Lorikeet Glen

Lorikeet Glen at Busch Gardens Williamsburg is one of those attractions that visitors almost stumble upon and end up considering a highlight of the entire park visit. Tucked within the park's grounds, it's an open-air aviary housing dozens of colorful lorikeet parrots — and unlike observational bird exhibits where glass separates you from the animals, this is a walk-in experience.

For a few dollars, you can purchase a small cup of nectar at the entrance. Within seconds of entering the aviary with a cup in hand, lorikeets come in for landings — on arms, shoulders, and occasionally heads. The birds are tame and accustomed to human interaction; their bold approach is part of what makes the experience so viscerally memorable for children.

The aviary requires Busch Gardens admission but no additional ticket — it's an included attraction within the park. It pairs naturally with a visit to Wolf Haven (the gray wolf exhibit, also within Busch Gardens) for families who want to incorporate wildlife experiences into their roller coaster and themed ride day.

Early morning and late afternoon visits tend to produce the most active bird behavior. Midday heat can make the birds more lethargic and less inclined to interact. Wear bright colors — lorikeets are visually attracted to colorful patterns.