February 21st, 2026 – Overnight stay
When: February 21st-22nd
Arrival Time: Arrive by 5:45pm on February 21st!
Where: 500 Wildlife Parkway, Columbia SC 29210
Cost: $85 per person
Minimum age: 5
Payment/Sign-up Due date: 1/20/2026
If you are interested, please fill out the form at the bottom of the page and make your payment
Payment:
By check to your Den leader made out to Pack 589
By cash to your Den leader or at the Pack meeting. – $85 per person
Zelle to 589cubscouts@gmail.com (no fee for this service) – $85 per person
PayPal to Cubmaster@pack589.net (fee added by PayPal) – $88 per person
Pack your bags, Scouts — our Big Trip 2026 is here! On Saturday, February 21, 2026, we’ll be heading to Riverbanks Zoo and Garden in Columbia, SC for an overnight adventure like no other.
This year’s program is the Coastal Close Up, where we’ll dive into the world of sea life and spend the night right inside the Sea Lion Landing exhibit. Imagine falling asleep next to giant underwater windows while sleek California sea lions swim by — it’s like sleeping inside an aquarium!
Trip Highlights
- Arrival: 5:45 PM at Riverbanks Zoo
- Evening Program: Hands-on activities and ocean animal learning led by Riverbanks Zoo educators
- Unique Sleepover: Roll out your sleeping bag in the Sea Lion Landing indoor exhibit, right next to the underwater viewing glass
- Meals Included: Dinner on arrival and a light continental breakfast in the morning
- Morning Fun: After breakfast, we’ll have morning activities and then full-day admission to the zoo so families can explore together
This is going to be a memorable Cub Scout experience filled with learning, laughter, and the rare chance to fall asleep alongside sea lions!
What to Bring
Since we’ll be indoors, keep it simple:
Each Scout/Adult should bring:
- Completed Chaperone & Participant signed documents
- Sleeping bag (or twin-size bedding set)
- Sleeping matt (if needed)
- Pillow
- Pajamas or comfy sleeping clothes
- Hygiene gear
- Water bottle
- Change of clothes for the next day
- Light jacket or hoodie (February evenings/mornings can still be chilly walking in/out)
- Small backpack or tote bag for personal items
Optional but fun:
- Journal/sketchpad and pencil (to jot down sea lion observations!)
- Camera (no flash at night, please)
- A favorite stuffed animal for younger scouts
Please do not bring: air mattresses larger than twin size, large electronics, snacks not approved by leaders (zoo rules), or anything noisy/glow-in-the-dark that might disturb the animals. Only adults may have a flashlight at night.
Important Notes
- Arrival is 5:45 PM sharp. Please be on time — the program begins right away at 6:00.
- All Scouts must be accompanied by a parent/guardian or designated leader.
- We’ll be staying indoors in a secure space, so no tents or heavy camping gear are necessary.
- Meals (dinner and continental breakfast) are provided by Riverbanks Zoo.
- Pick-up will be the following morning around 9:00 AM, after which families are welcome to enjoy the zoo for the day.
A Night to Remember
Sleeping at a zoo isn’t your everyday Cub Scout outing. This is your chance to see what happens after the gates close, when most visitors have gone home and the animals settle in for the evening. Get ready for a splashing good time as we learn about life in the ocean and make memories that will last a lifetime.
Please fill out the form below and pay either here, via Zelle at 589cubscouts@gmail.com or with cash or check at the next Den or Pack Meeting.
If paying with Paypal, please include the processing fee of 3%. If you don’t want to pay the fee please bring a check.
This would be $99 + 2.97 = 101.97
Frequently Asked Questions
Parking?
Coastal Close-Up: Zoo’s Gate 3 entrance 500 Wildlife Pkwy Columbia 29210
Where do we sleep?
Sleeping accommodations vary depending on the overnight program. Participants will
sleep inside the Sea Lion Landing Exhibit,
Are showers available?
Showers are not available.
Are meals provided?
Overnights include a pizza dinner, light snack in the evening and a continental breakfast
with juice and coffee. Overnights begin at 6pm, guests arriving late may not be served.
Outside food and drinks are restricted to guests with special dietary needs. If anyone in
your group has any dietary concerns it is their responsibility to bring their own food and
to notify the Overnight Instructor. The following is a sample menu, items are subject to
change.
o Dinner: Two slices of cheese or pepperoni pizza, salad with dressing, cookie,
capri sun or bottled water
o Snack: Popcorn, Lemonade (S’mores – Camping Excursion)
o Breakfast: Variety of cereals, gluten free blue berry muffins, yogurt, fruit salad,
orange juice, milk, and coffee
What ages can attend?
All participants must be at least five years old. Younger siblings are not permitted for any
portion of the program.
Is there storage space for luggage/sleeping bags while the group visits the park
following the overnight?
No; all groups will be escorted out of the park by 8:45am to pack their vehicles/buses
before returning to enjoy the park.
Can we buy souvenirs during the program?
The gift shop will not be open during the program but can be visited the following day
with included Riverbanks admission.
SAMPLE SCHEDULE:
EVENING
TIME ACTIVITY
6:00 pm Arrive at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden
6:15 pm
Welcome! Drop off Luggage, Schedule, Review Safety and
Expectations (Set up Tents)
7:00 pm Dinner
7:30 pm Evening Education Program, Activities, Scavenger Hunt and Snack
10:00 pm Get ready for bed
10:30 pm Lights Out!
MORNING
TIME ACTIVITY
7:00 am Rise & Shine! Pack up belongings. Load vehicles with belongings.
8:00am Breakfast
8:30 am Guided Tour or Activity
9:00 am Goodbyes, Enjoy the rest of the day at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden!