Spend the Day at Tampa’s Busch Gardens. This world-class adventure park combines thrilling rides with educational animal experiences in one exciting location. There are tons of things to see and do around every corner. You’re going to want to plan ahead. Have the best day ever when you follow these four visitor tips.
Animal Experiences
Did you know that Busch Gardens is home to 12,000 animals representing 300 different species including gorillas, cheetahs, elephants, and sloths? If visiting the animals is on your must-list, do this activity first. Many of the park’s residents are most active first thing in the morning when the temperatures in Florida are still cool.
Learn more about the furred and feathered residents when you check out the Busch Garden’s animal care center. While this exhibit requires a reservation and an extra charge, it’s worth it. From a general wellness checkup to first aid, the center does it all to get its patients back on their feet. Witness the passionate crew firsthand and the high level of care these animals receive every day.
If you don’t have a ton of time to visit each habitat, grab a lift from the Serengeti Railway. This relaxing railroad ride shuttles guests around the Serengeti Plain where you can spot giraffes, zebras, and lions right from your seat. It’s a terrific choice for families with kids.
Keeper Talks
Busch Gardens animal keepers host educational presentations with a few hand-picked animals scheduled throughout the day. Visitors will learn all about the animal’s habitat, what they like to eat, and their social life. During this time, the keepers will inform you all about the critters’ habitat, food, and more.
Thrilling Rides
Busch Gardens is a roller coaster fanatic’s ideal destination. With 15 exhilarating rides, plan to holler, squeal, and screech at the top of your lungs. Since the rides are dotted throughout the park, the best approach may be to walk in a counterclockwise path. This strategy will put you right in front of the Cheetah Hunt, a 4,400 foot-long, triple-launch roller coaster. Continue along this way to encounter all of Busch Gardens’ best thrill rides.
If you’re looking for a ride that’s less fear-inducing, climb aboard the SkyRide for a leisurely 10-minute glide between the Egypt and Congo sections of the park. This cable car journey offers guests breathtaking, panoramic views of the park. It’s a terrific way for the whole family to see the landscape and capture aerial pictures of the animal residents.
Attend a Show or Festival
When Florida’s hot sun has you looking for an indoor escape, why not check out a show or attend a festival? From kids’ productions to adult-only events, Busch Gardens offers a variety of entertaining options for everyone. The thrills are on tap every weekend from Aug. 17 through Sept. 8 at Bier Fest.
Before you make your way over to Busch Gardens Tampa, browse our helpful guide. Spend the day enjoying all the attractions instead of trying to decide what to do first.
Image via Flickr by Roller Coaster Philosophy under use of CC BY 2.0
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