If you’re planning a fall Southern California trip with kids and want a Halloween experience that’s festive—but not frightening—Knott’s Spooky Farm is a must-visit. Located in Buena Park, just minutes from Disneyland, Knott’s Spooky Farm offers families a seasonal celebration that’s fun, interactive, and perfect for young children.
Unlike Knott’s Scary Farm, which is designed for adults and teens, Knott’s Spooky Farm is completely family-friendly and takes place during daytime hours. We visited with our six-year-old in October and found it to be the perfect balance of Halloween fun, rides, shows, treats, and memorable photo opportunities.
If you’re visiting Disneyland in the fall, Knott’s Spooky Farm also makes an easy add-on day trip or weekend outing—especially if you want to extend your vacation with a festive experience.
Knott’s Scary Farm vs. Knott’s Spooky Farm: What Parents Need to Know
Before planning your visit, it’s important to understand the difference between Knott’s two Halloween events.
Knott’s Scary Farm (Not for Young Kids)
- Takes place at night
- Haunted mazes and scare actors
- Designed for adults and older teens
- Not recommended for children
Knott’s Spooky Farm (Perfect for Families)
- Daytime Halloween celebration
- Kid-friendly activities and shows
- Trick-or-treating included with admission
- No jump scares or frightening actors
👉 If you’re visiting Knott’s Berry Farm with kids, Spooky Farm is the event you want.
When Is Knott’s Spooky Farm?
Knott’s Spooky Farm typically runs on select days from late September through October, leading up to Halloween. Because dates can change yearly, always check the official Knott’s calendar before planning your visit.
This daytime schedule makes it ideal for:
- Families with young children
- Parents avoiding late nights
- Disneyland visitors adding a second park
What to Wear to Knott’s Spooky Farm in the Fall
Fall weather in Southern California can be unpredictable, so dressing smart makes a big difference.
Dress in Layers
During our October weekend visit:
- Mornings were cool
- Midday was warm and sunny
- Evenings cooled down again
Recommended outfits:
- Lightweight hoodie or jacket
- Short-sleeve shirt underneath
- Leggings or breathable pants
- Comfortable walking shoes
🎃 Costumes are allowed for kids, but lightweight costumes are best to avoid overheating.
How Long to Spend at Knott’s Spooky Farm
To fully enjoy everything Knott’s Spooky Farm offers, plan to spend 6–8 hours in the park.
This gives you time for:
- Rides
- Trick-or-treating
- Live shows
- Seasonal food and drinks
- Character photo ops
- Exploring fall and Halloween décor
Arriving early helps you experience popular attractions before crowds increase.
Crowd Levels & Dining Tips for Families
Expect Moderate Crowds
Knott’s Spooky Farm is popular with local families, especially on weekends. Crowds are manageable with a little planning. I recommend arriving early in the morning by opening time to make the most of the morning hours. Locals have access to annual passes and often you will find that they start to trickle in the afternoon on or after lunch time.
Eat Early or Mobile Order
If you plan to dine at a restaurant:
- 11:30 a.m. is ideal for walk-up dining. I can’t emphasize this enough.
- Later afternoons often have long waits. I’ve often seen lines of 15-20 people waiting in line.
- Mobile ordering saves time and reduces stress. Take some time to research restaurants and menu items.
Eating early also keeps kids happy and energized for the rest of the day.
I have some blog posts on where I recommend and don’t recommend eating at Knott’s Berry Farm. My ultimate guide also covers refreshments, snacks, drink passes, etc. Check it out to help you with planning!
Visiting Knott’s Berry Farm with Kids: The Ultimate Family Guide – The Sun Queen Diaries
Ghost Town Candy Trail: A Must-Do Experience
One of the standout features of Knott’s Spooky Farm—and something Disney does not offer—is the Ghost Town Candy Trail. My six-year-old daughter loved this! The treats were either healthy snacks, candy or chips. She loved that it was a trail of discoveries and independently lead us through the trail.
Why Families Love It
- Trick-or-treating is included with admission
- Candy stations are organized and easy to follow
- No chaotic crowds or scrambling
- Perfect for younger kids
Kids can safely trick-or-treat through Ghost Town while enjoying festive décor and music.
Live Stable & Reptile Exhibit for Kids
The live stable and reptile exhibit was a surprise favorite for our family.
We saw:
- Turtles
- Snakes
- Other reptiles
This area provides a shaded, calm, educational break from rides and crowds—perfect for kids who love animals or need a quieter moment. We loved it! The live stable is also along the Ghost Town trick or treat path so it all blends in a functional way.
Character Photo Ops & Spooky Decor in Ghost Town
Ghost Town truly shines during Knott’s Spooky Farm. We found multiple kid-friendly spooky character photo ops that were playful, not scary.
Another fun bonus:
Many of the Knott’s Scary Farm backdrops remain on display during daytime hours, giving families fun Halloween visuals without the nighttime scares. We did happen to run into a scare actor and took the opportunity to snag a picture with him.
Spooktivities & Calico Saloon Shows
Near the Calico Saloon, you’ll find:
- Family-friendly Halloween shows
- Interactive entertainment
- Music and seasonal fun
Parent Bonus
Parents can purchase a festive seasonal drink at the Calico Saloon, making it a fun treat while kids enjoy the show. Make sure you research show times for Snoopy and friends to maximize your time around Calico Saloon. It’s a great opportunity for parents to sit and enjoy some down time while the kids watch the show.
Dia de Los Muertos–Inspired Decor & Photo Ops
Throughout the park, you’ll spot colorful Dia de Los Muertos–inspired décor, adding a cultural and artistic element to the Halloween celebration.
One of our favorite photo moments was a cute popcorn-themed backdrop where our six-year-old posed proudly—these little moments are what make Knott’s Spooky Farm so special for families.
Rides Still Open During Knott’s Spooky Farm
In addition to seasonal activities, many classic Knott’s Berry Farm rides remain open, allowing you to mix Halloween fun with traditional theme park attractions.
This is another reason to plan a full day—you’re getting both a seasonal event and a full amusement park experience.
Why Knott’s Spooky Farm Is Perfect for Families
Knott’s Spooky Farm is:
- Family-friendly and stress-free
- Included with regular admission
- Unique compared to Disney’s offerings
- Ideal for fall trips and Halloween fun
If you’re visiting Southern California in the fall or planning a Halloween-themed outing with kids, Knott’s Spooky Farm is absolutely worth adding to your itinerary.
Happy Planning!
You can search through the blog for my other “Knott’s” blog posts. Or delve into some Disney posts as well if you are planning a trip to either of the amusement parks.
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