Busch Gardens Tampa with Kids - Complete Family Guide 2025

Busch Gardens Tampa with Kids: The Ultimate Family Guide

Planning a Busch Gardens Tampa visit with kids? This comprehensive guide covers everything families need to know about visiting Busch Gardens with children, from ride recommendations and height requirements to money-saving tips and insider secrets.

Why Busch Gardens is Perfect for Families

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay combines thrilling rides, animal encounters, and live entertainment, making it one of Tampa's premier family attractions. Unlike pure theme parks, Busch Gardens offers educational animal experiences alongside world-class roller coasters.

Family-Friendly Features:

• Rides for all ages and heights
• Animal exhibits and encounters
• Live shows and entertainment
• Shaded areas and rest spots
• Multiple dining options
• Seasonal events

Planning Your Visit

Tickets & Pricing

Single Day Tickets:

• Adults (10+): $109.99+
• Children (3-9): $99.99+
• Under 3: Free

Money-Saving Options:

• Annual Passes: Pay for themselves in 2 visits
• Fun Cards: Visit all year for price of single day
• Multi-Park Passes: Include Adventure Island
• Online Discounts: Save $10-20 buying online
• Florida Resident Discounts: Significant savings

Pro Tip: Buy Fun Card early in year for maximum value.

Best Times to Visit

Least Crowded:

• Weekdays during school year
• September-November (except Halloween)
• January-February (cooler weather)
• Early morning or late afternoon

Most Crowded:

• Weekends year-round
• Spring break (March-April)
• Summer (June-August)
• Holidays and special events

Weather Considerations:

• Summer: Hot and humid, afternoon thunderstorms
• Winter: Mild, perfect weather
• Spring/Fall: Ideal temperatures

Insider Tip: Arrive 30 minutes before opening for shortest lines.

Rides by Height & Age

For Toddlers & Preschoolers (Under 42")

Air Grover

• Height: 38" minimum
• Type: Junior coaster
• Perfect For: First coaster experience
• Location: Sesame Street Safari of Fun

Elmo's Safari Go-Round

• Height: No minimum (with adult)
• Type: Carousel
• Perfect For: All ages
• Gentle: Great for toddlers

Rosita's Djembe Fly-Away

• Height: 38" minimum
• Type: Spinning ride
• Fun Factor: Colorful and musical

Big Bird's Whirly Birdie

• Height: 42" minimum
• Type: Spinning ride
• Location: Sesame Street area

Sesame Street Safari of Fun Play Areas

• Height: No minimum
• Type: Interactive play
• Features: Climbing, water play, exploration
• Perfect For: Burning energy

For Elementary Age (42"-48")

Cheetah Hunt

• Height: 48" minimum
• Type: Launch coaster
• Thrill Level: Moderate
• Family Favorite: Smooth, scenic, exciting

Stanley Falls Flume

• Height: 42" minimum (46" to ride alone)
• Type: Log flume
• Get Wet: Expect splashes
• Hot Day Perfect: Cooling ride

Congo River Rapids

• Height: 42" minimum
• Type: River rapids
• Get Soaked: Bring ponchos or change of clothes
• Fun Factor: High for families

Scorpion

• Height: 42" minimum
• Type: Classic looping coaster
• Thrill Level: Moderate
• Good For: First loop experience

SandSerpent

• Height: 46" minimum
• Type: Wild mouse coaster
• Thrill Level: Moderate
• Jerky: Tight turns

For Tweens & Teens (48"+)

Iron Gwazi

• Height: 48" minimum
• Type: Hybrid coaster (wood/steel)
• Thrill Level: EXTREME
• Fastest: North America's tallest hybrid coaster
• Must-Do: For thrill-seekers

SheiKra

• Height: 54" minimum
• Type: Dive coaster
• Thrill Level: Extreme
• Unique: 90-degree drop, floorless
• Iconic: Park's signature ride

Montu

• Height: 54" minimum
• Type: Inverted coaster
• Thrill Level: Extreme
• Intense: Multiple inversions

Kumba

• Height: 54" minimum
• Type: Sit-down looping coaster
• Thrill Level: Extreme
• Classic: One of world's best

Tigris

• Height: 48" minimum
• Type: Launch coaster
• Thrill Level: High
• Unique: Forward and backward launches

Cobra's Curse

• Height: 42" minimum
• Type: Spinning coaster
• Thrill Level: Moderate
• Family-Friendly: Fun for all ages
• Unique: Elevator lift, spinning cars

Animal Encounters

Must-See Animal Exhibits

Serengeti Plain

• Animals: Giraffes, zebras, rhinos, ostriches
• View From: Skyride, Serengeti Express Train
• Best: Morning when animals are active

Edge of Africa

• Animals: Lions, hyenas, meerkats, vultures
• Walking Path: Self-guided tour
• Educational: Information plaques

Myombe Reserve

• Animals: Gorillas and chimpanzees
• Habitat: Lush, naturalistic
• Fascinating: Watch primate behavior

Jungala

• Animals: Tigers, orangutans
• Features: Play areas, water features
• Interactive: Climbing structures for kids

Bird Gardens

• Animals: Flamingos, parrots, exotic birds
• Shows: Bird show performances
• Photo Ops: Flamingo pond

Animal Experiences (Additional Cost)

Serengeti Safari

• Cost: $39-$99 per person
• Duration: 30-45 minutes
• Experience: Guided tour, feed animals
• Worth It: Up-close giraffe encounters

Penguin Encounter

• Cost: $20-$30 per person
• Duration: 15 minutes
• Experience: Behind-scenes penguin visit
• Cool: Literally - penguin habitat is cold!

Keeper for a Day

• Cost: $200+ per person
• Duration: 6+ hours
• Experience: Work alongside animal keepers
• Age: 13+ typically

Live Shows & Entertainment

Opening Night Critters

• Location: Stanleyville Theater
• Duration: 20 minutes
• Features: Trained animals, comedy
• Family-Friendly: All ages enjoy

Turn It Up

• Location: Moroccan Palace Theater
• Duration: 25 minutes
• Features: Acrobatics, music, dance
• High Energy: Impressive performances

Sesame Street Character Meet & Greets

• Location: Sesame Street Safari of Fun
• Characters: Elmo, Cookie Monster, Abby, Big Bird
• Photo Ops: Bring camera
• Times: Check daily schedule

Dining Options

Quick Service (Best for Families)

Zambia Smokehouse

• Food: BBQ, ribs, chicken
• Location: Stanleyville
• Kid-Friendly: Yes
• Seating: Indoor and outdoor

Dragon Fire Grill

• Food: Asian-inspired
• Location: Pantopia
• Options: Teriyaki, fried rice
• Quick: Fast service

Chick-fil-A

• Food: Chicken sandwiches, nuggets
• Location: Bird Gardens
• Familiar: Kids know what to expect
• Quality: Consistent

Sesame Street Eats

• Food: Pizza, chicken tenders, mac & cheese
• Location: Sesame Street area
• Perfect For: Young children
• Themed: Sesame Street décor

Table Service

Serengeti Overlook

• Food: American, burgers, salads
• View: Overlooks Serengeti Plain
• Reservations: Recommended
• Unique: Watch animals while dining

Zambia Coffee Shop

• Food: Breakfast items, pastries
• Best For: Morning fuel
• Quick: Grab and go

Money-Saving Dining Tips

• Bring snacks and water (allowed in park)
• Share meals (portions are large)
• Eat before/after park visit
• All-Day Dining Deal ($35-$45, multiple meals)
• Refillable cups for drinks

Seasonal Events

Sesame Street Kids' Weekends (January-February)

• Character breakfast
• Special shows
• Meet & greets
• Parade

Food & Wine Festival (March-April)

• International cuisine
• Live entertainment
• Family-friendly
• Included with admission

Summer Nights (June-August)

• Extended hours
• Live concerts
• Special entertainment
• Fireworks (select nights)

Howl-O-Scream (September-October)

• Daytime: Family-friendly
• After 7 PM: Haunted houses (NOT for young kids)
• Tip: Leave before transformation

Christmas Town (November-January)

• Millions of lights
• Holiday shows
• Santa meet & greets
• Snow in Florida
• Family-Friendly: All ages
• Must-See: Spectacular displays

Essential Tips for Families

Before You Go

What to Bring:

• Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
• Hats and sunglasses
• Refillable water bottles
• Snacks
• Stroller for young children
• Change of clothes (for water rides)
• Poncho or rain jacket
• Phone charger/portable battery
• First aid supplies

What to Wear:

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Light, breathable clothing
• Swimsuit under clothes (for water rides)
• Layers (indoor shows are air-conditioned)

Download the App:

• Real-time wait times
• Show schedules
• Interactive map
• Mobile food ordering

During Your Visit

Arrive Early:

• Park opens before posted time
• Shortest lines first hour
• Popular rides first

Strategic Planning:

• Hit big rides early
• See shows during peak heat
• Water rides midday
• Animals morning/evening

Take Breaks:

• Rest in air-conditioned shows
• Shaded areas for snacks
• Sesame Street play areas
• Pace yourself

Stay Hydrated:

• Free ice water at restaurants
• Bring refillable bottles
• Take water breaks
• Watch for heat exhaustion signs

Height Check Strategy

• Measure at home before visit
• Check at entrance for wristband
• Avoid disappointment at ride queues
• Celebrate milestones when kids grow into new rides

Stroller & Locker Rentals

Strollers:

• Single: $15
• Double: $25
• Available at entrance
• Keep receipt for same-day replacement

Lockers:

• Small: $10
• Large: $15
• All-day access
• Near major rides

Tip: Bring your own stroller to save money.

Special Needs & Accessibility

Ride Accessibility Guide:

• Available at Guest Services
• Details transfer requirements
• Wheelchair accessible attractions

Sensory-Friendly:

• Quiet areas available
• Noise-canceling headphones recommended
• Guest Services can assist

Dietary Restrictions:

• Allergy-friendly menus available
• Speak with chef at restaurants
• Gluten-free, vegetarian options

Sample Itineraries

With Toddlers/Preschoolers

1. Arrive at opening
2. Sesame Street Safari of Fun (2-3 hours)
3. Serengeti Express Train
4. Lunch at Sesame Street Eats
5. Animal exhibits (Edge of Africa, Bird Gardens)
6. Show (Opening Night Critters)
7. More Sesame Street play
8. Early departure (avoid meltdowns)

With Elementary Age

1. Arrive at opening
2. Cheetah Hunt
3. Cobra's Curse
4. Sesame Street area
5. Lunch
6. Congo River Rapids
7. Animal exhibits
8. Show
9. Stanley Falls Flume
10. Skyride

With Tweens/Teens

1. Arrive at opening
2. Iron Gwazi
3. SheiKra
4. Montu
5. Kumba
6. Lunch
7. Tigris
8. Cheetah Hunt
9. Shows
10. Re-ride favorites

Related Resources

Explore more Tampa family content:

• Tampa activities
• things to do in Tampa
• Tampa museums

Conclusion

Busch Gardens Tampa offers incredible experiences for families with children of all ages. From gentle Sesame Street rides to world-class roller coasters and amazing animal encounters, there's something for everyone.

Ready to visit? Buy tickets online for discounts, download the app, arrive early, and prepare for an unforgettable family adventure!

Pro Tip: Visit during Christmas Town for the most magical family experience - millions of lights, holiday shows, and festive atmosphere make it Tampa's best holiday event!