Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is a summertime favorite for many West Columbia residents. It is one of the largest mid-sized zoos in the United States and it’s South Carolina’s leading destination. Riverbanks draws 1.3 million visitors annually and it has a great national reputation. 

There is a West Columbia entrance to the zoo at 1300 Botanical Parkway, which makes it a natural local attraction. Because of the zoo’s proximity to West Columbia, visitors can dine and find hotel accommodations in West Columbia.  

“I take my girls to the zoo more often in the summer,” said Liz Beck. “There’s so much to do there in the summertime.”

Beck, who has two sons and a daughter, said one of her favorite attractions at the zoo is the Sky-High Safari.

It’s a four-story vertical ropes course with more than 33 ropes obstacles: rickety bridges, tight-ropes, cargo nets and more. It’s for kids taller than 48 inches.

“My kids always want to ride on the carousel, too,” Beck said. “It’s become a tradition. We can’t leave without riding it.” The zoo’s Endangered Species Carousel has been a fixture since the zoo’s early days and it is still a blast for kids to enjoy.

Also in the summer, make sure to bring a swimsuit, towel, and change of clothes to the zoo for the Waterfall Junction experience. Water shoes are required.

Waterfall Junction is a wet play area with a 25-foot cascading waterfall. It also has splash pad zones, a play area, and an area for kids to “dig” for dinosaur fossils.

Diamond Moore said she brings her kids, ages 6 and 7, to Waterfall Junction every summer.

“Waterfall junction is a great way to cool down,” she said. “It’s also a great way to lure my kids away from the computer screen to enjoy the outdoors.” 

If you want a high-flying adventure check out the zoo’s zip line. The canopy zipline course connects you to cables stretched from tree to tree. Push off, and you zip along through the air, dangling from the cable. There is also a zipline adventure that includes a 1,000-foot stretch over the Saluda River.

Another energy-burning activity offered at the zoo is the Wild Adventures Rock Wall. It’s for climbers 45 pounds or more and requires a harness before you climb to the top.

If you want to sit and relax while you ride, jump on the Zoo’s Spots and Stripes Railroad. It’s a  passenger train ride for young kids.

What’s new at the zoo this summer?

The new Darnall W. and Susan F. Boyd Aquarium and Reptile Conservation Center opened  in  March. The aquarium provides a nature experience to guests at the Zoo while educating them in coral reef and endangered species.  

The zoo’s Botanical Gardens are a great place for the kids to visit, too. 

So prepare your summertime family activities at one of the most popular zoo attractions in the country that’s right at West Columbia’s back door. For more information visit www.riverbanks.org.  

Riverbanks Zoo Attractions:

• Climb Aboard the Spots and Stripes Railroad
• Conquer the Sky-High Safari
• Experience the Farmyard
• Feed the Giraffes at Giraffe Overlook
• Feed the Lorikeets at Koala Knockabout
• Mingle with Marsupials in the Kangaroo Walkabout
• Scale the Wild Adventures Rock Wall
• Take a Spin on the Endangered Species Carousel

List of West Columbia restaurants:

• Grecian Gardens Restaurant – 2312 Sunset Blvd – 803-794-7552
• Cafe Strudel – 300 State St. – 803 – 926-5255
• West Columbia Fish Market – 529 N. 12th St. 803-851-1171
• Compton’s Kitchen – 1118 B Ave – 803 791-0750
• Breads and Such – 1220 C Ave. – (803) 851- 0566
• Buttercream Dreams – 1230 C Ave. – (803) 708-4485
• Hite’s BBQ – 240 Dreher Rd. – (803) 794-4120
• The Original Brunches – 2245 Leaphart Rd – (803) 791-7477
• Jimmy’s Mini Mart/Citgo – 812 Meeting St. – (803) 794-0090
• Maurice’s Piggie Park – 1600 Charleston Highway – 803-796-0220J
• Nick’s House of Pizza Restaurant- 1082 A Sunset Blvd – 803-794-9240
• DeLuccas 1720 Sunset Blvd. – 803- 926-5255
• Ariana’s Greek Restaurant – 1720 Sunset Blvd. – (803) 796-4430
• Lizard’s Thicket – 2234 Sunset Blvd. 803 – 794-0923
• True BBQ – 1237 D Ave – (803) 791-9950
• Jin Jin Chinese Restaurant – 469 Sunset Blvd. (803) 739-8888
• Chick-fil-A -2299 Augusta Rd. – (803) 939-1600
• Rush’s 2332 Sunset Blvd. – (803) 796-5034
• Breakfast at Ruiz – 116 State St. – 803 -550-9681

West Columbia Hotels

• Hilton Garden Inn Columbia Airport
• Residence Inn by Marriott Columbia West/Lexington
• TownePlace Suites by Marriott Columbia West
• Hampton Inn and Suites