Want to wow your kids with larger-than-life LEGO® creations and visit animals all in one trip? Head to Riverbanks Zoo & Garden in Columbia, SC to see Sean Kenney’s Nature Connects® exhibit, now on display throughout the Botanical Garden and Zoo!
This outdoor art exhibit features colorful sculptures made entirely of LEGO bricks — from hummingbirds to lawnmowers — and it’s included with your zoo admission or free with your Riverbanks membership. No extra ticket required!
What You’ll See at Nature Connects®
Nature Connects is sprinkled throughout the Walled Garden area, with some pieces hiding in very cool spots. Here are a few things to look for:
- LEGO lily pads floating in the water feature (yes, in the water!)
- One piece is tucked inside the Magnolia Center — don’t miss it!
- The LEGO hummingbird, located past the zoo’s carousel and near the new Saluda Skyride, was a family favorite. Just head toward the bridge that connects to the gardens.
- Kids will love spotting birds, flowers, bugs, and even a full-sized LEGO lawnmower
- Our kid reviewers especially loved the goldfinches, the lawnmower, and that amazing hummingbird sculpture near the zoo
There are dozens of creations to discover, and part of the fun is the hunt — so encourage your kids to look all around!
How Long Does It Take?
It took our family under an hour to see the full exhibit, depending on how long we lingered at each sculpture. If you’re already exploring both the zoo and the gardens, it’s easy to weave Nature Connects into your day.
Pro tip: In the cooler months, doing both the zoo and gardens in one trip is totally doable. But if you’re visiting in summer, we usually split them up — especially because of the splash pad and that South Carolina heat!
Want to know more about visiting in the summer? While the LEGO exhibit will be over in February, summer is still great at the gardens! Check out our article on Waterfall Junction, the HUGE splashlad in the gardens.
Good to Know
- Location: Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, Columbia, SC
1300 Botanical Parkway, West Columbia, SC 29169 - Admission: Nature Connects is included with general admission and free for members
- Want to know more about the Riverbanks Zoo?
- Exhibit info: Download the Nature Connects map
- Open now through February 20, 2026
- Stroller-friendly paths
- Restrooms are available throughout the garden and zoo
- No extra ticket needed to view the Nature Connects® exhibit
Plan Your Visit
This exhibit is perfect for LEGO lovers, garden explorers, and families looking for something fun and a little different. Plus, it’s a great way to explore more of the beautiful Botanical Garden if you usually stick to the zoo side!
We recommend going early in the day to beat the crowds and enjoy some cooler temperatures.
What did your kids love most about the exhibit?
