Planning a trip to Busch Gardens Williamsburg with young children in 2025 offers a delightful blend of entertainment, education, and adventure. The park caters extensively to families, ensuring that even its youngest visitors have memorable experiences.
Kid-Friendly Attractions:
- Sesame Street® Forest of Fun™: This vibrant area brings beloved Sesame Street characters to life with themed rides, interactive play areas, and opportunities for character meet-and-greets. It’s an ideal spot for toddlers and preschoolers to engage with their favorite friends.
- A fan favorite amongst my kids was the water play area around the castle- make sure to bring bathing suits or a change of clothes because they will get wet! Bonus- they can continue to play in the water while enjoying the Sesame Street Sunny Side Celebration show which takes place right there on the castle stage.
- Kids looking for more a thrill can ride Grovers Alpine Express, this mini roller coaster is the perfect introduction to thrill rides and you only have to be 38″ to ride (with an adult).
- Land of the Dragons®: A whimsical playground featuring climbing nets, a splash pad and child-friendly rides. This enchanting section encourages imaginative play and is perfect for young adventurers.
- My kids loved the giant dragon treehouse equipped with bridges and climbing nets, this provided a great way for the parents to relax while the kids kept busy exploring.
- This land also contains another fun splash pad area with jumping jets and bucket dumpers- keep those bathing suits handy.
- Aside from the play areas there are also three rides perfect for even the tiniest riders: Flutter Sputter – a flying dragon ride (similar to Dumbo), Bug-a-Dug– ride around a track in a lady bug car and Chug-a-Tug– a kiddie boat ride that goes in a circle.
Other Kid Friendly Rides: the fun doesn’t stop there- be sure to check-out these other great rides to enjoy with your little one:
- The Little Balloons: A gentle ride that lifts children into the air, offering a delightful experience tailored for the park’s youngest guests. Busch Gardens
- Der Roto Baron: kids get to play the role of Pilot as the fly around in miniature World War I fighter planes.
- Der Autobahn Jr. : miniature bumper cars made just for kids under 48″.
- Li’l Clydes: kids can enjoy riding around in a circle a top a mini Clydesdale horse.
- The Little Gliders: Kids between 37″ and 56″ can enjoy laying on their bellies as the fly through the air on a miniature glider. Walkers and kids up to 36″ can enjoy this ride as long as they are in the sitting glider and accompanied by someone 14years or older.
- Elephant Run: a miniature version of the classic bob sled ride/
- Kinder Carousel: a classic antique carousel perfect for all ages.
- Turkish Delight: classic spinning teacup ride.
- Battering Ram: a large swinging boat ride- for kids who enjoy a good thrill sit further to the back.
New for 2025:
The Big Bad Wolf: The Wolf’s Revenge: Debuting this year, this family-friendly inverted roller coaster reimagines a classic favorite. Designed for children as small as 42 inches (with a supervising companion), the ride offers an exhilarating yet accessible adventure through a Bavarian village.
Busch Gardens Railway:
If you need a break from all the walking, you can enjoy a leisurely 20 minute ride around the park on Busch Gardens steam powered locomotive. The train makes stops in Scotland, New France and Festa Italia giving guests the choice to exit sooner if they’d like.
Busch Garden Animals:
Busch Gardens also offers a variety of animal encounters that are both educational and entertaining for children. At Highland Stables, families can meet majestic Clydesdale horses and Scottish Highland cattle. The park’s aviary, Lorikeet Glen, allows kids to observe vibrant lorikeets and other exotic birds up close. Additionally, Eagle Ridge provides an opportunity to see rescued bald eagles and learn about conservation efforts. Other animals you can view throughout the park include red fox, gray wolves, black face sheep and border collies.
Busch Gardens also offers several engaging animal tours for an additional fee, providing families with unique, up-close experiences. The Scottish Highland Coo Tour allows guests to meet and feed Poppy and Thistle, the park’s resident Scottish Highland cattle, while learning about their history and care during a 20-minute session. For those interested in canines and equines, the Clydes & Collies Tour offers an interactive experience with the park’s Clydesdale horses and Border Collies, showcasing their training and roles within the park. Additionally, the Howl to Coexist: An Inside Look tour provides an opportunity to connect with animal specialists to learn about wolf care, assist in feeding, and gain insight into these fascinating creatures. These tours offer memorable educational experiences that enhance any family visit to the park
Family Amenities:
- Preschool Pass: Children aged 3 to 5 can enjoy free admission to both Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Water Country USA with the Preschool Pass. Registration is required online, and the pass must be activated by visiting the park by June 1, 2025.
- Stroller Rentals: For convenience, strollers are available for rent near the park entrance, making navigation easier for families with young children. You can also reserve the stroller ahead of time online the day before your visit.
- Height Check Stations: To ensure safety and appropriate ride selection, Height Check Stations are located near the park entrance. These stations help determine which attractions are suitable for each child based on their height.
Tips for a Smooth Visit:
- Plan Ahead: Familiarize yourself with the park’s layout and identify must-visit attractions to optimize your day.
- Utilize Parent Swap: This service allows one parent to ride while the other waits with the child, then they can switch without waiting in line again. Busch Gardens
- Stay Hydrated and Take Breaks: With ample shaded areas and rest spots, ensure your family stays comfortable throughout the day.
Busch Gardens Williamsburg offers a rich tapestry of experiences tailored for families with young children. From enchanting rides to engaging play areas, the park ensures that every family member, regardless of age, leaves with cherished memories.
*Looking for more kid friendly vacation ideas in Virginia? Check-out my post “Virginia Beach With Kids: Hidden Gems and Insider Tips” .