Knott's Scary Farm is a seasonal haunted attraction at an amusement park in Southern California

Knott's Scary Farm is a Halloween-themed event held at Knott's Berry Farm, a amusement park in Buena Park, California, about 30 miles southeast of Los Angeles. The park transforms into a haunted attraction during October, featuring multiple walk-through mazes, live actors in costume, and horror-themed shows. It operates on select nights throughout the month, typically from late September through early November.

The event is separate from the regular daytime park operations. You cannot enter the haunted mazes or experience the horror content during regular park hours — Scary Farm runs only during evening and night hours on designated dates. Admission to Scary Farm requires a separate ticket beyond regular park entry.

Key Takeaways

  • Knott's Scary Farm operates only on select October evenings and requires a separate ticket from regular park admission.
  • The event includes multiple walk-through mazes, live-actor encounters, and themed shows, with intensity levels that vary by attraction.
  • Tickets can be purchased online in advance or at the gate on event nights, with online purchase often offering lower prices.
  • The park provides a map and attraction descriptions so you can choose which mazes and shows match your comfort level.
  • Certain attractions have height, age, or health restrictions, and the park asks guests not to touch actors or remove props.

Operating dates and ticket pricing

Knott's Scary Farm runs on select nights throughout October, with the exact schedule varying by year. Most years include weekends plus some weekday dates, with more frequent nights as Halloween approaches. The park publishes the full schedule on its website before the season begins, so you can check which nights work for your visit.

Ticket prices vary depending on when you buy and when you visit. Advance online purchase is typically cheaper than buying at the gate, and prices are usually lower for weekday visits than weekend nights. Some dates sell out, particularly the final week of October and Halloween night itself. The park sometimes offers discounts for purchasing multiple nights or bundling with regular park admission.

What attractions and experiences are included

Knott's Scary Farm features multiple walk-through mazes, each with its own theme and story. Past mazes have included horror movie adaptations, supernatural themes, and original storylines. Each maze is staffed with live actors in costume who interact with guests as you move through. The mazes typically take 10 to 20 minutes to walk through, depending on crowd size and how slowly you move.

Beyond mazes, the event includes outdoor shows, roaming costumed characters throughout the park, and themed entertainment stages. Some shows are brief encounters with actors; others are longer performances. The park also decorates the regular park areas with Halloween props and lighting, though the most intense scares are concentrated in the designated maze attractions.

Intensity varies significantly between different mazes. The park typically labels attractions by scare level so you can choose which ones to enter. Some mazes focus on suspense and atmosphere; others emphasize jump scares and graphic imagery. Reading the descriptions before you arrive helps you pick attractions that match your comfort level.

How to purchase tickets and plan your visit

Tickets are sold through the Knott's Berry Farm website and at the park entrance on event nights. Online purchase is usually faster and cheaper. You can buy tickets for a specific date in advance, and most tickets are date-specific — you cannot use a ticket from one night on a different night without paying the difference.

The park provides a map showing all maze locations and a brief description of each attraction's theme and intensity level. Arrive early in the evening if you want to experience multiple mazes, as wait times grow as the night progresses. Popular mazes can have 30-minute to hour-long waits during peak hours, particularly on weekends.

Parking is included with your visit. The park has a large lot, though it fills up on busy nights. If you arrive after 8 p.m. on a weekend, parking may be limited. Bring a jacket — October evenings in Southern California can be cool, especially if you are standing in line outdoors.

Rules, restrictions, and what to expect from actors

The park has specific rules to protect both guests and actors. You cannot touch the actors, remove props, or take photos or video inside the mazes without permission. Actors will not touch you, but they will get close, make sudden movements, and use sound and lighting to create scares. If you need an actor to back away, you can ask them to do so.

Some attractions have height or age restrictions. Guests under 13 may not be permitted in certain mazes, and some attractions recommend parental guidance for younger teens. Pregnant guests should check with the park about which attractions are safe to enter. If you have health concerns — heart conditions, seizure disorders, or severe anxiety — review the attraction descriptions carefully or contact the park before your visit.

The park does not permit weapons, masks, or costumes that resemble weapons. You can wear Halloween costumes, but they cannot include realistic-looking guns, knives, or other weapons. This rule exists to prevent confusion with park security and other guests.

What to bring and how to prepare

Wear comfortable walking shoes — you will be on your feet for several hours, and mazes involve uneven ground and stairs. Bring a small bag or backpack for personal items, though large bags may slow you down in crowded mazes. Leave valuables in your car or hotel; the park is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

Bring cash or a credit card for food and drinks. The park has concession stands throughout the grounds, though prices are higher than outside food. If you are sensitive to strobe lights, fog machines, or loud noises, mention this to staff before entering a maze — they can sometimes provide accommodations or suggest less intense alternatives.

Plan to spend 3 to 5 hours at the event if you want to experience multiple mazes. If you only want to see one or two attractions, 1 to 2 hours is usually enough. Arriving right at opening time gives you shorter waits than arriving later in the evening.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my young child to Knott's Scary Farm?

Age restrictions vary by maze. Some attractions allow children as young as 8 or 10 with a parent; others require guests to be 13 or older. Check the park's website for each maze's age policy before you visit. Even if your child meets the age requirement, consider whether they can handle intense scares and graphic imagery.

What happens if I get too scared inside a maze?

You can exit any maze at any time by asking an actor or staff member for the way out. There is no penalty for leaving early. Staff members are positioned throughout each maze and can direct you to the exit quickly if you need to leave.

Are the mazes the same every year?

The park typically introduces new mazes each year while keeping some returning favorites. Themes and storylines change annually, so visiting in different years offers different experiences. Check the current year's lineup on the park's website to see which mazes are new.

Can I use my regular Knott's Berry Farm season pass for Scary Farm?

Season passes do not cover Scary Farm admission. You must purchase a separate Scary Farm ticket even if you hold a season pass to the regular park. Some season pass holders receive discounts on Scary Farm tickets, so check your pass benefits.

What if it rains on the night I have tickets?

Knott's Scary Farm operates in light rain. Heavy rain or severe weather may cause the event to close or delay opening. If weather forces a closure, the park typically allows you to reschedule your tickets to another night or receive a refund. Check the park's website or call ahead if severe weather is forecast.