Riverbanks Botanical Garden — Attraction in West Columbia

Riverbanks Botanical Garden is a cherished destination for my family, especially my kids, who absolutely adore spending time there. The garden's captivating beauty, diverse plant life, and tranquil atmosphere create a unique and enchanting experience for all of us. One of their favorite spots is the kid's water splash pad, where they can cool off and have endless fun on hot summer days.

To make the most of our visits, we decided to purchase the one-year pass, allowing us unlimited access throughout the seasons. This pass has proven to be a fantastic investment, as it enables us to visit the garden whenever we wish, exploring its ever-changing landscape and participating in various educational programs and events.

The kids' excitement and curiosity are piqued with each visit, as they discover new blooms, fascinating insects, and the wonders of nature. The interactive exhibits and educational opportunities offered within the garden enhance their learning and appreciation for the environment.

Riverbanks Botanical Garden has become our family's go-to place for relaxation, recreation, and quality time together. Whether we are strolling along the well-maintained pathways, observing wildlife, or engaging in hands-on activities, there is always something enjoyable for everyone.

The memories we create there are priceless, and the joy on our kids' faces as they explore the garden makes it all the more worthwhile. The garden's natural beauty and the thoughtful design of the kid's water splash pad make it a perfect place for family outings, and we look forward to creating many more cherished memories throughout the year with our...

This was our second time there and had a great time with our 5 year old. There are a good amount of animals but the park is not spread out too much so you can get through it quickly if you want (you don't have to though).

Park seems pretty well maintained and they have another area with Botanical Gardens, an open space for kids along with a waterfall area, a little river, some normal slides, and other fun things for them to do. Between this and the zoo you can keep your kids entertained pretty much all day if you want to.

When we went, the new skyline was just finished, and needed maintenance. When that's up and running it will be a very nice way to connect the botanical gardens / kids area to the rest of the zoo. The current way being a longer walk or a tram ride can each take a decent amount of time.

Please note that you can definitely bring in snacks for you and your kids along with some drinks and maybe even food for lunch if you really want to. I don't know how much they really check for coolers but we had no problem bringing our bag in. Also they have nice water refilling stations around the zoo and they'll even give you a cup of ice not one of the restaurants if you ask. Really great service overall. We may look into getting a membership...

Was allowed to come in at 1:30 in the afternoon it was very hot and I am a senior, the zoo was wonderful I love the new parts, was concerned about the grizzly bear he looked emaciated. A lot of exhibits were closed a lot of shops were closed and I understand all of that. But what was very upsetting was the botanical gardens it was my first visit and I drove over from the zoo. After walking around the zoo for an hour, and walked around the Gardens for an hour, it was time for me to leave but I couldn’t find the exit I wandered around in the hot sun for an hour looking for the exit I finally saw one staff person and he took me to the exit to the parking lot. After walking around the zoo for an hour, and walked around the gardens for an hour, it was time for me to leave but I couldn’t find the exit I wandered around in the hot sun for an hour looking for the exit I finally saw one staff person and he took me to the exit to the parking lot. Very disappointed in the Rosegarden it looked very neglected. Trailers were closed and gates locked everywhere. Will not be going back to the gardens. I was literally on the verge of calling 911 to get me out of there. When I told the lady at the gate she just laughed. Three hours of walking in the hot sun was...