Knott's Berry Farm facts for kids
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| Location | 8039 Beach Boulevard Buena Park, California 90620, U.S. |
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| Coordinates | 33°50′39″N 118°00′01″W / 33.844178°N 118.000267°W |
| Status | Operating |
| Opened | December 17, 1920 (as a berry stand) July 13, 1941 (as a theme park) |
| Owner | Six Flags |
| General manager | Jon Storbeck |
| Theme | The Old West and California history and culture |
| Slogan | America's 1st Theme Park, California's Best Theme Park, The Friendliest Place in the West |
| Operating season | Year-round |
| Attendance | 4,228,000 (2023) |
| Area | 57 acres (23 ha) |
| Attractions | |
| Total | 43 |
| Roller coasters | 10 |
| Water rides | 2 |
Knott's Berry Farm is a super fun amusement park in Buena Park, California. It's owned by Six Flags and covers about 57 acres. In 2015, it was one of the most visited theme parks in North America. Around 4 million people visit each year! The park has over 40 rides, including exciting roller coasters, family rides, and water rides.
The park started way back in 1920 when Walter and Cordelia Knott moved to Buena Park. It began as a small stand selling berries and preserves. In 1934, Mrs. Knott started selling her famous fried chicken dinners. These dinners became so popular that people would wait for hours! To keep them entertained, Walter Knott began building a replica ghost town in 1940. This was the start of the theme park we know today. Knott's Berry Farm officially became a theme park in 1947. Over the years, more rides and attractions were added. In 1968, the park started charging an admission fee. In 1997, the Knott family sold the park to Cedar Fair. More recently, in 2024, Six Flags became the owner of Knott's Berry Farm.
Contents
The Story of Knott's Berry Farm
How It All Started
Knott's Berry Farm began on a berry farm owned by Walter Knott and his family. They moved to Buena Park in 1920. Around 1923, they started selling berries, jams, and pies from a small stand. In 1934, Cordelia Knott began serving delicious fried chicken dinners. These dinners became a huge hit, drawing many visitors.
To entertain the waiting crowds, Walter Knott started building a "Ghost Town" in 1940. He wanted to honor the pioneers who settled the West. This Ghost Town was the very first part of the theme park. It was like stepping back in time to the old days of cowboys and prospectors.
Walter Knott worked with an artist named Paul von Klieben to design many of the buildings in Ghost Town. They even traveled to real ghost towns to get ideas! The park grew with more shops and attractions. In 1956, a Western Trails Museum was added, filled with artifacts from the Old West.
In the late 1960s, the park added a fence and started charging for admission. Before this, you could walk around for free and just pay for rides. The famous Timber Mountain Log Ride opened in 1969.
New Owners and Exciting Rides
After Walter Knott passed away in 1981, his children continued to run the park. In the 1980s, Knott's added big new attractions like Kingdom of the Dinosaurs in 1987 and Bigfoot Rapids (now Calico River Rapids) in 1988. The Boomerang roller coaster arrived in 1990, offering thrilling loops and inversions. The Mystery Lodge show, which uses cool special effects to tell a Native American story, opened in 1994.
In 1997, the Knott family sold the amusement park to Cedar Fair. They had a chance to sell to Disney, but they chose Cedar Fair because they wanted to keep Walter Knott's original vision for the park alive.
After Cedar Fair took over, the park added many new thrill rides. Some of these included the record-breaking water ride Perilous Plunge (which closed in 2012) and several large roller coasters. In 2013, the popular Timber Mountain Log Ride got a big update with new characters and effects.
New family rides like Coast Rider, Pacific Scrambler, and Surfside Gliders opened in 2013. In 2014, the historic Calico Mine Ride also received a major refurbishment.
In 2020, the park had to close temporarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many planned events and new attractions, like Knott's Bear-y Tales: Return to the Fair, were postponed. The park found creative ways to offer food festivals during this time. Knott's Berry Farm fully reopened in May 2021, and the new Knott's Bear-y Tales ride finally debuted.
On July 1, 2024, Cedar Fair merged with Six Flags. This means Knott's Berry Farm is now part of the same company as other big parks like Six Flags Magic Mountain.
Fun Events All Year Long
Knott's Berry Farm hosts exciting events throughout the year!
- Knott's Scary Farm: This spooky event has been a Halloween tradition since 1973. The park transforms into a haunted wonderland with mazes, scare zones, and over a thousand "monsters" roaming around. It's a special ticketed event in the evenings during the fall.
- Knott's Merry Farm: During the Christmas season, the park celebrates with "Knott's Merry Farm." You can enjoy festive decorations, special shows, and even visit Santa Claus.
- Boysenberry Festival: Every spring, Knott's holds a festival dedicated to the boysenberry, a special berry that Walter Knott helped make famous. You can try all sorts of delicious boysenberry-themed foods and drinks.
Park Areas and Attractions
Knott's Berry Farm is divided into four main themed areas, each with its own unique feel and rides:
- Ghost Town
- Fiesta Village
- The Boardwalk
- Camp Snoopy
Ghost Town
Ghost Town is like stepping into an old Western movie! It's based on real ghost towns from the American West. You can watch craftsmen like blacksmiths and woodcarvers at work.
Some popular attractions in Ghost Town include:
- The Bird Cage Theatre, which hosts old-fashioned shows.
- The Calico Stage, where you can see live performances.
- The Calico Saloon, offering lively music and dancing.
- The Western Trails Museum, filled with cool historical items.
The Wild Water Wilderness area is now part of Ghost Town. It features two major rides:
- Pony Express, a roller coaster where you ride like a cowboy on a horse.
- Calico River Rapids, a thrilling river rafting adventure with animatronic animals.
- Mystery Lodge, a multimedia show with a Native American storyteller.
| Thrill level (out of 5) |
|---|
| 1 (low) 2 (mild) 3 (moderate) 4 (high) 5 (aggressive) |
| Ride | Picture | Opened | Manufacturer | Description | Thrill level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Butterfield Stagecoach |
 |
1949 | Knott's Berry Farm |
A family stagecoach ride that takes you through different parts of the park. | 1 |
| Calico Mine Ride |  |
1960 | Bud Hurlbut | A train ride that takes you deep into a pretend mining cave. It was updated in 2014. | 3 |
| Calico River Rapids |  |
1988 | Intamin (Rethemed by Garner Holt Productions) | A thrilling water ride where you raft down a river. It was updated in 2019 with new animals and effects. | 4 |
| Ghost Town & Calico Railroad |   |
1952 | Baldwin Locomotive Works | An authentic train ride that goes around the park. It's a relaxing ten-minute journey. | 1 |
| GhostRider |  |
1998 | Custom Coasters International (Retracked by Great Coasters International) | A fast and bumpy wooden roller coaster with lots of turns. | 5 |
| Pony Express |  |
2008 | Zamperla | A roller coaster where you sit on a horse and race through dips and turns. | 4 |
| Silver Bullet |  |
2004 | Bolliger & Mabillard | An inverted roller coaster with six inversions, meaning you go upside down many times! | 5 |
| Timber Mountain Log Ride |  |
1969 | Bud Hurlbut & Arrow Development | A classic log flume ride with two big drops, including a 42-foot splash! It was updated in 2013. | 5 |
Fiesta Village
Fiesta Village celebrates California's Spanish and Mexican heritage. It was built in 1969 and is full of colorful decorations, music, and delicious food. You can find restaurants like Pancho's Tacos and exciting rides here.
| Ride | Picture | Year Opened | Manufacturer | Description | Thrill level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carrusel De California |  |
1955 | Dentzel Carousel | One of the oldest working carousels in the world, with 48 hand-carved animals. | 1 |
| Dragon Swing |  |
1980 | Chance Rides | A swinging ride that looks like a colorful dragon. | 3 |
| Hat Dance |  |
1969 | Rauenhorst Corporation & Mack Rides | A spinning ride where you sit in sombrero-themed cups. | 3 |
| Jaguar! |  |
1995 | Zierer | A steel roller coaster that's great for families. | 4 |
| La Revolucion |  |
2003 | Chance-Morgan | A thrilling ride that spins you 360 degrees while swinging back and forth. | 5 |
| Los Voladores |  |
1986 | Zierer | A classic swing ride where you orbit a central tower. | 3 |
| MonteZOOMa: The Forbidden Fortress | .jpg) |
1978 | Anton Schwarzkopf | This coaster launches you from 0 to 55 mph in just 4.5 seconds! It's a classic shuttle loop coaster. | 5 |
| Sol Spin |  |
2017 | Mondial | A high-flying ride that spins and rotates you in all directions, over 6 stories high! | 5 |
The Boardwalk
The Boardwalk area is inspired by classic seaside amusement piers. Here you'll find fun games and exciting thrill rides. The world's largest Johnny Rockets restaurant is also located here. The Walter Knott Theatre hosts amazing shows, including ice-skating performances during the holidays.
| Ride | Picture | Year Opened | Manufacturer | Description | Thrill level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coast Rider |  |
2013 | Mack Rides | A steel roller coaster with wild mouse-style turns and drops. | 4 |
| HangTime |  |
2018 | Gerstlauer | A steel roller coaster with a 96-degree drop and five inversions. It's the only coaster of its kind in America! | 5 |
| Knott's Bear-y Tales: Return to the Fair |  |
2021 | Triotech | An interactive 4D dark ride that combines 3D projections and special effects. It's a tribute to a classic Knott's ride. | 2 |
| Pacific Scrambler |  |
2013 | Eli Bridge Company | A classic spinning ride that twists and turns you around. | 3 |
| Sky Cabin |  |
1976 | Intamin | A slow-moving cabin that takes you over 180 feet up for amazing 360-degree views of the area. | 2 |
| Supreme Scream |
 |
1998 | S&S Worldwide | A vertical drop ride that shoots you up and then drops you down from a great height. | 5 |
| Surfside Gliders |
 |
2013 | Larson International | A flying ride where you can control your glider as it soars 28 feet high. | 3 |
| Wheeler Dealer Bumper Cars |  |
1975 | Majestic Manufacturing | A classic family attraction where you can bump into other cars. | 4 |
| Wipeout |  |
1999 | Chance Rides | A circular ride that spins and tilts you around. | 4 |
| Xcelerator |  |
2002 | Intamin | A launched roller coaster that goes from 0 to 82 mph in just 2.3 seconds and climbs 20 stories high! | 5 |
Camp Snoopy
Camp Snoopy is perfect for families and younger kids. It's themed around Charles M. Schulz's "Peanuts" characters, like Snoopy, Charlie Brown, and their friends. Snoopy has been the park's mascot since 1983! Most of the rides here are gentle and fun for all ages.
In 2014, Camp Snoopy got a big makeover for its 30th anniversary, adding new rides and attractions. The Beagle Express Railroad takes guests on a scenic train ride with fun Peanuts scenes. You can also find portrait artists and face painters in Camp Snoopy.
| Ride | Picture | Year Opened | Manufacturer | Description | Thrill level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balloon Race |  |
1983 | Bradley and Kaye
D. H. Morgan Manufacturing |
A colorful ride where you go up and down in hot air balloons. | 2 |
| Charlie Brown's Kite Flyer | 2014 | Zamperla | A ride that lifts you into the air, making you feel like you're flying a kite. | 2 | |
| Beagle Express Railroad |  |
1983 | A fun train ride through Camp Snoopy with scenes featuring the Peanuts characters. | 1 | |
| Linus Launcher |  |
2014 | Zamperla | A ride where you lie on your stomach and "fly" like Linus with his blanket. | 3 |
| Pig Pen's Mud Buggies | 2014 | Zamperla | A spinning ride where you sit in little mud buggy vehicles. | 2 | |
| Rapid River Run | 2004 | Zamperla | A gentle water ride for younger adventurers. | 2 | |
| Rocky Road Trucking Company |  |
1983 | Zamperla | A kiddie ride where you drive small trucks. | 1 |
| Sierra Sidewinder |  |
2007 | Mack Rides | A roller coaster where the cars spin as they go along the track. | 4 |
| Camp Snoopy's Trail Trackers | 2024 | Zamperla | A new adventure ride for exploring the trails of Camp Snoopy. | 1 | |
| Sallys Swing-Along | 2024 | Zamperla | A fun swing ride for kids, themed after Sally from Peanuts. | 2 | |
| Snoopy's Tenderpaw Twister Coaster | 2024 | Zamperla | A new roller coaster designed for younger thrill-seekers. | 4 |
Indian Trails
Indian Trails is a small, peaceful area located between Camp Snoopy, Ghost Town, and Fiesta Village. It celebrates Native American art, crafts, and dance, offering a glimpse into their rich culture.
Outside the Park Gates
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Even outside the main theme park, there are things to see! Across Beach Blvd., you'll find the main parking lot, Knott's Soak City (a water park that requires a separate ticket), and a free replica of Independence Hall. The Church of Reflections, a historic building, was moved outside the park in 2004. A tunnel lets you safely walk from the parking lot to the park's shops and restaurants.
Former Attractions
Over the years, many rides and attractions have come and gone at Knott's Berry Farm. Some popular ones that are no longer there include:
- Boomerang (1990–2017)
- Corkscrew (1975–1989)
- Haunted Shack (1954–2000)
- Knott's Bear-y Tales/Kingdom of the Dinosaurs (1975–2004)
- Perilous Plunge (2000–2012)
- WindSeeker (2011–2013)
- Voyage to the Iron Reef (2015–2020)
Knott's Soak City
Knott's Soak City is a water park right across the street from Knott's Berry Farm. It opened in 2000 and is a great place to cool off with water slides and pools, but it requires a separate ticket to enter.
Fast Lane Pass
Knott's Berry Farm offers a "Fast Lane" pass for an extra cost. This wristband lets you use shorter lines for many of the park's most popular rides, so you can spend less time waiting and more time having fun!
Knott's Berry Farm Food Products
The Knott family's famous jams and preserves were sold for many years. While the original company that made them changed hands, the "Berry Market" brand of all-natural preserves is now sold at the park. Unfortunately, in January 2024, the company that owned the rights to the "Knott's Berry Farm" brand for grocery store jams stopped selling them.
Getting There
Knott's Berry Farm is easy to reach by public transportation. Buses from Los Angeles Metro, Orange County Transportation Authority, and Anaheim Resort Transit all have routes that stop near the park.
Images for kids
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The original Western Trails Museum building at Knott's, around 1983.
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A stagecoach ride at Knott's Berry Farm, around 1950.
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The Ghost Town & Calico Railroad steam locomotive in 1963.
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Bud Hurlbut in the Calico Mine Ride engine, around 1960.
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Bigfoot Rapids (now Calico River Rapids) in the Wild Water Wilderness section.
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GhostRider roller coaster at night.
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Coast Rider and Surfside Gliders opened in May 2013.
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The Carrusel De California, around 1965.
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A view of The Boardwalk after its 2013 expansion.
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The Beagle Express Railroad (formerly Grand Sierra Scenic Railroad).
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The Rocky Road Trucking Company ride.
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The Sierra Sidewinder roller coaster.
See also
In Spanish: Knott's Berry Farm para niños
