Discover the outdoor charm of Bee City Zoo in Cottageville with a general admission ticket! Perfect for families and nature fans, explore local wildlife in a fun, educational setting just outside Charleston.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels including families with children and seniors.
Wildlife
History
Bee City Zoo was established to promote education about South Carolina’s native wildlife and conservation efforts.
Conservation
The zoo actively participates in local habitat restoration projects and educates visitors on protecting native species.
Bee City Zoo
Discover the outdoor charm of Bee City Zoo in Cottageville with a general admission ticket! Perfect for families and nature fans, explore local wildlife in a fun, educational setting just outside Charleston.
Bee City Zoo in Cottageville, South Carolina, is a family-focused animal park offering hands-on encounters, group visits, and seasonal events.
The zoo hosts educational Field Trips for groups of 25 or more, featuring animal exhibits, a Bee Education program, and large animal feedings. Birthday Parties and Private Events accommodate up to 30 guests with 1.5-hour packages in a gazebo or classroom, and guests may bring food or purchase from the on-site café. Animal Encounters provide private interactions with ambassador species including kangaroos, lemurs, and reptiles. Exclusive Encounter options offer 20-minute sessions with a sloth or a capybara, while a separate Penguin Encounter delivers a 20-minute photo opportunity with the park’s ambassador penguin; admission is required separately for general entry. The zoo also stages seasonal programming such as the Festival of Lights and Winter Wonderland Wagon Ride, with festival entry starting at 5pm and activities beginning at 6pm; guests are advised to arrive an hour before their scheduled wagon time. Additional offerings include safari rides, special gift bags, personalized ornaments, Santa visits, and concessions during events. Bee City Zoo emphasizes clear scheduling, group capacity details, and hands-on education to support school groups, families, and animal lovers seeking safe, memorable experiences. Operations are centered on guest experience and animal welfare, with structured encounter durations and supervised interactions. Visitors can choose from a range of booking options to match party size, desired encounter type, and seasonal events for a tailored zoo visit. The zoo provides clear booking details and onsite staff assistance daily.
Location
Cottageville, SC
Family-focused local destination
Group Options
25+ / up to 30
Field trips and party capacities
Encounter Length
20 minutes
Exclusive and Penguin encounters
Experiences
7 experiences
Encounters, parties, and festivals
Reserve Field Trips, Birthday Parties, Animal Encounters, or Festival of Lights tickets for a safe, hands-on wildlife experience in Cottageville.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Paths at Bee City Zoo are mostly paved but can be uneven in places; comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Stay Hydrated
Bring a water bottle, especially during warmer months, as the zoo does not provide free water stations.
Use Bug Spray
Insects like mosquitoes can be common, especially in spring and summer, so apply insect repellent before exploring.
Plan for Limited Shade
Some exhibit areas have limited shade; bring a hat or sunscreen to protect against sun exposure.
Comfortable walking shoes
Provides support and comfort for walking the zoo’s varied terrain.
Insect repellent
Protects against mosquitoes and other insects common in warmer months.
spring
Sunscreen
Prevents sunburn during outdoor exploration, especially in exposed exhibits.
summer
Refillable water bottle
Keeps you hydrated during your visit, as water stations are limited.