniors and military, and $9.25 children 3-12). Here are the highlights: Fun stuff for kids Feed Little Boy, the zoo’s only American alligator. Visitors who [...]

Hello Columbia! Most adorable baby baboon is playing at Riverbanks Zoo

“I want to hug her!” my daughter kept yelling. That’s when you know you found cute. C’mon look at these big ears, little pink rump pads and round sparkling eyes! Yara, the baby baboon is the new Hamadryas star at Riverbanks Zoo, which hasn’t had one for over 25 years. While mom Imi and dad [...]

New at Riverbanks Zoo, Columbia wild fun thing to do!

I haven’t been to Riverbanks since the “Lights Before Christmas” event. Last Saturday my daughter and I braved the crowds and the heat to see what’s new at the zoo. Newest exhibit: Kangaroo Walkabout Although is hard to replace the feisty sea lions (remember Big Boy?) the kangaroos and wallabies held their own on the [...]

Spring Camp at the Zoo, the most fun thing you can do

If you’re still pondering where to take and what to do with kids this Spring break, look no further than Riverbanks Zoo. Check their website for a monthly events calendar and a varitety of Zooventure family activities. Below is the April 2009 summary of fun packed children programs grouped by age. Riverbanks Zoo Little Kids [...]

Amazing animal pictures: crazy holler monkeys, lost gorillas, melancholic orangutans and feisty baboons

What a year 2008 has been. Lots of chest beating, hollering and hair pulling, hanging upside down, crying, whimpering, and laughing out loud. No, is not the stock market. No Wall Street or Main Street here. I’m talking about the most incredible animals at the Riverbanks, Greenville and Como zoos. A “planet of the apes” [...]

Riverbanks “Lights Before Christmas”: Snow, marshmallows, Santa, train rides and dazzling lights magic

Every year we come to Riverbanks Zoo to experience the Lights Before Christmas. It’s a fun evening, especially for kids. The whole park is lit up, there is laughter, joy and the smell of Christmas. What kids love to do at the zoo 1. Play in the “snow” and chase falling snow-soap flakes. This is [...]

Shark, motor boat or statue? Big Boy sea lion acts funny at Riverbanks Zoo (video)

Treat or trick? Come see Big Boy sea lion Halloween action daily at 10:30 AM and 3 PM at the amazing Riverbanks Zoo. He swims like a shark, rides the waves like a motor boat, jumps, flips, rolls over and even does an upside-down “flippers” stand still. All just to get some fish and your [...]

Cheer for your favorite animal at the Riverbanks Zoo Funny Summer Olympics

OK it’s not near the level of the Olympic Games in Beijing. But don’t tell that to the animals at Riverbanks Zoo downtown Columbia! They’ve trained and trained and are competing effervescently every day to put on a quality show just for you. The kids love to cheer them on. If nothing else is worth [...]

Updates at Riverbanks Zoo: newest attractions, rental and food prices (what’s fun to do in Columbia)

This post is a follow up to my previous article on Riverbanks Zoo I wrote back in March. Three months later it’s worth noting the zoo’s newest attractions and prices updates, especially on food. Those of you new to the blog or just recently moved into town, Columbia Riverbanks Zoo is THE family attraction in [...]

Riverbanks Zoo Giant Turtles Eat From Your Hand video

This is as good as it gets at Riverbanks Zoo. Up close and personal with these puppy love cuties. That day the Galapagos turtles were particularly funny and friendly letting kids touch their shells and pet their scruffy heads. Happy family vacation in South Carolina!