Busch Gardens

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay may be named after the suds-producing breweries, but adrenaline is the most potent intoxicant this thrill-heavy theme park produces. Exotic animals abound for young park-hoppers, but Busch’s strength lies also in its corkscrews, 360-degree loops and scream-inducing speeds. Most rides in the park have height requirements.
Attractions for 7 years & Older

Skyride provides an aerial mode of transportation around the park, appropriate for anyone not afraid of heights.

Rhino Rally is an off-road safari experience through the wilds of Africa. Guests travel over land and water with their personal guide in a 17-person Land Rover. Chances are you’ll come face-to-face with elephants, zebras, gazelles and, of course, rhinos. The ride may be too rough for the under 7's.

Moroccan Roll A fast-paced rock ‘n’ roll stage show. The live music and colorful middle-Eastern costumes is entertainment for the whole family.

R.L. Stine’s Haunted Lighthouse 4-D show might not be appropriate for timid children, but most over 7's will appreciate the special effects and the twists and turns of the spooky storyline.

Cheetah ChaseThis rollercoaster is a great for first timer's (non of that upside down stuff) compared to the daredevil reputation of the park's other coasters. Its four-passenger cars make it a perfect choice for families.

SheiKra is the only dive coaster in North America, catapulting riders 200 feet in the air to a 90-degree vertical drop, not to mention an Immelmann loop (a rolling maneuver), a second, 138-foot dive into an underground tunnel and a water-feature finale.

The older coasters such as Python and Scorpion still offer their share of excitement, but they can’t compete with newer, more scream-inducing rides such as Kumba" and the floorless Montu.

 
Pick Another Place of Interest
Attractions for 6 years & Younger

Serengeti Express Railway gorillas and chimps, ‘gators and giraffes, tropical birds and other beasts – to enthrall the younger set.The train moves through Busch Tanganyka Tidal Wave at Busch Gardens Busch Entertainment Corp.

Gardens’ Serengeti Plain Lets kids have the opportunity to spot free-roaming herds of African animals.

Ka Tonga its lively swirl of puppets, music and magic usually keeps the kids entertained But it maybe a bit long (35 Minutes).

Land of Dragons where stage shows, slides, water play areas and elaborate jungle gyms can keep small children busy for hours.

Tip Sheet

Start at the rides in the back of the park and work your way forward.

Pick up a park schedule at the entrance gate for show times and animal feedings, which the small ones adore.

Highlights of the Park

Odds are, the second you step foot into the park, the bigger, braver kids are going to head straight for the roller coasters.

Mythical creatures rule at "Land of Dragons," with several water play areas, it’s a great place to cool off in the afternoon. (Bring towels and a change of clothes with you – lockers are available – or dress the kids with a swimsuit underneath regular clothing.) Be aware that certain attractions in this area are for "dry kids" only – so try to group activities appropriately so you won’t need to change them multiple times.

You’ll also find kiddy rides in the Congo and Timbuktu lands and for entertainment, you can’t beat the classic Bird Show Theater and Dolphins of the Deep shows.

Congo River Rapids," "Tanganyika Tidal Wave" and "Stanley Falls" all offer lots of wet fun with waterfalls, stomach lurching drops and splashy twists and turns. Let there be no doubt in your mind: Any one of these can leave you soaked to the bone.

Snacks - Sultan’s Sweets will be their first choice for candy, pastries and ice cream. For more substantial fare, try Stanleyville Smokehouse or Zagora Café.

For a sit-down dinner, head to Crown Colony House, with a view of the Serengeti Plains and its wild creatures.

Adults without kids have the luxury of enjoying some of the cultural shows, whether performed right on the street or in a cool, dry theater. Later, enjoy a free beer sample and stay for pizza and deli sandwiches, jazz and ragtime open-air music.