Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is a wonderful place to visit in South Carolina. The Zoo is one of the largest mid-sized Zoos in the U.S, it has over 2000 animals, including bears, monkeys and giraffes. The Botanical Garden in the Zoo has over 4300 plant species and blooms throughout the year. There is also a section in the Botanical Garden called the Waterfall Junction where children can play in water splash zones and a big tree house while learning about the beautiful plants around them. Riverbanks Zoo and Garden welcomes the whole family including people with mobility restrictions The Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is accessible to people who are handicapped. The Riverbanks Zoo and Garden park offers rentals of manual wheelchairs and electric mobility scooters for those guests who need them.
If you need a wheelchair, you can rent it out for $13.00 plus tax and a scooter for $35.00 plus tax. There is also a $5.00 deposit you will have to pay for each rental that is fully refundable once you return the wheelchair or scooter.
Wheelchair and Scooter Rentals
Manual wheelchairs and scooters are available for rental at the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden for people who are handicapped. The wheelchairs and Scooters are rented out on a first-come/first-serve basis at the Riverbanks Gift Shop in the main entry Plaza of the Zoo and the ticket booth of the Botanical Gardens. You cannot reserve wheelchairs and scooters beforehand. In this case, it may be a good idea to bring your wheelchair instead if possible. To rent out a wheelchair is $13.00 plus tax and to rent out a scooter is $35.00 plus tax. In addition, you will have to pay a $5.00 deposit which is fully refundable as soon as you return the wheelchair or scooter.
Accessibility
The Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is accessible to people with mobility restrictions. The park allows people with disabilities to bring their wheelchairs, scooters, crutches, braces, canes etc. to all the places accessible to the public at the park. Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is wheelchair friendly except for the upper portions of the Woodlands Walk in the park. The Zoo also provides a map to help you navigate the premises with ease. If you need any assistance during your visit to the park you can ask a uniformed employee.
Is Outside Food Allowed at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden?
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden does not allow outside food, beverages, coolers and pets on the park premises. The park has restaurants and snack shops where you can buy food during your visit. Wild burger, Watering Hole and Tuskers Restaurant are just some of the places you can buy food. You can even order food ahead of your visit on the park’s website.
How Long Does It Take to Go Through Riverbanks Zoo and Garden?
The time it will take you to go through Riverbank Zoo and Garden depends on how much time you spend at each attraction. There is a lot to see and it can take around 3-4 hours to go through the entire park.
Conclusion
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is a lovely place to visit if you are a person who enjoys connecting with nature. There are a lot of fun attractions to experience from the Zoo to the Botanical Gardens to the Waterfall Junction. The park is accessible to everyone even people with disabilities. The park offers wheelchair and scooter rentals to guests who need them. The park also allows guests with disabilities to bring their mobility aids including wheelchairs and scooters.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How Many Acres is Riverbanks Zoo and Garden?
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden has one of the largest mid-sized Zoos in the U.S. The Zoo is 170-acres and the Botanical Gardens are 70 acres.
- On What days is Riverbanks Zoo and Garden Free?
If you are a resident of Richland and Lexington counties in South Carolina, you can have free admission at the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden on their annual Free Fridays. This is a promotion that the park offers only in January and February. To get free admission on Free Fridays at the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, you will have to show proof of residency.
- What are the signature events at the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden?
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden have several exciting signature events. Signature events include Wine Tasting at the Botanical Gardens, Lights Before Christmas, Brew at The Zoo and many more. It is important to note that signature events are separate from daytime admission.
- Are there lions at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden?
There are six African lions at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. There is one adult male, two adult females and three female cubs you can see at the park. The park has many other animals too, there are over 2000 animals to see at the park.
