Visiting a water park is one of the best summer activities for families and kids. Knott’s Soak City in Buena Park, California, is a family favorite when the Southern California sun is blazing and the kids are ready for a splash-filled adventure. We love visiting Knott’s Soak City for so many reasons! It’s simply one of those places that has so much fun to offer for both, adults and children of all ages. If you’re planning your first visit — or just want to make the most of your family day — there are a few key tips to help parents have a smooth, stress-free, and fun trip with kids in tow.
Whether you’re coming for the towering slides, the relaxing lazy river, or the kid-friendly splash zones, here’s everything you need to know, from what to pack to where to eat lunch (hello, Longboard’s Grill) and why you might want to grab a drink pass.
If you’ve been around here for a while, you’ll know that we are a family of three and we are Disney annual pass holders. This summer we decided to buy an annual pass for Knott’s to check out the neighboring fun and attractions.
If you are visiting Orange County in the summer months, you’ll want to read along because this is an awesome one-day activity that you can easily add into your summer vacation itinerary.
1. When to Visit Soak City
Soak City is officially open the month of May through September. You will want to check their website for official start and end dates.
2. Arriving Early and Finding the Best Spot
We usually like to visit on Sunday’s and have never had an issue finding lounge chairs for the three of us. The earlier you arrive, the better your chances of snagging a prime lounge chair spot close to the attractions your kids will use most.
- If you have toddlers or younger children, set up near Gremmie Lagoon, the shallow splash pad area perfect for little ones.
- If your family loves the thrill rides, look for chairs near Banzai Falls or The Wedge for easy access.
- For a mix of play areas and relaxation, the Sunset River (lazy river) area offers a laid-back vibe while still keeping you close to fun.
Parent Tip: We usually arrive by the parks opening hours to secure a locker for about $25. This helps keep our hands free of bulky items and then we head over to secure our lounge chairs to guarantee a day of fun and some relaxing time for the parents too!
4. Can I Bring Snacks, Food and Drinks in to Soak City?
Kind of, sort of! IF you’re looking for some budget-saving tips at the water park, I would recommend bringing in your bottled water and some electrolytes. Stay away from packing any glass or aluminum bottles or cans.
While snacks are technically not allowed, I have seen adults bringing in chips and other food items. You just run the risk of being asked to dispose of it when checking in through the security checkpoint at the park entrance.
5. First Time at Soak City, What Should I Expect?
Soak City is a relaxed and vibrant family-friendly water park. You can expect to see a lot of parents with young children throughout the day. Expect a long water park day because the family is going to enjoy their fun in the sun! You will see some families brining in their snacks while at times you’ll catch a glimpse of child-free adults lounging on a chair, enjoying an adult beverage. Yes, you can buy beer and cocktails at Soak City!
6. Renting a Cabana vs. Going Without
You may also get a view of the cabanas located in three different areas throughout the water park. These are usually occupied by larger groups of families with older adults, like grandparents or young babies.
If you want guaranteed shade, a private space, and food delivery service, consider renting a cabana for the day. Cabanas at Knott’s Soak City include:
- Shaded seating
- Lockable storage
- Lounge chairs
- Wait service
While they are an extra cost, they’re worth it for those families or groups needing more protection from the sun, like grandparents and babies.
If you are contemplating reserving a cabana, the price can start around $175. For my family, it has not been necessary. We’ve visited the park with a group of seven and we have never had an issue finding lounge chairs for us all.
7. What to Bring to Knott’s Soak City with Kids
I like to keep things simple when it comes to visiting a water park. Packing for a water park is a bit different than packing for Disneyland or Knott’s Berry Farm — here you’re dealing with wet clothes, sunscreen reapplications, and hungry little swimmers. Here’s a parent-approved checklist:
- Swimsuits — Choose comfortable, secure swimwear for kids so they can climb and slide without fuss.
- Rash guards — Great for sun protection and keeping kids warm in cooler water.
- Water shoes — The pavement can get hot, and water shoes also help prevent slips.
- Towels — No explanation needed here.
- Waterproof phone case — For snapping poolside pictures without risking your phone.
- Reusable water bottles — You can refill them throughout the day to stay hydrated.
- Sun Hat and Cover Up – We have had days where we end up spending the last hour lounging on our chairs and are able to dry up! Throw on a cover up and you’re out of the park without having to change.
- Hand Sanitizer – Keeps hands clean in between rides and when eating. You’re still at an amusement park.
For Parents with Young Kids:
- Swim diapers (required for toddlers and babies)
- A small waterproof bag for wet clothes
- Life Jacket- While some are available you won’t have to wait to find one, although there are usually plenty available. I like to bring my kiddo’s since I know the fit is perfect.
Pro Tip: Pack a dry change of clothes and leave it in your car. It’s much more comfortable for kids to ride home dry and cozy after a long day.
I’ve included two free packing guides at this end of this post. Each guide includes Amazon affiliate links to help you planning parents!
8. Eating Lunch at Longboard’s Grill
When hunger strikes, Longboard’s Grill is the go-to dining spot inside Knott’s Soak City. It’s centrally located and offers plenty of options for both adults and kids.
You are going to need to eat somewhere if you’re planning on staying at the park past noon. We’ve enjoyed the lunch options offered at Longboard’s Grill. You do pay theme park prices, but the food offered is actually good and worth the price!
One of the best parts is grabbing your food and enjoying it outside on the patio with views of the water slides or back at your lounge chairs. This keeps the kids entertained between bites and makes it easy to jump back into the water afterward.
Kids’ Favorites:
- Chicken tenders with fries
- Mac and cheese bowls
- Burgers
Parent Favorites:
- Pulled pork mac and cheese bowl — a hearty option after a morning of swimming
- Avocado veggie wrap — a lighter, fresh choice for hot days
- Grilled chicken sandwich
My husband has opted for the mac and cheese topped with pulled pork, my daughter loves the chicken strips and fries, and when I’m not too hungry, I grab a pre-packaged veggie wrap. Since I only eat half, I pack the other half in our soft cooler to enjoy later. I normally bring water bottles and Gatorade in our cooler. I don’t by sodas because we purchased the all-day drinking passes (2 of them) and that helped with the parent’s caffeine fix throughout the day. More on that next!
Pro Tip: Hard coolers are not allowed.
9. Consider Getting the All-Day Drink Pass
If you’re visiting on a hot summer day, the All-Day Drink Pass is a budget-friendly lifesaver. For one flat price, you can get soda, coffee, iced tea, or lemonade as often as you want throughout the day. This includes Icee’s too!
Why Parents Love It:
- Keeps kids hydrated without constant “Can we get another drink?” stops.
- Easy to share the pass between family members. Each pass resets every 15 minutes, this means you can only get one drink per pass every 15 minutes.
- Saves money compared to buying multiple single drinks.
This is the one add-on I would absolutely recommend. IT’s totally worth it. When we visit the park from 10am to 3pm we can easily get 4 soft drinks and 2 Icee’s for our group. For a family of four, you can easily get by with only having to pay for 2 passes.
10. Must-Do Attractions for Families
For Younger Kids (Toddlers to Age 7):
- Gremmie Lagoon — A shallow splash play area with small slides and water features.
- Beach Fun House — A multi-level play structure with water sprayers and a giant tipping bucket.
For Older Kids and Parents:
- Banzai Falls — A six-lane racer slide perfect for family competitions.
- The Wedge — A large raft slide that can fit the whole family.
- Sunset River — The lazy river for a relaxing float break.
Safety Tips for Parents
- Life Jackets: Free to use and available throughout the park for non-swimmers or cautious kids.
- Height Requirements: Check before waiting in line to avoid disappointment.
- Buddy System: If you have older kids, set meeting spots and check-in times.
Tips for a Smooth Exit
- Have dry clothes ready for everyone.
- Pack snacks for the ride home to avoid post-swim hunger meltdowns.
- If you plan to visit Knott’s Berry Farm the next day, consider a combo ticket for savings.
Final Thoughts on Visiting Knott’s Soak City with Kids
Knott’s Soak City is one of the best water parks in Southern California for families. With kid-friendly play areas, thrilling slides for older children, and plenty of dining options like Longboard’s Grill, it’s a summer must-do for locals and tourists alike.
By arriving early, packing smart, and taking advantage of things like the drink pass, you can make your day as fun and stress-free as possible. Whether you’re racing down Banzai Falls, floating along Sunset River, or watching your little ones giggle in Gremmie Lagoon, you’ll leave with memories worth every splash.
Wishing you loads of sun-filled fun!
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