Busch Gardens Williamsburg
Rating
Family of 4
$280-$380.
Duration
Full day (6-10 hours)
Best Ages
All ages (Sesame Street area for toddlers; thrill rides for teens)
About
Busch Gardens Williamsburg is a world-class theme park that combines European theming, top-tier roller coasters, live entertainment, and family-friendly attractions across 422 beautifully landscaped acres. Consistently rated one of the best theme parks in the world, it delivers a full-day experience for families with children of any age.
The park is divided into themed sections representing European countries. England features the classic Loch Ness Monster coaster and the Globe Theatre. Germany has the festive Das Festhaus restaurant and Verbolten coaster.
France offers Le Scoot water ride. Italy houses the Pantheon mega coaster. Each section features architecture, food, and live entertainment authentic to its country, creating an experience that's educational as well as thrilling.
For families with young children, the Sesame Street Forest of Fun is the heart of the park. This dedicated kids' area features over a dozen age-appropriate rides, a water play area, live Sesame Street character shows, and regular meet-and-greet opportunities with Elmo, Big Bird, Cookie Monster, and friends. The rides are designed for children 2-8, with generous height restrictions that let even small toddlers ride several attractions.
The coaster lineup is what draws teens and thrill-seekers. Pantheon is the world's fastest multi-launch coaster, reaching 73 mph with four launches and a 95-degree drop. InvadR is a family-friendly wooden coaster that's thrilling but not terrifying.
Verbolten combines indoor dark ride elements with outdoor coaster drops through a Black Forest theme. The variety means there's a coaster for every comfort level.
Busch Gardens also excels at seasonal events. Christmas Town (November-January) transforms the park into a holiday wonderland with millions of lights, Santa's Workshop, ice shows, and holiday dining. Howl-O-Scream (September-October) adds Halloween haunted houses and scare zones — some areas remain family-friendly during the day before transitioning to scarier content in the evening.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
Nursing / Changing
true
Kid Meals
true
Setting
Outdoor
Rainy Day
Not ideal
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Weekdays in May or September for shortest lines; arrive at park opening
Wait Times
15-60 minutes for popular rides; shorter on weekdays and at park opening
Nearby Food
Extensive on-site dining themed to each country section: German bratwurst, Italian pizza, fish and chips. Outside the park: Pierce's Pitt Bar-B-Que (10-min drive), Williamsburg Premium Outlets food court, multiple chain and local restaurants on US-60.
Why Kids Love It
Busch Gardens Williamsburg is consistently voted America's most beautiful theme park, and it delivers thrills for every age group. The park is themed around European countries — England, Scotland, France, Germany, Italy, Ireland — with architecture, food, and entertainment that transport families across the Atlantic without leaving Virginia.
For little kids, the Sesame Street Forest of Fun is a wonderland of age-appropriate rides, water play, and character meet-and-greets. Toddlers ride gentle spinners and mini coasters while Elmo, Big Bird, and Cookie Monster make regular appearances. For bigger kids and tweens, mid-level rides like the Grover coaster and bumper cars bridge the gap between kiddie rides and thrill rides.
Teens and thrill-seekers have access to some of the best roller coasters on the East Coast. Pantheon (the world's fastest multi-launch coaster), InvadR (a wooden coaster with smooth inversions), Verbolten (a themed dark ride coaster), and the legendary Loch Ness Monster (double-loop classic) deliver adrenaline rushes that make Busch Gardens a pilgrimage for coaster enthusiasts.
Pro Tips from Parents
- Head to the back of the park first — most visitors start at the front, so back-of-park rides have shorter lines in the morning.
- The Sesame Street area opens with the park — get there early for character photos without crowds.
- Bring a rain poncho; several rides will splash you and Virginia weather can change quickly.
- The park's Howl-O-Scream (Halloween) and Christmas Town events are exceptional family experiences.
- Download the Busch Gardens app for real-time ride wait times and show schedules.
What to Bring
- sunscreen
- comfortable walking shoes
- rain poncho
- refillable water bottle
- phone charger
- change of clothes for water rides
Cost Info
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
$280-$380.
Online tickets ~$70-$85/person x4 = $280-$340.
Parking ~$30.
On-site meals: $50-$80.
Total: $360-$450.
Quick Queue (skip the line) is $50-$90/person extra.
Tips to Save
- Buy tickets online — gate prices are significantly higher.
- Visit during Preschool Pass season (free admission for kids 3-5, select dates).
- Pack snacks and eat a big breakfast to reduce on-site food costs.
- Season passes pay for themselves in 2 visits and include free parking.
- Check for Coca-Cola can discounts at local stores.
Hours & Contact
Hours
- friday
- 10:00 AM - varies by season
- monday
- 10:00 AM - varies by season
- sunday
- 10:00 AM - varies by season
- tuesday
- 10:00 AM - varies by season
- saturday
- 10:00 AM - varies by season
- thursday
- 10:00 AM - varies by season
- wednesday
- 10:00 AM - varies by season
