We told you about all of the new happenings coming this spring to Tampa's Busch Gardens with the new Sesame Street’s Safari of Fun, a 2 ½-acre play land with kid-size rides, water fountains, and other fun attractions, but the good news just got better with the announcement that kids can experience the fun FOR FREE.

Acknowledging that serving families and younger guests was an area that Busch Gardens wanted to improve upon, Donnie Mills, executive vice president and general manager announced today that kids five and under could explore the new attraction (and the rest of the park) for free for the rest of 2010.

Although the Safari of Fun won’t officially open until March 27, you can take advantage of this special offer now. Simply visit the Web site  and register online under “Free Preschool Pass” before you come to the park. Once there, you can redeem your free pass with your registration confirmation and child’s birth certificate. This offer is only available to Florida residents.

Don’t forget to check out the other fun options on the Web site as well. In addition to games and videos and photos of all of the new attractions, you’ll also be able to reserve your table at Dine with Elmo & Friends, a new opportunity to eat a couple of cookies (or scrambled eggs) with Cookie Monster and other furry friends.

Another special treat for families? Forty-four spots in a preferred parking area will be reserved for guests with strollers so they can bypass the tram. Spaces are limited, but no additional fees will be charged for these prime spots. (You can request the parking spots at the parking tollbooths.)

All of these new family-friendly additions and specials mean big time fun for your little one.

-- Tracey Henry, the Suburban Diva

[Photo by Tracey Henry: It's still a construction site at Busch Gardens so it's a good thing they have another month to go]