Riverbanks Zoo & Garden open with timed tickets

We recently shared information on how the North Carolina Zoo has reopened, with timed tickets and other modifications.

If you want to venture south instead, here is information on Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, at 500 Wildlife Parkway, Columbia, which has also re-opened. As with the North Carolina Zoo, you’ll need to purchase a timed ticket in advance, and not all facilities are open.

North Carolina Zoo, at 4401 Zoo Parkway, Asheboro, is about 90 miles from Charlotte, and Riverbanks Zoo is about 94 miles, so they’re a similar drive from Charlotte.

You can read Riverbanks Zoo’s full re-opening statement here.

Face Masks

Face masks are required at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, in compliance with City of Columbia Ordinance 2020-059. Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is located within the city limits of Columbia, SC, and as such is operating in compliance with City’s ordinance to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Read more FAQ’s related to the City’s Face Mask Ordinance.

Here’s how the ordinance will impact your visit to Riverbanks Zoo and Garden:

Since Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is an outdoor facility with indoor access, guests will be expected to wear masks inside any buildings including restrooms.

While walking around outdoors in the park, guests will not be required to wear masks unless they are unable to maintain appropriate physical distancing of at least 6 feet.

If you do not have access to a mask or face covering, for your convenience disposable masks will be available at Guest Relations. Or reusable masks may be purchased at Riverbanks Gift Shop.
As the ordinance outlines, if you have a medical condition or are under the age of 10, you will not be required to wear a mask.

Timed Tickets

Timed-ticket reservations also are required for all members and guests. Group sizes are limited to no more than 8.

Staggered arrival times for entry are made available every half hour; however, some time slots may be booked to capacity on busier days and membership does not guarantee a reservation.

Visits are not restricted once admitted to the park. Tickets will be emailed and can be printed at home or scanned from your phone. Anyone without an advance reservation will not be admitted.

Purchase your timed ticket now.

Sanitation

Additional hand washing stations and hand sanitizer dispensers have been installed throughout the park for your safety and convenience.

What’s Open and Closed

Open:

Most outdoor exhibits and spaces are open for guest enjoyment with social distancing.

The following indoor exhibits, attractions and services also are open, with limited capacity and increased, rigorous cleaning and disinfecting:

• Aquarium-Reptile Complex
• Birdhouse
• Endangered Species Carousel
• Farm Experience
• Giraffe Feeding
• Kangaroo Walkabout
• Lorikeet Feeding
• Sea Lion Landing underwater viewing
• Spots ‘n’ Stripes kids’ train
• Waterfall Junction children’s garden 

Closed:

• Aflac Splash Zone
• L’il Sprouts Splash Zone
• Dino Dig 

Dining Options

Dining options with outdoor seating and open-air stands are open, including:

• Wild Burger (now with mobile ordering)
• The Watering Hole
• The Coop
• Kodiak Point
• ICEE
• Dippin’ Dots

Tram

Please be advised that there is no tram service between the Zoo and Garden. Guests wishing to visit both the Zoo and Garden during the same visit are welcome to walk via the tram pathway or may drive around to the other side and re-enter the park with their ticket reservation. Parking is available on the Zoo side (500 Wildlife Pkwy, Columbia SC 29210) and on the Garden side (1300 Botanical Pkwy, West Columbia, SC 29169).