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!

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 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.

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.

Places to grab a drink:

Mrs. Knott’s Chicken House:

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

Calico Saloon:

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

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Fiesta Village:

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

The Boardwalk:

1950’s broadwalk embraces California beach life.

Indian Trails:

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

Camp Snoopy:

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

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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