Hey there, fellow Halloween enthusiasts! If you’re looking for a fantastic and family-friendly way to celebrate this spooky season, look no further than Knott’s Spooky Farm at Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park, California. This guide is your friendly chat about all things Spooky Farm, where we’ll cover everything you need to know for a spooktacular day with your family.
So, what’s Knott’s Spooky Farm all about? Well, it’s like a Halloween wonderland that pops up on weekends throughout October at Knott’s Berry Farm. Imagine this: pumpkins, scarecrows, costumes, treats, and more, all in one place! And the best part? It’s designed especially for families with kids. It’s the perfect halloween day activity!
Knott’s Spooky Farm: A Family Guide
Knott’s Spooky Farm is a daytime, non-scary Halloween celebration designed specifically for families with younger children. It runs on weekends throughout the month of October. The event combines the thrills of Halloween with the family-friendly atmosphere that Knott’s Berry Farm is known for.
We love this daytime event and I think it’s important to clarify…….you will have NO interaction with knott’s scary farm at night. Trust me, my child (and scaredy cat me) confirm every year. You will NOT see the nighttime characters. Knott’s Spooky Farm is a guests of all ages and totally separate event. They CLOSE the theme park , and require separate tickets. I promise. Your little ghouls won’t accidentally witness the terror of the EVENING Knott’s Scary Farm. It’s all cute halloween hootenanny fun and nothing else.
Here are some key highlights of Knott’s Spooky Farm:
Spooky Decorations
The entire theme park is decked out with Halloween decorations, creating a festive and spooky atmosphere. From whimsical jack-o-lanterns to scarecrows, you’ll find plenty of great photo opportunities to capture your family’s Halloween spirit. We love taking pictures in front of town hall!
Trick-or-Treating
One of the main attractions of Knott’s Spooky Farm is the trick-or-treating experience. Kids can dress up in their festive halloween costumes and go door-to-door collecting candies and treats in a safe and friendly environment. Look for the various treat stations throughout the park, where friendly staff and characters will hand out goodies (most of the trick or treat stations are in the heart of ghost town and by the school house).
Kid-Friendly Rides at Knott’s Spooky Farm
Many of Knott’s Berry Farm’s beloved rides remain open during Knott’s Spooky Farm, providing entertainment for children and adults alike. Some rides are even given a Halloween twist, making them extra fun for the occasion.
Don’t Miss: the residents of the timber mountain log ride decorate the ride for Halloween every year….it’s a ton of fun!
Costume Contests
Kids are encouraged to come in costume, and there are costume contests where they can show off their creativity. Prizes are awarded for various age groups, so everyone has a chance to win. Check the Knott’s Berry Farm app for the calico carnival costume cavalcade times each day!
Live Entertainment
Throughout the day, there are live shows and performances suitable for all ages. These shows can range from spooky tales to interactive dance parties, ensuring there’s always something exciting happening. I’ll share more about the Knott’s Spooky Farm specific shows below (they have the cutest options)!
Themed Dining
Don’t forget to try some of the special Halloween-themed food and beverages available during Knott’s Spooky Farm. From halloween cookies to spooky drinks, there’s something to satisfy every craving. We always love decorating cookies or cupcakes by the school house in the little cabin!
Planning Your Visit to Knott’s Spooky Farm
Tickets and Timing
Knott’s Spooky Farm typically runs on weekends in October. This year’s Knott’s Spooky Farm dates are Thursdays to Sundays from September 28 to October 29, 2023 ( plus Halloween ). This is a super popular event, so I highly suggest buying tickets in advance (you can get DISCOUNT tickets from my friends at Undercover Tourist HERE).
Costume Preparation
Encourage your kids to wear comfortable costumes that are easy to move in. Be mindful of the weather, as October in Southern California can be warm during the day and cooler in the evenings. Consider layering costumes to keep your little ones comfortable. I’d highly suggest bringing a sweatshirt for early evening. Last year we left ours in the car, and ended up going back to grab them!
Trick-or-Treating
Bring a small bag or bucket for collecting treats. Some children also like to have a flashlight or glow stick to make it easier to see in the dimly lit areas or later in the day.
Hydration and Snacks
Staying hydrated is important, especially if you’re spending the whole day at the park. Carry reusable water bottles for the family, and consider bringing some healthy snacks to keep everyone energized between meals. If you’re looking for snacks inside of Knott’s…..I love Charleston Circle Coffee for a quick caffeine fix and snack options.
Must-See Attractions and Activities at Knott’s Spooky Farm
Camp Spooky
Camp Spooky is a special area within Knott’s Spooky Farm designed with younger children in mind. Here, you’ll find:
- charlie brown and friends meet and greet : don’t miss snoopy and the whole peanuts gang in their costumes….they’re ADORABLE!
- The Grand Sierra Railroad: A kid-friendly train ride with Halloween-themed decorations.
- Great Pumpkin Palooza show : this adorable musical takes place a few times a day at the camp snoopy theater and is PERFECT for younger kids (it’s about 20 minutes long)
Ghost Town
Ghost Town is the heart of Knott’s Berry Farm and becomes even spookier during Knott’s Spooky Farm. Some must-see attractions in Ghost Town include:
- Ghost Town Treat Stops: Trick-or-treat stations where kids can collect candies and treats.
- Pumpkin Decorating: Let your creativity shine by decorating your very own pumpkin.
- Bob Baker Marionette Theatre Show : the popular troupe is back with their Halloween-themed spooky puppet show at Birdcage Theatre.
- Creepy Critters of Calico: This is so much fun! Inside the livery stable you’ll see bugs, spiders and some of the usual stable inhabitants done up for Halloween.
Tips for a Memorable Day
Plan Your Route for Knott’s Spooky Farm
Knott’s Spooky Farm can get crowded, so it’s a good idea to plan your route in advance. Check the show schedules and prioritize the activities that your family is most excited about. We normally start in Camp Snoopy and then head to calico park later in the day.
Arrive Early
To make the most of your day, arrive early when the park opens. This way, you can enjoy the attractions with shorter lines and maximize your time at Knott’s Spooky Farm.
Knott’s Spooky Farm offers a unique and family-friendly way to celebrate Halloween with your loved ones. From trick-or-treating to thrilling rides with a Halloween twist, this event has something for everyone. We love visiting every year and after this season? Then it’s on to Knott’s Merry Farm!
