Do you need a chaperone for Knott’s Scary Farm?

As a family destination, Knott’s Berry Farm closely guards the experience of all guests.  In Summer 2022, a Chaperone Policy was instituted.  In short, minors aged 15 years and younger require adult supervision (21+) after 4 PM.  

You can read the full Code of Conduct and Policy here.

Top 5 Reasons It’s Cool to Bring a Chaperone to Knott’s Scary Farm

Bringing along a chaperone to Knott’s Scary Farm has a ton of bonuses, but I’m sharing my “Top 5 Reasons It’s Cool to Bring a Chaperone to Scary Farm”. 

1. You’ve Got Your Own Personal Photographer

Forget Instagram Husband.  Instagram Dads are the next big thing.  When you bring a chaperone to Scary Farm, you’ve got access to your own personal photographer to snap group photos with all of your friends.  

2. They Can Hold Your Stuff

Sweaters and cell phones can weigh you down, especially when you’re racing from monsters.  Bring a chaperone to hold your stuff when your racing heart heats you up or you seek new thrills on your favorite coasters.  

TIP: Even with a chaperone to hold your belongings, make sure to pack light for Scary Farm.  Read the Bag Policy for size requirements. 

3. You Can Hide Behind Them

Feeling a little nervous? Sacrifice your chaperone to the clowns of CarnEVIL or the ghouls of Ghost Town by having the adult go first.  Hide behind your chaperone in mazes, too.  Just hold  on tight before you never know when the animals of The Zoo will emerge from the darkness.

4. They Can Grab You Snacks

Hungry for a slice from the Prop Shop Pizzeria or sweets from Classic Candy?  Having a chaperone means easy financing for your fright fuel.  

TIP: Remember that Knott’s is cashless.  You can use a Cash-to-Card kiosk or bring a digital or card payment.  Read more here.

5.  It’s a New Family Tradition

A family that screams together, stays together.  Isn’t that how the saying goes?  Bringing a chaperone like a parent means you’re experiencing the horrifyingly good time together.  While the years requiring a chaperone are short, the memories you’ll make together last a lifetime.

My teen adored her first visit, and is already planning her return annually.  I know my husband cherished the time, too.  He loved being needed (even if he was being used as a human shield), and loved getting to know our teen’s friends.  

Before your visit, make sure to check out the full guide to Knott’s Scary Farm.

They say the nightmares never end at Knott’s Scary Farm.  When you bring a chaperone, the benefits and the fun are just getting started.  Visit Knotts.com for tickets and more information.

As a Berry Blogger, I received complimentary admission to facilitate this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Scary Farm brings the largest and most haunting Halloween fun to Buena Park, California. The Knott’s Berry Farm park has been scaring guests for decades with chilling mazes, unescapable scare zones, themed entertainment and dining, and more.

I’ve been gearing up for the infamous fog for weeks. I was able to attend the 2025 Scary Farm Announcement event “Scary Farm: Nightmares Revealed” where we got to check out the new offerings.

I’m so thrilled to break down everything you need to know about the haunting horrors that await you.

Scary Farm Mazes & Scare Zones

Each year brings excitement as we await the announcement of the mazes coming to the Scary Farm line-up. Even returning mazes are given fresh elements to keep us screaming for more, year after year.

Mazes Returning to Scary Farm 2025

• Room 13 – Violent murders at The Blind Tiger interrupt the Prohibition-era revelry on Memory Lane. A dangerously delicious new cocktail named The Devil’s Elixir seems to be at the root of the mayhem, but where did the mysterious green aperitif come from? The answers may lie at the heart of the extravagant Argive Hotel, where many have checked in to Room 13… but none have checked out.
• Cinema Slasher – Venturing through the mystical Midnight Theater, guests travel through the silver screen and into a trilogy of slasher movies. As they are swallowed into the world of gothic horror, they become the movie characters who try to escape the wrath of the dangerous Slasher. The theater opens its doors once again, daring those brave enough to buy a ticket to Cinema Slasher!
• The Chilling Chambers – In honor of the first maze in Knott’s Scary Farm’s prestigious history, the 10 Chilling Chambers gives a nostalgic nod to Scary Farm’s past while terrorizing the audience of today. Guests are thrust beyond the threshold of an ominous towering cathedral that leads to terrifying classic maze themes from Knott’s Scary Farm’s infamous history.
• The Grimoire (Final Year) – Turn the page and enter the world of an ancient relic whose dark stories exist purely to turn your greatest nightmares into reality. Enter the world of a mysterious spell book and escape the demonic creatures inside or be eternally trapped within!
• Mesmer: Sideshow of the Mind (Final Year) – Within the canvas tent lies the secret of the most potent force in the universe: the human mind. A hypnotic session with Professor Mesmer can cure all phobias, including snakes, spiders, darkness, claustrophobia and much more!
• Origins: The Curse of Calico – Pierce the veil of time and discover the secret of the evil fog that hangs over Knott’s Scary Farm in Origins: The Curse of Calico. Unearth the sinister paranormal activity that plagues the town as Sarah Marshall is put on trial for her suspected crimes of witchcraft.
• Eight Fingers Nine – Become immersed in a living fairy tale in an 18th century colonial township that’s under siege by an inhuman monster who has a sick penchant for eating fingers. As night descends, Eight Fingers Nine emerges from the shadows in search of fresh meat. His vicious bite penetrates deep, causing sleep paralysis which holds his victim in sway while he slowly consumes their flesh. Step lightly and beware the dark, or you may be the main course at his next meal!
• Widows – The night of the arachnid is upon us! Enter a web-covered nursing home where demonic, eight-legged black widows emerge from their silken tunnels to possess the withered bodies of the elderly residence. Their sole purpose is to secure a mate and hatch a clutch of eggs before sunrise. Will you climb into their web and succumb to their dark desires?

With two mazes retiring this year, you’ll not want to miss your last chance for the horrors.

New Mazes for 2025

Mary – The Haunting of Worth Home – After the tragic death of her family, Mary was violently murdered and buried alive by jealous townsfolk who were envious of her perfect family and home. Through immense pain and grief of her loss, Mary returns from the grave searching aimlessly for her family as she and her legion of nightmarish creatures will do anything to exact revenge on anyone that steps inside her once beautiful home. 

The Zoo – Something has taken over the abandoned zoo. What was once a lively showcase of exotic animals has been transformed into a terrifying laboratory of animal/human experiments. Hybrid creatures have turned on their creators and the compound is crawling with mutant soldiers thirsty for revenge. Rumors are swirling that the mutated monsters are planning something that will change everything!  

Scary Farm Scare Zones

One thing that sets Scary Farm apart from other Halloween events, especially haunts, is your inability to escape those that lurk in the fog. From entry into the park, you may prey victim to the monsters.

Uniquely themed Scare Zones add to the thrills.

2025 Scare Zones

• CarnEVIL
• Ghost Town Streets
• Forsaken Lake
• The Gore-ing 20’s
• The Gauntlet

Scary Farm Shows & Entertainment

• Conjurers – Magic meant to amaze and amuse takes place during Conjurers – Magic and Mirth at the Bird Cage Theatre.
• The Hanging – There’s a New Tariff in Town -The Lawman has returned to track down the vilest villains of the past year in this pop culture parody stunt extravaganza. No one is safe when the gates of the Wagon Camp swing open. 
• Le Magnifique Carnaval du Grotesque (Show) – Step right up to the Calico Mine Stage and walk into the mystique and darkness of the malevolent Le Magnifique Carnaval Du Grotesque. A collection of death-defying feats and carnival acts that will delight your darkest desires and fill your senses with terror and delight.
• Into The Fog: A Scary Farm Tribute Art Show – Into the Fog is an art show specially curated for the discerning Scary Farm fan, held in The Factory Store. Don’t miss the collection of original art by unique and talented artists from across the country. These artists have drawn inspiration from Knott’s Scary Farm’s rich decades long history.
• Timber Mountain Log Ride: Halloween Hootenanny  – The Timber Mountain Log Ride residents celebrate the Halloween Hootenanny, which adds a seasonal twist to a park favorite. Mysterious creatures of Timber Mountain that live out in the woods and caverns join the citizens as they honor the season at the Halloween Hootenanny. The Ride’s interior features surprises as guests venture past the Calico Coffin Creeper band, the town’s green witch, and splash down Skull Mountain through a labyrinth of jack-o-lanterns all set to an original soundtrack by Krazy Kirk and the Hillbillies.

Scary Farm Hours & Crowds

Knott’s Scary Farm is held select nights, September 18th through November 1st. You can check out the full calendar here.

Scary Farm Hours:

• Select Wednesdays, Thursdays, & Sundays: 7 PM – 1 AM
• Fridays & Saturdays: 7 PM – 2 AM

I’ve had the best luck with smaller crowds on Sunday nights. If you’re planning on attending on a Friday, Saturday, or Halloween, you may consider adding a Fright & Fast Lane pass to your evening. It’ll get you to the front of the line for mazes and rides.

Scary Farm Tickets

Scary Farm is a separate ticket event, so all attendees (even passholders) will need tickets.

You can get discount Scary Farm tickets by purchasing them online from Knott’s Berry Farm. Purchase tickets online here. Passholders, don’t forget your passholder discount!

The best option is to secure your season of screams by purchasing a Scary Farm Pass. For $159, you’ll be able to enjoy every night of terror. Quantities are limited, so I wouldn’t wait on the pass.

If you’re visiting for one frightening night, consider a Fright & Fast Lane with prices starting at $139 to skip longer waits.

Scary Farm Dining & Boo-Fet

All of that screaming can work up an appetite! Fuel up before Scary Farm at the Boo-Fet. The dinner includes early entrance to select areas of the celebration. It also comes with a 2025 souvenir bottle and digital photo download with a monster. The Knott’s Scary Farm Boo-fet dinner starts at $45 when purchased online. Separate Scary Farm admission is required and not included.

What’s served at the Boo-Fet?

Enjoy endless supplies of Knott’s favorites like the famous fried chicken, a chef carving station, and boysenberry pie. The Boo-Fet also includes a souvenir cup.

Additional Dining:

If your sweet tooth is killing you, head to the Ghost Town Bakery for some amazing options!

The Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel also has dining options. Meet friends at the hotel bar for themed beverages prior to Scary Farm. Unsuspecting patrons may fall prey to lurking monsters. YES, there are monsters at the hotel, too!

Is Scary Farm Kid-Friendly?

Amidst the monsters, you will see children. Knott’s recommends the event for individuals 13+.

My teens can definitely handle the thrill. I have a 11-year-old, and she is NOT ready for Scary Farm. It would terrify her, so we are going to hold off for at least a few more years. Each year I see children of varying ages (some younger than 13). Some are totally fine, others are not. You’ll need to use your discretion to assess if your child is ready.

Keep in mind that there isn’t a “safe area.” Monsters begin scaring at the park gate.

Scary Farm Chaperone Policy

A chaperone policy will remain in effect for all Knott’s Scary Farm event nights. Guests 15 years old or younger must be accompanied by a 21+ year old chaperone with valid government-issued photo ID. Each chaperone can accompany no more than 10 guests.

Read everything you need to know about Scary Farm Chaperones.

Scary Farm is the must visit haunt in Southern California. It’s the place where nightmares never end. If you have any questions about the seasonal screams, let me know in the comments!

Scary Farm kicks off its 2024 season September 18, 2025. See you in the fog!

As a Knott’s Berry Farm Ambassador, I receive complimentary admission to the park. However, all thoughts, opinions, and screams are my own.

After a one-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Knott’s Scary Farm is back! The largest haunt in Southern California descends upon the entire park evenings on select nights in September and October. There you’ll uncover unimaginable scares with uniquely themed mazes and Scare Zones, home to over 1,000 monsters.

As we approach the witching hour, Knott’s Berry Farm has been releasing information about the upcoming event on their social media channels. Most recently, they’ve shared the nightmare-infusing mazes.

2021 Knott’s Scary Farm Mazes

Here are the announced mazes returning to Scary Farm in 2021:

• Pumpkin Eater
• Origins: The Curse of Calico
• Dark Entities
• The Depths
• Dark Ride
• Wax Works
• Paranormal Inc.
• NEW!! Mesmer: Sideshow of the Mind

The newest maze is Mesmer: Sideshow of the Mind. Check out what Knott’s has to say about the new offering.

Within the canvas tent lies the secret of the most potent force in the universe: the human mind. Give in and succumb to the hypnotist Mesmer and his sinister sideshow, as it preys on your hidden fears. Release your inner thoughts and descend into a world of madness, torture, and eerie enlightenment. There you will uncover the grotesque secrets hidden as you brave through the most terrifying show ever created.

These returning mazes reflect the high level of storytelling from Knott’s maze producers. Wax Works and Origins: The Curse of Calico were debuted during the 2019 season with bone-chilling horror.

Wax Works

You’ve got a ticket to tour a defunct wax museum in Wax Works. But Madame Tussauds this is not.

The museum is home to The Collector, and something is seriously amiss in this museum. He’s not just making grotesque sculptures, he’s making them out of people. Wondering if you’ll make it out before becoming his next creation? The buzzing bees are churning wax made just for you.

Want to see more?

Origins: The Curse of Calico

Get the origin story of Knott’s Berry Farm’s ghost town with this autobiographical tale. The Knott’s-themed maze incorporates the lore of Sarah Marshall, convicted of withcraft. Woven throughout the maze are nods to the various park elements, making this an experience that may not end once you exit the maze.

How apt for an event promising a place where the nightmares never end.

Want to see more?

2021 Knott’s Scary Farm Scare Zones

There’s nowhere to run and nowhere to hide. Monsters lurk throughout the park, especially in themed Scare Zones.

Here are the Scare Zones for 2021:

• Ghost Town Streets
• Forsaken Lake
• The Hollow
• Carnevil
• Gore-ing 20’s

The new Scare Zone, Gore-ing 20’s brings you down Memory Lane. Prohibition may have banned the sale of alcohol, but it certainly didn’t ban terrifying gangsters and ghostly revelers from taking over the streets. Imagine a speakeasy for the damned, if you dare.

Tickets for 2021 Knott’s Scary Farm

Tickets for Knott’s Scary Farm go on sale August 16, 2021 on Knotts.com for the scare season happening select nights September 16-October 31. Tickets sell out for weekend nights and those nearest Halloween. However, with capacity in mind due to the pandemic, I would not wait to secure your screams.

For more information about Knott’s Scary Farm, make sure to follow along on social media.

I received complimentary admission as a Berry Blogger ambassador.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

As a Knott’s Berry Farm “Berry Blogger,” I am granted access to some sneak peeks and insider information.  We were invited to a behind-the-scenes tour of Scary Farm to explore the costume warehouse, sample the new seasonal menu, and also learn some really cool secrets about the brand new mazes and scare zone.

Costumes and Make-up

Costumes

Bringing nightmares into reality takes a pretty extensive team.  Costume inspiration is provided by maze directors, who share the maze plot and provide a character breakdown.  This includes everything from height to the type of role the monster will play in the maze.

Distraction Characters are often showy, like a “beautiful” nurse.  While guests are distracted by the nurse, two different monsters will jump out to scare you.

Another element provided for the costuming department are the color palettes.  Forsaken Lake features shades of blue.  Each is hand-painted and distressed.  The delicate feathers are actually not feathers at all.  To ensure costumes that are made to last and vibrant in color, costumers use upholstery fabric to make the monsters’ clothing.   Costumes typically last 4-5 seasons, which is coincidentally the length that many mazes last.

Make-up

Each night, it takes 35 make-up artists to transform the 1,000 monsters.  More than 1/3 of those monsters are in make-up, while others wear masks.  Each monster make-up transformation takes 20 minutes.

During the Scary Farm preview event, we were able to get close up to many monsters.  One element that stood out were the contact lenses worn by many.   We learned that these are something that the actors purchase themselves.  Many of these actors come back season after season and take a lot of pride in their characters.  Another fun secret: the blackened tongue effect is just black food coloring.

 

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One of us will be craving your undying attention at the Carnevil Scare Zone at @knottsscaryfarm select nights September 20-October 31. The other will be cowering behind @familyreviewguide, hoping to go unnoticed. #ScaryFarm is an immersive Halloween event, meaning the scares start the second you step in the gates. Going from here to there is just as terrifying as the mazes as there’s nowhere to hide. I’ll be sharing more about what’s new to Scary Farm on the blog soon! . . . . . #KnottsScaryFarm #Carnevil #monstermakeup #imscaredalready #thenightmareneverends #berrybloggers #knottspartner

A post shared by Melanie Walsh (@clementinecounty) on Aug 31, 2018 at 9:24am PDT

We are both smiling, but know that mine is a nervous fear.  Clowns appear twice throughout Scary Farm.  In the CarnEVIL area on the boardwalk, the clowns are craving your undying attention.  With two sets of clowns, you might think their looks would be similar.  The maze clowns’ look was described as “used car salesman clowns.”  The boardwalk clowns are silly and smiling.  That actually may be scarier.

Knott’s Scary Farm Mazes and Scare-Zones

Returning Mazes

Dark Ride – An abandoned carnival attraction is the setting for Dark Ride, where cruel carnies await all who enter.

Paranormal Inc. – Tortured patients still haunt the hospital where deranged doctors and nurses are still accepting patients.  Expect high-flying aerial stunts and scares and a prescription for fear.

Pumpkin Eater – Brave the woods by The Hollows  where the 7-foot tall Pumpkin Eater prowls. Potential victims must make their way through creepy crawlers and thorned passageways.

Shadow Lands – Slain samurais are cursed to rot in purgatory.  In Shadow Lands, you’ll lose your head as you try to escape the ancient temple overrun by demon samurais.

Special Ops: Infected – Battle the zombie apocalypse  with your squad in Special Ops: Infected, an interactive maze.   Armed  with cutting-edge laser guns, you and your small group will run through blood-soaked streets in a live-action video game with real-time scoring, kill streak records, and interactive targets.

The Red Barn – The carnivorous farmer is joined by his two sadistic sons.  Gorey carcasses disgust and petrify, but will they keep the farmer fed long enough for you to escape?

Trick or Treat: Lights Out – Are you afraid of the dark?  You will be.  Dare your friends to enter the witch’s house.  Your flashlight will shine on a light on the true horror that awaits.

As part of our behind the scenes tour, we were able to go through Trick or Treat: Lights Out twice, once in the dark and once with the lights on.  It was truly amazing to see the detail in the maze design of the witch’s house.  Even with the lights on, seeing over 100 creepy dolls in the bedroom section is enough to give someone nightmares.

Insider Tip: Make sure to shine your flashlight around the rooms as you explore the maze.  Equipped with RF technology, they trigger a variety of interactive elements throughout the maze.  Shine your light to create a blaze in the fireplace.  In the party scene, the flashlights become UV lights so you can see the disgusting bugs who were not invited to the celebration.  But don’t grow to depend on your lights, as the darkness brings additional horrors. 

New Mazes for Scary Farm 2018

The new mazes are ambitious undertakings on an epic scale.  New technology brings horror and awe to a whole new level.

The Depths –  By the seaside shores are dark underground caves where terrifying horrors have found the Nightwatch Morning Crew.  Follow the crew into the depths, in hopes you will resurface.

Insider Tip: Be on the lookout for some seriously cool displays like a working waterfall and rocking ship within The Depths. 

Dark Entities – A lone space station has been invaded by an extraterrestrial mutation feeds on unwilling victims.  With darkness abounding and no where to turn, will those aboard be able to escape the dark entity before it’s too late?

Insider Tip:  This science-based, interactive maze is reactive.  Touch the hand sensors (look for hand designs on spaceship dashboards and such to make things happen within the maze. This maze incorporates video content as you’d expect within a space ship.  Appealing to all the senses, expect to be attacked by audio as well as whatever else in onboard. 

The best way to experience all of the mazes is to purchase a Fright & Fast Lane Pass.  The wristbands are sold separately than park admission, and allow guests priority access to mazes and some Knott’s Berry Farm rides.  Short on time?  The back mazes are kept up all year long and are more detailed than other mazes.

Scare Zones

The experience at Scary Farm is immersive, frightening attendees from the second they enter the gates.  It’s just as frightening walking to the mazes as the mazes are themselves.  The park-wide terror transforms every inch of the park.  There is nowhere to hide.

For 2018, guests will lurk through 4 scare zones: CarnEVIL, Ghost Town Streets, The Hollows, and the new Forsaken Lake.  

Did you know that the Ghost Town Streets were the first area to have sliders?  The scraping metal sounds are iconic and bone-chilling.

The new Scare Zone, Forsaken Lake, unleashes gothic creatures from the waters underneath Silver Bullet.  Will these monsters drag you to your watery grave?

Insider Tip: Pop-up experiences happen throughout the park.  A funeral procession proceeds through Forsaken Lake.  A balcony burlesque show appears on the balcony above the saloon.  A witch is burned in The Hollows.  

New Scary Farm Shows 

The Hanging will return to Scary Farm with 2018’s “Shhh It Happens.”  An irreverent and hilarious look at pop culture delights guests.  There are also new shows coming to Scary Farm.

Hacks – Cutting Room Floor –  Stuck in the run-down movie theater, improv actors have been stuck watching “B” horror movies for years.  Their antics and on-the-spot comedy will have guests screaming with laughter in the Charles M. Schulz Theatre.

CONJURE – Magic and Mirth in the Bird Cage Theatre –   Witness magicians Dana Daniels, Taylor Hughes, and Chipper Lowell front and center as they perform on select nights.

Head to Fiesta Village for Awaken the Dead, a non-stop dance party featuring contemporary hits.

Attractions

HangTime opened this summer, daring guests to catch a wave on the largest first and only dive coaster on the West  Coast.  The nighttime lighting track will be syncing with 3-5 minute long music sessions during Scary Farm.

With the new Scare Zone Forsaken Lake under foot, riders on Silver Bullet will be dangling in the dark as the ride will be operating with the lights off.  Other attractions to ride in the dark: GhostRider, Sierra Sidewinder, and Jaquar.  Don’t forget to use use Fright & Fast Lane passes to skip the line for these rides.

Timber Mountain Log Ride: Halloween Hootenanny is the Halloween overlay for the log ride, featuring new triggered scares!

This year, the event returns September 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29, 30 and  October 4, 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 21, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28 and 31. Knott’s Scary Farm is open 7:00pm – 1:00am on select Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, and 7:00pm – 2:00am Fridays and Saturdays. Due to the explicit and frightening nature of the event, it is not recommended for children under 13. This year’s Knott’s Scary Farm experience is Where Nightmares Never End!

To purchase the Knott’s Scary Farm Pass for unlimited access to 25 nights of horror or single-night tickets, head to Knotts.com.

Will I see you in the fog?