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Ultimate Guide to Knott’s Berry Farm with Kids

Before Knott’ Berry Farm became the theme park it is today, it was once a literal berry farm owned by Walter and Cordelia Knott way back in 1920. Once a roadside stop selling berries, preserves, pies and fried chicken, they eventually added attractions such as the Ghost Town to entertain their visitors. Even though there have been some major changes in the last 84 years, Knott’s Berry Farm has still maintained many of the original fixtures, keeping the quaint country feel that people love. Knott’s holds a special place in my heart, because it is where my husband asked me to his girlfriend in high school and the location of our wedding in 2006. Now eight years and two kids later, we still visit to enjoy Knott’s Berry Farm as a family. Let’s check out all the fun things to do at Knott’s Berry Farm with kids!

Knott's Berry Farm

Keep the Cost in Check:

Knott’s is actually very reasonable when compared to other amusement parks in the Southern California. Daily tickets for an adult are about $40 and $35 for kids when purchased online. Disneyland is more than double that cost for a single day. Annual passes are the best value with as little as four $24 payments. In addition to low ticket prices, Knott’s is always having some sort of promotion to offer discounts or even free admission.

Where to stay near Knotts Berry Farm:

Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel:

Walking distance from the park, this hotel is reasonable as well as convenient. What is really awesome about this hotel is that they offer great packages for saving money. When you book with Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel you receive exclusive discounts for tickets into the park. Also, when you book your stay online they offer a payment option to pay for your room. They are very family-friendly and respect affordable family vacations by offering so many discounts and perks to their guests. Check prices and availability.

Places to Eat at Knotts Berry Farm:

There is a wide variety of quick-service and table-service dining options. Each section has a theme and corresponding restaurants such as the retro-themed Boardwalk area which has Johnny Rockets and Coaster’s Diner Drive-In.

Knott's Berry Farm restaurant with big family

Knott’s Dining:

  • Ghost Town
  • California Marketplace
  • Fiesta Village
  • Camp Snoopy
  • Broadwalk

Mrs. Knott’s Chicken:

The restaurant that started it all. A staple of the park since 1934, Mrs. Knott’s Chicken is a must. This delicious meal still features Mrs. Knott’s original fried chicken, biscuits and boysenberry pie. It is a huge meal for the price: salad or soup, cabbage or corn, chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, biscuits and boysenberry pie for dessert. To wash it all down, I recommend the boysenberry punch. There is always a line out the door, testament to how fantastic this meal is and it is worth the wait. The restaurant recently went through remodel and it is adorable farmhouse chic.

Mrs Knotts chicken house restaurant

Ghost Town Grill

We love this restaurant because of the location in the heart of Ghost Town. Our favorite part is the patio, since it provides great opportunities to interact with Ghost Town characters as they wander around.

Knotts Berry Farm Ghost Town Grill

Places to grab a drink:

Mrs. Knott’s Chicken House:

With the remodel came a new bar and new boysenberry cocktails!

Martini cocktail at knotts berry farm

Calico Saloon:

Located in Ghost Town, it is a great place to sip on a cold beer, glass of wine or boysenberry punch.

Knott's Berry Farm Calico Saloon

T.G.I Fridays:

Located in California Marketplace, it makes for a great happy hour break.

Fun Things to do at Knotts with Kids:

Ghost Town

This was the first attraction built by Mr. Knott. This old western town represents the real milling villages of the western United States, like Calico and Tombstone, and houses some of the best entertainment in the park. The Bird Cage Theatre has two fantastic seasonal performances, one during Christmas and one during Halloween. From information on these ACTUAL ghost towns, see my post on Calico (HERE) and Tombstone (HERE). Also, it is here that all the seasonal events are held such as the Boysenberry Festival i spring, the Ghost Town Alive (HERE) during summer, and Knott’s Merry Farm in Winter (HERE).

Knotts Berry Farm Ghost Town Area

Timber Mountain Log Ride:

Original to the park, it has recently gone through a remodel. It was my favorite ride growing up and now I love loading the family into a log for a wild ride together.

Knotts Berry Farm with Kids on Log Ride

The Calico Mine Ride:

Kids will love going deep into the mountain on this crazy mine train. It got a little intense for my son, but what an adventure.

Knott's Berry Farm Calico Mine Ride

Calico Railroad:

I love this ride. Load onto a real steam engine and tour the park, but wait there is more! Western Train robbers hop on the Train car to terrorize (entertain) the innocent passengers.

Knott's Berry Farm with Kids near Calico Train

Old School House:

An old school house from the 1800’s, this is my daughter’s favorite attraction. She loves to sit in the original school desks and listen to the teacher. Pictures of the original classes adorn the walls as well as old school books and maps of the U.S.

Kids in Old Schoolhouse at Knotts

Graveyard:

Fun and creepy. It was my favorite spot when I was kid to play and now my kids love to let their imagination run wild. There is grave that when you stand on it you can still feel the heart beat under your feet.

Knott's Berry Farm Graveyard with Kids

 

Fiesta Village:

This fun village celebrates California’s Mexican heritage. There great live entertainment, fun rides and delicious food.

Knotts Fiesta Village with Kids

The Boardwalk:

1950’s broadwalk embraces California beach life.

Knotts Berry Farm Boardwalk Area

Indian Trails:

A smooth transition from Ghost Town, Indian Trails honors the Native American Culture, with performance and unique shops.

Knott's India Trails section with Kids

Camp Snoopy:

All about the kids. A land filled with age appropriate rides. It was recently remodeled and better than ever.

Kids at Camp Snoopy Knotts

That’s a Wrap:

Knott’s Berry Farm has been an Orange County favorite for over 80 years and it continues to thrive every year. A favorite in HotMama’s family, Knott’s is affordable enough to visit over and over again. We love the history, the old west theme and all the exciting entertainment. Knott’s Berry Farm with kids is always a good idea!

Have you ever been to Knott’s Berry Farm?

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Knott's Berry Farm with kids

Author

I am a busy mama with 3 delicious babies and a serious itch for travel and writing (when I am not bartending, that is)! After graduating from Cal State San Marcos with a B.A. in Communications, I decided to start a family and pursue a career in freelance writing. I created HotMamaTravel as an outlet to do what I love while sharing useful travel tips and inspiration with others. Our mission is to show parents how to master travel with kids, while keeping your Saturday-night selves. We call it "Family travel...with a twist".

20 Comments

  1. What cool history your family has here – and looks like an entertaining place, we’ll have to check it out next time we’re in CA.

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    • Yes really fun for adults too. Before kids, my hubby and I would go all the time. Have a beer and walk around.

  7. It looks like such a fun place! I know I shouldn’t but I couldn’t help but giggle at the younger kids faces on the log boat ride. Priceless!

    • Haha I laugh too. Probably why I enjoy taking them out of their comfort zones…makes for good laughs later.

  8. Perfect timing! I’m heading to Knott’s next week with my son. Great overview. Now I’m even more excited to go!

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