If you’re heading to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, prepare for a wild mix of thrills, wildlife encounters, and incredible entertainment. This one-of-a-kind theme park blends pulse-pounding roller coasters with up-close animal experiences and seasonal events that keep visitors coming back. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or a seasoned pass holder, here are 9 fun things you must do at Busch Gardens Tampa.
1. Attend the Food & Wine Festival (Spring)
Calling all foodies! Busch Gardens Tampa Bay hosts its Food & Wine Festival every spring—a can’t—miss event featuring bold flavors, craft brews, cocktails, and live music. Stroll through the park and taste your way around the globe with dozens of sample-sized bites, wine pairings, and sweet treats.
Bonus: the concerts during this festival often include big-name artists and are included with park admission.
2. Ride the Coasters (Seriously, All of Them)
Adrenaline junkies, rejoice—Busch Gardens is home to some of the most iconic coasters in the country. From the twisting, high-speed Cheetah Hunt to the intense inversions of Montu and the record-breaking thrills of Iron Gwazi, there’s a coaster here for every thrill level.
If you’re short on time, grab a Quick Queue pass to skip the lines and hit them all in one day!
FYI: The word for someone extremely fearful of coasters is veloxrotaphobia.
3. Be a Kid Again at Sesame Street Safari of Fun
Whether you’re traveling with little ones or just feeling nostalgic, make a stop at Sesame Street Safari of Fun. This vibrant, family-friendly zone is packed with age-appropriate rides, splash zones, and character meet-and-greets featuring Elmo, Big Bird, and the rest of the gang. It’s a heartwarming reminder that theme parks are magical at any age.
4. Enjoy the Wildlife—Up Close and Personal
One of the most distinctive features of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is its impressive collection of animals. With over 200 species, the park is a zoo in its own right. You can see penguins, kangaroos, elephants, hippos, and more across beautifully designed, immersive habitats. The wildlife access here is top-notch, featuring large enclosures and glass viewing panels.
Don’t miss the Animal Care Center to learn about the park’s conservation efforts.
5. Ride the SkyRide for Epic Photo Ops
Want to see Busch Gardens from a whole new angle? Hop aboard the SkyRide, a gentle cable car ride that glides above the park. It connects the Egypt and Stanleyville areas, offering incredible bird’s-eye views of lush landscapes, animal habitats, and thrilling rides.
This is one of the best spots for Instagram-worthy pics!
6. Hand Feed the Lorikeets in the Aviary
Get ready for feathered fun in the Lory Landing Aviary! With a small cup of nectar (available for purchase), you can hand-feed colorful lorikeets who will perch right on your arms, hands, or even your head—for a sweet treat.
It’s a fantastic interactive experience for all ages and makes for the perfect selfie moment. Please note that you do not have to purchase bird food to enjoy this exhibit.
7. Ride the Serengeti Express Train
Take a break from walking and hop on the Serengeti Express, a scenic train ride that loops around the park and through the expansive Serengeti Plain. It is one of the best ways to view free-roaming giraffes, zebras, antelope, and more in a naturalistic environment.
The Serengeti Express has several stations throughout the park, making it both a relaxing ride and a convenient mode of transportation.
8. Catch a Live Show or Concert at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
From world-class ice skating performances and vibrant stage shows to live music from award-winning artists, the entertainment at Busch Gardens never disappoints. The park’s daily schedule is packed with variety, so whether you’re into dance, comedy, or concerts, there’s always something worth watching.
Check the Busch Gardens app for showtimes during your visit—you won’t want to miss these dazzling productions!
9. Visit During Christmas Town (Holiday Season)
Busch Gardens transforms into a winter wonderland during Christmas Town, a beloved holiday event that runs from mid-November to the end of December. The park dazzles with millions of twinkling lights, festive shows, holiday treats, and character meet-and-greets—including Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and friends.
Whether you’re snapping holiday photos, listening to holiday concerts, or sipping spiked hot cocoa (these craft bevs are sensational!), this seasonal celebration is pure magic.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly no other park quite like Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Whether you’re soaring through the air on a thrilling coaster ride, hand-feeding exotic birds, or dancing along with your favorite Sesame Street characters, every moment here is loaded with adventure, fun, and heart.
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