Arriving with a group of 15 or more? Your group may qualify for discounted admission rates, procedures, and services.
School Field Trips and Lunch Options
Plan a Tour or Education Program
Each year, more than 100,000 school children make a visit to Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. Whether you teach preschool or high school, we have a school program to fit your needs! All programs are carefully crafted around South Carolina Science Academic Standards and are developed to involve your students in active, student-centered learning. Enhance your field trip with one of our engaging education programs. Please plan to bring one adult chaperone for every 10 children.
Consider Jungle Meals for an Organized, On-site Lunch
Riverbanks offers a variety of “Jungle Meals” especially designed for school groups of at least 25 individuals, available Monday through Friday during Zoo hours and served at the sheltered Safari Camp picnic pavilion. Reservations and meal orders must be made at least two weeks in advance, with final meal counts or any changes due 2 business days before your visit. Payments are due 10 days prior to your scheduled visit. If your group is participating in an education program, please schedule your meal at least 20 minutes after the program ends. Please note that if your group arrives more than 10 minutes late, meals will be held until the next available time slot. No-shows will be charged for prepared meals with no refund of prepayment; public schools will be invoiced if a purchase order was submitted instead of prepayment. To cancel or modify your booking, email groupreg@riverbanks.org and planyourevent@riverbanks.org. For more information, call 803.602.0803.
Group Admission Procedures
Initial Entry
All members of your group should plan to arrive and enter together. Upon arrival, please have one group representative check-in at the ticket window with the following items: a complete count of students and chaperones, your confirmation letter, and a lump sum payment. Credit card or check is preferred but cash will be accepted in large bills only. Group members not entering with the entire party will be charged full price.
Exit and Re-entry
If you plan to leave the Zoo during your visit, please depart as a group and return as a group by showing your ticket stub or receipt. Individuals from your group will not be allowed back in to the park without proof of purchase.