Traveling with Kids
- What is KIDsiderate
- Busch Gardens
- Water Country USA
- Parent Resources
- FAQ
Get helpful tips and browse FAQs
We understand that any family vacation can be unpredictable when it comes to traveling with kids, but we're here to help you best prepare for your trip to our parks. Learn about some of the family-friendly conveniences and services we offer at Busch Gardensand Water Country USA, including stroller rentals, nursing rooms, photo memberships and more.
Know Before You Go
Am I allowed to bring food or drinks into the park?
Restaurants and concession stands are conveniently located throughout BuschGardensWilliamsburg and WaterCountryUSA. Hard and soft cooler, glass containers, bags of food, picnic style meals including but not limited to sandwiches, sodas and alcohol may not be taken into the park. Bottles of water (one per person) and single-serve sized snacks (approx. 2 oz or less) are allowed to be brought into the park.
Guests with medical dietsor baby formula should speak with a Team Member for assistance before entering the park.
For your convenience, picnic areas are available outside the park, adjacent to the entrance/exit plaza. If leaving the park to enjoy your food, please have your hand stamped for re-admittance. Guests with special food related requests need to speak with a park representative for assistance before entering the park. For food allergy questions, please email us at [emailprotected]
If you would like more information on our allergen-friendly dining locations please visit our Allergen-Friendly FAQ page.
What is the best way to dress for a visit to Busch Gardens?
Busch Gardens Williamsburg is a family destination, and requires that guests wear appropriate clothing while in the park.
Shirts, shoes and pants (including jeans or shorts) must be worn at all times.
Inappropriate Attire
• Clothing with suggestive or explicit language or insulting statements
• Costumes and masks (with the exception of children under 9 attending The Count's SpooktacularHalloween event in the fall)
Busch Gardens reserves the right to refuse admission or ask anyone to leave who is not in compliance with these rules.
What is the best way to dress for a visit to Water Country USA?
Please note that Water Country USA is a family experience, therefore we ask that the appropriate swim attire be worn (i.e., no bathing-suit thongs, please). For the health and safety of all of our guests children in diapers are required to use waterproof protectors.
Appropriate swimwear is required. Swimwear or shoes with buckles, rivets, or any sharp objects are not permitted on our attractions. Cotton shorts or shirts, sport shorts, cover ups, loose fitting articles, or similar items are permitted but not on body slides. Footwear such as water shoes, sandals, or water socks are permitted but not on body slides.
Please check each ride’s entry sign for specific restrictions.
NOTE: T-shirts and footwear including aqua socks may not be worn on our body slides, Vanish Point and Jammin’ Juke box.
Water Country USA reserves the right to refuse admission or ask anyone to leave who is not in compliance with these rules.
Can guests bring their own strollers or wheelchairs into the park?
Yes, guests are welcome to use their own strollers and wheelchairs and may join any admissions line to enter the park.
What is a Quick Pay Cashless Wristband?
With a Quick Pay Cashless Wristband, you can make purchases all day in the park without fumbling for your wallet. Simply use your credit card at the beginning of your visit to set up a spending account. You’ll be issued waterproof wristbands for the whole family, which can be used to charge purchases throughout the park.
Your account will automatically settle at the end of each day. It’s a free, smart and convenient way to enjoy your visit without worrying about misplacing credit cards.
Entering the Park
Do Busch Gardens and Water Country USA offer discounted admission for kids?
Children under the age of 3 years old receive complimentary admission and do not require a ticket to our parks.
Our Preschool Passgrants children between the ages of 3 and 5 years old free entry to Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Water Country USA during the spring and summer. This ticket product is only available online and on a limited basis.
2018 passes are only valid through September 9, 2018. Once expired, parents will need to wait for the 2019 Preschool Pass registration window to re-open and apply for a new one.
Do children need a photo ID to get into the park?
Minors (guests who are younger than 18 years of age) are not required to present photo ID when entering the park.
What kind of security should I expect at Busch Gardens and Water Country USA?
Our security procedures are designed to keep our guests, Team Members and animals safe. Please note the following tips and reminders from our Security Team:
• All bags, backpacks and packages are subject to inspection prior to entering the park.
• The following items are not permitted to be brought into Busch Gardens: weapons, glass bottles, cans, any other type of sharp object, large hard or soft coolers and any hazardous items or materials.
• Please leave any unnecessary articles locked in your vehicle to expedite your entry into the park.
Busch Gardens, Water Country USA and SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment are not responsible for fire, theft, damage or loss of vehicle including articles left within.
Do children need to be accompanied by an adult or parent at all times while visiting Busch Gardens and Water Country USA?
Busch Gardens and Water Country USA require visitors 13 years or younger to be accompanied by a supervising adult, parent or guardian.
Rental Information
Are strollers available for rent?
Guests can reserve strollers online or at our Stroller Rental location in the park. Due to limited supply, we encourage families to reserve strollers online prior to their visit. Online reservations must be made at least one (1) day in advance of your planned visit.
Our parks offer double strollers for rental on a first-come, first-served basis. Please be aware that these strollers are made of hard plastic and are not meant for infants.
NOTE: We do not offer any single strollers.
Rent strollers online for Busch Gardens or for Water Country USA.
Where can I rent a stroller at Busch Gardens?
Our Stroller Rental is located beyond the Main Gate ticket booths on the left-hand side, just past the restrooms.
You may also reserve your stroller online at least one (1) day prior to your visit.
Where can I rent a stroller at Water Country USA?
Our Stroller Rental is located at the Welcome Center at the front of the park, just past Way Out Gifts.
You may also reserve your stroller online at least one (1) day prior to your visit.
Are lockers available for rent at Busch Gardens?
We offer three types of electronic lockers.
• All-Day Lockers are located in England behind M. Sweets Confectionary and can be used for the entire day.
• Ride Lockers are located at major attractions throughout the park and are operated on a timed basis.
• Guests can also purchase a locker that follows them through the park with a Transferable Ride Locker Pass.
Are lockers available for rent at Water Country USA?
All-Day Lockers are available for rent. Lockers are located near Hubba Hubba Highway, Jet Screamand Daddy O's Eats.
Allergen Information
Can I request information about ingredient labels prior to my visit to the park?
Our ingredient tracking system allows us to keep allergen information as up-to-date as possible for your safety.
It is unlikely – but possible – that ingredient information could change prior to your visit to our parks. Therefore, we encourage you to speak with a Culinary Supervisor during your visit to ensure the information is accurate as possible.
Do your restaurants use peanuts or tree nuts?
Our ice cream and candy shops have open containers of peanuts. Guests with peanut allergies should be careful in or around these locations.
Tree nuts are used as an ingredient in our central bakery, which supplies all of our dining locations with breads and cakes.
We encourage guests with tree nut or peanut allergies to speak with a supervisor when arriving at one of our restaurants. Our Culinary Supervisors will work with you to help find safe meal options.
Does Busch Gardens have allergy-friendly menus?
Yes, we offer allergy-friendly items (prepared or to-order) at some dining locations that are free of the most common food allergens (gluten, dairy, egg, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, fish and shellfish).
Guests with special dietary needs may also speak with a supervisor about their meal to ensure they are provided with a safe dining experience.
Although we cannot 100% guarantee against cross-contact, our supervisors are trained to prevent it and can modify our current entrees to accommodate guests with allergen concerns.
Does Water Country USA have allergy-friendly menus?
Yes, we offer allergy-friendly items (prepared or to-order) at some dining locations that are free of the most common food allergens (gluten, dairy, egg, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, fish and shellfish).
Guests with special dietary needs may also speak with a supervisor about their meal to ensure they are provided with a safe dining experience.
Although we cannot 100% guarantee against cross-contact, our supervisors are trained to prevent it and can modify our current entrees to accommodate guests with allergen concerns.
For a complete list of ingredient and allergen information of all major dining facilities at Water Country USA, please visit Boardwalk Southwest Grill. This location is designated as our allergy-friendly dining location and provide the best variety of safe options for your dietary needs.
Do Busch Gardens and Water Country USA have kid-friendly menus?
All kids’ meals come with an entrée, Mott’s® Applesauce, and a child-sized beverage (Honest Kids® Juice, milk or fountain drink).
For those with dietary restrictions and allergen concerns, please review our Allergen Information.
Ride & Accessibility Information
Are there any height restrictions on your rides and attractions at Busch Gardens?
Visit our Height Check Stationsin England, where your child will be given a colored wristband and an informational sheet indicating what rides they can enjoy.
Before you visit, you can review our ride pagesfor more details about minimum height requirements.
Please review our Accessibility Guidefor more information about requirements and restrictions.
Are there any height restrictions on your rides and attractions at Water Country USA?
Guests of any height can ride most of our attractions; however, there may be some restrictions. Visit our Height Check Stationnear the Welcome Center.
Before you visit, you can review our ride pagesfor more details about minimum height requirements.
Please review our Accessibility Guidefor more information about requirements and restrictions.
What is the Ride Accessibility Program (RAP)?
The Ride Accessibility Program (RAP) is designed to allow guests to fully participate and enjoy our parks while keeping in mind the safety requirements of our rides and attractions.
When enrolled in our RAP, guests may participate in our Special Access Program. This program allows guests to do the following:
1. Access an alternative entrance of some attractions where queue lines may not be accessible to guests who rely on mobility devices.
2. Use a virtual queue if they are unable to wait in line due to their disability. Guests will be given an estimated time based on the attraction’s wait time. This allows guests to enjoy other attractions throughout the park until their provided ride time.
For more information on our parks' accessibility and services, please review our Accessibility Guides, visit the Welcome Center at Busch Gardens or Guest Relations at Water Country USA. Our Team Members are happy to assist you with any questions.
Where can I find information for guests with disabilities at Busch Gardens?
We offer an online Accessibility Guidefor guest convenience and planning prior to their visit.
If you are in the park, you can visit the Welcome Center (just past the turnstiles on the right-hand side) in England.
Where can I find information for guests with disabilities at Water Country USA?
We offer an online Accessibility Guidefor guest convenience and planning prior to their visit.
If you are in the park, you can visit the Welcome Center (just past the turnstiles on the right-hand side) in England.
Restrooms & Nursing Rooms
Do Busch Gardens and Water Country USA have baby changing tables in their restrooms?
Yes, all of our restrooms (men's & women's) are equipped with baby changing stations.
Printed park mapshave designated icons for restrooms.
Does Busch Gardens have family restrooms available?
Family restroom facilities are located at the Main Gate Entrance/Exit, Sesame Street® Forest of Fun™, Scotland, France, Germany, Land of the Dragons®, Oktoberfest and Italy restrooms.
Printed park mapshave designated icons for companion restrooms.
Does Water Country USA have family restrooms available?
Family restroom facilities are located near Daddy O's Eats, Kritter Korraland Hubba Hubba Highway®.
Printed park mapshave designated icons for companion restrooms.
Does Busch Gardens offer a private room for nursing a baby?
Yes, these rooms are equipped with sinks and offer mothers a comfortable place to sit and nurse. Our nursing rooms are available at the Lost Children area of Land of the Dragons®, in Italy (near Marco Polo’s Marketplace), New France and Sesame Street® Forest of Fun™. A private nursing room within the restroom is also available at Das Festhaus®.
Our park maphas a designated icon for our nursing rooms.
NOTE: We do not have any baby care centers in the park.
Does Water Country USA offer a private room for nursing a baby?
Yes, this room is equipped with a sink and offer mothers a comfortable place to sit and nurse. Our nursing room is available at the First Aid building near Launch Pad Express Cafe.
Printed park mapshave a designated icon for our nursing room.
NOTE: We do not have any baby care centers in the park.
Locations in the Park
Where is the Welcome Center at Busch Gardens?
The Welcome Center is located just past the turnstiles at the park entrance. Our Team Members will be able to answer questions related to our Ride Accessibility Program, Exclusive Tours, dining opportunities, priority access and more.
Where is the Welcome Center at Water Country USA?
The Welcome Center is located just past the turnstiles at the park entrance. Our Team Members will be able to answer questions related to our Ride Accessibility Program, cabanas, loungers, priority access and more.
What do I do if I lose something at Busch Gardens?
If you've lost something during your visit to our theme park, you may report your lost item in person or online.
If you are still at Busch Gardens, please visit the Welcome Center located in England.
If you have already left, you can complete our Lost Items Form. A Team Member will contact you only if your item has been located. To help us find and return your item, please include the following information:
• Date and location item was lost or last seen
• Description of item - please be specific in regards to color, brand and any unique features
• If you lost a cell phone please provide serial number, make, model and service provider.
• Your contact information – phone number and address
• Please tell us if you completed a lost item report before you left the park.
Busch Gardens, Water Country USA and SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment are not responsible for lost, missing or stolen personal property.
What do I do if I lose something at Water Country USA?
If you've lost something during your visit to our water park, you may report your lost item in person or online.
If you are still at Water Country USA, please visit Guest Relations (located inside the park past the turnstiles).
If you have already left or don't want to wait in line, you can complete our Lost Item Form. A Team Member will contact you only if your item has been located. To help us find and return your item, please include the following information:
• Date and location item was lost or last seen
• Description of item - please be specific in regards to color, brand and any unique features
• If you lost a cell phone please provide serial number, make, model and service provider.
• Your contact information – phone number and address
• Please tell us if you completed a lost item report before you left the park.
Busch Gardens, Water Country USA and SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment are not responsible for lost, missing or stolen personal property.
Does Busch Gardens have a First Aid Station in the park?
Our First Aid Station is located in Ireland just past Lorikeet Glen as you are walking toward France. Mobile first aid units are also available.
Please request assistance from the nearest Team Member in an emergency.
Does Water Country USA have a First Aid Station in the park?
Our First Aid Station is located in near Launch Pad Express Cafe. Mobile first aid units are also available.
Please request assistance from the nearest Team Member in an emergency.
Add More Fun to Your Visit
Does Busch Gardens offer front-of-line access for their rides and attractions?
We offer a variety of add-on optionsthroughout the year to help you spend less time in line and more time having fun.
• Quick Queue – Enjoy priority access to some of your favorite rides and roller coasters.
- Non-refundable. Rebooking requires at least 24 hours advance notice.
• Reserved Seating – Guarantee a seat at one of your favorite shows.
- Can be changed or cancelled once for free as long as the change is 24 hours in advance of the reservation date, but there are charges for changes made within 24 hours or for more than one change. Rebooking or cancellation requires at least 24 hours' advance notice.
Special event products are also available during Howl-O-Screamand Christmas Townfor seasonal attractions.
Does Water Country USA offer front-of-line access for their rides and attractions?
We offer priority accesswith Quick Queue to help you spend less time in line and more time having fun.
Does Busch Gardens have a photo pass service?
Yes, leave the picture taking to us. We have designated locations in the park to capture the thrills and family moments throughout your visit.
• Front Gate Photo (Fountain)
• 1-2-3 Smile with Me! - (Sesame Street Forest of Fun)
• Grover's Alpine Express (Sesame Street Forest of Fun)
• Highland Stables (Scotland)
• InvadR(New France)
• Le Scoot(New France)
• Loch Ness Monster
• Verbolten
Our PhotoKeymembership allows you to collect your photos and share them instantly. Seasonal photo opportunities are available during Christmas Town.
How do I book an animal encounter at Busch Gardens?
Busch Gardens offers behind-the-scenes encounters with our Animal Ambassadors. You can reserve your spot online by booking in advance or by visiting the Welcome Center. We suggest that you book in advance due to limited space available.
Check out all of our tour options for more details. Our Exclusive Tours can be reserved online or at the Welcome Center in the park.
Dates, times, pricing and offerings are subject to change and/or cancellation without notice. See park hoursfor dates and times, eventsfor available offerings and More Details on products for additional information. You may alsocontact us onlineor visit the Welcome Center inside the park.
