Introduction to Knott’s Berry Farm
Brief History and Significance
Knott’s Berry Farm isn’t just another amusement park—it’s a cornerstone of Southern California history. Born from a humble berry stand started by Walter and Cordelia Knott in the 1920s, it gradually evolved into a family-friendly powerhouse. What began with boysenberries (yes, they were created by the Knotts) and fried chicken dinners turned into a full-blown Old West theme park by the 1940s. Today, it’s a mix of thrilling rides, historical charm, and good old-fashioned fun. It holds the title of being California’s oldest theme park, and that heritage still shines through in its attractions and atmosphere.
Why It’s a Must-Visit Theme Park
Knott’s offers a unique flavor that blends history with heart-racing rides. You’re not just getting roller coasters like Silver Bullet or GhostRider—you’re also getting a peek into the Wild West at Ghost Town, the charming Camp Snoopy for kids, and interactive live shows. It’s more relaxed compared to Disneyland or Universal Studios but packs just as much punch with affordability, especially for families or groups. Plus, if you’re a fan of Halloween, Knott’s Scary Farm is one of the top-rated spooky events in the country. So yeah, whether you’re a thrill-seeker or just looking for family fun on a budget, Knott’s should definitely be on your radar.
Overview of Knott’s Berry Farm Ticket Prices
Source: knott’s berry farm
Types of Tickets Available
Knott’s keeps it fairly straightforward when it comes to ticketing. You can choose from:
- Single-Day Admission: The classic choice if you’re dropping in for just one visit.
- Season Passes: Perfect if you plan to visit multiple times throughout the year.
- Group Tickets: Ideal for school trips, corporate outings, or large family gatherings.
- Special Event Tickets: These are for events like Knott’s Scary Farm or Boysenberry Festival.
You can snag these tickets online or at the park gate, but spoiler alert: online is almost always cheaper. We’ll get into that in a bit.
Ticket Pricing Structure
Ticket prices aren’t one-size-fits-all. They depend on a few variables:
- Date of Visit: Peak seasons like summer or holidays cost more.
- Advance Purchase: Buying in advance online can save you up to $30 per ticket.
- Add-Ons: Want Fast Lane access or an all-day dining pass? That’s extra.
- Ages: Kids under 3 get in free, but prices vary slightly between adults, children (ages 3-11), and seniors (62+).
On average, you’re looking at:
| Ticket Type | Online Price | Gate Price |
|---|---|---|
| Adult (Ages 12-61) | $59.99 – $89.99 | $99.99 |
| Child (Ages 3-11) | $59.99 – $79.99 | $89.99 |
| Senior (62+) | $59.99 – $79.99 | $89.99 |
These fluctuate based on promotions, time of year, and availability. Always check the official website for the most current rates.
General Admission Tickets
Source: knott’s berry farm
One-Day Admission Prices
So, how much does a day of thrills and funnel cakes set you back? One-day general admission prices start at around $59.99 if you buy in advance online. But if you just walk up to the gate without a plan? Expect to pay closer to $99.99 per person. That’s a pretty steep jump, right?
The price includes access to all standard rides and attractions across the park. However, it doesn’t cover parking, special events, or any Fast Lane perks. Those are extra. Parking itself will run you $25 for the day, and Fast Lane? Another $75–$100 depending on the season and demand.
Here’s the pro tip: always buy tickets online and try to visit mid-week. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are often the cheapest days, and crowds are way more manageable.
Online vs. Gate Pricing
This is where savvy planning pays off. Knott’s often runs exclusive online promotions, making it a no-brainer to purchase ahead of time. Discounts range from $10 to $40 depending on the season and how far in advance you buy. Plus, online purchasing gives you the flexibility to pick your visit date and skip the long lines at the ticket booths.
And hey, even better—if you’re flexible with your dates, keep an eye out for “value days.” These are specific dates where ticket prices drop to their lowest, sometimes as low as $49.99.
Peak Season vs. Off-Season Rates
Like most theme parks, Knott’s Berry Farm operates on a dynamic pricing model. That means ticket prices can swing dramatically based on the calendar. Here’s how it typically plays out:
- Peak Season: Summer (June–August), Spring Break, Thanksgiving week, and Christmas holidays. Expect top-dollar prices here, often $79.99–$99.99.
- Off-Season: January to early March, and mid-September to early November. Prices can dip to $49.99–$59.99 during these periods.
This fluctuation makes planning crucial. If you can visit during the off-season, you’ll not only save money—you’ll enjoy shorter lines and cooler weather. It’s a win-win.
Season Passes
Source: knott’s berry farm
Types of Season Passes
If you’re planning multiple trips to the park throughout the year, a Season Pass is the way to go. Knott’s offers several tiers:
- Regular Pass: Unlimited visits to Knott’s Berry Farm for the season.
- Gold Pass: Includes admission to both Knott’s Berry Farm and Knott’s Soak City.
- Platinum Pass: Access to all Cedar Fair parks across North America.
Pricing generally looks like this:
| Season Pass Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Regular | $145 |
| Gold | $180 |
| Platinum | $280 |
These passes pay for themselves in just 2–3 visits.
Benefits of Each Pass
Every pass includes unlimited admission and discounts on food and merchandise. But here’s what sets them apart:
- Regular Pass: Basic entry to the park year-round.
- Gold Pass: All of the above + access to Knott’s Soak City Water Park.
- Platinum Pass: Adds free parking, exclusive ride times, and access to other Cedar Fair parks like Cedar Point, Kings Island, and more.
If you’re a theme park junkie or live nearby, the Platinum Pass is gold (well, platinum). It’s especially great if you travel often and want to hit multiple parks.
Season Pass Add-Ons and Upgrades
Want to take your pass to the next level? Knott’s offers several juicy add-ons:
- All-Season Dining Pass: Two meals every day you visit—perfect for foodies.
- All-Season Drink Plan: Unlimited refills on soft drinks and ICEEs.
- Season Pass Fast Lane: Skip the lines on popular rides.
- All-Season Parking: Saves you $25 per visit.
These add-ons range from $40 to $145 depending on what you pick. Just make sure it fits your park habits—if you’re only visiting 2–3 times a year, they may not be worth it.
Group and Special Discount Tickets
Source: knott’s berry farm
Group Rates and Corporate Discounts
Planning a field trip, family reunion, or corporate day out? Knott’s offers discounted group rates for parties of 15 or more. These must be reserved in advance through their group sales department or online.
Group ticket prices usually start around $45–$55 per person, depending on the date and size of the group. Some corporate partners and organizations also qualify for exclusive discount codes, which can be used online.
Perks may include:
- Free chaperone tickets for school trips
- Meal voucher bundles
- Private event spaces or reserved seating
Military and First Responder Discounts
Knott’s honors service members with generous discounts. Active, retired, and veteran U.S. military personnel can often score tickets at a 40–50% discount, especially around holidays like Memorial Day, July 4th, and Veterans Day.
To claim these discounts, military ID is required. Tickets can typically be purchased through base ticket offices or directly through Knott’s website during special promo periods.
Student, Youth, and Senior Discounts
- Student and Youth Groups: Schools, camps, and youth organizations can enjoy discounted admission by booking in bulk. Prices often range from $35 to $50, depending on the package.
- Senior Discounts: Seniors 62+ can get reduced admission—often about $10–15 off the regular ticket price. Available both online and at the gate, but always better to check the date-based pricing calendar for the best deal.
Knott’s Scary Farm and Other Special Event Tickets
Source: knott’s berry farm
Knott’s Scary Farm – What It Includes
Knott’s Scary Farm is hands down one of the most legendary Halloween events in Southern California. Held annually from mid-September through Halloween, this after-hours fright fest transforms the park into a full-on haunted zone, complete with over 1,000 monsters, terrifying mazes, haunted attractions, and live horror shows. It’s not included in your regular Knott’s Berry Farm admission, so you’ll need a separate ticket for it.
Ticket prices for Knott’s Scary Farm typically range from $59.99 to $89.99 depending on the night, and they sell out quickly—especially for weekends and Halloween night. If you’re a fan of immersive horror experiences, it’s totally worth every dollar. There’s also a Scary Farm Season Pass available for die-hard fans who want unlimited visits throughout the entire season.
What’s included?
- Entry to all haunted mazes
- Access to scare zones and shows
- Select rides (like GhostRider and Silver Bullet) open at night
Note: This event is not recommended for children under 13, and there are no costumes allowed for guests.
Other Seasonal Events and Their Ticketing
Knott’s isn’t just about screams. Throughout the year, they host a bunch of seasonal festivals and events, each with their own unique flair—and sometimes, their own ticket pricing.
Here are a few standout events:
- Knott’s Boysenberry Festival (Spring): A food and wine lover’s dream. Admission is included with a regular park ticket, but food tasting cards (which let you sample several signature dishes) cost extra—around $50.
- Knott’s Summer Nights (Summer): Live music, DJs, and food stands pop up in the evening. Included with admission.
- Knott’s Spooky Farm (Fall): A family-friendly Halloween event during the day. Included with general admission—ideal for kids under 13.
- Knott’s Merry Farm (Winter): Think holiday magic, festive lights, Santa’s Cabin, and a holiday market. Included with general admission.
These seasonal offerings make a regular ticket stretch further, so be sure to check the event calendar when planning your visit.
Are Special Events Worth the Extra Cost?
Absolutely, if you’re into unique experiences. Knott’s Scary Farm alone is worth the hype and the ticket price—there’s nothing quite like it. The investment makes sense, especially compared to other Halloween events like Universal’s Horror Nights, which tend to be pricier.
For events like the Boysenberry Festival or Merry Farm, the added value is even more compelling since they’re included with regular admission. You get entertainment, seasonal food, and vibes at no extra cost—just pay for your tasting card or merch if you want to go all in.
Pro Tip: For big events like Scary Farm, go on a Thursday or Sunday to avoid crowds and pay less. And buy those tickets EARLY—they do sell out.
Fast Lane and Dining Options
Source: knott’s berry farm
Fast Lane Pass – Skip the Lines
If standing in hour-long lines isn’t your thing (who enjoys that, really?), then the Fast Lane pass is your golden ticket. It gives you front-of-the-line access to popular rides like GhostRider, HangTime, and Silver Bullet—no waiting, no fuss.
Prices range from $79.99 to $129.99 depending on the season and day. Yes, it’s an add-on, and yes, it can cost more than the park ticket itself. But if you’re visiting during a peak period (like summer or Halloween), it can literally double the number of rides you experience in a day.
Fast Lane availability is limited each day, so grab it early if you’re set on maximizing thrill time.
Dining Packages and Food Passes
Theme park food is notoriously overpriced—but Knott’s flips the script by offering great value meal plans.
Here are your main options:
- Single Day All-Day Dining: Eat every 90 minutes from select dining locations for just $34.99.
- All-Season Dining Pass (with Season Pass): Eat twice per visit for the entire year. Starts at $145.
- Drink Plans: Pay $34.99–$39.99 for unlimited refills all season long on soda and ICEEs.
Restaurants include classic theme park options like chicken tenders and burgers, but also more unique bites like the boysenberry wings, funnel cake, and barbecue brisket.
Not a fan of traditional amusement park eats? Don’t worry—Knott’s food has a great rep, and there are even vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Is It Worth Upgrading to Dining and Fast Lane?
This totally depends on your style of visiting. If you’re doing a one-day visit and want to knock out as many rides as possible, Fast Lane is a must. And if you love snacking (or don’t want to leave the park to find cheaper food), the dining pass pays for itself in two meals.
For families, these add-ons take the stress out of budgeting inside the park. Instead of nickel-and-diming everything, you’ve already paid up front. Just scan your wristband and eat. Simple.
Where to Buy Knott’s Tickets for the Best Deals
Official Website vs. Third-Party Sellers
Your first stop should always be knotts.com. This is where you’ll find the most current pricing and exclusive online discounts. You can also see the park calendar, blackout dates for season passes, and special event listings.
But what about third-party resellers?
Sites like Undercover Tourist, AAA, and Costco often offer tickets at a slight discount—especially if you’re bundling with other attractions like Universal Studios or Disneyland. Just make sure the source is legit to avoid scams or fake tickets.
Another hot tip? Check out employee perks from your workplace. Many big companies offer discount codes through employee benefits programs like PerkSpot or TicketsatWork.
Tips for Getting the Best Price
Want to save the most? Follow these tips:
- Buy online and early. The earlier you buy, the cheaper it usually is.
- Go mid-week. Tuesdays and Wednesdays tend to be cheapest.
- Avoid holidays and weekends if you want low crowds and low prices.
- Sign up for email alerts. Knott’s will send you special promo codes throughout the year.
- Check Groupon. Occasionally, you’ll find solid deals or package discounts.
A bit of planning goes a long way, and it could mean saving $20–$40 per ticket—which adds up fast for families or groups.
Parking and Additional Fees
Parking Costs and Tips
One of the often-overlooked costs when planning a trip to Knott’s Berry Farm is parking. While it might not seem like much at first glance, it can add up—especially if you’re a regular visitor.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Standard Parking: $25 per vehicle
- RV/Bus Parking: $30
- Preferred Parking (closer to the entrance): $35
If you’re a Season Pass holder, you can add All-Season Parking to your pass for around $75–$85, which can save you a lot in the long run if you visit more than three times a year.
Pro Tips to Save on Parking:
- Arrive early: Standard parking fills up fast, and if you’re late, you’ll be hiking from the far end of the lot.
- Carpool: Fewer cars = less money spent.
- Use ride-sharing apps: If you live nearby, an Uber or Lyft could be cheaper than parking for the day.
Another option? Street parking—but be cautious. It’s limited and comes with time restrictions that can result in a pricey ticket if you’re not careful.
Other Hidden Costs to Consider
Tickets and parking are just the beginning. Here are some other costs to keep in mind:
- Locker Rentals: Starting at $15 for all-day storage.
- Souvenirs: T-shirts, mugs, and plush Snoopy dolls can range from $10 to $50.
- Games and Arcades: From $5–$20 depending on how many you play.
- Photo Passes: Ride photos or on-site photo packages start around $20.
Budget at least an extra $50–$100 per person for spending money if you want to indulge a bit. You don’t have to break the bank, but it’s good to plan ahead to avoid sticker shock.
Comparing Knott’s with Other Theme Parks
Knott’s vs. Disneyland
Let’s be real—Disneyland is a beast in the theme park world. But how does Knott’s compare?
| Feature | Knott’s Berry Farm | Disneyland |
|---|---|---|
| Ticket Price | $59–$99 | $109–$179 |
| Parking | $25 | $30 |
| Crowd Size | Medium | Very High |
| Ride Wait Times | Moderate | Long |
| Theming | Western/Farm/Vintage | Disney IP-focused |
| Food Prices | Affordable | Expensive |
| Annual Pass | From $145 | Magic Key (starts at $499) |
If you’re looking for high-quality rides and a relaxed atmosphere without breaking the bank, Knott’s is the winner. It’s a more budget-friendly, family-oriented park with plenty of charm.
Knott’s vs. Six Flags Magic Mountain
Now if you’re in it for the thrills, Magic Mountain is the roller coaster capital of the West Coast. But it comes with trade-offs.
| Feature | Knott’s Berry Farm | Six Flags Magic Mountain |
|---|---|---|
| Ticket Price | $59–$99 | $70–$100 |
| Ride Variety | Balanced (kids + thrills) | Thrill-heavy |
| Food Options | Better quality | Basic theme park food |
| Crowd Control | Better organized | Can be chaotic |
| Family-friendliness | High | Lower for younger kids |
Knott’s offers a better all-ages experience. Magic Mountain? That’s your go-to if you want to feel your stomach drop 15 times in a day.
Final Tips to Maximize Value
Plan Your Visit Strategically
If you really want to get the most bang for your buck, a little planning goes a long way:
- Buy tickets at least 3–5 days in advance.
- Visit during off-peak months like January, February, or September.
- Go early in the day to hit the most popular rides first.
- Download the Knott’s Berry Farm App to check ride wait times and show schedules.
- Use mobile ordering for food to save time during peak meal hours.
Best Times to Visit for Lowest Prices
Want the best value? Go during:
- Weekdays in the off-season: Especially Tuesday through Thursday
- Right after school starts in September
- Late January through early March
- After Labor Day but before Halloween season begins
Not only are prices lower, but lines are shorter, the weather is cooler, and the overall experience is much smoother.
Conclusion
Knott’s Berry Farm hits that sweet spot between thrilling rides and family-friendly charm—all without emptying your wallet. Whether you’re going for a single visit, planning a group trip, or considering a season pass, there’s a ticket option that fits every type of guest and budget. The key is knowing when to go, where to buy, and how to level up your experience with smart add-ons like dining and Fast Lane.
From heart-pounding coasters to a slice of Americana history, Knott’s truly offers something for everyone—and with a little planning, you can make it an epic, affordable adventure.
FAQs
1. What’s the cheapest way to buy Knott’s Berry Farm tickets?
The best deals are usually found on the official website when you book in advance. Avoid buying at the gate to save $30 or more.
2. Are Knott’s tickets refundable or changeable?
Unfortunately, tickets are non-refundable. However, you can sometimes change the date for a small fee, depending on availability.
3. Is parking included in the ticket price?
Nope—parking is extra and starts at $25. Season Pass holders can buy a parking add-on.
4. What age gets in free at Knott’s Berry Farm?
Kids under 3 years old get in for free and don’t need a ticket.
5. Are there any combo deals with Knott’s Soak City?
Yes! The Gold Season Pass includes unlimited entry to both Knott’s Berry Farm and Soak City, which is a great summer value.