It’s going to be a WILD summer of ALL-NEW Fun at Busch Gardens and Adventure Island
Busch Gardens is going big in Tampa Bay, investing nearly $40 million into its local parks, including the water park Adventure Island. And this means even more family-friendly fun for you to experience!
Among the additions this summer: Wild Oasis at Jungala, an all-new nighttime drone show, an all-new after-hours event at Adventure Island and more. So let’s dive into the adventure awaiting you this summer!
The BIG news for BIG Kids: Wild Oasis at Jungala to officially open June 6!
Wild Oasis, dubbed as North America’s most immersive kid-friendly adventure realm is open to all ages, it was designed with the older kids in mind, the ones who are a bit too old for Sesame Street Safari of Fun and not quite ready for the park’s most thrilling coasters. As a mom of a tween, it’s the addition I’m most excited about.
Those who remember the old Jungala realm will immediately notice a change in the theme upon entering, but the bones are still there for those who love a bit of nostalgia. Wild Oasis helps tell a new story in this area of the park, with a focus on the jungles of South America and the Amazon.
All Ways to PLAY inside Wild Oasis:
- Canopy Climb: Kids (and even adults who dare to join their kids) can make their way through 200 feet of horizontal climbing trails and vertical climbing trails that will ascend up to 45 feet. There is even a sky deck where kids can perch high up at a 45-degree angle and look down over the Enchanted Falls splash pad area. Toddlers have a play area that includes a pint-sized climbing structure overlooking the animal habitat.
- Habitat Hideaway: This is where you’ll find the new animals, including capybaras, giant anteaters, squirrel monkeys and tropical birds. You can view them from the ground, from high above the decks (which are stroller and wheelchair accessible) and even from underwater. You might even witness the capybara paddle!
- “You'll come for the capybaras, but stay for the squirrel monkeys,” Kayla Wendzel, zoological curator of Wild Oasis at Busch Gardens, told us. “The squirrel monkeys have stolen my heart for sure, and they can kind of go anywhere across the habitat, so I’m really excited to watch the kiddos scramble across the Canopy Climb and the squirrel monkeys doing it right alongside them.”
- Tree Top Drop: The ALL-NEW Tree Top Drop will ascend you to the tree tops before dropping a thrilling 35 feet. They’re incorporating technology with lights, sound, and lasers to make it an even more immersive experience. The ride will also feature three different storylines, so it could be different each time you ride during your visit. Fourteen riders will get to ride at the same time, with a row of seven on each side. Kids only have to be 38 inches tall to ride with an adult and 42 inches to ride alone. There is even a viewing window where parents can take great pics of their kids.
- Enchanted Falls Splash Pad: Speaking of splash pads, which are very necessary on a hot Florida day, this space will be the perfect spot to cool off, with interactive features like splash towers, geysers in the ground and interactive elements like the waterfall.
- Rainforest Quest: Kids who love a good scavenger hunt will love Rainforest Quest. It’s a chance for them to explore the realm and find clues, but also to learn more about the animals of the South American jungle and the animals who call Busch Gardens home.
Summer Nights are BACK!
With extended hours from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, you can experience all of the new fun at Summer Nights at Busch Gardens this summer, including:
- NEW Drone Show: Wild Skies On select nights, hundreds of drones will take flight in a high-energy show in the skies, capped off with a stunning fireworks show.
- NEW Stunt Show: Moto-Motion in Stanleyville Theater Get ready for edge-of-your-seat entertainment as you experience extreme BMX riders and breakdancers performing along with aerial daredevils in an intense battle of speed, strength and performance. Two teams will go head-to-head in a showdown, and it will up to you to decide who wins.
- New Restaurant: TOMA at Orang Café (near the orangutans and Wild Oasis) Enjoy empanadas and croquetas at this vibrant quick-service restaurant offering a Latin-American inspired menu. With a prime view of the park’s orangutan habitat, it’s a perfect spot to relax and refuel while enjoying the sights and sounds of the realm.
- New Bar: Casbar Sip on refreshing beers and craft cocktails while enjoying the park's festive atmosphere at this outdoor bar located in the Moroccan Village near Zagora Café.
What’s old is new again at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay!
- Kumba returns this summer! No official date as of print, but we’re told that this summer, you’ll once again be able to experience three seconds of weightlessness as you spiral 360 degrees on this thrilling ride!
- The Meerkats Habitat returns! Opening this summer, the expanded and revamped Meerkat Habitat will debut with a new colony in the Edge of Africa.
- Free Beer! This popular nod to the past is back! Guests 21+ can enjoy one complimentary 7-ounce beer and Pass Members 21+ receive two free 7-ounce beers daily.
The best way to experience all of the new family-friendly attractions is by becoming an annual passholder, where you can take advantage of perks like free parking, food and merchandise discounts. Buschgardens.com
NEW at Adventure Island: AquaGlow lights up on June 13
This all-new, family-friendly after-hours event will transform Tampa Bay’s #1 water park into a glowing world of color and sound, and the best part is that there’s no worry about applying sunscreen! Neon tubes will be ready for you to float along a glowing lazy river, a light show will illuminate over the wave pool and there will even be a foam party!
AquaGlow will be hosted on select nights this summer, from 6-11 p.m., June 13 to Aug. 9, and is a separate ticket from the daytime event. Pass Members can take advantage of discounted ticket rates through the pass member portal. adventureisland.com