Zoo Camp :: Riverbanks Zoo & Garden (2024)

Zoo Camp offers unique and engaging experiences to connect kids with wildlife.

Campers explore little-known areas of Riverbanks, meet animals face to face, and leave inspired to care for the natural world. Each camp includes hands-on activities and experiences connected to the day or weeks theme.

Important Registration Information

To register online: Riverbanks’ Summer Zoo Camp online registration has changed to allow us to better serve our participants and their families. First-time users will be prompted to create an account using an email address. The new online process collects and stores household and individual camper information that can be updated at any time by logging in using the email and password set up when creating an account. Reserving additional weeks of camp, changing camp dates, buying additional shirts or lunch add-on options can all be completed now online even after registration for camp has been completed. If you are having trouble with the online registration process, please contact email us for assistance.

Camper placement: All camps have one single group of campers for each rising grade and will not be divided.

Medication needs: If your child is bringing medicine to be administered during camp, including epipens, you will need to complete a Medication Administration Form and bring it along with the medicine to the camp director.

Policies: Education Program Policies and Waiver

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation or date change requests must be received three weeks in advance of the event to receive a refund of your registration. Riverbanks Zoo and Garden will retain a $25 processing fee for cancellations and charge a $25 processing fee for date changes.

Registrations are non-refundable and non-transferable should the cancellation or need to change a date occur within three weeks of the scheduled program.

In the rare event that Riverbanks Zoo and Garden must cancel the scheduled event, all deposits or money received will be reimbursed or an option to reschedule will be provided. Notification of cancellation will be provided at least ten days prior to the scheduled event (unless weather-related). Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is not liable for any other expenses that the guest may have incurred in the preparation and execution of the event.

Refunds will not be provided for individuals who do not show up for the event.

Frequently Asked Questions

I am a Riverbanks member. How do I get the member rate when registering?

To receive your member discount please enter the code “MEMBER24” under “Step 2: Select Sessions” of the registration process. The code can be entered by clicking the link “Enter a discount code…” located in “Your Cart” on the right side of the screen. Member verification will be requested during the enrollment form step of registration.

What should my camper bring to Zoo Camp each day?

Campers should be prepared for the weather and lots of exploration of the Riverbanks campus. Water bottle and comfortable closed-toe shoes are among the most important items.

What if I want to purchase an additional Zoo Camp T-shirt?

Additional camp T-shirts can be purchased during registration or by credit card the first day of camp. T-shirts are $16 each.

My child will need to take medication during the day, what do I do?

Participants may not bring or self-administer medications, vitamins, or supplements during Program hours without parental/legal guardian (“Guardian”) consent and prior written communication with RBZG Program staff.

RBZG Program staff will store and administer all medication, vitamins, and supplements to Participants with a signed Medication Administration Form. All medicine should be given to the RBZG Program team at check-in clearly labeled with name, dosage, and time of administration in the original container. A medication administration form giving permission to administer medication must be filled out, signed, and dated. A new form must be completed for each educational program.

EpiPens and Inhalers will be kept in first aid bags with the RBZG Program staff at all times and can be administered to Participants in the event of emergency.

RBZG Program staff are not able to administer injections of any sort including blood sugar checks or insulin shots. Guardians should contact the RBZG Program staff to discuss alternative options.

What if I am running late to pick up my camper OR if I want to pick up my child early?

Please contact Riverbanks staff at 803.602.0803 (in advance) or 803.602.0814 (urgent). Due to the nature of camp and our end of day activities, we cannot accommodate early pick-ups after 3:15pm.

My child has a friend coming to Zoo Camp the same week. Can they be put in the same group?

There is a single camp group for each grade. Campers entering the same grade level will not be divided.

Can I put my child in another age group than their actual age?

Zoo Camp activities are designed for specific age groups. We do not allow children to be moved into another age bracket for any reason. There are no exceptions to this policy.

Campers should be registered for the grade they will be entering school the coming Fall. Campers younger than 5 years of age by the start date of their week of camp should be registered to attend our 3- to 4-year-old camp with an accompanying adult.

Can I accompany my child to camp one day during the week?

Adults are only permitted in the “Ages 3 to 4 with Adult” sessions held at Waterfall Junction Learning Center. If your child has special needs and requires assistance, please contact 803.602.0803 to make arrangement for an accompanying adult.

What if my child is sick the week they are registered or if I need to reschedule my week of Zoo Camp?

Please contact 803.602.0803 in the case of a camper illness. Registration is non-refundable if we are not be able to replace your camper with someone from the waitlist.

Refunds will not be provided for individuals who do not show up for the event.

Zoo Camp Health Plan

Where do I drop off and pick up my Kindergarten to 6th grade campers each day of camp?

Campers in rising Kindergarten to rising 6th grade will need to be signed in at walk-up drop off and picked up using the carline at the gate indicated on the map. Please have your ID available during carline.

Where does Ages 3–4 (with an Adult) camp meet?

Campers ages 3 to 4 with their adult should meet at the Waterfall Junction Learning Center. We recommend parking and entering on the Garden entrance (1300 Botanical Pkwy, West Columbia, SC 29169).

If you have an older camper attending full day camp that you need to drop off prior to attending camp with your younger camper, please drop him/her off at the zoo. Then you may choose to drive around to the Garden entrance or enter the Zoo’s main entrance at 9:00am and walk to the garden to attend camp with your younger camper.

What is the Zoo’s tax ID number?

56-0946437

Zoo Camp :: Riverbanks Zoo & Garden (2024)

FAQs

Can I bring snacks to Riverbanks Zoo? ›

Shirts and shoes are required in all areas of the Zoo and Garden, except in designated water-play areas. Swim attire should be family-friendly and is only allowed inside Waterfall Junction. Riverbanks does not allow pets, food, drinks, coolers, skates, or radios in the park.

Can you carry a gun at Riverbanks Zoo? ›

Open Carry Law- Riverbanks is part of a parks system that allows concealed weapons to enter the park. New legislation was passed this weekend that now allows open carry of firearms in the park.

Which Zoo is better, Riverbanks or Asheboro? ›

Hands down Riverbanks - More interactive exhibits, more exhibits. Lots of action packed into a small space. Riverbanks is by far the better zoo for families with small kids. Asheboro Zoo, was not too bad though.

How long does it take to get through Riverbanks Zoo? ›

- Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. We were there for about 4 hours and saw all of the animals & quickly went to the children's water splash park. We did not go to the other gardens though. Perhaps we would have stayed longer if it wasn't so hot.

Can I bring a cooler to Riverbanks Zoo? ›

Admission includes entry to the Zoo and Botanical Garden. Tickets for Riverbanks' after-hour Signature Events are separate from daytime admission. Pets, food, beverages, and coolers are not allowed in the park.

Does Riverbanks Zoo accept cash? ›

Explore More Digital Gift Cards

To participate in Zoo rides and attractions, a reloadable Explore More Card is required; cash is not accepted.

Does Riverbanks Zoo serve alcohol? ›

SSA Group, LLC. holds the Liquor License at the River- banks Zoo & Garden, therefore, liquor, beer, and wine may not be brought into the zoo from outside sources. Liquor, beer, and wine may not be removed from the site. All bars will end 30 minutes prior to event end time.

Do Zoo keepers have guns? ›

When an animal escapes, guests are immediately evacuated from the area and escorted to secured buildings on zoo grounds by the zoo's emergency response team (veterinarians armed with tranquilizer equipment, zoo firearms team and animal management staff).

Where does Riverbanks Zoo rank in the US? ›

Riverbanks was recently ranked the sixth largest zoo in the nation by A to Z animals, an online resource that based their ranking on zoos housing the most animals. The number of Riverbanks residents grew to 3,000 with the opening of the ARCC in March 2023.

Which zoo is bigger, NC or SC? ›

See more photos on our Facebook page! Love animals? Visit the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro.

What river runs through Riverbanks Zoo? ›

The Garden opened on June 10, 1995 and is connected to the Zoo by an 800-foot-long bridge over the Lower Saluda River.

Where did the elephants at Riverbanks Zoo go? ›

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden officially has no elephants. An African elephant named Belle, the last inhabitant at the Columbia zoo's elephant exhibit, was moved to her new home Wednesday. The 38-year-old was successfully transported to the Milwaukee County Zoo, Riverbanks officials said on Facebook.

What time is best to go to the Zoo? ›

The best time to visit most zoos is during the weekdays when it's less crowded. Avoid the midday heat by visiting in the morning or late afternoon. You'll also have a better chance of seeing animals that are more active during these cooler times of the day.

When can you feed the giraffes at Riverbanks Zoo? ›

10:00am – 2:30pm daily (or until giraffes have eaten their daily allotment). 2 EC * per scoop of lettuce.

Can you bring food and drinks to mn Zoo? ›

Yes, you can bring your own food and lockers are available for rent. The Zoo is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

Can you take food and drinks into Blank park Zoo? ›

For the safety of the animals, no outside food or drink is allowed in the Zoo. Water may be brought in and we provide several water bottle fill stations on grounds. Picnic grounds are available at Blank Park, just north of the parking lot. Concessions inside the Zoo are operated by Hy-Vee throughout the summer.

Can you bring snacks to the National Zoo? ›

The Smithsonian's National Zoo offers a variety of dining and shopping options located throughout the park. Visitors are welcome to bring their own food and snacks into the Zoo.

Can you bring food and drinks into Wildlife World Zoo? ›

Public bird feedings, Sea Lion and Wildlife Encounter Shows included free with admission. Additional charge for rides. No outside food or coolers permitted. Outside drinks are allowed.

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