Knott’s Berry Farm: Tickets, Hours, Tips & What to Expect (2026)

TL;DR

• Buy tickets online. You can save up to $45 a person.
• General parking costs $40 a car.
• The park usually opens at 10 a.m. Closing time changes by season.
• One full day is enough to see the main rides and shows.
• Soak City and Knott’s Scary Farm need separate tickets.
• Ride the big coasters first, before the lines get long.

Knott’s Berry Farm at a Glance

What Is Knott’s Berry Farm?

Knott’s Berry Farm is often called America’s first theme park. It did not start as a park. It started as a small berry stand.

In the 1920s, Walter and Cordelia Knott sold berries, jam and pies by the road in Buena Park. In 1932, Walter got a few plants of a new berry from a grower named Rudolph Boysen. That berry became the boysenberry. It is still the star of the park today.

Cordelia then opened a chicken dinner restaurant. The lines got so long that Walter built a Western Ghost Town to keep people busy while they waited. That was in 1940. Rides came later, and the farm slowly turned into a full theme park.

The Knott family sold the park to Cedar Fair in 1997. Cedar Fair later merged with Six Flags. Today, Knott’s Berry Farm is run by Six Flags.

Knott’s Berry Farm Ticket Prices 2026

Knott’s uses date-based pricing. Busy days cost more. Quiet weekdays cost less. Buying online is almost always cheaper than buying at the gate.

Prices change often. Always check the official Knott’s Berry Farm site for the price on your date.

One-Day Tickets

A one-day ticket gets you into the main park for the whole day. It covers all rides, shows and themed areas. It does not cover Soak City or Knott’s Scary Farm.

The gate price is the same for juniors and seniors as it is for adults. So there is no big age discount at the gate. The real savings come from buying online and picking a cheaper date.

Season Passes

The 2027 season passes are already on sale. Many of them also let you visit for the rest of 2026.

• Season Pass: Knott’s Berry Farm only. Lists at $215, with sale prices often lower.
• Gold Pass: All Six Flags parks in California, Arizona and Mexico. Lists at $240.
• Prestige Pass: All Six Flags parks in North America, plus free parking and more perks. Lists at $399.

If you plan to visit two or more times in a year, a season pass usually pays for itself. Parking alone adds up fast.

Fast Lane

Fast Lane lets you skip the regular line on select rides. The Daily Fast Lane starts at $75 and is bought on top of your ticket.

Is it worth it? On busy days like summer weekends, holidays and spring break, yes. On a quiet weekday in winter, you can skip it.

Separate Tickets

These are not part of a normal day ticket:

• Knott’s Soak City: The water park across the street. It is open in the warm months only.
• Knott’s Scary Farm: The Halloween night event. It runs on select nights from September 17 to October 31, 2026. It is not meant for kids under 13.

How to Save Money on Tickets

• Buy online, not at the gate.
• Pick a weekday outside school breaks.
• Look for 2-for-1 or special offer deals on the official site.
• Buy a season pass if you will go more than once.
• Check combo deals if you are also visiting other LA parks.

Knott’s Berry Farm Opening Hours

The park opens almost every day of the year. Opening time is usually 10 a.m. Closing time changes by day and season.

Special Event Hours

Hours change a lot during events:

• Boysenberry Festival: Spring. In 2026 it ran March 13 to April 12.
• Knott’s Scary Farm: Fall nights. Doors open around 7 p.m.
• Knott’s Merry Farm: Winter holiday season.

How to Check Today’s Hours

Use the calendar on the official site or the Knott’s app. The app also shows live wait times and show times. Check it the night before you go.

Knott’s Berry Farm Parking

Parking is right next to the park, off Beach Blvd and Grand Ave. The lots open about an hour before the park opens.

Parking Tips

• Buy parking online before you go to save time at the gate.
• The metered lot is for shopping and dining. It is not a cheap way to park all day.
• Regular parking passes do not work on Scary Farm nights.
• Prestige Pass holders already get free parking.

How to Get to Knott’s Berry Farm

By Car

Driving is the easiest way to get there.

LA traffic can double these times. Use our drive time calculator to plan your trip with real numbers.

By Bus or Train

You can reach the park without a car.

• OCTA bus Route 29 runs along Beach Blvd and stops at the park every day.
• OCTA Route 529 is a faster limited-stop bus on the same road. It runs on weekdays only. See the OCTA Route 529 schedule.
• Metrolink trains stop at Buena Park station. From there, take an OCTA bus down Beach Blvd to the park.

By Uber or Lyft

Rideshare cars drop you near the main entrance. This saves you the $40 parking fee. For a group of two or three from Anaheim, it can cost less than driving. You can estimate your Uber fare before you book.

Best Time to Visit Knott’s Berry Farm

The best time to visit is a weekday in late winter, early spring (outside spring break) or fall. Crowds are lower and tickets are cheaper.

Busiest times:

• Summer, mainly July and August
• Weekends all year
• Spring break
• Holiday weeks
• Scary Farm nights in October

Quietest times:

• Tuesday to Thursday
• January and February
• Early September after school starts

Southern California weather is mild most of the year. Summer days can get hot, so start early and take shade breaks.

Themed Areas: What to Expect Inside

The park is smaller and easier to walk than Disneyland or Universal. It has five main areas.

Ghost Town

This is the oldest part of the park. It looks like an 1880s Western mining town. You can watch live shows, pan for gold and see the old buildings. GhostRider, the big wooden coaster, is here too.

Fiesta Village

This area has a Mexican theme. It is home to Jaguar!, a family coaster, and Montezooma’s Revenge. It also has bright food stands and fun spinning rides.

The Boardwalk

The Boardwalk is where the big thrill rides are. Xcelerator and HangTime are here. It also has classic carnival games.

Camp Snoopy

This area is made for young kids. It has small rides and Peanuts characters like Snoopy and Charlie Brown. The setting looks like a mountain camp, with tall trees and wooden cabins.

Indian Trails

This is a quieter area with Native American art, crafts and dance shows. It is a good place to slow down.

Best Rides at Knott’s Berry Farm

Top Thrill Rides

• HangTime: A dive coaster with a 96-degree drop. It is the steepest drop of any coaster in California.
• Xcelerator: A launch coaster that shoots you from 0 to 82 mph in about 2 seconds.
• GhostRider: One of the longest wooden coasters on the West Coast. Rough, loud and a fan favorite.
• Silver Bullet: A smooth hanging coaster with loops over Reflection Lake.
• Supreme Scream: A tall drop tower with great views.

Family Rides

• Timber Mountain Log Ride: A classic water flume. You will get a little wet.
• Calico River Rapids: A raft ride. You will get very wet.
• Jaguar!: A gentle coaster that winds around Fiesta Village.
• Pony Express: A short, fast family coaster.
• Calico Railroad: An old steam train ride around the park.

Height Requirements for Big Coasters

Height rules can change. Check the Knott’s app before you go so kids are not let down at the gate of a ride.

Where to Eat at Knott’s Berry Farm

Food is a big part of the Knott’s story.

• Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant: Fried chicken, biscuits and boysenberry pie. It sits in the California Marketplace, just outside the park gates. You do not need a park ticket to eat here.
• Boysenberry treats: Look for boysenberry pie, punch, funnel cake and jam all over the park.
• Ghost Town Grill and quick stands: Good for a fast lunch between rides.

Park food is not cheap. If you will eat two or more meals inside, look at the dining plans on the official site.

Outside food and drink rules can change. Check the official FAQ before you pack snacks.

How Long to Spend at Knott’s Berry Farm

You need one full day, about 6 to 8 hours. That is enough to ride the big coasters, walk through Ghost Town and catch a show.

• Half day (3 to 4 hours): Only if you have Fast Lane and want just the big coasters.
• Full day (6 to 8 hours): Best for most visitors.
• Long day (10 hours or more): If you add Soak City or stay for Scary Farm.

Sample One-Day Plan

1. 9:00 a.m.: Arrive and park. Get in line at the gate.
2. 10:00 a.m.: Head straight to HangTime and Xcelerator on the Boardwalk.
3. 11:30 a.m.: Ride GhostRider and Silver Bullet.
4. 1:00 p.m.: Lunch, then a show in Ghost Town.
5. 2:30 p.m.: Log ride and River Rapids to cool off.
6. 4:00 p.m.: Camp Snoopy if you have kids, or Supreme Scream if not.
7. 6:00 p.m.: Dinner at Mrs. Knott’s or a boysenberry snack.
8. Evening: Re-ride your favorites as lines get shorter.

Insider Tips for Visiting Knott’s Berry Farm

• Get there early. Be at the gate before 10 a.m. The first hour has the shortest lines.
• Ride the big coasters first. HangTime, Xcelerator and GhostRider get long lines by noon.
• Use the app. Check wait times, show times and the map on your phone.
• Wear the right clothes. Comfy shoes matter most. See our guide on what to wear to a Six Flags park, since Knott’s is a Six Flags park now.
• Pack light. Some big coasters do not allow loose items. Plan to use a locker.
• Bring a refillable water bottle. Southern California sun is strong, even in fall.
• Do water rides in the afternoon. You will dry off fast in the heat.
• Pick your seat. You can often choose your row on coasters. The back row on GhostRider feels the wildest.

Tips for Families

If you have small kids, start at Camp Snoopy early before it gets busy. Bring a stroller, snacks and a change of clothes for the water rides. Our list of baby travel essentials can help you pack the day bag.

Is Knott’s Berry Farm Worth It?

Yes, for most people. It costs less than Disneyland and has better thrill rides. It also has a lot of history and charm.

Pros:

• Cheaper tickets than Disneyland or Universal
• Strong thrill coasters
• Easy to see in one day
• Great food and real history

Cons:

• Less themed and polished than Disney
• Lines can be long on busy days
• Parking adds $40 to your cost

Best for: Thrill-ride fans, families on a budget, and anyone who wants a fun day close to Anaheim.

Where to Stay Near Knott’s Berry Farm

• Knott’s Hotel: About a 10-minute walk to the park and Soak City. Parking is $25 a night. Hotel packages can include tickets.
• Buena Park hotels: Many budget and mid-range hotels sit along Beach Blvd.
• Anaheim hotels: Good if you also plan to visit Disneyland. Knott’s is about 15 minutes away by car.

Nearby Attractions

If you are adding Disneyland to your trip, our Disney packing list covers what to bring for a full park day.

FAQs About Knott’s Berry Farm

How much are Knott’s Berry Farm tickets in 2026?

One-day tickets start at about $65 online on select dates. At the gate, they cost about $110. Kids 2 and under get in free. Prices change by date, so busy days cost more. Buying online and picking a weekday is the easiest way to pay less.

How much is parking at Knott’s Berry Farm?

General parking is $40 per car when you buy online. RVs and buses pay $45. Preferred parking near the gate costs more when it is offered. If you visit often, the All Season Parking Pass costs $90. Knott’s Hotel guests pay $25 a night.

What time does Knott’s Berry Farm open and close?

The park usually opens at 10 a.m. Closing time changes by season. In summer, it can stay open until 10 or 11 p.m. On other days it may close earlier. Check the official calendar or the Knott’s app for the exact hours on your date.

Is one day enough for Knott’s Berry Farm?

Yes. One full day of 6 to 8 hours is enough for most people. You can ride the main coasters, see Ghost Town and catch a show. You only need more time if you add Soak City or stay for a night event like Scary Farm.

Does a Knott’s ticket include Soak City or Scary Farm?

No. A regular day ticket only covers Knott’s Berry Farm. Knott’s Soak City water park needs its own ticket. Knott’s Scary Farm is a separate night event with its own ticket too. Some season passes include more, so check the pass details.

Is Knott’s Berry Farm better than Disneyland?

They are different. Knott’s is cheaper, smaller and has stronger thrill rides. Disneyland has more theming, characters and shows. Thrill fans often prefer Knott’s. Families with young Disney fans often prefer Disneyland. Many people visit both since they are only about 15 minutes apart.

Who owns Knott’s Berry Farm now?

Six Flags owns and runs Knott’s Berry Farm. The Knott family sold the park to Cedar Fair in 1997. Cedar Fair later merged with Six Flags, so the park is now part of the Six Flags group of parks.

What is the best day to visit Knott’s Berry Farm?

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday are usually the quietest days. Avoid weekends, holidays and spring break if you can. Weekday tickets are also often cheaper. Arrive before opening to get the shortest lines of the day.

Final Thoughts

Knott’s Berry Farm is a fun, simple day out in Southern California. It has strong coasters, real history and some of the best fried chicken around. Buy your tickets online, get there early and ride the big coasters first. Before you go, check the official Knott’s Berry Farm site for the latest prices and hours on your date.