Planning an event for a large group? Finding a venue to fit your whole crowd can be difficult. That’s where unique venues like Riverbanks Zoo & Garden come in! Below we have highlighted a few options that we have that work well for large groups of 300 to 3,000.
A Unique Venue Experience
Waterfall Junction – Looking for something different for your company family day this year? Why not invite families and children of all ages to get outdoors and explore nature in our 3-acre interactive children’s garden featuring a dino dig, giant tree houses, kid-sized playhouses, a grassy meadow and a 25-foot cascading waterfall. Available for evening rentals starting one hour after Riverbanks closes, Waterfall Junction can accommodate groups of 300 or more and is the perfect event space for a family night out or corporate reception. Accessed from the Botanical Garden Entrance in West Columbia, your guests don’t have to worry about parking as you get exclusive use of our parking lot the evening of your event. The rental rate also includes tables, chairs, standard linens, background music, set up, clean up and event staffing. A minimum catering spend is required when using this space but our picnic or heavy hors d’oeuvres menus pair perfectly with this fun venue.
With this rental you have the option to include the splash pad or not, depending on what fit is best for your group. While Waterfall Junction is open year-round; please note that the splash pad is closed November through February. Also, for an even larger group your rental can be expanded to include the Botanical Gardens.
Rent the Zoo!
Park Rental – What’s more unique than exclusive access to the whole Zoo premises (excluding the Botanical Garden) for your next event? Park Rentals start one hour after the zoo closes and include 3 hours of access. Your group has access to our Safari Camp shelter as a ‘base’, Animal Enclosures (weather dependent), Sea Lion Landing, The A.R.C (Aquarium – Reptile Complex), The Birdhouse, The Petting Farm, The Carousel and Zoo Personnel is also included. We do require a minimum of 500 guests for Park Rentals and have plenty of parking for your group. Wondering how to feed your large group? There are several ways to reach the minimum catering spend. Options include a festive-style grill in the Safari Camp or serval chef stations throughout the park, accompanied with fully stocked or beer & wine only bars.
Looking for a way to really wow your guests? Why not add some of our memorable enhancements to your Park Rental? Possible options include access to all or some of the Zoo’s Attractions: ‘Sky High’ Safari Ropes Course, Rock Wall Climbs, Children’s Train Rides, and Pony Rides. Animal Encounters and Lorikeet or Giraffe Feedings are a great way to let your guests get up close to some of our residents.
Corporate Picnic Venue & Packages
Corporate Picnic – Our Corporate Picnic Packages contain the core essentials needed to host a daytime picnic at Riverbanks Zoo & Garden. Saving you time and money! These packages are for groups of 100 or more and include Admission Tickets, Catered Lunch and Facility Rental of Safari Camp for 2 hours, 11am-1pm or 2pm-4pm. This time is extended at no additional cost for groups of 600+. Also included in the packages are picnic tables, event staff, set up, and clean up. At $24.95 – $30.95 (including tax and service charge) this is an affordable option for your large group! For lunch, we offer a variety of menu options and additions to ensure all of guests are satisfied. Admission tickets are good for entry to the Zoo & Garden from 9am-5pm the day of your event. And as an added perk, on the day of the event, your guests receive 10% off in the gift shop by showing their event admission ticket at checkout.
We have several options for Enhancements to our Picnic Packages as well. Give each of your guests an Unlimited Rides and Attractions Wristband at a discounted rate of $15 per event guest. Or if you are worried about being in our outdoor shelter, you can upgrade to the Ndoki Lodge as your venue. This African themed facility comes with air condition and basic Wi-Fi.
Enhancements – We have several Enhancement options that apply to all 3 event types mentioned above. We always suggest welcoming your guests with an Animal Encounter of either a Small Mammal or Reptile. And for additional entertainment, you can always book our vendor partners for Photo Booth, DJ, Magician, Face Painting or Caricature Artists.
Have questions or want to know more about hosting your large group at Riverbanks? Give us a call at 803.602.0900, email us at planyourevent@riverbanks.org or fill out an inquiry form here.
