Whether you’re looking for high-speed coasters, easygoing rides, or behind-the-scenes tours, you’ll find a mix of adrenaline-pumping adventures and kid-friendly delights at Busch Gardens® Williamsburg. The park blends some of the world’s best thrill rides with a range of family-friendly attractions, making it a hit for all ages.

Busch Gardens® Williamsburg – which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2025! – has been called “The World’s Most Beautiful Theme Park.” With its European-inspired theme, the park whisks you away to lively lands like “Oktoberfest” and “Festa Italia,” each brimming with great food, entertainment, and attractions. Here are the park’s most fun-filled, can’t-miss experiences.

Experience America’s Best Roller Coasters

Every twist, turn, and plunge on these world-class coasters is exhilarating. Upcoming in 2025, The Big Bad Wolf: The Wolf’s Revenge takes you on an unforgettable ride through a Bavarian village. Billed as “North America’s longest inverted family-friendly coaster,” the ride lets your legs dangle free as you soar through 2,500 feet of track. (The minimum height required to ride is only 42 inches.) 

Chase more thrills on coasters like the iconic Loch Ness Monster, the world’s first interlocking loop coaster, or DarKoaster, North America’s first all-indoor straddle coaster. The mighty Alpengeist – one of the world’s tallest, fastest coasters – takes you upside down six times as it soars to 195 feet and reaches almost 70 mph.

More fan favorites include Griffon, a floorless dive coaster with a 205-foot drop, or the popular Pantheon, a record-breaking coaster boasting a 95° drop, four launches, five airtime hills, and two intense inversions.

Enjoy Kid-Friendly Rides

For families with younger adventurers, the park offers plenty of mild rides. Embark on a gentle journey through a dragon-filled world complete with an interactive play area in Land of the Dragons®.

Find rides perfect for toddlers and young kids, like the Kinder Karussel’s classic carousel experience or The Little Balloons, where littles can safely go flying. The Li’l Clydes’ horse-themed ride is another gentle and nostalgic mini adventure.

All ages can enjoy a relaxing ride on the Busch Gardens Railway or a peaceful Rhine River Cruise.

See Award-Winning Shows

Take a break to enjoy shows like Celtic Fyre, ranked #1 for Theme Park Entertainment by USA Today’s 10Best. The show delivers high-energy performances with traditional Irish music and dance. Kids will love the Sunny Day Celebration with Elmo and Friends, where the beloved characters put on an immersive and colorful show.

During select shows one Saturday a month, guests with accessibility needs can attend ASL Saturday, when a Certified ASL Interpreter is present to ensure everyone can experience the magic of live shows.

Delight in Animal Experiences

At Busch Gardens, you can connect with animals while supporting the park’s rescue and conservation efforts. At Highlands Stables, get up close and personal with the highly popular Scottish Highland Cattle, and learn about these shaggy creatures on the Scottish Highland Coo Tour. Also in the stables, meet the Clydesdale Horses and their furry friends on the Clydes & Collies Tour.  

Bird lovers should flock to Lorikeet Glen and Eagle Ridge to see these colorful, majestic winged wonders. 

Take an Insider Tour

Interactive tours give you a glimpse into the inner workings of Busch Gardens. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the park’s coasters on the Roller Coaster Insider Tour, or learn about historic trains on the Railroad Steam Engine Tour. Feel like a VIP with the Elite VIP Tour, which includes a private guided journey through the park’s top attractions.

If you love live shows, the Celtic Fyre Insider tour gives you backstage access to meet the talented performers.

Feast at Top Dining Spots

From German and American favorites at Das Festhaus to traditional Irish beer and pub snacks at Grogan’s Irish Pub, Busch Gardens® Williamsburg offers much to savor. Fill burger cravings at Squire’s Grille, feast on barbecue at Trapper’s Smokehouse, or seek out Italian, Mediterranean, and Asian fare at Marco Polo’s Marketplace.

Care to indulge throughout the day? The All-Day Dining Deal allows you to enjoy an entrée, side or dessert, and a drink every 90 minutes at participating locations. Take advantage of mobile ordering to save time.  

Celebrate with Seasonal Events

With a full lineup of exciting events and festivals throughout the year, you’ll want to visit Busch Gardens in every season. Celebrate with parades and Cajun flavors during Mardi Gras in February and March, then taste flavors from around the world at the annual Food & Wine Festival, which stretches from spring into summer.

During Summer of Wonder, immerse yourself in art, music, and culinary delights, and check out Bier Fest Brews & BBQ later in August. As the seasons change, the park transforms for Howl-O-Scream and Christmas Town.

Plan Your Adventure

Find daily park hours, FAQs, and ticketing information directly on the Busch Gardens® Williamsburg website. We recommend purchasing your tickets in advance. Beyond single- and multi-day tickets, you’ll find options for fun cards, memberships, unique add-ons, seasonal deals, and hotel packages.

Before you visit, download the free Busch Gardens App to access park maps, wait times, and show schedules. Also find details about the park’s wide-ranging accessibility offerings and services, and access food allergen information to plan meals ahead of time. 

Be sure to wear comfortable shoes for exploring the 130-acre park. Depending on the weather, wear layers of clothing and sunscreen. If you bring a bag or purse, lockers are available to rent as rides do not allow loose items.

Discover More Fun-Filled Attractions

Go beyond the park to explore other Williamsburg area attractions. From interactive museums to ghost tours to outdoor adventures, the Historic Triangle is full of discoveries you can make together.