If you live in the Triad, a three-hour drive to Columbia, South Carolina, with four kids might sound a little crazy. But after spending an entire day at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, I can confidently say: yes, it is worth the drive!

We arrived at 9 a.m. and stayed until 4:30 p.m. And on a 90-degree day, with four kids, I was shocked that not one of them complained, asked to go home or said they were bored.

Actually, I had to drag them away!

More Than Just a Zoo

What makes Riverbanks Zoo such a great family day trip from the Triad is that there is so much more to do than simply walk around and look at animals.

We fed animals, rode a skyride, explored gardens, played on playgrounds, cooled off at the splash pad, learned about conservation and spent time inside the amazing Aquarium & Reptile Conservation Center.

There was something exciting around every corner.

Cool Off at the Splash Pad

If you’re visiting Riverbanks during the summer, don’t skip the splash pad!

After walking around in the heat, the water feature was exactly what we needed. The kids had a blast cooling off, and I was happy to have a chance to recharge before we continued exploring.

Trust me, on a hot summer day, you’ll appreciate this stop as much as the kids do!

Ride the Saluda SkyRide

The Saluda SkyRide was another favorite. The ride takes you across the park and over to the gardens, where you’ll find Waterfall Junction, Dino Dig and treehouses.

For the kids, it wasn’t just a way to get from one side of the zoo to the other, it was part of the adventure!

So Many Ways to Interact With the Animals

Riverbanks offers some really memorable animal experiences. Depending on your visit, you can feed giraffes and parakeets, visit the farmyard to pet and brush goats, and ride the Endangered Species Carousel.

We opted for the all-inclusive wristbands, and for our family, they were 100% worth it. With four kids, it was so nice not to constantly hear, “Can we do this?” and then have to decide whether we wanted to pay another fee.

They could feed animals and ride the carousel as many times as their hearts desired!

Don’t Miss the Animal Talks

We also loved the keeper and animal talks throughout the zoo.

We got to hear about a boa constrictor, and the kids were fascinated. There are also talks featuring animals like sea lions, penguins and gorillas.

The sea lion presentation was especially fun. Watching the trainers communicate with the sea lions and seeing how well they followed commands gave the kids a whole new appreciation for how intelligent these animals are.

Take a Break at the Aquarium & Reptile Conservation Center

One of our favorite parts of the entire day was the Aquarium & Reptile Conservation Center.

After lunch, we headed inside to escape the heat and ended up spending much longer than expected exploring all the animals inside.

It was the perfect combination of air conditioning and entertainment, especially when everyone needed a break from the summer heat.

Let Them Play!

With four kids, I know better than to expect them to happily walk around a zoo all day.

Thankfully, Riverbanks has multiple playgrounds throughout the park, giving kids plenty of opportunities to climb, run and burn off some energy before heading back to the animals.

And if you have an adventurous kid, there’s also Sky-High Safari, an aerial adventure course. If you’ve experienced SkyWild at the Greensboro Science Center, I’d describe it as a similar idea, but less intense.

A Zoo With a Purpose

One thing I really appreciated about Riverbanks was how much conservation was woven into the experience.

There were signs throughout the zoo explaining more about the animals and identifying species that are endangered or vulnerable. Even the Endangered Species Carousel gives families an opportunity to learn about the animals represented.

Riverbanks is committed to creating connections, inspiring action and impacting conservation, while partnering with other AZA-accredited organizations to help save animals from extinction.

For parents, that’s a pretty great bonus: the kids are having fun while learning why protecting these animals matters.

Have a Greensboro Science Center or NC Zoo Membership?

Before you go, check your membership benefits!

Riverbanks participates in the AZA reciprocal admission program, which can provide discounted admission for members of participating zoos and aquariums. If you have a Greensboro Science Center or North Carolina Zoo membership, check the current reciprocal benefits before your trip to see if you qualify for a discount.

That can make an already worthwhile trip even more affordable.

So, Is Riverbanks Zoo Worth the Three-Hour Drive?

For our family, absolutely.

We spent seven and a half hours at the zoo on one of the hottest days of the summer, and my kids still didn’t want to leave.

They loved the animals, splash pad, SkyRide, playgrounds, carousel, animal encounters and Aquarium & Reptile Conservation Center. Most importantly, they were having fun all day long.

The food was also surprisingly delicious and didn’t feel like typical fast food, which was another mom win!

As we drove home, my kids were already asking when we could come back.

And honestly, that’s probably the best review I can give.

If you’re looking for a family-friendly day trip from Greensboro, Winston-Salem, High Point or anywhere else in the Triad, I’d put Riverbanks Zoo and Garden in Columbia, SC, on your list.

Yes, it’s a three-hour drive.

But when your kids spend the entire day smiling, exploring and asking to stay longer?

That three-hour drive feels totally worth it.

Other Zoo & Animal Day Trips You May Enjoy

NC Zoo Is the Perfect Day Trip Destination for Your Family
Weekend Trip to Asheboro
Day Trip to Country Park in Greensboro, NC
Museum of Life and Science Durham NC: A Complete Family Guide
Best Things to Do With Kids in Greensboro NC: The Ultimate Family Guide
Triad Moms on Main’s Day Trip Directory

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