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Our Not-So-Scary Guide to Knott’s Spooky Farm

by Mommy Frog on October 1, 2023 8 Los Angeles

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Knott’s Berry Farm was the first theme park to hold a Halloween event back in the early 1970s. Perhaps you’ve heard of Knott’s Scary Farm Halloween Haunt? It’s quite terrifying — but wait! There is a much tamer daytime family Halloween event at Knott’s Berry Farm, and our toddler, Lily, can tag along. Knott’s Spooky Farm offers all of the Halloween fall fun without the scares.

Our Not-So-Scary Guide to Knott’s Spooky Farm - Lucy witch

Overview of Knott’s Spooky Farm

Knott’s Spooky Farm is a daytime Halloween event that takes place at Knott's Berry Farm during select days in the fall. The event is part of normal operating theme park hours and is geared toward ages 3 to 11.

Families can join in some slightly wicked fun with Halloween décor and not-so-scary surprises around every corner. There are sweet eats, special ride overlays, Halloween-themed entertainment and more. Plus the whole family can dress in costume. Our tadpoles always jump at the chance to dress up, especially Lily. The Peanuts characters wear costumes too!

Keep in mind that there are still some decorations up from Scary Farm, but they are mostly pumpkins (so many pumpkins!), skeletons and spider webs, which don't seem as spooky in the light of day. But all of the gory stuff and monsters are safely out of sight. Look in the shop windows at Camp Snoopy to see some Peanuts Halloween costumes!

Our Not-So-Scary Guide to Knott’s Spooky Farm-Costume Cavalcade with Characters

Knott's Spooky Farm Dates, Tickets and Hours

This daytime event takes place on Thursdays through Sundays, plus Halloween from opening to 5:30 p.m., Sept. 26 through Oct. 31, 2024, plus Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples Day. It takes place on Halloween day, and Oct. 14, for the holiday. You’ll be safely out of the park and working off your sugar rush before the real monsters emerge at 7 p.m. for Knott's Scary Farm. We recommend arriving at park opening for the lowest crowds. Saturdays are the busiest days.

Our Not-So-Scary Guide to Knott’s Spooky Farm - Spooky Farm Decorations

The best part about Knott's Spooky Farm is that it's included with your regular theme park ticket and takes place during normal park hours in daylight. Did you know that we have hopped into selling discount Knott's Berry Farm tickets? You'll want the Season 4, Single Day Any Day Ticket to attend. You can also purchase a Monday through Thursday ticket if you plan to visit on a Thursday or on Halloween to save some green on an over-the-weekend ticket. You'll save up to $38 over the front gate price if you visit on a Thursday and save $29 on the weekend. Ribbit, ribbit! 

Knott's Spooky Farm Special Entertainment

Our Not-So-Scary Guide to Knott’s Spooky Farm-Bob Baker Marionette show

There are a few shows to watch. Check the show schedule on the Knott’s Berry Farm app to plan out your day. Arrive at least 20 minutes early to get a seat.

We can't wait to enjoy the revitalized Camp Snoopy, which includes a new stage area and new rides. Hopfully, a Halloween show with characters returns in 2024.

Our Not-So-Scary Guide to Knott’s Spooky Farm - Child in costume poses with decorated pumpkin

Bob Baker Marionettes at the Bird Cage Theatre — Watch talented puppeteers put on a spooky puppet show. We especially loved the skeletons and ghosts under blacklight. If you hang around after the show, you can meet and take a photo with one of the puppets!

Linus Van Pelt's Great Pumpkin Patch — We all know Linus spends most of his Halloween in the pumpkin patch waiting for the Great Pumpkin. You can spend some time in the Ghost Town Pumpkin Patch by decorating a cookie ($5) or personalizing a mini jack-o-lantern ($6 to $8).

Krazy Kirk and the Hillbillies — Head to the Calico Mine Stage for music, comedy and a toe-tappin' good time.

Meet Creepy Critters of Calico — Stop by the Livery Stable to meet spiders, bugs, snakes, tortoises and other creepy crawlies that we frogs sometimes refer to as snacks. Just kidding! We also got a glimpse of the skeleton horse (OK, the bones were just painted on the horse). It's worth hopping by to meet some new animal friends. You can even pet or hold some of them!

Our Not-So-Scary Guide to Knott’s Spooky Farm-Boy pets Bearded Dragon

Knott's Spooky Farm Character Greetings and Rides

Our Not-So-Scary Guide to Knott’s Spooky Farm-Kids Meet Charlie Brown

You'll find Peanuts characters in costume around the park. You can see their location and meet times in the Knott's Berry Farm app. The Camp Snoopy photo locationmay be back in 2024. In 2023, we met some characters near the entrance to the ramp for the Walter Knott theater, by Boardwalk Ballroom (near Boardwalk BBQ) and at the Mystery Lodge. You can find five characters at the Costume Cavalcade.

Our Not-So-Scary Guide to Knott’s Spooky Farm-Linus and Sally

While all of the rides are open for Knott's Spooky Farm, a few rides take you on a special trip during this time.

 Our Not-So-Scary Guide to Knott’s Spooky Farm - Cotton candy lines the exit to the Calico Mine Train

Take a Sweet Ride on Calico Candy Mine Ride — This ride mysteriously transforms from silver ore to pure candy every Halloween.

Halloween Hootenanny — The Timber Mountain Log Ride has Halloween decorations (and possibly an alien encounter) on this family-friendly, splashtastic classic ride. It has a different song for the Halloween season.

Costumes at Knott's Spooky Farm

Our Not-So-Scary Guide to Knott’s Spooky Farm-Kids in costumes

The whole family can dress up for Knott's Spooky Farm! Since it is a daytime event, be sure your costume works with the weather so you don't get too hot or you might get some cranky boils and ghouls in your skeleton crew. Choose family-friendly costumes that are not too scary for the tadpoles. However, if your tadpole wants to be scary, he or she can dress as a monster. Children can wear masks, but make sure they can see and breathe well in them.

Our Not-So-Scary Guide to Knott’s Spooky Farm-Charlie Brown in Costume Cavalcade

Show off your costumes in the Town Costume Cavalcade. Join the Calico Mayor and Cameo Kate as you show off your costume in the colossal cavalcade led by costumed Snoopy, Charlie Brown, Sally, Linus and Lucy. It takes place at 4 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. It includes music from Krazy Kirk and the Hillbillies.

Trick-or-Treating in Ghost Town at Knott's Spooky Farm

You just might spot some actual pretend ghosts in Ghost Town this time of year. Don't worry! They are friendly and hand out candy. Head down to the Gold Mine Trail, where guests can find an additional places to trick-or-treat, play carnival games (for a fee) and taste ghoulishly delightful treats.

Our Not-So-Scary Guide to Knott’s Spooky Farm-Girl trick-or-treats

We can never get enough trick-or-treating. But it’s extra fun to collect candy from friendly scarecrows and neighborhood ghouls on Schoolhouse Rd. and Ghost Town Main St. We received Twizzlers, M&Ms, mini Hersheys, mini Snickers, Abba Zabba, Takis and more. Kids 12 and under receive an orange treat bag upon entering the park and do not need to bring their own.

Knott's Spooky Farm Food

Garlic Overlord Burger

Knott’s always has all of the yummy, good stuff! You can stuff your face with special Halloween treats (see more pics in our Knott's Scary Farm guide) and more. You can find the full menu in the Knott's Berry Farm app. Scary Farm menu items are also available to eat during the day. Here is the link to the event map and the complete menus by location.

Keep in mind that food lines get scary long. Hop in line early for lunch before you become a hangry mummy! Grizzly Creek Lodge in Camp Snoopy, I mean Camp Spooky, opens earlier than other restaurants and has all the tadpole faves. Boardwalk BBQ and Panda Express have faster lines than some other options. We also love the Ghost Town Grill table-service restaurant. It's not much more expensive than the quick-service locations and is a lot more relaxing (and not to mention yummy!).

Our Not-So-Scary Guide to Knott’s Spooky Farm - Treats

Here's a look at all the fun 2023 Halloween foods. Hop back in September for the 2024 offerings. This year introduces some rather interesting and unusual meat choices. These festive foods are mostly available for Knott's Spooky Farm and Knott's Scary Farm. Here is the link to the Scary Farm foods. A few items are on the meal plan during the day.

Our Not-So-Scary Guide to Knott’s Spooky Farm - Unusual meatsHere's a look at the 2023 items we tried at a media preview:

  • Camel Stew in a Bread Bowl (It's really good and has a curry base.)
  • Spicy Swamp Gator Sausage
  • Spookghetti Pie
  • A la Diabla Fries
  • The Gauntlet Garlic Overload Burger (It's garlicky and may help you ward off vampires.)

Our Not-So-Scary Guide to Knott’s Spooky Farm - Green fries and salad

  • Witch's Green Bean Fries
  • Mesmer's Midnight Salad
  • The "Bat" "Shhhh" Crazy Pasta Salad (has rabbit tenderloin on it).
  • Ostrich Hoagie
  • Elk burger
  • Mutant Turtle Philly Cheese Steak Pizza featuring turtle meat, sliced Philly meat, nacho cheese, mozzarella and peppers
  • Mac and Cheese Pepperoni Pizza
  • Terrifying Teriyaki Meatballs
  • French Onion Bagel Burger
  • Fingers and Toes Tater Tots
  • Halloween Cake Pops, Cupcakes, Crispies and Cookies
  • Sweet Potato Pie
  • Jack O'Lantern Brownie
  • Raspberry Beignets
  • Halloween Snoopy Cookie
  • Spider Cookie
  • Nightmare Oreo Cheesecake Bar
  • Graveyard Mousse Cup
  • Black Whoopie Pie

Our Not-So-Scary Guide to Knott’s Spooky Farm - Funnel cakesFun Funnel Cakes:

  • Cinema Slasher
  • Ginger Snap
  • Cereal Killer

Knott's Spooky Farm Tips

Kids in Camp Snoopy with treat bags

Here's our advice to make your day at Knott's Spooky Farm terrific instead of terrifying:

  • Choose a costume that is comfortable for walking around the park and rides. Wear good walking shoes.
  • Check the weather to dress appropriately. (Put shorts and t-shirts under heavy costumes in case kids get hot.)
  • Visit on a Thursday or Friday for the lowest crowds and food lines.
  • Arrive early. The early frog gets the flies (and shortest lines). We recommend being there at the opening time.
  • Hit as many rides as you can before the crowds thicken by noon. Focus on trick-or-treating, characters and shows when ride lines get long.
  • Arrive with a full belly. Food lines can get scary long.
  • Bring water and refillable bottles to stay hydrated.
  • Find showtimes, foods and characters in the app.
  • Follow the link to the event map and menu.
  • Be sure to visit the new Fiesta Village and try the food there!
  • Enjoy the reimagined Camp Snoopy!

Keep in mind that Knott's Berry Farm has a chaperone policy in effect. You can find the most up-to-date information on Knott's Code of Conduct page.

Will you be heading to Knott's Spooky Farm this year? What is your favorite part? Don't pay scary prices to visit. Save with discount Knott's Berry Farm tickets from Undercover Tourist.  

Related: The Full Lineup of Beary-Good Knott's Berry Farm Events

Hoppy planning!

Keep hopping, Mommy Frog!
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Sep 6, 2023 at 4:48 p.m. april Says...

Do you know if Bob Baker Marionette's are confirmed for 2023? Thanks!

Reply
Sep 6, 2023 at 2:55 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi April!

Yes! Entertainment has recently been announced, and they will be performing at the Bird Cage Theater on select dates.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Oct 27, 2022 at 9:15 p.m. Maggie Chase (pk) Says...

These posts are so very helpful! I am researching Knott's Berry Farm for a school assignment and I have used your posts so much! Thanks!

Reply
Oct 27, 2022 at 4:34 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

We're so glad you've found the blog to be hopful, Maggie! Thanks for hopping by :)

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Oct 27, 2022 at 9:08 p.m. mary Says...

why don't you have anything on camp snoopy at knott's

Reply
Nov 1, 2022 at 3:59 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Mary!

We have a post about tips for Knott's Berry Farm with kids, which includes Camp Snoopy, but we don't have a full guide to Camp Snoopy — thanks for hopping by! We love taking suggestions!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Oct 27, 2022 at 9:05 p.m. jo Says...

i love your guides they are so helpful

Reply
Oct 27, 2022 at 4:33 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Thanks for hopping by, Jo!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
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