Planning a family day at Knott’s Berry Farm can feel exciting but also a little overwhelming when you have young kids in tow. Between rides, character meet-and-greets and snack breaks, parents need a solid plan to make the day both fun and stress-free.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about visiting Knott’s Berry Farm with young children—from the best rides for little ones to family-friendly food options, and what to pack for your day.
If you’ve been around for some time, you know the majority of my time is spent at the Disney Parks. But in 2025 we decided to buy an annual pass for Knott’s to delve into some more theme park fun! This is the perfect guide for families looking to visit Southern California and adding in some extra theme park fun to their itinerary.
Why Knott’s Berry Farm is Great for Families
When most people think of Southern California theme parks, Disneyland often comes to mind first. But Knott’s Berry Farm is an affordable, family-friendly alternative that offers plenty of entertainment for all ages. And let me tell you, my six-year-old daughter has fallen in love with Knott’s! It’s such a different experience than Disney.
Here’s why Knott’s is especially good for families with young kids:
Seasonal events, like Knott’s Spooky Farm and Knott’s Merry Farm, add extra magic without overwhelming younger kids. So far we have only visited during the late Spring and Summer months but we are so looking forward to the seasonal events. One of the perks to visiting in late spring or summer is that you can add on a extra day to experience Soak City. You can read more about our experience with Soak City here –> How to Plan Your Visit to Knott’s Soak City Water Park – The Sun Queen Diaries
Camp Snoopy is a dedicated land just for children with pint-sized rides, shaded areas, and character interactions. Shorter wait times compared to larger theme parks mean less cranky little ones. There’s so much shady space in between rides that you really can enjoy rest breaks + snacks in between rides. Absolutely perfect for parents!
Best Rides for Young Kids at Knott’s Berry Farm
The heart of Knott’s for families with young children is Camp Snoopy. Designed with kids in mind, it’s filled with gentle rides, plenty of shade, and fun theming. Some family favorites include:
- Woodstock’s Airmail – A kid-friendly drop ride that gives little ones the thrill of bouncing without being too intense.
- Flying Ace – Small planes that spin gently, letting kids feel like pilots.
- Charlie Brown’s Kite Flyer – A soft “hang glider” ride that lets kids soar through the air.
- Rocky Mountain Trucking Company – Perfect for toddlers who love vehicles.
- Grand Sierra Railroad – A scenic train ride with Peanuts characters along the way.
- Sidewinder – Not necessarily for little ones but kids over the age of 6 years old may fall in love with this! Fun for parents too!
💡 Tip: Most of the rides in Camp Snoopy have low height requirements, but check the Knott’s website before your trip so you know what your child can ride.
Outside of Camp Snoopy, families can also enjoy:
- Sky Cabin – A rotating observation tower that offers a calm break with great views.
- Calico Railroad – A slow-moving steam train that’s fun for all ages.
- Butterfield Stagecoach – Take a ride through the park in a real stagecoach.
Family-Friendly Shows and Entertainment
Sometimes kids need a break from rides, and Knott’s has you covered with entertainment options:
- Seasonal Events – Knott’s Merry Farm (holiday season) and Knott’s Spooky Farm (Halloween season for kids) are especially fun and not too scary for little ones. You’ll have to subscribe to our blog to see what our experience is like once we go this year!
- Peanuts Character Meet-and-Greets – Kids can hug Snoopy, Charlie Brown, and Lucy throughout the day in Camp Snoopy. (Insert Picture here from our meet and greet)
- Live Stage Shows – Depending on the season, Knott’s offers Peanuts-themed performances that are short and engaging for young audiences.
What to Eat at Knott’s Berry Farm with Kids
Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant – Famous for fried chicken and boysenberry pie, this is a great sit-down option outside the main gates. I would recommend this as a great experience for any families visiting from out of town.
Casa California – A resounding yes from our family! We loved the Mexican style food variety and personally opted for burrito style bowls that gave us healthy protein options. The kiddo was delighted with her choice of a quesadilla which did not disappoint! We also like eating here because of the area, it’s lively and offers plenty of seating both indoor and outdoor with great views.
Grizzly Creek Lodge (inside Camp Snoopy) – Burgers, pizza, and kid-friendly picks right where you’ll be spending most of your day.
Treats – Don’t miss the funnel cake, perfect for sharing. Churros and Pretzels are always a family favorite!
💡 Pro Tip: Knott’s allows you to bring small snacks and sealed water bottles, which is a lifesaver for picky eaters or toddlers who need frequent munching.
Where to Avoid Eating at Knott’s Berry Farm
I love to share tips for great experiences, but I also like to give you honest reviews on what to avoid to help save parents money and build a better experience.
Boardwalk BBQ – Advertised as family platters, mac and cheese, and easy-to-share meals. I would really steer away from here. The three of us had very sub-par meals that were served cafeteria style. There are lots of places to try at the park, I would just steer away from this spot.
Eating Outside Knott’s Berry Farm
If you’re thinking of eating outside the park either for lunch or dinner there are a couple of spots that I would totally recommend, particularily if you are visiting from out of town:
- Portos’ – Cuban restaurant and bakery. Delicious coffee for parents – say less! Just be aware of long lines. You stand in line and place your order and good will be brought to your table. This is honestly a must try restaurant for families! It’s great for large groups and gives you time to wind down and rest after a long park day. You may even want to consider taking a box of small treats to take back to your hotel room for a dessert or next morning pastry.
- Fatburger – L.A. based fast food burger chain
- Rock & Brews – great experience for families where parents may want to enjoy an adult brew.
- McDonalds – Always a safe option for kids!
Stroller and Baby Care Tips
Visiting with little ones often means bringing the gear. Here’s what you need to know:
- Baby Care Center – Knott’s offers baby-changing stations in most restrooms and has a designated Baby Care Center for nursing or quiet breaks.
- Stroller Rentals – Available near the front entrance if you don’t want to bring your own.
- Stroller Parking – Plenty of stroller parking areas are marked near Camp Snoopy rides.
What to Pack for a Day with Young Kids
Packing well can make or break your Knott’s day. Be sure to include:
- A small backpack or crossbody bag
- Snacks and refillable water bottles
- Sunscreen and hats (shade is limited in some areas).
- Cooling towel
- Light sweater for cooler evenings
- Wipes and hand sanitizer for quick clean-ups
- Portable phone charger to capture photos without worrying about battery life
If your kids are very young, a stroller fan and extra set of clothes can also be lifesavers.
Tips to Make the Day Easier for Parents
- Arrive early – Lines are shortest in the morning, and kids have more energy.
- Use the Parent Swap Program – If you have older kids who want to ride bigger attractions, Knott’s offers a parent swap system so both parents can take turns without waiting in line twice.
- Take breaks – Plan downtime with shows, shaded rest areas, or the Sky Cabin.
- Download the Knott’s app – It helps with maps, ride height requirements, and mobile food ordering.
Is Knott’s Worth It with Young Kids?
Absolutely! Knott’s Berry Farm is a budget-friendly, family-oriented theme park that offers just the right mix of gentle rides, fun shows, and tasty food for young children. It’s less overwhelming than some of the bigger parks, making it a perfect introduction to theme parks for toddlers and preschoolers.
Families who go in with a plan—focusing on Camp Snoopy, packing smart, and taking breaks—will find Knott’s to be a memorable and enjoyable day trip.
Even if little ones aren’t tall enough to ride other rides in the park there are some rides that they may be able to ride. Our daughter has enjoyed walking around and watching the thrill rides in action. Rides like the bumper cars are outside of Camp Snoopy but still one of her favorites!
Final Thoughts
Visiting Knott’s Berry Farm with young kids doesn’t have to feel stressful. With the right preparation, it can be a fun-filled family day where parents can relax and kids can create lifelong memories. Whether it’s riding the train, meeting Snoopy, or sharing a boysenberry treat, your little ones will leave with smiles (and maybe a little sugar rush). Often times we don’t need a full day at the park (open-close) but rather benefit from an open to 3pm or maybe 4pm exit. This gives us a full day of fun and plenty of time to head out for one of the nearby restaurants we mentioned above.
If you’re planning your trip soon, check Knott’s official website for park hours, ticket deals, and seasonal events—and don’t forget to bring your camera for all those cute Peanuts character photos.
Don’t forget to subscribe to the blog to keep up with our latest theme park and travel adventures. Later this year we’ll be covering Knott’s Spooky Farm and Knott’s Merry Farm!
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