Knott’s Berry Farm: A Guide to California’s Iconic Theme Park

Knott’s Berry Farm is one of California’s oldest and most loved amusement parks. Beginning as a berry stand, it soon became one of the most visited theme parks in North America, with rides and attractions for the whole family. We’ll guide you through California’s iconic theme park. 

The History of Knott’s Berry Farm

Knott’s Berry Farm started its life precisely like that, as a berry farm! In 1923 Walter Knott and his family began selling berries, pies and jams from a stand along State Route 39. By 1934, they opened a tea room and started selling chicken dinners in an eatery they called “Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant.” This chicken spot gained in popularity, prompting the family to open other attractions and shops. 

The amusement park idea began once Mr Knott created a Ghost Town in 1940. This Ghost Town was Mr Knott’s tribute to the pioneers, with his own grandparents arriving in California from Texas in a covered wagon in 1868. A decade later in the 1950s, Mr Knott opened a summer-long county fair, and the theme park grew from then. 

Key Milestones in Knott’s Berry Farm’s Growth

The Knott’s Berry Farm site has an over 100-year history, and so has experienced some significant milestones during that time. 

In 1956, the Western Trails Museum opened with a collection from Marion Speer of over 30,000 items. A decade later 1968, Knott’s started charging admission prices for the first time in the Ghost Town, at $1 for adults. 

After his wife died in 1974, Mr Knott created many new rides with a nostalgic feel. The Sky Tower was built during this time and was the tallest structure in Orange County at the time it was constructed. Mr Knott died in 1981, with his children taking over the business's operation. In the 1980s they built two large attractions: Kingdom of the Dinosaurs and Bigfoot Rapids to rival other theme parks in California. However, in 1990, the Knotts decided to sell the food aspect of the business to ConAgra Inc, who later sold to The J.M. Smucker Company in 2008. They went on to sell the amusement park to Cedar Fair in 1997, fearing the park would be eliminated if they sold to Disney. Cedar Fair established a hotel on the site in 2004. They also increased the number of thrill rides like rollercoasters to the park.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, Knott’s Berry Farm closed for three months, reopening with health and safety guidelines. Following this period they introduced weekly food festivals and other seasonal events. In 2024, Cedar Fair merged with Six Flags, and Six Flags Entertainment Corporation now runs the park. 

Top Attractions at Knott’s Berry Farm

Thrill Rides

There are many roller coasters and other thrill rides, with these being some of our favorites:

• GhostRider: This wooden roller coaster is one of the longest and most intense in the world. It is known for its sharp turns and sudden drops.
• Silver Bullet: This is the tallest and longest inverted roller coaster in California, designed especially for the thrill factor. 
• HangTime: This one does exactly what it says, it leaves you hanging before making a sudden, dramatic drop. 
• Supreme Scream: This is a free fall ride designed to keep you screaming throughout. 
• Xcelerator: You guessed it, this one’s about speed. It’s super fast and intense and perfect for those chasing adrenaline. 

Family-Friendly Rides and Entertainment

Don’t worry, Knott’s Berry Farm is not only for thrill seekers. Here are just some of the best family-friendly activities on offer:

• Camp Snoopy: This one’s for the Peanuts lovers. Camp Snoopy has a number of gentle rides designed for younger children. There are also Peanuts characters dotted around the park for meet and greets and photos. 
• Knott’s Bear-y Tales: This 4-D interactive ride allows the whole family to shoot at targets as you work together to help bears solve the mystery of stolen boysenberry pies. 
• Livery Stable: Besides rides, you can take the family to meet and pet some of California’s friendliest horses at the park’s stables.
• Pan for Gold: Here you will have the experience of a prospector, learning about the gold rush era and how to pan for gold. 
• Carrusel de California: This is one of the oldest working Dentzel carousels in the world, made up of 48 hand-carved animals. This gentle, classic ride is perfect for the whole family.

Soak City – The Water Park Experience

Knott’s Berry Farm is also home to a 15-acre water adventure park called Soak City, which is open between May and September. Soak City has rides for the whole family, with the main attractions being:

• Old Man Falls: This 63-foot high water slide is not for the faint-hearted and guarantees water-filled thrills. 
• Banzai Falls: Another huge water slide, Banzai Falls is slightly less gravity-defying at 41 feet high. 
• The Wedge: This ride is perfect for families, accommodating six guests per raft while navigating unexpected twists and turns. 
• Gremmie Lagoon: The Gremmie Lagoon is perfect for the smallest member of the family, offering a mini playground with an interactive octopus and a miniature submarine. 

Seasonal Events at Knott’s Berry Farm

Knott’s Scary Farm

In the run-up to Halloween, Knott’s Berry Farm transforms itself into Knott’s Scary Farm. The amusement park completely transforms during the evenings with more than 1,000 terrifying creatures hiding in every corner. 

During the Scary Farm season - which typically lasts between mid-September and early November - the park presents haunted mazes and sinister shows. Running for over 50 years, it is the longest-running Halloween theme park event in Southern California. It is recommended for visitors aged 13 and above.

Knott’s Merry Farm

During the Christmas period, Knott’s Merry Farm arrives as a winter wonderland holiday festival. The park hosts festive activities for the whole family, including holiday dining food, a musical, and an ice show. 

There is also a Christmas Crafts Village and a tree-lighting ceremony. And, of course, the whole family can visit Santa in his Christmas Cabin. 

Ticket Prices and Discounts

There are a variety of different ticket options for your visit to Knott’s Berry Farm. Daily admission tickets start from $60 but you can save significantly if you buy online, or as part of a group. Soak City tickets are a separate fee, starting at $52.99. There are also discounts for members of the military.

If you are going to be a regular at Knott’s Berry Farm, you may opt for a season pass, which starts at just $16 per month.  

Best Times to Visit and Avoid Crowds

To avoid the crowds, it’s best to visit Knott’s Berry Farm during the week and during the off-season at the beginning or end of the year. 

The Summer, Spring Break, Thanksgiving and Christmas periods tend to be especially busy. So, if you do want to visit during this time, it’s best to go in the early morning or late afternoon to beat the crowds.

Dining and Shopping Options

Knott’s Berry Farm began with jam and chicken dinners. There are still a number of great spots to eat, these are just a few of our favorites:

• Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant: Open since 1934 and still using Mrs. Knott’s original recipe, if you only eat once at Knott’s Berry Farm, it has to be here. 
• Log Ride Funnel Cake: A park favorite. The funnel cakes are made daily. Covered in powdered sugar, you can choose your own toppings of chocolate, strawberry or boysenberry, complete with soft serve ice cream.
• Coasters Diner: A classic American diner offering the classics accompanied by a side of 50s tunes and retro-style. Famous for its milkshakes, it also has favorites like hot dogs and french fries. 
• Fireman’s BBQ: An open-air barbecue with all the favorites including chicken, ribs, flank steak and corn on the cob.

In addition, you can purchase dining plans to allow you to eat at your favorite restaurants in the park. These start at $17.99.

How Knott’s Berry Farm Compares to Other California Theme Parks

Knott’s Berry Farm is definitely one of our favorites, but it’s not the only theme park in California. 

Knott’s Berry Farm vs. Disneyland

Both Knott’s Berry Farm and Disneyland are huge Southern California theme parks full of history. While Knott’s Berry Farm has a laid-back, western feel to it, Disneyland is more heavily themed with characters from its movies. 

Disneyland also has more live shows and parades compared to Knott’s Berry Farm, although Knott’s tends to be less crowded, smaller and easier to get around than Disney. Moreover, Disneyland is more expensive, with a standard day ticket starting at $103, almost double the cost of Knott’s Berry Farm.

Either way, both parks are a great day out for the whole family. 

Knott’s Berry Farm vs. Universal Studios Hollywood

Like Disneyland, Universal Studios Hollywood is more based on films, while Knott’s Berry Farm has a classic American feel. Universal’s rides are also based on films, offering a number of thrill rides. 

Universal Studios has many live shows, which are more movie-focused, compared to Knott’s whose shows are more seasonal. That said, Universal can get very crowded compared to Knott’s Berry Farm and a standard day ticket starts at $109. 

While Knott’s Berry Farm is perfect for the whole family, Universal Studios Hollywood is more aimed at movie buffs. 

Fun Facts About Knott’s Berry Farm

Lesser-Known Secrets

We’ve gone through all the highlights at Knott’s Berry Farm, but there are still some hidden gems you should know about!

• Secret tunnel: There are underground corridors under the GhostRider roller coaster. A hidden tunnel leads to secret corridors closed to the public. 
• Berry Farm Sign: Behind the Fiesta Village, there’s a hidden Knott’s Berry Farm sign that is a retro version of the original sign from the 1920s.
• Quiet Corners: Amidst the hustle and bustle of the rides and visitors, there are some quiet spots to enjoy nature, like the Butterfly Garden.
• Original Railway: There are some remnants from the 1950s railway system that operated through the park. If you look closely you’ll see a hidden tunnel by the Calico Railroad from this time. 

Knott’s Berry Farm’s Impact on Theme Park Innovation

Operating as a theme park for decades, Knott’s Berry Farm has had a huge impact on theme park innovation. Here are just some of the “firsts” that took place at Knott’s Berry Farm:

• First Roller Coaster over 100 Feet Tall: Montezuma’s Revenge opened in 1978 and was the first-ever roller coaster over 100 feet tall. 
• First Dark Ride: The Calico Mine Ride opened in 1960, taking riders through an old mine, the first dark ride in the industry. It set the idea in stone for haunted rides throughout the world.
• First Looping Roller Coaster: Nowadays we expect our roller coasters to have a loop, but that wasn’t always the case. Knott’s launched The Corkscrew in 1975, which was the first ever looping roller coaster. 
• First Haunted Events: Knott’s Scary Farm first opened in 1973 and was the first ever Halloween Haunt event at a theme park. These are now commonplace in theme parks worldwide.