My son is finally at an age where he enjoys amusement parks. So much so, that we already have season passes to TWO Southern California parks. Last week we took my son to Knott’s Berry Farm for the very first time. It’s been a LONG time since I’ve been to the park (at least 10 years…if not more). Did you know that they now have a water park? Three of them to be exact…in Orange County, Palm Springs, and San Diego (we didn’t make it to Soak City this time around).
The theme park, which is the oldest in the U.S., was a farm, way back in the 1920’s, owned and operated by the Knott family (although they no longer own the theme park). Ghost Town has an interesting history, as it is the oldest part of the park and was developed to give customers waiting for Mrs. Knott’s chicken dinners, something to do.
Today, the 160-acre theme park is an interesting mix of nostalgia and thrills. Where else can you ride a stagecoach and experience maximum G-forces on the same day…in the same park? Montezooma’s Revenge was actually one my first roller coaster experiences.
As you can imagine, we spent most of the day at Camp Snoopy…which was actually a lot of fun. We rode a train, a school bus, drove a truck, and flew in a plane. I also decided to take my son on his first log ride. The only other time I’ve seen the look I saw on his fact that day was when he was a year and a half and he was sitting on Santa’s lap!
The park is huge. With over 165 rides, their is no way to see and do everything in one day (particularly with small children). If you live in the area, you may consider a season pass (which isn’t much more than the cost of a day’s admission). You can also visit their Deals and Discounts page which offers information on obtaining discounted tickets. If you visit the park after 4 p.m. adults can get in for just $26.99, children (3-11) for $23.99. The park is open until 10 pm during the summer which allows ample time for enjoying it at a discounted price.
Here is what Knott’s Berry Farm has lined up for summer:
Snoopy’s Starlight Spectacular (through August 29)
Camp Snoopy comes alive at dusk (8:00 p.m.) with a continuous light show filled with Peanuts’ three dimensional figures, themed music, sound effects, voice-overs and colorful projections of the Peanuts’ characters.
“Everyone Loves Snoopy” at Charles M. Schulz Theatre (through August 29)
In this musical extravaganza you will fall in love with the Peanuts Gang all over again as Snoopy takes center stage along with world-class ice skaters in a show that will delight the entire family.
Fiesta Folklorico at Fiesta Village (through August 8)
Guests in Fiesta Village will be treated to beautifully costumed dancers as they present culturally-rich performances filled with intricate choreography.
“Rock Band Live” at Boardwalk Ballroom (August 5-8 and 10-15)
This one-of-a-kind multimedia experience combines the thrill of a stage show with live music that is guaranteed to rock.
Knott’s Summer Concert Series
The line-up promises something for everyone starting with Raymond Michael as “Elvis” June 19, 20, July 3, 4 and August 7, 8, 14, 15. For all the Beatles fans, Knott’s will offer not one, but two, tribute bands “Abbey Road – A Tribute to the Beatles” will perform July 10, 11, and 18 and “BeatleMania Live!” will be performing July 24, 25, 31 and August 1, 21, 22, 28 & 29. And celebrating the last weeks of summer “Surfin’ Safari” will pay tribute to Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys.
For more information on the latest, just visit Knott’s Berry Farm!
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I loved Knott’s Berry Farm as a kid. We’ll have to take the kids next year (legoland is in November). It has changed a lot, and while I can remember Camp Snoopy, I can also remember my mom talking about the original attraction and how it used to be an actual farm with a trained chicken you could feed.
Our family went saturday and had a blast! Food was so good!
Carla
We took our firstborn daughter to Knott’s when she was 6 months old. She obviously wasn’t old enough to truly appreciate it, but she did enjoy seeing all of the new sights.
We’ve since been to Disneyland three times w/ our girls (ages 1 & 3) and I must say that Disney trumps Knotts on so many levels. Disneyland was cleaner, the staff was friendlier, and the baby facilities were much more impressive.
I love Knott’s Berry Farm, I always have! I feel like it is a combination of the best of Disneyland and Magic Mountain. I think I would definitely get a season pass if I lived closer than Santa Barbara (about 3 hours away)