Top 5 Things to do with Kids in the Fall at Busch Gardens

Looking for fall family fun? You’ve come to the right place! Here you will find great family-friendly activities and things to do during the day without all the frights that come to life once the sun goes down.

Some of our spooky decorations are visible during the day, but our scare actors, dim lighting and fog will not start until 5:45 pm. The exit in England will become a scare zone (Ripper Row), so please use discretion when visiting the park after this time.

Now, without further ado, here are is our list of top 5 daytime things to do with kids this Halloween.

5. Take in the Fall Season

Welcome the fall season with a walk through the world’s most beautiful theme park. The leaves change around the end of October in Virginia and Busch Gardens becomes even more breathtaking. This part of the country is known for beautiful fall colors of maroon, orange, yellow and red.

During those warm fall days, an ice cream treat from Josephine’s Creamery de Chocolat will satisfy your sweet tooth and keep you amped up for a fun day.

Our animal friends would love to see you, too. Stop by Wolf Valley to see the gray wolves, Highland Stables for our Clydesdale horses and more. You may even see Poppy, one of our Scottish Highland Cattle.

4. Paint Your Own Pottery

Unleash your inner artist at Caribou Pottery in New France and bring home a unique souvenir from your family vacation. You can select from a variety of dishes and collectibles* as the base of your masterpiece.

This is a great way to take a break, rest your feet and prepare for your next conquest: the wooden roller coaster, InvadR.

3. See a Family-Friendly Show

Our family-friendly shows are performed on stages throughout the park. If your family loves animals, you’ll love More… Pet Shenanigans, which features a cast of talented rescued shelter animals in a show that will have you laughing out of your seats. Or, stop by Wolf Haven to learn from our Zoological Team about North American predators in Howl to Coexist.

Sesame Street is loved by kids and parents alike (we feel the same way, too), so it’s no surprise that we have two great interactive shows in Sesame Street Forest of Fun during the fall season. Join Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Grover, Cookie Monster and Zoe for unforgettable sing-a-long, dance-a-long fun in Sunny Days Celebration. This show runs through September 29.

Each Saturday and Sunday in October, the Count is having a party! Come celebrate with your favorite Sesame Street friends in the Count's Countdown to Halloween to get you into the holiday spirit.

2. Enjoy Rides Just for Kids

Not only do we have kid rides throughout the park, we also have two dedicated play areas for your little ones: Sesame Street Forest of Fun and Land of the Dragons. Swoosh through snow-capped mountains on our kid coaster or journey to new heights on our child-sized shot-n-drop tower in Sesame Street Forest of Fun. They can also fly on the wings of a dragon or play on our climbing nets in Land of the Dragons. A trip on the skyride is also great way to rest tired feet and see the fall leaves from a new perspective.

Don’t forget to check out our Height Check Stations in England when you first arrive at the park to get a personalized list of rides your child can enjoy.

Note: Our kid play areas close at 5 pm during the fall season, which allow time for families to exit the park before the scares of Howl-O-Scream begin at 5:45 pm. Please note that the exit in England becomes a scare zone (Ripper Row).

1. Celebrate Halloween with The Count

Get ready for a not-too-spooky Halloween event just for kids. The Count’s Spooktacular begins October 5 in Sesame Street Forest of Fun on Saturdays and Sundays through November 3.

We encourage children 9 years old and younger to dress up in their favorite Halloween costumes during this event. However, due to the safety of our guests and Team Members, we do kindly ask that you leave all masks or props at home.

Although adults can’t wear costumes to the park, you can still transform into a spooky ghoul with special Halloween face painting* located around the park. Don’t forget to say “cheese!” when you stop by 1-2-3 Smile with Me! in Sesame Street Forest of Fun.

This event has some new and exciting things to do this year, including a trick-or-treat trail and hay maze. Kids can also enjoy an interactive sing-a-long Halloween show and join in a costume party alongside their favorite Sesame Street friends.

What’s your family’s favorite thing to do in the fall? Share your story with us on social media using #ShareMyBGWStory @BuschGardensVA

Note: By using the hashtag #ShareMyBGWStory, you are granting Busch Gardens Williamsburg the right to use any content in connection with your submission through social media channels to Busch Gardens Williamsburg for use on one or more of its website and/or social media accounts. Please see the Content License Agreement and Publicity Release for more information.

* These experiences are an additional fee and are not included with admission.