Is Sesame Street Safari of Fun safe?
Tampa, Florida · safety score updated nightly
Mostly yes, with normal city awareness.
VibeLoco rates Sesame Street Safari of Fun as “Go, stay aware”.
Gogo's take on Sesame Street Safari of Fun
“Go. Sesame Street Safari of Fun is a dedicated family zone situated entirely within the secured, ticketed perimeter of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, making it exceptionally safe for children and families. While the attraction itself features private security and controlled access, visitors should stay mindful of higher property crime rates along the surrounding East Busch Boulevard commercial corridor outside the park gates.”
About the area
Sesame Street Safari of Fun is a whimsical, kid-oriented themed area located inside Busch Gardens Tampa Bay in North Tampa. It features junior rides, water splash pads, treehouses, and character meet-and-greets tailored for young children and families. The zone is fully protected by comprehensive theme park security, though it sits adjacent to the busier, economically mixed University area.
- Family-Friendly
- Theme Park
- Tourist Hub
- Secured Perimeter
Walking and biking in Sesame Street Safari of Fun
Walk score: 48/100 · Bike score: 42/100
No dedicated bike-share kiosks exist on-site, and heavy high-speed traffic on surrounding multi-lane arterials makes cycling to the park unadvisable.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Located entirely within a private, gated theme park with security screening, bag checks, and monitored perimeter controls
- Dedicated first aid, guest services, and child safety protocols readily accessible throughout the area
- Virtually zero street-level violent crime inside the ticketed park boundaries
Cons
- Surrounding North Tampa and University corridors experience elevated rates of vehicle break-ins and property crime
- High congestion and aggressive traffic along East Busch Boulevard and McKinley Drive during peak hours
- Higher poverty and property crime rates in the broader surrounding census tracts outside theme park grounds
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is virtually non-existent inside the ticketed attraction grounds. Outside the park perimeter, unhoused individuals and panhandling are commonly observed along Busch Boulevard and near intersections with North 40th Street.
What Sesame Street Safari of Fun is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Very safe, lively, and energetic as families enter the park right at opening with visible staff and security.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Safe but crowded and warm, with full staff presence and active family entertainment.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Well-lit and secure within park gates, though parking lots require standard alertness as crowds exit toward main thoroughfares.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Closed to general visitors after park operating hours; surrounding perimeter roads see minimal pedestrian traffic and warrant caution.
Transit, parking and getting around
Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART) serves the park entrance directly via Route 9 and Route 39 along East Busch Boulevard and North 40th Street. There is no rail transit nearby, and most park visitors arrive via private vehicle or ride-hailing services.
Ample parking is available in Busch Gardens' official secure paved lots and tramways, typically starting around $30 for standard general parking. Street parking is strictly prohibited on adjacent public roadways.
Things to do in Sesame Street Safari of Fun
- Ride family-friendly attractions like Air Grover coaster and Elmo's Safari Trek
- Cool off at Bert & Ernie's Watering Hole splash and water play zone
- Meet Sesame Street characters for photos and live musical shows at Sunny Day Theater
Local favorites
- Busch Gardens Tampa Bay · Theme Park · 4.5★ (71200)Sprawling 335-acre African-themed amusement park featuring world-class roller coasters and zoological habitats.
- Zambia Smokehouse · Barbecue Restaurant · 4.1★ (680)Park dining spot serving slow-smoked ribs, brisket, and chicken adjacent to the coaster attractions.
- Dragon Fire Grill & Pub · Food Court · 4.0★ (520)Indoor dining hall inside the park offering varied global cuisines, craft beers, and live stage entertainment.
Scores are safety-driven — recent reported crime and local news plus Census income, poverty, housing, education, household and access data — refreshed nightly. Walk and bike scores are shown separately and do not affect the safety score. A guide, not a guarantee — conditions change street to street.