Our summers here in Southern California can get quite warm, so an escape to cooler (and wetter) places is typically in order. If you’re looking for things to do in Southern California with kids this summer, a trip to Knott’s Soak City may just be the perfect activity to cool down. We had a chance to preview the newly-expanded water park during Passholder weekend and it was one of the most relaxed weekends we have had in a very long time. I have my own fond memories of visiting our local water park as a child and loved seeing my kids make a splashful of memories.
Knott’s Soak City
Knott’s Soak City opened for the season over the weekend, and this 15-acre water park, located next to Knott’s Berry Farm, features 23 speed, tube and body slides, a 750,000-gallon Tidal Wave Bay wave pool, the one-third-mile Sunset River (one of the longest lazy rivers at a water park), and the three-story Beach House which boasts 200 water guns, nozzles, sprayers, and other interactive surprises.
Water Slides and Attractions at Soak City
- Banzai Falls: Race to the finish on this speed slide, which features 6 lanes and a height of over 41 feet. Riders slide head first on a mat and end with a splash.
- Beach House: Splash, slide, and play at Soak City’s three-story Beach House. Activities include interactive water guns, faucets, water slides, and more. Plus, every five minutes, the water bucket unloads 500 gallons of water on everyone below.
- Laguna Storm Watch Tower: A storm is brewing atop the 43 foot tower! Choose from the Typhoon, Tornado, or Cyclone tube slides.
- Malibu Run: Situated at a height of 39 feet, the four single-person, inner-tube slides include open flume and enclosed, dark flumes for the ultimate thrill!
- Old Man Falls: Thrill-seekers will love defying gravity with the speed-slide action of Pipeline, Point Break, and Riptide, situated 63 foot high atop Old Man Falls.
- Shore Break: At seven stories high, the towers feature six thrilling water slides, including two dueling slides that propel riders through a series of drops and turns. Four of the six slides have guests climb inside the Aqua-Launch chamber where they wait for the floor to drop from underneath them for a vertical free fall.
- The Wedge: Families (up to 6) can ride together on an open-air raft ride that features twists, turns, and unexpected drops.
- Tidal Wave Bay: Surfs up at the 750,000-gallon bay. Enjoy the sun when the waves are calm, then brave them as they start to roll in.
- Sunset River: Take a break from the thrilling aquatic action at Knott’s Soak City on the 1780-foot lazy river. At one-third mile in length, it is one of the longest and widest water park lazy rivers in the world.
- Gremmie Lagoon: Even the smallest of kids can make a splash at the tot-sized playground, which features an interactive octopus, submarines, and oversized landmarks that squirt, sprinkle, soak, and splash kids and their parents.
What to Eat at Knott’s Soak City
Knott’s Soak City offers 2 dining locations, separate drink refill stations, and 2 Dippin’ Dots carts. Additionally, those who rent a cabana for the day have access to a separate menu with waiter service.
- Longboard’s Grill: The newly remodeled quick-serve restaurant features hand-breaded chicken tenders, fish and chips, chicken sandwiches, wraps, fresh salads, grilled burgers, and hot dogs.
- Portside Pizza: The pizza venue offers salads, pizzas, and funnel cakes.
- Drink Refill Stations: Fill up your all-season or single-day souvenir cup at one of the three stations located throughout Knott’s Soak City.
Three Dining Plans are offered including a Single Meal Deal (entree, side, and fountain drink), All Day Dining (Enjoy an entree and a side as often as every 90 minutes. Drinks are not included), and All Season Dining (Enjoy lunch and dinner at the park with a 4-hour interval between meals. Drinks are not included). Tip: Purchase a Souvenir Bottle online for the best price on drinks throughout the season.
Cabana Rentals
One of the ways to make the most of your visit at Knott’s Soak City is to rent a semi-private cabana. The summer season can get busy at the water park, so renting a cabana ensures you have a shaded space to relax in between water play.
Each cabana reservation includes 8 wristbands and amenities including a table with an umbrella, 4 inner tube rentals, and waiter service. The three cabana offerings include Shore Break, Wavepool, and Malibu and correspond to the location. Prices for the day start as low as $170 and reservations can be made online.
Tips For Visiting Knott’s Soak City
- Be sure to pack your swimsuit, a rash guard, towels, sandals/water shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a waterproof phone case. If you forget any of these items, the WipeOut Surf Shop sells them all of your waterpark needs.
- Lockers are available for rent starting at $14 for the day. This is the most secure way to store your valuables such as your cell phone and wallet.
- Knott’s Soak City allows small hand-held coolers containing water, a small umbrella, personal float toys, and life jackets (however they must be Coast Guard-approved).
- Knott’s Soak City provides inner tubes free of charge for any ride that requires one. Inner tubes can also be rented for the day for $9.99 each.
- Life jackets are available throughout the water park for complimentary use.
Knott’s Soak City Address, Tickets, and Season Pass Information
Knott’s Soak City is located at the following address:
- 8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, CA 90620
The best pricing for tickets to Knott’s Soak City is online and starts at $40.
If you are a Gold or Platinum Season Passholder, you have access to Soak City throughout the year.
Knott’s Soak City is open May 19 through September 9, 2018 (closing times vary)
A visit to Knott’s Soak City is the perfect way to make a splash this summer! Visit Knotts.com/SoakCity for more information.
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I love the lazy river, just relax and go with the flow. Great giveaway!
Old Man Falls
I’d love the lazy river!!
Gremmie Lagoon is my favorite place.
I like Malibu Run.
I’ve never been but the lazy river sounds like a blast!!
ive never been their but it would be a nice experience for me and my hubby some bonding time at the lazy river everyones talking about
Love the whole place fun for kids and us adults
I want to lounge in Sunset River!
Tidal Wave Bay is always great for the whole family!
I want to relax in the lazy river and relax while the kids have lots of fun!!!👨👩👧👧
Everything looks so fun! My boys would love this!
I’ve never been to soak city so experiencing it would be amazing 💕
Oh that lazy river is looking pretty awesome.
I can’t wait to check out all the water slides with my kids and of course kicking back in the lazy river. Thanks for the opportunity!
lazy river allllllllllll day
Looking forward to going. This will be great to get. We are taking a group of Girl Scouts this summer. Winning would help a lot.
I’d love to do sunset river, we all love lazy river 🙂
i’d love to go down the lazy river
Sunset river sounds fun and relaxing!!! Thanks for the opportunity! I shared your post. 😁
I’d like to try Malibu Run
I love the lazy river!
Would love to visit this place!
Would love to spend a day here!
Relaxing on the sunset river sounds wonderful! And seeing the joy on my children’s faces 😁♥️
Never been there so it’ll all be very exciting!
I would like to chill on the Sunset River
Gremmie Lagoon sounds fun to play in with the kids
We’ve never been so it all looks fun! Sunset river would be nice.
Yes the lazy river
The lazy river with my kiddos!
Would love to take my family there!!
Everything! We have never been!
I’d just be excited to go. I’ve never been – I’ve driven by it a bunch of times and it looks amazing!
The lazy river! My favorite
I would like the wave pool.
Malibu Run got me
Love the lazy river!
Winner winner fried chicken dinner😂. Time to get soaked at Soaked City.
My kids are just now old enough to go and the whole experience would be amazing!
I am excited about the lazy river at Knott’s Soak City this summer
Im looking forward to a fun filled day with my husband and our 2 kids. Sunset River is calling my name!!!!!!
I am very excited abour sunset river, the lazy river is a great way for this mama to relax and looking forward to going. My kids would have so much fun!!!
The sunset river looks nice.
Gremmie Lagoon and Sunset River because my kids are still little!
Can’t wait to win!
Floating around the lazy river!
those trap door slides for the win
Never been before would love to go with my family
We have never been to a water park as a family before. My son is 5yrs old. Perfect age! Will definitely be looking to go this summer. So excited for the lazy river
This looks like so much fun for my boys. Thank you!
We love the lazy river!
(What are you most excited about doing at Knott’s Soak City this summer?) Lounge and relax while my kids run around having a blast.
Lounge and relax while my kids have a blast. 🙂
Looks like a blast!
I personally love relaxing in the lazy river but I know my husband and kiddos want to experience every waterslide in the park.
I haven’t been to a water park in 30 years!!!! IdI love to go here with my 9 year old!
Love just sitting in the lazy river
We haven’t been to the park. My kids would love all the slides.
I’m looking forward to going to Tidal Wave Bay with my kids.
I’ve only done Knott’s, but never the water park.. It looks like so much fun
I’ve actually never been to Soak City! Sounds absolutely fantastic tho!
going down the lazy river, spending time and making memories with my family.
Was there ever a winner picked?