Knott's Berry Farm is a Southern California amusement park in Buena Park with rides, shows, and a working farm
Knott's Berry Farm sits on 160 acres in Orange County and operates year-round. The park includes roller coasters and family rides, live entertainment stages, a working berry farm where you can pick fruit seasonally, and a fried chicken restaurant that has been there since 1934. It is not owned by a major corporation — the Knott family still operates it as a private company, which shapes how it runs differently from Disney or Universal parks.
The park is divided into themed lands: the Old West area with gunfight shows and wooden coasters, a Japanese garden section, a Roaring Twenties zone, and areas focused on specific rides. You can spend a full day here, though the park is smaller than Disneyland or Six Flags parks, so many visitors finish in 6 to 8 hours.
Key Takeaways
- Knott's Berry Farm charges separate admission and does not use a tiered ticket system — you pay one price for all-day access to rides and shows.
- The park operates different hours by season, with shorter hours in fall and winter and extended hours in summer, so check the calendar before you go.
- You can pick fresh berries during summer and fall months at the on-site farm, though this requires a separate fee beyond park admission.
- Parking costs extra and varies by lot — standard parking is cheaper than preferred or valet options.
- The park has a chicken dinner restaurant, snack stands, and food carts, but outside food is not permitted inside the gates.
Admission prices and what they include
Knott's Berry Farm charges a single admission price that covers all rides, shows, and attractions inside the park for the day. There is no tiered system where you pay more for premium access to certain rides. The price varies by date — peak season days (summer weekends, holidays, spring break) cost more than off-peak days (weekday visits in January or September). Prices are typically higher on Saturdays and Sundays than weekdays.
You can buy tickets at the gate on the day of your visit, but advance online purchase is usually cheaper. The park's website shows the price for each specific date, so you can compare costs before deciding when to go. Children under 3 are free; all other visitors pay the same price regardless of age.
Season passes are available and can be cheaper than multiple single-day visits if you plan to return several times per year. Pass holders get discounts on food and merchandise inside the park and can bring guests at discounted rates.
Operating hours and seasonal closures
Knott's Berry Farm does not stay open the same hours every day. Summer months (June through August) typically run 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. or later on weekends, with shorter hours on weekdays. Fall and winter hours are shorter — often 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends. Spring hours fall between these ranges.
The park closes entirely on some days during slow seasons, particularly in January and early September. It also closes early on certain weekdays in fall and winter. The official website publishes the full calendar month by month, so you can see exactly when the park is open before you plan your visit.
Special events like Knott's Scary Farm (October) and Knott's Merry Farm (November and December) operate on select nights and have their own hours and admission prices separate from regular park days.
Parking and transportation
Parking is not included in admission and costs extra. Standard lot parking is the cheapest option. Preferred parking (closer to the entrance) and valet parking cost more. The parking fee is per vehicle, not per person, so carpooling saves money. You can pay for parking at the gate or online in advance.
The park is located at 8039 Beach Boulevard in Buena Park, about 30 miles south of downtown Los Angeles. Public transit options are limited — the closest bus stops are several blocks away. Most visitors drive or use rideshare services. If you use rideshare, the pickup and dropoff area is separate from the main parking lot.
Food, beverages, and outside items
Outside food and beverages are not permitted inside the park. You can bring an empty water bottle and fill it at fountains inside, but you cannot bring your own snacks or drinks. This means all food must be purchased from vendors inside the park.
The park has a full-service fried chicken restaurant (Mrs. Knott's Chicken Dinner Restaurant) that serves sit-down meals, plus numerous snack stands, food carts, and quick-service restaurants throughout the park. Prices are typical for theme parks — higher than outside restaurants but not extreme. Dietary restrictions can be accommodated; ask at any food location about ingredients or preparation methods.
You can leave the park and re-enter on the same day if you have a hand stamp, so some visitors eat lunch outside and return to the park afterward.
Berry picking and seasonal activities
Knott's Berry Farm operates a working farm where visitors can pick fresh berries during certain months. Strawberry picking is available in spring (April and May), and boysenberry picking runs through summer and early fall (June through September). Pumpkin patches appear in October. Each activity requires a separate fee beyond park admission, typically $10 to $20 per person depending on the season and what you pick.
The farm area is separate from the main amusement park but within walking distance. You bring your own container or pay a small fee for one provided by the farm. The amount of fruit you pick determines your final cost at some locations, while others charge a flat fee per person.
Rides, shows, and attractions by age group
Knott's Berry Farm has rides for all ages, from toddler rides to extreme coasters. The park publishes height and age requirements for each ride on its website and at each attraction entrance. Young children have options like the Log Ride (a water ride with a small drop) and the Pony Express (a family coaster). Older children and adults can ride Xcelerator (a hydraulic launch coaster) and GhostRider (a wooden coaster).
Live shows run throughout the day in different venues — gunfight performances in the Old West area, musical shows in theaters, and character meet-and-greets. Show times are posted at the park entrance and on the website. Most shows are included in admission; none require an extra fee.
The park has shaded seating areas, benches, and a few indoor attractions, so you can take breaks during hot weather. Stroller rentals are available if you have young children.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my own water bottle or refill one inside the park?
You can bring an empty water bottle and refill it at water fountains throughout the park at no cost. You cannot bring a bottle already filled with water or other beverages. This is a common way to save money on drinks during your visit.
Do I need to buy a separate ticket for the farm area?
No — walking through the farm area is included in park admission. However, if you want to pick berries or pumpkins, that activity costs extra and is charged separately. You can view the farm and animals without paying the picking fee.
What time should I arrive to avoid long lines?
Weekday visits typically have shorter wait times than weekends. Arriving when the park opens gives you the shortest lines for popular rides. Summer and holiday periods are busiest. Off-peak seasons like January and early September have the fewest crowds.
Is there a height requirement for children to ride coasters?
Yes — each ride has its own height requirement, typically ranging from 36 to 48 inches for family coasters and 54 to 60 inches for extreme rides. Requirements are posted at each attraction entrance. Children who do not meet the height requirement cannot ride, even with an adult.
Can I leave the park and come back the same day?
Yes — if you get your hand stamped at the exit, you can leave and re-enter on the same admission day. This allows you to eat lunch outside the park or take a break without paying twice. Ask at the exit gate for a hand stamp before you leave.