There is a whole area for kids on one side of the park. There is a carnival area, too that has kids rides. An 8 year old should enjoy the animals and you might want to do the tour where you go out on the truck and get to feed and enjoy. Be sure to ride the train and go on Rhino Rally(it is a fun ride and not a thrill ride) . If they ask for a guide to sit up front let her be the one. She will laugh and enjoy the teasing and support of the other passengers. <g>
My son's are now 21 but we started taking them to BG when they were toddlers. They loved it then and still do. I think you will have a blast-even without the coasters. I notice that kids even love just eating at a window table at the Colony House watching the animals .