What to Pack for Busch Gardens in Spring + 3 Outfit Ideas
If you’re considering a trip to Busch Gardens Williamsburg this Spring, you’re in the right place! I’m going to show you why April-June is the best time 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 spring 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 spring 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 April through May. It’s cooler than the July heat, but it isn’t yet freezing like December.
Crowd Sizes at Busch Gardens, Williamsburg in April
In 2022, Busch Gardens Williamsburg is trying out something new- year round monthly events. In the past, Busch has been open for the Spring Break, summer season, Halloween, and Christmastown. But with much excitement, our favorite weekend activity is now hosting events every weekend this spring!
Spring crowds will be less than the typical overcrowded Spring Break only week, and much better than full July crowds.
Less crowds are great for a number of reasons:
- Ride wait times are shorter, YAY!
- Food lines are shorter
- You can squeeze into almost any show
- Better + closer parking
Busch Gardens Theme Park Hours in April
Busch Gardens Williamsburg is still seasonal in that Spring hours are on weekends. In April they are open Monday though Sunday from 10AM-8PM almost every day.
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 – 8PM |
The hours listed above are general Spring 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 April & May at Busch Gardens
FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES WITH YOUR SESAME STREET FRIENDS
Join all your favorite Sesame Street friends for springtime family fun and ALL-NEW activities during Busch Gardens’ Kids Weekends, on Fridays through Sundays from April 1-24.
The event takes place in Sesame Street® Forest of Fun™ with new themes and featured friends every weekend. Sing and dance along to Let’s Play Together in the Globe Theatre.
Enjoy dance parties, games, story time, crafts and a colorful flower maze. Experience a first coaster ride on Grover’s Alpine Express and snap a photo to remember your visit at 1-2-3 Smile with Me!
Over fifteen family-friendly rides and shows throughout the park offer a fun-filled day for all, while our most adventurous kids-at-heart can brave all nine of Busch Gardens Williamsburg’s iconic coasters, including the ALL-NEW Pantheon™, the world’s fastest multi-launch coaster, opening Friday, March 25!
What is the Weather Like at Busch Gardens in April?
Before you start packing, you will want to take a look at the weather forecast for the days of your trip. Virginia weather can go from hot and sunny to cooler temps in just a few hours, so you will want to be prepared for anything.
Daily high temperatures increase by 9°F, from 67°F to 76°F, rarely falling below 53°F or exceeding 87°F.
Daily low temperatures increase by 8°F, from 46°F to 54°F, rarely falling below 36°F or exceeding 65°F.
For reference, on July 21, the hottest day of the year, temperatures in Williamsburg typically range from 73°F to 91°F, while on January 29, the coldest day of the year, they range from 32°F to 50°F.
Nightime Temps
However, you may also experience some cooler temperatures and even some chilly nights. Bring a jacket or even jeans to wear the April & May evenings at Busch Gardens.
What to Pack for Busch Gardens in Spring
For a day at Busch Gardens theme park in the spring, you’ll need to pack some comfortable clothes and shoes.
It’s the best time for visiting Busch because between March through May there’s excellent weather with low crowds that gives everyone quick lines on rides together as well as ample shade from sun exposure.
The perfect day outfit is full of layers, so you can take advantage any warmer temps or change your outfit when it gets too cold.
Start by packing some key essentials like comfortable clothes that don’t hold moisture (think: cotton) plus layered accessories to throw on if it’s cool or rainy!
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
April 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 Spring: April & May
Because the weather is mostly warm in Virginia in April, 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 and bring a pair of leggings or jeans to change into.
I find that my husband is fine with shorts and a sweatshirt, but for me and the kids, we need pants in the evenings because if the wind blows, it feels chilly.
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 April & May
The following rides at Busch Gardens Williamsburg are marked as closed during April & May events:
- The Trade Winds
- Rhine River Cruise
- THE FLYING MACHINE
- DA VINCI’S CRADLE
- LE SCOOT
- ESCAPE FROM POMPEII
- ROMAN RAPIDS
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 fun, spring 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.
