2023 CALENDAR UPDATE: Adventure is Closer Than You Think at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden

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Toucan Tuesdays
Every Tuesday from June 6 to August 8, 2023
On select Tuesdays this summer, visitors to Riverbanks Zoo and Garden can get buy-one-get-one-free admission along with buy-one-get-one-free ICEEs when they bring two cans of nonperishable food for Harvest Hope Food Bank.

New Adventures at an Old Favorite
The Darnall W. and Susan F. Boyd Aquarium & Reptile Conservation Center is re-imagined and re-opened. Come walk through five immersive biomes and see new animals and expanded habitats. Up close and personal views of conservation efforts that were previously behind the scenes are now on full display. So slither, crawl, hop, fly, or swim on in to see your favorite reptiles, amphibians, birds and fish on a much grander scale.

Waterfall Junction
It’s heating up this summer, so come cool off with splash play at Waterfall Junction. The Aflac Splash Zone and Li’l Sprouts Splash Zone are open daily through Labor Day. Access is included with admission to Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, so what better way to have some local fun in the sun during the Midlands’ famously hot summer. To get to Waterfall Junction, you can catch a ride on the tram from the Zoo to the Garden, or park at the Botanical Garden located at 1300 Botanical Parkway, West Columbia SC 29169. Don’t forget to use reef-safe sunscreen, available for purchase in the park.

Upcoming Events

Brew at the Zoo: Friday, August 4 | 7:00-9:30pm. Tickets are on sale now. Join us for the coolest suds sippin’ safari in Columbia with 40 vendors and over 100 varieties of brews, ciders and seltzers. Proceeds support the care and conservation of wildlife and wild places at Riverbanks and beyond. Tickets are $60 for Riverbanks members and $70 for the general public.

Riverbanks ZOOfari: Friday, September 29 | 7:00pm. Tickets go on sale August 15. Riverbanks’ premier party with a purpose, ZOOfari is a fun-filled night of cocktails and cuisine while raising money to make an impact on conservation. Guests can bid on an array of fantastic items and one-of-a-kind Zoo and Garden experiences. Proceeds support the care and conservation of the animals and plants at Riverbanks and beyond. Tickets are $80 for Riverbanks members and $100 for the general public.

Boo at the Zoo: October 20-October 30. Experience howling Halloween fun at the annual favorite. Tickets go on sale September 1 for 11 nights of thrills and chills on the Zoo’s grounds. The spooktacular event offers trick-or-treating and other family-friendly Halloween-themed activities throughout the park. Tickets are limited and should be purchased in advance. Advance ticket prices are $12 for members and $15 for the general public. If any tickets remain available on the night of, they will be $15 for members and $18 for the general public.

Visit riverbanks.org for details on these and other signature events at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden.

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is home to more than 3,000 magnificent and fascinating animals and one of America’s best public gardens. The Zoo opened on April 25, 1974, and for nearly five decades, has connected individuals, families and school children with the natural world. Riverbanks is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and is recognized as a global leader in animal care and welfare, education, recreation, science and wildlife conservation. It is the mission of the Zoo and Garden to create meaningful connections and inspire actions that will have a lasting impact on conservation. For more information, visit riverbanks.org.