Ghost Town Alive! Returns with a New Interactive Adventure

Get ready to step into the Wild West like never before. Ghost Town Alive! transforms the town of Calico into a fully immersive experience where guests become part of the story.

From secret missions and puzzle-solving to quirky characters and interactive quests, this fan-favorite event is back with an all-new storyline.

Dates: Select dates June 13 – September 1
Location: Calico Ghost Town at Knott’s Berry Farm

This is a must-do for families looking for interactive things to do in Orange County this summer. It’s engaging for all ages, but truly special for elementary-aged children and beyond.

Knott’s Summer Nights: Music, Games, and Instagrammable Moments

When the sun goes down, the fun keeps going! Knott’s Summer Nights turns Calico Park into a glowing summer party with live music on multiple stages, local bands, yard games, and vibrant lights that make every corner photo-ready.

Pair the fun with limited-time summer food items like:

• Kimchi Crab Tots
• Grilled Pineapple Beef Burger
• Apple Fritter Bread
• Mango Soft Serve with Tajín Funnel Cake

Dates: Select dates June 13 – September 1
Location: Calico Park at Knott’s Berry Farm

Knott’s Soak City Waterpark: Beat the Heat with Splash-Tastic Fun

Right across the street, Knott’s Soak City opens its gates on select dates starting May 17 through September 7. With over 15 acres of water attractions, it’s one of the best ways to stay cool in Southern California this summer.

Read my full guide to epic fun at Soak City.

Highlights at Soak City:

• Over 20 slides, including speed, tube, and body slides
• Tidal Wave Bay with 4-foot-high waves
• One of the longest lazy rivers in the country: Sunset River
• Gremmie Lagoon, a splash zone just for little ones

Whether you’re planning a weekend trip or a full-blown family vacation, Soak City is a great waterpark near Anaheim for summer fun.

Dates: Select dates May 17 – September 7
Location: Knott’s Soak City

For more Anaheim family fun, make sure to pick up your copy of 100 Things to Do in Anaheim Before You Die.

Make It a Summer Staycation at the Newly Renovated Knott’s Hotel

Turn your day trip into a staycation! We have truly treasured our stays at the renovated Knott’s Hotel. It’s steps from the park entrance, making it a convenient pit-stop for mid-day naps. Plus, it brings a farmhouse chic style to the park with plenty of nods to the history of Knott’s Berry Farm.

Check out our Knott’s Hotel Review. Plus, you can download your own printable luggage tags for some extra fun!

The Knott’s Hotel offers the Ultimate Package, which includes:

• Two-day park admission
• Daily breakfast buffet
• Overnight accommodations
• Free parking

Book your getaway at KnottsHotel.com

Save with a Knott’s Berry Farm Season Pass

If you plan on visiting more than once, the 2025 Season Pass is the best deal. Enjoy unlimited visits to Knott’s Berry Farm all year long. Opt for the Gold Season Pass to include unlimited entry to both Knott’s Berry Farm and Knott’s Soak City. Learn more at Knott’s Berry Farm.

Here’s a preview of what a year at Knott’s looks like with the 2025 Seasons of Fun.

Plan Your Summer Adventure Now

Whether you’re craving classic theme park thrills, looking for family-friendly live entertainment in OC, or searching for ways to keep cool with the kids, Knott’s Berry Farm and Soak City have everything you need for the ultimate summer escape.

Located in Buena Park, Knott’s is just minutes from Anaheim and easily accessible from all over Southern California.

As a Knott’s Ambassador, I receive complimentary admission to the theme park. Hotel acccommodations were not sponsored.

Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel Renovations

A new Knott’s Hotel pays tribute to founders Walter and Cordelia Knott in a modern hotel space. The revamped Knott’s Hotel celebrates their legacy by seamlessly blending tradition and modern appointments, offering a retreat with 322 rooms suitable for both theme park enthusiasts and business travelers.

Knott’s Hotel Lobby

The transformation encompasses various enhancements, including a redesigned guest registration area leading into the welcoming lobby great room, a delightful new outdoor courtyard, an expanded gift shop, and The Pantry, a new coffee bar serving freshly brewed Starbucks coffee and convenient grab-and-go items.

The magnificant chandellier at the center of the lobby plays off of jam jars of yesteryear. The carpet even has boysenberries in its design!

Knott’s Hotel Restaurants

Thirty Acres Kitchen, the hotel’s new full-service restaurant, serves up farm-inspired dishes and classic American fare. With a nod to the original 30 acres of the Knott’s farm and Cordelia Knott’s culinary expertise, the restaurant offers seasonal menu items tailored to complement the park’s themed areas, festivals, and events. The addition of an expanded outdoor dining veranda enhances the dining experience, while a spacious double-sided wrap-around bar in the lobby invites guests to savor locally inspired craft cocktails and small plates in a cozy and eclectic atmosphere.

We found the menus to be family-friendly generously portioned. Pizza, burgers, pasta, and other comfort food items filled the menu. The charming details like a chalkboard farmhouse door mirror what Mrs. Knotts would have written on the menu board outside her restaurant.

Thirty Acres Restaurant Hours

• Breakfast Buffet – 6:30 AM to 11:00 AM
• Lunch – 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
• Dinner – 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM

The Pantry

Step away from the parks for a sip of coffee from The Pantry. Serving Starbucks coffee, the hotel coffee bar offers beverages, plus baked goods and small bites like mixed fruit, salads, and pasta.

If you’re looking to use your Starbucks stars, head to the official location in the California Marketplace right outside the park exit.

Berry Place

Paying homage to the original berry stand, the hotel shop is called “Berry Place.” Stock up on your favorite Knott’s Berry Farm merchandise to serve as precious souvenirs of your stay.

What you’ll find in Berry Place:

• Beverages
• Branded toiletries
• Plush
• Apparel
• Popular Knott’s Berry Farm merchandise

Knott’s Hotel Guestrooms

Each of the guestrooms and suites has undergone renovation, boasting handcrafted details that exude a refined farmhouse aesthetic.

With my family of six, we opted for connecting rooms, each with two extremely comfortable queen beds. This allowed us the space to relax while staying connected. Speaking of connected, there are chargers built into the lamps. We were charmed by the artwork that captured the spirit of Knott’s Berry farm, like close-up photography of the Bottle House.

The bathroom features an illuminated mirror with touch activated controls, plus elevated toiletries. My Knott’s loving heart appreciated the boysenberry-imprinted handsoap.

Knott’s Hotel Packages and Discounts

To enrich the Knott’s Berry Farm experience, the hotel offers an exclusive Boysenberry Package, which includes park admission, tasting cards, parking, and overnight accommodation—a perfect blend of convenience and luxury. Explore Knott’s Hotel’s current packages and deals.

Don’t forget that Season Passholders also get discounted rates, too!

Knott’s Hotel Reservations

For reservations, please visit knottshotel.com.

Free Printable Knott’s Hotel Luggage Tag

Ahead of your visit, make sure to print out your own Knott’s Hotel Luggage Tags. These free printable tags brand your visit to the berry best of staycation destinations!

Free Printable Knott’s Hotel Luggage Tags

The final touches of the Knott’s Hotel are slated for completion in April 2024. We adored our stay steps away from Knott’s Berry Farm and will definitely be back for future stays. The hotel is less than 500 steps from the park and perfect for popping back and forth from the park to your farmhouse away from home.

Make sure to follow along on social media to get more Knott’s Berry Farm news.