Knott’s Berry Farm: History, Rides, Dining, & Discount Tickets
Knott’s Berry Farm remains Southern California’s most affordable major theme park, delivering big thrills, authentic Ghost Town atmosphere, and family-friendly fun without Disneyland prices. From the classic Timber Mountain Log Ride and GhostRider wooden coaster to Camp Snoopy and the famous Mrs. Knott’s chicken dinners, there’s something for every age. This updated guide covers the smartest ways to buy discount tickets, which rides to hit first, free and cheap parking options, dining recommendations, and practical tips to help you enjoy a full day without overspending.
A Brief History of Knott’s Berry Farm
Knott’s Berry Farm began as an actual berry farm. In 1920, Walter and Cordelia Knott settled on rented land in Buena Park and started selling berries from a roadside stand along what is now Beach Boulevard. During the Great Depression, Walter rescued and cultivated a hybrid berry created by Anaheim parks superintendent Rudolph Boysen — a cross of blackberry, red raspberry, and loganberry. He named it the boysenberry, and the fruit became an instant success.
In 1934, Cordelia began serving fried chicken dinners to keep customers happy while they waited for berry products. The chicken dinners drew long lines, so Walter started building an Old West ghost town in the late 1930s and early 1940s to entertain waiting guests. Buildings were brought in from real mining camps, including structures from Calico Ghost Town near Barstow (which Walter once owned). By 1947 the attraction was officially named Knott’s Berry Farm.
Rides followed in the 1950s and 1960s, and the park grew into the theme park we know today. The Knott family sold the park in 1997; it is now operated by Six Flags. The authentic Ghost Town core remains the heart of the park and one of the main reasons Knott’s still feels more family-friendly than the bigger, more polished parks nearby.
The Best Rides at Knott’s Berry Farm
Knott’s packs a surprising amount of thrill into a relatively compact park. Here are the current standouts:
Montezooma: The Forbidden Fortress
The long-awaited $20 million reimagining of the classic 1978 shuttle-loop coaster reopened in August 2026. It features a new launch system, Aztec-themed queue and station, and the signature vertical loop. Riders still get launched from 0 to 55 mph, but the experience feels fresher and more polished.
HangTime
California’s first dive coaster. A 150-foot lift hill, a beyond-vertical 96-degree drop (the steepest in the state), five inversions, and a dramatic hang time at the top make this one of the park’s biggest draws.
GhostRider
Still the tallest, longest, and fastest wooden roller coaster on the West Coast. It delivers big airtime and a classic wood-coaster roar that many riders rank among the best in the country.
Xcelerator
A hydraulic-launch coaster that blasts you from 0 to 82 mph in 2.3 seconds and over a 205-foot top-hat element. Intense and short.
Silver Bullet
A smooth inverted coaster with multiple inversions and strong forces. Great for riders who like hanging below the track.
Timber Mountain Log Ride
A Knott’s classic since 1969. Animatronic scenes, a dark ride section, and a big splashdown at the end. You will get wet.
Calico Mine Ride
Opened in 1960 and still charming. A slow-moving dark ride through a detailed gold mine with animatronics and a surprise drop near the end.
Calico River Rapids
River-raft ride with animal animatronics and a soaking finale. Perfect on hot days.
Other solid options include Pony Express (launched family coaster), Jaguar!, Sierra Sidewinder, and Coast Rider.
Calico Ghost Town
Calico Ghost Town is the original heart of Knott’s Berry Farm and remains its most atmospheric area. Walter Knott began building it in the late 1930s to entertain guests waiting for Cordelia’s famous chicken dinners. He collected authentic buildings from abandoned mining camps and ghost towns across the West, including several structures from the real Calico Ghost Town near Barstow (which he later purchased and restored in the 1950s).
Today visitors can wander the dusty streets, step inside the Blacksmith Shop, Sheriff’s Office, Silver Dollar Saloon, Bird Cage Theatre, and Boot Hill cemetery. You can still pan for gold, watch live blacksmith demonstrations, and ride the Calico Railroad or the classic Calico Mine Ride that has been running since 1960.
In summer, the area transforms with Ghost Town Alive!, an interactive live-action experience where dozens of costumed characters fill the streets, drawing guests into ongoing stories, scavenger hunts, and improvisational scenes. It’s one of the most unique offerings at any Southern California theme park and a big reason many locals return year after year
Kids Rides Camp Snoopy
Camp Snoopy is the six-acre Peanuts-themed land designed for younger kids and families who want a break from the bigger coasters. Opened in the early 1980s and refreshed over the years, it immerses guests in the world of Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the rest of the Peanuts gang with bright colors, mountain scenery, and a more relaxed pace than the rest of the park.
The area features more than a dozen family-friendly rides, including Balloon Race, Rocky Mountain Trucking Company, Woodstock’s Airmail, Charlie Brown’s Kite Flyer, and the Sierra Sidewinder spinning coaster. Character meet-and-greets with Snoopy and friends are common, and the overall atmosphere is gentler—shorter lines, lower height requirements, and plenty of shade and seating for parents.
It’s the best place in the park for families with preschoolers and early elementary kids, while older siblings can still find a few mild thrills before heading back to Ghost Town or the Boardwalk for bigger rides.
Knott’s Discount Tickets & Ways to Save
Never pay the full gate price. Current strategies that work well:
Buy single-day tickets online in advance from the official Knott’s site or trusted resellers — prices are usually significantly lower than the gate.
Watch for season-pass sales. In August 2026, 2027 season passes were heavily discounted (sometimes close to the price of a single day ticket). A basic season pass can pay for itself in two visits.
Gold and Prestige passes add Soak City access and multi-park benefits.
Military, first-responder, and law-enforcement discounts are available (ID required).
AAA, Costco, and Sam’s Club occasionally offer discounted tickets — check local stores.
Combo tickets with nearby attractions (Pirate’s Dinner Adventure, Medieval Times, etc.) sometimes provide better overall value.
Fast Lane (the park’s skip-the-line option) is available on busy days but is an add-on cost.
Parking is expensive. Some visitors park for free or cheaper on nearby streets (especially behind Soak City along Stanton Avenue), but always check current restrictions and safety.
Dining at Knott’s Berry Farm
Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant
The original. Famous fried chicken dinners, mashed potatoes, biscuits, and boysenberry pie have been served here since 1934. Located just outside the main gate in the California Marketplace — you can eat here without buying a park ticket.
Ghost Town Grill
Solid American comfort food inside the park (BBQ, sandwiches, mac & cheese).
Sutter’s Mill / other quick-service spots
Pizza, burgers, and standard theme-park fare.
Boysenberry Treats
Funnel cakes, boysenberry pie, soft-serve, lemonade, and seasonal boysenberry beer or shakes. Trying something boysenberry is basically mandatory.
Important Tips for Your Visit
- Arrive at opening. The first 90–120 minutes have the shortest lines for the big coasters.
- Hit GhostRider, HangTime, Xcelerator, and Montezooma early.
- The park is cashless at most locations (credit/debit or mobile pay only).
- Guests 15 and older must be accompanied by a chaperone 21 or older.
- Check the daily calendar for Ghost Town Alive!, shows, and seasonal events.
- Soak City (the adjacent water park) is open seasonally and requires separate or combo admission.
Seasonal Events
Knott’s Scary Farm (fall) — one of the longest-running and most intense Halloween events at any theme park.
Knott’s Merry Farm / Christmas (winter) — lights, crafts, and holiday entertainment.
Boysenberry Festival (spring) — food-focused celebration of the park’s namesake berry.
Summer brings Ghost Town Alive! and evening entertainment.
Knott’s Berry Farm FAQ:
How much do Knott’s Berry Farm tickets cost?
Online single-day tickets typically start around $65–$85 depending on the date. Gate prices are higher (often $100+). Season passes frequently go on deep sale and can be the best value for locals.
Is Montezooma open again?
Yes. Montezooma: The Forbidden Fortress reopened on August 6, 2026 after a major multi-year renovation.
Can I visit just for the chicken dinner?
Yes. Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant is outside the paid park gates in the California Marketplace.
Is there free parking?
Official parking is paid and not cheap. Some street parking exists near Soak City, but availability and legality change, so verify current conditions.
What is the best age for Knott’s?
The park works well for mixed-age groups. Camp Snoopy covers young kids, while the coasters satisfy teens and adults.
How does Knott’s compare to Disneyland?
Much smaller, significantly cheaper, stronger on thrill coasters and authentic Western atmosphere, weaker on immersive themed lands and nighttime spectacles. Many Orange County residents prefer it for a lower-stress, higher-value day.
Is Soak City included with regular admission?
No. It requires a separate ticket or a Gold/Prestige-level pass that includes water-park access.
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Wondering if the discount prices for Knott’s Berry Farm will continue past September 4th. I am interested in purchasing 9 tickets for September 28th.
Yes they will renew, I am not sure exactly what the new discount will be. You can call customer service at 1-877-300-6138 they may have more info that I do.
Hey is knotts cheaper after 4 p.m.?
Hello, Knott’s is the same price whatever time you visit. To get the most out of your ticket, arrive early when then open. I had a season ticket for three years when my son was a youngster. We got there when the park opened and were able to get on the most popular rides before the lines got too long.
Hi there! How can I book 2 adult tickets for 06/01/2023?
You can book tickets using this link
What would it coast for 2 adults and 2 grandkids 10 and 11 yrs for May 31 ?
$268.00 four tickets @$67 each
Any idea when I’ll be able to buy for April 22 2023?
Tickets are released in batches – I would say the first week in April or thereabout.
Your Knotts Berry Farm tickets only go to March 9th, anything for the weekend of the 12th?
Two different ticket sources are listed; the second one has tickets through mid-April. Here is a Link for those tickets.
how much for 2 adult and 2 junior tickets for knots berry farm on november 25 2022?😁
4 x General Admission (ages 3+) $66.50. Total $266.00
I want to buy a day pass for 2 adults and 2 teenagers as a gift. How do I do this with not having a date?
Weekday tickets cost less than weekend tickets.
Is the oark open now? We would like to go on 3/29 or 3/30/22 for the day.
Yes Knott’s Berry Farm is open now.
HELLO
LOOKING TO GET 7 TCIKETS FOR KNOTTS BERRY FARM FOR 9TH APRIL 2022, WHAT IS THE PRICE PLESAE
April 9 is a weekend so tickets are $81.00 – weekday tickets are quite a bit lower. You will save $63.00 off the gate price if you buy seven tickets. The gate price is $99.00
Do you have single day passes for Knotts Merry Farm available? If so how much and when are they valid? Thank you!
Yes, we have single-day tickets. They run $53 to $55 dollars depending on the day you go. Tickets are Valid until January 2nd, 2022
I’m interested in going on Saturday December 18. Two adults, military and AAA members. What is the best price available?
Looks like the best price for weekend tickets is $52.00. The family pack is no longer available for 2021. 2022 ticket deals are pending.
How much is a cheeseburger, fries and a drink? What is the average price of an entrée? Is it cheaper to purchase the single meal deal online or buy (cheeseburger, fries, and drink or other meal) once at the park?
Thank you!
There is a Mcdonalds’ just east of Knott’s on Beach Bvld.
Hello Lisa
“Beginning March 14, Knott’s Berry Farm will temporarily close through the end of the month. Knott’s.”
They are closed for the remainder of this month but will open April 1. (aRes)Tickets are valid through Valid until January 3rd, 2021.
Hi,
I would like to know if I could make dinner reservations for about 25 people at the Knotts Chicken Restaurant, for next Saturday June 22, around 5pm. Who can I talk to about making reservations…… Can I please have a phone number to someone in reservations.
You see, we live in the La Quinta, Ca. Next door to Palm Springs, and just before you get to Indio, Ca. Many years ago, like1964 just a couple of months before my husband and I got married. My husband and I, and another couple came to visit Knotts Berry Farm, we were on our second date. Back than the Park was a little deferent, it was open you could walk in and walk around the Park. Then some people took advantage of that, and made it hard on us. All we wanted to do is come and enjoy the Park. It was a lot of fun. You didn’t have to pay when you came onto the Park. You paid only when you got on a ride or saw a show, something like that. Well now, my husband and I, and a few of our close friends and families are looking forward to celebrating our 55th Anniversary. What better place then here, where things got started for us. We are hoping that the Knotts Chicken Restaurant can accommodate our party of 25 quest
Thank you for reading my email,
Hello Olga
You can make a reservation for up to 15 people through open table.
They also have a telephone number you can call.
Happy 55th Anniversary
Hi DayTrippen. I was planning on taking my cousin, his wife, and their 11-year-old son to Knott’s in mid-August when they come to visit from England. I wanted to know more about the FREE PARKING area you briefly mentioned in the “Tips Before You Go” section. You said that there are free parking available along Stanton Ave “behind Soak City.” Did you mean on the street itself, or in an actual lot? Because when I look up that area on Google Maps, I can see a parking lot (pretty much empty too) in the section just north of Soak City (and east of the Knott’s Berry Farm Church of Reflections. But the gate that gives access to that lot from Stanton Ave is closed and there are signs on the outside that says “Do Not Enter” (I checked using street walk mode on Google Maps). Also, this lot actually seems connected to the official Knott’s Berry Farm “North Lot,” but there doesn’t seem to be any other way to get in except for that gate from Stanton (which again is closed and says “Do No Enter” from the outside).
People in other travel forums have suggested parking in the Buena Park mall lot, which is on the other side of Stanton Ave from the lot I was just talking about above, but I can see on Google Maps that you’d have to walk quite a bit to get to an official KBF lot so that you can take a tram to the park entrance. What about the western parking lot right across the street from the KBF Western Gate. Can guests park there for free and enter the park through that gate? Or is that an employee only parking lot (even though I did see a LOT OF CARS parked there on Google Maps)?
Hello Al
The free street parking area is directly behind Knott’s Soak City. Between Maple Street and Crescent on Stanton Ave. I imagine the parking spots fill up fast. I also see quite a few people parking at the Sears parking lot at the Buena Park Mall. There are signs posted for customer parking only. However, Sears is a ghost town these days. (I doubt if anyone would notice, but you never know).
If you park on Stanton you will have to walk up to Crescent, turn right, cross over Beach Blvd, then cut through Knott’s parking lot to the main entrance. There is no fence there and you will end up going under Ghost Rider coaster and passing by the marketplace and Knott’s Chicken Dinner before you get to the entrance.
The parking lot at the back of KBF on Western Avenue is employee parking.
Remember buy tickets online (on this site or another) so you don’t have to wait at the ticket booth. And have a great day.
Gordon
So I’m planning a trip for August 3rd . me and my wife and 6 kids, is there a family deal package available or is it regular pricing. Also I have a 2 year old is there a fee for her entry?
Hello Brian
Children age 3 -11 will need a Junior Ticket. Under age 3 they are free.
Have a wonderful day at Knott’s Berry Farm. Be sure to talk a walk around the ghost town. Many of the buildings are from real western towns, not props.
What would be the cost for 3 adults and 2 children in the month of July on a family plan ?
Hello Steve
5 x $43 price would be $215.00 plus a very low service fee off $2 per ticket.
Best deal around
Hi – do you only have single day passes or are seasonal passes available? Thanks!
Hello
Currently, the only place you can buy a season pass is at Knott’s. You will need to go to the Season Pass Processing Center which is adjacent to Starbucks. Near Knott’s Berry farm main entrance to purchase a season pass.
Thanks for visiting our website
Gordon
https://www.daytrippen.com
I run a Child care, I’m looking for a good group price. my day care parents receive cash aid and most of the kids aren’t able to go.
Hello
You can call Call 1-877-300-6138 and see if any groups rates are available.
Hello, is this website only for knotts berry farm? I’m looking for knotts soak city tickets. Can I know whether you offer soak city tickets too?
Yes, we have Knott’s, Soak City, and a combo pass for both attractions.
I bought the tikets today i hope I dont have a problem at the entrance. My kids are so excited to go for the very first time.
Hello Luis
You and your kids will have a fun day at Knott’s Berry Farm.
Is this a scam?… it’s to GOOD to be TRUE!!!!! To purshase 5 adult tickets and 2 children tickets at a very low price $45 for adult and $41 for children … i just dont want to be ripped off for the money I work hard for so my children can have a lil bit of fun…. does it make a diffrence if I purshase tickets on line or calling the toll free number ..
Hello Pollie
This is defiantly not a scam. We have sold thousands of Knott’s Berry Farm tickets. If you feel uncomfortable ordering online please call 1-877-300-6138 and a real person will answer any questions you may have and help you with your ticket purchase.
Have a great day at Knotts
We are visiting from Omaha, NE. We have 4 people ages 17, 20 and two adults -parents (one in a wheelchair). We’ll come on a day the week after Christmas.
How much are tickets? Are there discounts we could get thru Costco or we have AAA auto club?
Hello Susan
Current ticket price is $39.50 for age 12 and up. (that is a saving of $36 on each ticket!
These tickets are good through December 31, 2016.
You will not find a better deal at Costco or AAA.
Have a great trip to Southern California.
How soon do you email the tickets once purchased?
Hello Jasmin
You will receive an email within a few minutes with your tickets.
For more information or to purchase tickets by phone call 1-877-300-6138.
Thanks for visiting daytrippen.com
kids 1 day pass is cheaper than adults. Is the season pass also cheaper? Also if grand kids get a pass from someone else can I get my money back? They don’t need 2 passes. Thanks
Knotts Season pass can only be purchased from the theme park. I would wait for 2017 season passes, this year is almost over.
Knott’s Family Pack tickets are cheaper but you need to buy at least two tickets to get the reduced rate.
We wanted to come visit Knotsberry Farm on the 27th or 28th of October. I’ve read comments that the park closes early for Scare hours. How old does the child have to be to stay in the park? He’s 14 yrs old.
Thanks…
Hello Angie
14 years old should be fine for Knotts Scray Farm. You will have to decide if you want to go during the day or evening. Knotts scary farm is a separate ticket from general admission tickets.
Daytime will be a lot less crowded.
Hope this helps
Hi I was just wondering before I make a purchase, are these real legit tickets to enter the park no problemo? I’m still holding off on purchasing because I’m not sure if it’ll turn into fraud down the line lol Excuse my paranoia, any insight I will greatly appreciate before I purchase 🙂
We have sold thousands of Knotts Berry Farm tickets with no problems. You can also order tickets by phone.1 877 300 6138 during the day.
What are the operating hour in October 25 through November 7 th
Hello Sheri
The balance of this month they are closing early for Knotts Scary Farm. Hours 10 am to 5:30 pm
November 4 – 7 10 am to 8 pm
Thanks for visiting daytrippen.com
if purchased through your website, are Knotts tickets sent to email to be printed?
Hello Matt
Yes, you will be sent an email with your ticket slip. There is a bar code on the email that will be scanned at the entrance gate. You do not need to stand in line at the ticket booth. Just bring the ticket slip that you printed out.
If I want to purchase season passes is there a payment plan?
Hello Leslie
Knotts Berry Farm season passes can only be purchased through Knotts. Currently they do not offer a payment plan.
Basic season pass is $120.00 plus taxes & fees. If you want parking to go along with the season pass add another $18.00. Season Passes are valid from January 1 to December 31. If you buy in the middle of the year you will only get six a six-month pass and pay for one year.
You have to consider how many times you are going to visit the park before buying a season pass
Thanks for visiting daytrippen.com
I’m not sure I understand the Family Pack tickets… I want 3 individual tickets (Adult) for Knotts. It’s cheaper if I order the Family Pack ones, but the “Family” is throwing me off. Help, before I purchase.
Hello Marie
Yes it is cheaper to order the family pack tickets for knotts. You just need to buy 3 tickets adult, kids, or a combo of both.
Have fun at knotts
Does anyone know how much is the knotts berry farm golden pass with parking at Cosco?
Season passes can only be purchased from Knott’s berry Farm.
You can get two hours of free parking at Knott’s, used to be three just enough time for season pass holders to get a few early morning rides in before the crowds arrive.
I imagine they changed it to two hours to discourage this.
Do the season pass have an invite for one free guess
Hello Lisa
Knotts Berry Farm season pass can only be bought directly from the theme park.
Season passes do include “Bring A Friend Discount Days” Admission is not free for the friend, it is the same price as tickets on this page.
Bring A Friend Discount Days are held on select days only. Our tickets are good for all days.
Hope this helps.
Are these tickets valid to enter the park during the boysenberry festival?
Yes, these tickets are valid during the boysenberry festival. Tickets are good for any day the park is open in 2016.
Have a great time at Knotts Berry Farm
Are military prices only for active duty, or is it valid for veterans also? Thanks
You need to show a Military I.D. card to get reduced rate at the ticket booth.
The discount is the same as tickets you can purchase on this page. Family pack tickets are lower Military discount.
Knott’s Boysenberry Festival March 19 – April 3, 2016. Celebrate Knott’s historic berry each spring during Knott’s Boysenberry Festival. The 16-day food festival features countless, one-of-a-kind boysenberry inspired dishes, drinks and more, plus live entertainment and fun the whole family will love!. Included with the price of admission.
I am not sure if we will have time to get to Knotts Berry farm but if we do it will be a last minute purchase. Would the front gates accept the email form of the e-ticket that is being provided to us from this site or does it have to be printed?
You should be able to show the email and have the bar code scanned or go to the customer service office. Tickets are valid until December 31, 2016
Hi,
I would like to know if the discount prices mentioned above still valid for this month (December 2015)?
Thanks
Tickets are valid through the end of 2015. This offer is due to be renewed for 2016.
Hello..
I would like to know when is going to be Marine toys for tots?
please let me know..
Thank you , Ines
Military Tribute Days from November 1, 2015 – December 20, 2015. The free-admission offer applies to all U.S. veterans, retired and active military personnel and one guest. ID is required for this offer. If deployed, a spouse may bring a copy of deployment papers to the Guest Services window to receive the free guest admission.