Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the most common questions parents ask about visiting Busch Gardens Tampa Bay with kids.
Where are the restrooms at Busch Gardens Tampa?
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has 22+ restroom locations spread across 8 themed lands. Every land has at least one restroom. Morocco (main entrance) has the Baby Care Center and companion restrooms. Sesame Street Safari of Fun has dedicated family restrooms for toddlers. Congo, Stanleyville, and Pantopia also have companion restrooms. The park is 335 acres, so plan restroom stops every 2-3 rides. See our
interactive restroom map for exact locations.
Where is the Baby Care Center at Busch Gardens Tampa?
The Baby Care Center is in the Morocco area near the main entrance and Guest Relations. It has a private nursing room with chair and electrical outlet, baby changing tables, a feeding area with high chairs, a microwave for warming bottles and baby food, and supplies for purchase including diapers, wipes, formula, and sunscreen. It is free to use and fully air-conditioned — which matters enormously in Tampa's summer heat.
Which Busch Gardens Tampa restrooms have the shortest lines?
The Nairobi and Jungala restrooms consistently have the shortest lines because visitors tend to move quickly through the animal areas. Egypt restrooms near Montu are also quieter. The busiest restrooms are near Congo River Rapids (everyone needs to change after getting soaked) and in Sesame Street Safari of Fun during midday. Go during a major coaster's peak queue time — when everyone's in line, the restrooms empty out.
Are there changing tables in every Busch Gardens Tampa restroom?
Yes. All restrooms at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay have baby changing tables in both men's and women's rooms. The Baby Care Center in Morocco has dedicated infant changing stations. Sesame Street Safari of Fun has family-sized restrooms specifically designed for parents with toddlers.
Can I bring a stroller to Busch Gardens Tampa?
Yes. Strollers are welcome throughout the park. Single stroller rental is $18/day and double is $28/day near the main entrance. The park is 335 acres of mostly flat terrain, making strollers essential for families with young children. Stroller parking is marked near every major ride and restroom area. Bring shade for your stroller — Florida sun is intense.
Can I get free water at Busch Gardens Tampa?
Yes. Any quick-service restaurant at Busch Gardens Tampa will give you a free cup of ice water — just ask at the counter. This is critical in Tampa's heat and humidity, especially June through September when temperatures regularly exceed 95 degrees. Dehydration is a real risk at this park. Hit Zambia Smokehouse, Dragon Fire Grill, or Zagora Cafe. Water fountains are also located throughout every themed land.
What are the best rides for toddlers at Busch Gardens Tampa?
Sesame Street Safari of Fun is toddler paradise with 10+ rides designed for children under 54 inches. Top picks: Air Grover (family coaster, 38-inch minimum), Elmo's Choo Choo, Cookie Monster's photo op, and Rubber Duckie Water Works splash pad. Outside Sesame Street, the Serengeti Express train (all ages) and Skyride cable car (all ages) are great family options.
How does Child Swap work at Busch Gardens Tampa?
Child Swap lets one adult wait with a child who cannot ride while the other parent rides. Then the waiting adult rides without waiting in line again. Tell the ride attendant at the entrance. Available at all rides with height requirements including Iron Gwazi, SheiKra, Montu, Kumba, Cheetah Hunt, Tigris, Cobra's Curse, Falcon's Fury, Congo River Rapids, and Stanley Falls.
Where should I park at Busch Gardens Tampa?
General parking is $30 in the large surface lot. Preferred parking is $40 and gets you closer to the entrance — worth it with strollers and young kids. ADA parking is available at the standard rate with a valid placard. The parking lot is massive, so photograph your section number. A tram runs from distant sections on busy days.
Which hotels are best for families near Busch Gardens Tampa?
Closest: Embassy Suites Busch Gardens (2 min drive, free shuttle, all-suite, from $159) and Hampton Inn Busch Gardens (3 min drive, breakfast included, from $129). Luxury: Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay ($249+, bayfront, pools, spa). Budget: La Quinta Busch Gardens ($79+, breakfast, pool) and Red Roof Plus ($69+, closest budget option).
Is Busch Gardens Tampa wheelchair accessible?
Yes, fully. The park is 335 acres of mostly flat terrain, making it one of the most wheelchair-friendly theme parks in Florida. Wheelchair rental is $15/day and ECV is $55/day near the main entrance. The Ride Accessibility Program is available at the Accessibility Center for guests who cannot wait in standard queues. All restrooms are ADA accessible with companion restrooms at five locations.
What is the best time to visit Busch Gardens Tampa to avoid crowds?
Weekdays during the school year (September-May, excluding holidays) are the quietest. Tuesday and Wednesday are typically the least crowded. Arrive at park opening for the shortest ride waits. Avoid weekends, summer (June-August), Spring Break, Thanksgiving week, and Christmas through New Year. The sweet spot is September through mid-November: lower crowds, slightly cooler weather, and the Howl-O-Scream event on select nights.
Are there restrooms on the Serengeti Safari tour?
No. There are no restrooms during the Serengeti Safari tour, which lasts approximately 30 minutes on an open-air vehicle through the 65-acre Serengeti Plain. Use the restrooms in Nairobi or Egypt before your scheduled tour time. This is especially important for families with young children.
Does Busch Gardens Tampa have a water park?
Adventure Island, a separate water park operated by the same company, is located directly adjacent to Busch Gardens Tampa. It requires a separate ticket or combo pass. Busch Gardens itself has water rides — Congo River Rapids and Stanley Falls Flume — that will get you thoroughly soaked. Pack a change of clothes or buy a poncho from gift shops.
What roller coasters are at Busch Gardens Tampa?
Busch Gardens Tampa is one of the top roller coaster parks in the world. Major coasters: Iron Gwazi (hybrid, 206 feet, 76 mph), SheiKra (dive coaster, 200 feet, 90-degree drop), Montu (inverted, 7 inversions), Kumba (sit-down, 7 loops), Cheetah Hunt (triple-launch, 60 mph), Tigris (sky rocket, 150 feet), and Cobra's Curse (family spin, 42-inch minimum). Use restrooms before entering ride queues — no queues have restrooms.
Is Sesame Street Safari of Fun included with admission?
Yes. Sesame Street Safari of Fun is included with regular Busch Gardens Tampa admission. It features 10+ rides, a splash pad (Rubber Duckie Water Works), character meets with Elmo, Big Bird, Cookie Monster, Abby Cadabby, and Count von Count, plus shaded play areas. It has its own family restrooms with companion stalls and changing tables. Bring swimwear for the splash pad.
How do I get from Busch Gardens Tampa to SeaWorld Orlando?
Busch Gardens Tampa and
SeaWorld Orlando are both operated by United Parks & Resorts and are about 85 miles apart (75-90 minutes by car via I-4 East). There is no shuttle between the parks. Multi-park tickets are available that include both parks plus Adventure Island. Plan each park as a full-day visit.
What seasonal events does Busch Gardens Tampa have?
Howl-O-Scream (September-October): Separate evening ticket with scare zones and haunted houses. Not recommended for young children. Some restrooms close early while temporary facilities open. Christmas Town (November-December): Included with admission. Millions of lights, holiday shows, Santa meet, snow play area. Family-friendly. Food & Wine Festival (March-April): Included with admission. Food booths throughout the park, live concerts, portable restrooms added near concert area.
