What to Pack for Busch Gardens in June/July + 3 Outfit Ideas
If you’re considering a trip to Busch Gardens Williamsburg this Summer, you’re in the right place! I’m going to show you why June & July are the best times of year to visit Busch Gardens, as well as some tips on how to make the most of your visit!
Are you looking for a fun summer activity?
Busch Gardens is one of the best theme parks in Virginia! It’s not just an amazing place to visit, but it also creates an incredible experience that you’ll remember for years to come.
You can go on thrilling rides like the brand new Pantheon and Apollo’s Chariot, see a show or take your little ones to Sesame Place to snap a photo with their favorite character.
There are so many things to do at this theme park. Plus, there are less crowds during the summer season which makes it easier to enjoy yourself without waiting in long lines all day. The crowds will be less which means you can ride more!
Busch Gardens Williamsburg is one of our favorite weekend activities and what better time to go than June through July. It’s cooler than the July heat, but it isn’t yet freezing like December.
Crowd Sizes at Busch Gardens, Williamsburg in June
In 2022, Busch Gardens Williamsburg is trying out something new- year round monthly events. In the past, Busch has been open for the Summer Break, summer season, Halloween, and Christmastown. But with much excitement, our favorite weekend activity is now hosting events every weekend this spring & summer!
Summer months are peak times for Busch, so crowd sizes will be at capacity and larger than Spring. Here are a few tips for dealing with crowds:
- Ride wait times are longgggg, so plan your day and hit your favorites early!
- Eat lunch and dinner early when lines are shorter (11AM & 4PM)
- Watch a show during the hottest part of the day
- Upgrade to preferred parking
- Fast Pass for your favorite rides
- Weekdays are better and late evenings are better
- Arrive 30 mins early because capacity means no more visitors!
Busch Gardens Theme Park Hours in June/July
Busch Gardens Williamsburg is open and ready for business in June and July. In June, they are open Monday though Sunday from 10AM-8PM almost every day. For July, you can expect the day to be extended until 10AM to 9PM and 10PM on the weekends.
And for the kids, they are having Busch Gardens Kids’ Weekends (TM) (Fridays through Sundays from April 1-24 from 10AM-5PM in Sesame Place).
| DAYS | HOURS* |
| Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday | 10AM – 7PM 10AM – 7PM 10AM – 7PM 10AM – 7PM 10AM – 9PM 10AM – 10PM 10AM – 9PM |
The hours listed above are general Summer hours. There are a few dates that are blacked out as well as closing times an hour earlier on select dates.
As always, you’ll want to check the website or Facebook page to verify. In fact, buying passes ahead of time is the best way to ensure admission.
Special Events in June & July at Busch Gardens
VIRGINIA’S LARGEST SPRING FOOD FESTIVAL
This popular food festival features specialty culinary delights and refreshing beverages inspired by international flavors.
Flavors are in bloom at Busch Gardens Williamsburg at the park’s fan-favorite Food & Wine Festival. Guests can sip & savor their way through flavorful eats and mouthwatering treats before finding their new favorite wine or cocktail.
What is the Weather Like at Busch Gardens in June/July?
Before you start packing, you will want to take a look at the weather forecast for the days of your trip. Virginia weather is hot and humid during the summer months.
June, the first month of the summer, in Williamsburg, is still a warm month, with temperature in the range of an average low of 66.6°F and an average high of 83.8°F.
In June, the average heat index is calculated to be a tropical 91.4°F. Take special precautions – heat exhaustion and heat cramps are expected. Heatstroke may occur with lengthy activity.
The average relative humidity in June is 74%.
Nightime Temps
However, you may also experience some cooler temperatures and even some chilly nights. Bring a jacket or even jeans to wear the June.
What to Pack for Busch Gardens in June
For a day at Busch Gardens theme park in the summer, you’ll need to pack some comfortable cotton clothes and shoes.
Along with wearing proper clothing, you will need a backpack of essentials like water, sunscreen, poncho, phone charger, wallet and watch.
Ultimate List of What to Pack in Your Park Bag at Busch Gardens
- Backpack
- Water
- Kid’s snacks
- Sunscreen
- Poncho for rain
- Extra jeans or sweatshirt
- Phone charger
- Watch & phones
- Wallet
- Id & credit card
- Tickets of barcode
- Sunglasses
- Baby wipes
- Lanyard
Park Bag
Backpack
If you’re traveling to Busch Gardens for a full day or weekend adventure, you’re going to want to bring a backpack.
You can hold all of the essentials to get you through the day with this go bag from snacks to wipes and preparing for sun and rain.
Packing Light
For days we want to pack light, I love a crossbody bag. I bring a small crossbody purse that holds my wallet and some baby wipes. I can take it on rides tucked under my seat (bum).
Water
You can bring an unopened water bottle into the park, but I highly recommend your first stop being at a kiosk to purchase 2 of the refillable souvenir cups which will run you about $12-15 a cup.
But the benefit of these cups is that you get unlimited free refills on day 1 and any subsequent park visits, refills are 0.99 cents. We typically have one filled with Coke to give us a boost and other other always has fresh water.
It’s hot and tiring to walk for hours all day long, so water on hand makes sure everyone stays hydrated.
You can refill the cup at any beverage or dining place at Busch (or Water Country for that matter).
Kid’s snacks
I’ll put a disclaimer here that no outside food or drinks are allowed in the park. But we’re usually willing to risk it. When you have young kids, especially in strollers, you’ll need formula, water, sippy cups, and likely soft finger foods that just aren’t available in the park.
You CAN keep them in the car, but we try to bring in a few individually packaged goldfish, fruit snacks and cracker to keep the kids fed while we wait in line for food.
Worst case scenario is that you are asked to put them back in the car. But I’ve never had that happen in 8 years.
Sunscreen
The first non consumable thing you need to bring to Busch in your bag is sunscreen. There are trees and greenery to take a break and sit under, but some lines are in direct sunlight. As you are walking from one thing to the next, there will be sun and you want to stay protected from sunburn + dehydration or you’ll end up at the First Aid station.
Poncho for rain
If the weather calls for rain, you may want a poncho. They can also be purchased in the park, so if you aren’t prepared it’s no big deal.
But if you are a planner, you can bring your own.
Extra jeans or sweatshirt
June is predictable in that the days are still hot (75 degrees) but the evenings are anyone’s guess!
Because it can get cool at night, I suggest bringing jeans or leggings and a sweatshirt to throw on if the temp drops. You can leave it in the car if you want to travel light and run out to get it if it gets cold.
Phone charger
A portable phone charger power bank good to have on hand because you’ll be taking lots of pictures and using your phone. You don’t want to run out of power!
Sunglasses
Bring your sunnies to keep the sun out of your eyes while walking through the park.
Baby wipes
Baby wipes are good for everything! Whether wiping your hands before a meal or cleaning up the ice cream dripping down your arm. Give the table a quick swipe before sitting down at a table for extra sanitizing.
Lanyard
If you like to travel light like me, a lanyard can hold ID, pass and credit card so all you need are those refillable water bottles & you’re ready for the day.
Also Pack these for a day at Busch Gardens:
Don’t forget the necessities to get into the park and be able to buy things like food and drinks throughout the day.
- Watch & phones
- Wallet, Id & credit card
- Tickets of barcode
What to Wear at Busch Gardens in Summer: June & July
These summer months are some of the hottest in Virginia, so make sure you pack accordingly. You will want to wear loose, cotton clothing with plenty of sunscreen and water to combat the humidity and temperatures.
Because the weather is mostly warm in Virginia in June, it’s pretty safe to wear a t-shirt and bring a sweatshirt to layer on top in the evenings in case if gets cold.
Whether to wear pants or shorts is the million dollar question. The best advice I have is to wear shorts because it is so hot and humid.
I’ve linked my favorite things from the graphic above, including TOMS, Madewell tee, H&M sweatshirt, and Backpack:
- T-shirt
- Sweatshirt
- Shorts
- Leggings
- Madewell Hat
- Backpack or crossbody
- Comfortable sneakers (TOMS)
- Vintage Busch Gardens Apparel
You’ll be doing tons of walking, i.e. at least 3 miles if you walk the entire park, so wear comfortable shoes. For us, New Balance and Toms usually do the trick. I do have a pair of super rubbery Reef sandals that can handle the day as well.
Where to Get Good Deals on Busch Gardens Apparel
You can find vintage Busch tees and gear like hats and drink cups from Etsy.
Busch Gardens Ride Closures in June & July
The following rides at Busch Gardens Williamsburg are marked as closed:
You can check the Rides & Attractions page the day of for updated listings each day.
Other Helpful Busch Gardens Tips
Use the other tips to make the best of your hot, summer day at Busch Gardens – Williamsburg.
Use Quick Queue
Skip the lines with multiple Quick Queue options for your day or weekend to make the most of more rides, fast.
Take Pictures of Everything!
Don’t forget to take photos along the day to remember your trip to Busch! You can also opt to purchase the 2022 photokey where you get photos at each attraction from park entry to pictures with the clydesdales on a drive at the end of the day. Check with guest relations to get yours.
Pack Snacks
As noted above, pack individually packaged snacks for the little ones.
Bring Water and Sunscreen
Make sure you hydrate and use sunscreen.
Bring a Stroller for Your Kids
We always find it helpful to bring a lightweight umbrella stroller like our Maclaren to hold our things, carry snacks, use the cupholders, and give the kids a rest when they’re tired from walking the park.
Park Tickets & Reservations
It’s always best to buy advanced tickets, Fun Cards, and multi day- multi park passes. Get them here.
