Planning a family vacation to Buena Park, California? Find out the coolest kids activities at Knott’s Berry Farm. Read now for all my recommendations!
This Knott’s Berry Farm post was written by family travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
When I visited Knott’s Berry Farm in the spring during a blogging conference, I thought it would be such a fun place for a summer family vacation.
So, I headed back with my 5-year-old that summer to spend a full day exploring (almost) every inch of this California amusement park.
We usually only come to Southern California for Disneyland vacations. I was so impressed with all the amazing other things to do in Orange County with kids!
Where is Knott’s Berry Farm?
So, I admit that I didn’t realize Knott’s Berry Farm was just 5 minutes from Disneyland until earlier this year when I visited for the first time.
It’s located in Buena Park, which is an awesome place to go with kids.
From John Wayne Airport, it’s about a 20-minute drive. And it’s about an hour from LAX, depending on traffic.
Knott’s Berry Farm Tickets
We always get our tickets for Knott’s Berry Farm through Get Away Today. It’s usually the best price and they have amazing customer service in case you need to reschedule. Check their rates here.
Best Rides for Kids at Knott’s Berry Farm
If you are visiting Knott’s Berry Farm with little kids, you’ll probably spend most of your time at Camp Snoopy.
However, braver kids will find fun rides all over the park. Keep scrolling for my Knott’s Berry Farm rides list.
CAMP SNOOPY
One of the best spots for kids rides at Knott’s Berry Farm is Camp Snoopy. Here, kids can ride all the rides by themselves (if they are tall enough) or parents are invited to join them on select rides.
Balloon Race
This is a very gentle ride where you sit in a hot air balloon and it slowly spins you around. You can see an aerial view of Camp Snoopy, which is kind of cool.
It’s for kids and adults.
Camp Bus
This is a mini school bus that rotates clockwise and counterclockwise. Kids usually try to sit in the driver’s seat up front.
It’s for kids and adults.
Charlie Brown’s Kite Flyer
This is a miniature version of WaveSwinger where you sit in a swing and gently spin in a circle. Look at the post during the ride and you’ll see a Peanuts character pop up!
It’s for kids and adults.
Flying Ace
This is one of the cutest Knott’s Berry Farm rides for kids! Kids get to sit in a vintage-looking airplane and soar around like the Red Baron!
This ride is just for kids.
Grand Sierra Railroad
Hop on this kid-sized train ride that takes you around a small loop in Knott’s Berry Farm. Keep your eyes out for Peanuts characters along the way!
It’s for kids and adults.
High Sierra Ferris Wheel
As the name implies, it’s a ferris wheel. But, just on a smaller scale.
It’s for kids and adults.
Huff and Puff
Parents will love this ride because kids have to use their arm strength to motor themselves around a little track. It’s one of the best Knott’s Berry Farm kid rides to burn off some energy!
This ride is just for kids.
Linus Launcher
Kids and adults lay down on their tummies and “soar” around in a circle and you can get great views of the Balloon Race, Flying Ace, and Sierra Sidewinder.
It’s for kids and adults.
Pig Pen’s Mud Buggies
Kids will love this bouncing ride that simulates going over rough terrain (without actually getting dirty!)
It’s for kids and adults.
Rapid River Run
Climb inside a large boat that rocks and spins. Don’t worry, the name sounds much more thrilling than the actual ride!
It’s for kids and adults.
Rocky Mountain Trucking Company
Kids can drive their parents around in a miniature truck that’s on a little track. Kids will love the real, working horn. Parents, you have been warned!
It’s for kids and adults.
Timberline Twister
This is a small, family-oriented roller coaster perfect for younger kids. I’m not a fan of big roller coasters, but this one was pretty tame and very short.
It’s for kids and adults.
Woodstock’s Airmail
Hands down, this was my 5 year old’s favorite ride! Kids sit in a row and the ride takes them up and down for gentle drops.
This ride is just for kids.
OTHER KNOTT’S BERRY FARM FAMILY RIDES
Knott’s Bear-y Tales: Return to the Fair
This is a 4-D interactive dark ride that references the original dark ride. You’ll use jelly blasters to try to recover stolen boysenberry pies.
Butterfield StageCoach
This is a real, horse-drawn stagecoach that does a slow loop inside the park.
Note: They will seat you and you might not get the seat your child wants.
Calico Railroad
This is a basic train ride around Knott’s Berry Farm. Well, basic until there’s a train robbery!
Calico River Rapids
This is the newest ride at Knott’s Berry Farm. Be prepared to get wet!
Note: If your kids don’t want to do the ride, they can still participate by pushing a button outside the ride that will make water explosions!
Dragon Swing
This is one of those classic swinging boat rides.
Hat Dance
Sit inside a spinning sombrero and prepare to get dizzy!
Merry Go Round
This is one of the world’s oldest working Dentzel carousels.
Pacific Scrambler
This 3-minute classic ride goes 11.5RPM.
Sky Cabin
This slow-moving ride gives you a 360-degree panoramic view of Orange County and Los Angeles from more than 180 feet in the sky.
Surfside Gliders
Spin around the Boardwalk around in a glider where you can control the wing.
Timber Mountain Log Rides
This is a classic log ride into the water.
Voyage to the Iron Reef
This is a 4D interactive ride where you shoot lasers at sea creatures.
WaveSwinger
This is where you sit in a swing and you spin around.
Wheeler Dealer Bumper Cars
Classic bumper cars that will delight the whole family!
KNOTT’S BERRY FARM RIDES FOR TEENS/TWEENS
Coast Rider
It races down 1,339 feet of track with hairpin turns, twists, and spins.
GhostRider
Towering 118 feet over historic Ghost Town, GhostRider is the largest attraction at Knott’s Berry Farm and one of the longest and tallest wooden roller coasters in the world.
HangTime
HangTime, the first and only dive coaster in California and has gravity-defying inversions and mid-air suspensions.
Jaguar
This is a ride that takes you above and THROUGH other rides and attractions at Knott’s Berry Farm.
La Revolución
Swing more than 6 stories high to 120 degrees in both directions while spinning up to 9 RPMs!
Montezooma’s Revenge
This speed coaster blasts you from 0 to 55 in just 3 seconds, traveling through a giant, seven-story loop forward AND backward.
Pony Express
On this unique roller coaster, you’ll sit on a pony and ride your “horse” at 38 MPH on a 1,300-foot route around rapids, Boot Hill, and the Calico Railroad.
Sierra Sidewinder
This crazy roller coaster will take riders through a series of nose-dives, banks, dips, and turns at a speed of 37 mph while continually rotating on its axis.
Silver Bullet
Silver Bullet at Knott’s Berry Farm flips upside down and all around during a thrilling two-minute roller coaster ride.
Sol Spin
Go on a thrilling adventure more than 6 stories high as you rotate in all directions on one of six spinning arms. Each arm rotates 360 degrees independently of one another providing you with a different experience for every ride.
Supreme Scream
Get transported up to a record-breaking 252 feet in midair before shooting straight down in 3 seconds flat where you will experience total weightlessness!
Wipeout
This circular spinning ride starts off flat and gradually lifts you off the ground.
Xcelerator The Ride®
Rocket 0-82 mph in 2.3 seconds as you fly 205 feet into the air before immediately hurtling 90 degrees straight down on 2,202 feet of cool coral track.
Peanuts Characters at Knott’s Berry Farm
When we were planning our trip to Knott’s Berry Farm as part of our trip to Buena Park, I realized that my son didn’t know who Snoopy (or any of the Peanuts gang) were.
I panicked that he might not get as excited for the characters as much as he does at Disneyland.
Thankfully, we were able to watch The Peanuts Movie (the newer one) and my son watched it over and over the week before our trip. This is one of my best Knott’s Berry Farm tips.
That actually helped a lot and he happily ran over to take photos with Snoopy, Franklin, and Sally when we saw them at the park.
Ghost Town
A huge part of Knott’s Berry Farm is their Ghost Town area. It looks like a real town from the Wild West and it’s full of all kinds of quirky characters!
If you are wondering what life was like in the 1800s, Ghost Town has it all!
Step inside a real schoolhouse from 1879 where you can learn what life was like for students and teachers.
The Western Trails Museum is fun to explore. They have lots of clothing and memorabilia from the pioneer days.
As you walk around, be sure to read all the signs and graveyard stones, as they are pretty entertaining!
And you can even visit the town jail and talk to a prisoner!
Where to Shop at Knott’s Berry Farm
If you are a Peanuts fan or love the Wild West, you will be in gift shop heaven! They have a great selection of souvenirs, Snoopy items, and regular clothing to wear during your SoCal family vacation.
KNOTT’S CALIFORNIA SHOP
This Knott’s souvenir shop is right outside the main gate. You’ll find lots of California-specific items.
VIRGINIA’S GIFT SHOP
Here’s where you’ll find jewelry, clothing, food, and niche gift items in this boutique-style gift shop.
BERRY MARKET
As the name implies, here’s where you’ll find all things boysenberry! They have the world’s largest selection of Knott’s Berry Farm’s signature jellies and jams, cookies, flavored coffees, and gift sets.
CANDY PARLOUR
This delectable shop has all kinds of fun candy (from old-time favorites to boxed chocolates and taffy.)
MARKETPLACE EMPORIUM
Here’s where you can find Jim Shore items and Christmas items year-round.
PEANUTS HEADQUARTERS
Find exclusive Peanuts clothing, toys, plushies, and collector’s items.
KNOTT’S CALIFORNIA SHOP
Find the coolest California-style clothing and accessories just outside the Main Gate.
Knott’s Berry Farm Shows
Besides all the fun rides, there are several family-friendly Knott’s Berry Farm shows. These change throughout the year.
BIRDCAGE THEATRE
Located in Ghost Town, this is a replica theatre where you can watch melodramas from time to time, as well as the Birdcage Theatre Musical Review.
Cool fact: Steve Martin performed here back in the day!
CALICO SALOON SHOW
Want to bring your kids to a saloon? Get in the Wild West spirit with this funny, musical show featuring Cameo Kate and Dakota Dan.
CAMP SNOOPY THEATRE
Peanuts fans will love the kid-friendly show featuring Charlie Brown, Lucy, Linus, their friend JT, and Snoopy himself!
There’s also a Space Beagle show where Snoopy becomes the first dog on the moon.
CHARLES M. SCHULTZ THEATRE
Inspired by the beach movies of the ‘60s and ‘70s, “Beach Blanket Beagle” is a music and dance revue that includes a surfing Snoopy.
NATIVE AMERICAN DANCER
Celebrate Native American culture with this presentation featuring music, dance, and legends of local Native American tribes.
WAGON CAMP
Head to Wagon Camp for the Krazy Kirk and the Hillbillies country music comedy show, fit for the whole family.
WILD WEST STUNT SHOW
One of the most popular Knott’s Berry Farm shows for families is this Wild West Stunt Show featuring gunfights, fistfights, and more!
Best Things to Eat at Knott’s Berry Farm
MRS. KNOTT’S CHICKEN DINNER RESTAURANT
If you eat at one Knott’s Berry Farm restaurant, make sure it’s Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant.
Since 1934, this is THE place for Mrs. Knott’s famous fried chicken and buttery biscuits. And here’s where you can get amazing boysenberry pie!
Plus, they offer a to-go menu!
LOG RIDE FUNNEL CAKE
For an amazing, sharable treat, grab a loaded funnel cake. You can add ice cream, whipped cream, and boysenberry or strawberry topping and it’s delicious!
STARBUCKS
Ok, this is totally the Seattle girl coming out of me, but I added Starbucks to the list specifically because they do a boysenberry Frappuccino!
BOYSENBERRY FESTIVAL
If you’re heading to Knott’s Berry Farm next Spring during the Boysenberry Festival, wear your comfy pants!
This food festival has more than 75 boysenberry-inspired dishes, drinks, and more! They have a tasting card where you can sample these one-of-a-kind food items!
SUMMER NIGHTS
If you visit Knott’s Berry Farm in the summer, you can take advantage of their Knott’s Summer Nights Tasting card!
For $35, you can get samples of one-of-a-kind summertime items all over the park.
How Do You Get the Most Out of Your Trip to Knott’s Berry Farm?
Get There Early
Unlike other area theme parks, Knott’s Berry Farm usually opens at a reasonable hour: 10 am*. Even if you are staying outside of Buena Park, you should be able to get there by 10 am.
Now, I’m not saying it won’t be busy when it opens or you won’t have to wait, but it will give you a full day before the park closes (sometimes as early as 5 pm!)
* Sometimes they open at 9 am.
Stay at Knott’s Berry Farm
The Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel is right next door to the Park, which makes it easy to walk back for naps or to take a mid-day break.
Visit Knott’s Berry Farm During a Special Event
Knott’s Boysenberry Festival
Each Spring, Knott’s Berry Farm holds its Knott’s Boysenberry Festival with live entertainment and boysenberry-inspired food.
There’s a Wine and Craft Brew Tasting Garden, family entertainment, unique entertainment, and all the rest of the Knott’s Berry Farm fun!
Knott’s Summer Nights
No one knows how to throw a summer party quite like Knott’s Berry Farm. There’s live music, unique summer food, Insta-worthy photo ops, family-friendly games, a DJ and so much more.
Plus, you get to play at Knott’s Berry Farm at night!
Knott’s Scary Farm
While not geared for kids younger than 13 years old, Knott’s Scary Farm is their Halloween celebration.
Knott’s Merry Farm
This Christmastime celebration features live entertainment, a Christmas Crafts Village, holiday food and decorations, plus nightly snow in Ghost Town.
Top Questions About Knott’s Berry Farm
Now that you’ve read my post about kids activities at Knott’s Berry Farm, you might still have some burning questions for me to answer.
Is Knott’s Berry Farm Crowded?
While this is subjective, I’d say that Knott’s Berry Farm doesn’t feel as crowded as other Orange County theme parks.
Of course, weekends, holidays, and summer break are popular times to visit.
Note: There are lots of summer camps that bring their kids to Knott’s Berry Farm, so keep that in mind when planning your trip.
How Much is Parking at Knott’s Berry Farm?
It’s $20 for cars and motorcycles. Buses and RVs are $25.
If you have a Season Pass, you can add on parking for as low as $70.
Note: Parking prices change during special events. You may not leave and park again without repaying.
When is Knott’s Berry Farm Open?
Knott’s Berry Farm is open every day of the year except Christmas Day. Please visit the calendar page for a list of Knott’s Berry Farm opening hours.
Is the Knott’s Berry Farm Fast Lane Worth it?
Even though Knott’s Berry Farm feels less crowded than other California amusement parks, the lines are very slow.
So, they have the option of paying an additional $75 to get a Fast Lane wristband, which you can get in a much shorter line.
But is it worth it?
It really depends on the types of rides you want to do and the time of year. If you are going during the summer and plan on doing as many roller coasters as possible, it might be worth it.
FAST LANE RIDES
- Knott’s Bear-y Tales: Return to the Fair
- Hangtime
- Calico River Rapids
- Ghostrider
- Calico Mine Ride
- Xcelerator
- Voyage to the Iron Reef
- Coast Rider
- Silver Bullet
- Sierra Sidewinder
- Pony Express
- Montezooma’s Revenge
- Jaguar!
- Supreme Scream
- La Revolucion
- Sol Spin
- Timber Mountain Log Ride
- WaveSwinger
What’s the best thing to eat at Knott’s Berry Farm Buena Park CA?
This is such a hard question to answer because there are SO many food options at Knott’s Berry Farm!
However, I’d definitely recommend anything with boysenberry, since that’s what they are known for.
Knott’s has incredible treats like a loaded boysenberry funnel cake, churros, special Slurpees, ice cream, etc.
But Knott’s Berry Farm also has lots of more substantial food options like BBQ, Panda Express, pizza, Mexican food, TJI Friday’s, hamburgers, Johnny Rocket’s, and fresh cut french fries.
What Rules Should you be Aware of Before Visiting Knott’s Berry Farm?
You aren’t allowed to bring any outside food, drink or snacks except unopened and empty water bottles, baby food, and food for guests with special dietary restrictions.
And no radios, stereos, luggage, or large coolers (Larger than 1’x1’x1′).
Can I Bring a Stroller to Knott’s Berry Farm?
Yes! You can also bring in wagons used as strollers.
If you’d like to rent a stroller at Knott’s Berry Farm, they offer single strollers and double strollers inside Ghost Town next to the Geode Shop.
Why does Knott’s Berry Farm have such Strict Rules about Outside Food?
But, Knott’s Berry Farm does an awesome job about offering several options for families with food allergies and dietary restrictions.
Are there Lockers?
Yes! There are a variety of locker sizes available inside the park near Ghost Rider in Ghost Town for a rental fee of $15 – $25.
Is there an ATM?
Yes! In fact, there are 6 ATMs at Knott’s Berry Farm:
- Outside the Main Entrance near the ticket booths
- Lee’s Last Stop Service store near Xcelerator,
- Inside Classic Candy near the Charleston Fountain in the Boardwalk area
- At Peppermint Patty’s Candy Cabin in Camp Snoopy
- Inside the General Store in Ghost Town
- At Emporium in the California Marketplace
Where Can I Change/Nurse a Baby?
While you can nurse your baby anywhere you like, baby-changing and nursing stations are available in the California MarketPlace® and Camp Snoopy.
Is there a First Aid Center?
First Aid is available at the First Aid Center in Ghost Town. Nurses are on duty during Park operating hours.
Is there WiFi?
Yes, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the Knott’s Berry Farm theme park. But, don’t spend all your time on your phone!
Are Pets Allowed at Knott’s Berry Farm?
No! Animals are not allowed inside the Park with the exception of service animals and Snoopy.
How Do I Get Discounted Knott’s Berry Farm Tickets?
Gold Pass
Enjoy unlimited visits to Knott’s Berry Farm and Knott’s Soak City Waterpark all season long.
Plus, enjoy early entry to Knott’s Berry Farm and Knott’s Soak City on select days and special discounts on food and merchandise, hotel stays, and Knott’s Scary Farm.
This is $185/person.
Platinum Pass
Enjoy all the benefits of the Gold Pass plus free parking with the added benefit of enjoying all of those exclusive privileges at all Cedar Fair Parks across the country including California’s Great America, Cedar Point, and more!
This is $280/person.
What Else to do in Buena Park with Kids?
KNOTT’S SOAK CITY WATER PARK
If you are visiting Buena Park in the summer, you really should set aside an entire day to play at Knott’s Soak City Water Park.
It’s across the street from Knott’s Berry Farm and it’s full of water activities for kids of all ages (plus adults!)
PIRATE’S DINNER ADVENTURE
If you are looking for something fun to do in Buena Park with kids at nighttime, the Pirates Dinner Adventure is incredible!
PLAYPIE
Located at The Source, a new shopping area in Orange County, PlayPie is one of the most unique indoor place areas.
They have lots of climbing structures, a toddler play area, a kinetic sand play table, an extensive reading nook, playhouses, interactive video screens, a cafe, and some of the best-designed bathrooms I’ve ever seen!
BIG AIR TRAMPOLINE
Kids (and adults) will love testing out their ninja skills at this huge trampoline park in Buena Park.
I hope you enjoyed this post about all the kids’ activities at Knott’s Berry Farm. Did I forget to include something? Let me know in the comments below!
Knott’s Berry Farm in California Wrap Up
Knott’s Berry Farm is a great destination for families with young kids who are looking for a fun and exciting day out. With a variety of kids rides and attractions, there is something for everyone to enjoy at this theme park.
In addition to the popular rides, Knott’s Berry Farm also offers a range of other activities and experiences for families with young kids. From character meet and greets to shows and live entertainment, there is always something to see and do at the park.
And if you’re looking for more things to do near Knott’s Berry Farm, there are plenty of options in the surrounding area as well. From shopping and dining to outdoor activities like hiking and beach-going, there is something for everyone in the Southern California region.
Finally, there are also a number of hotels near Knott’s Berry Farm that offer convenient and comfortable accommodations for families.
Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly option or a luxury hotel experience, there are plenty of choices to suit your needs.
So if you’re looking for a fun and family-friendly destination in Southern California, be sure to check out Knott’s Berry Farm and all that it has to offer.
Thanks to Visit Buena Park for hosting us. All opinions are my own.