Walter Knott, who founded Knott’s Berry Farm, was an American history buff. He built Knott’s Independence Hall, an exact replica of the original in Philadelphia. Open daily, except Christmas, 10 am to 4 pm. The building, which commemorates the signing of the U.S. Constitution and the signing of the Declaration of Independence, retells the debate that led to the drafting of the Declaration of Independence and the creation of the United States of America. Historical exhibits include a replica of the Liberty Bell – down to the crack – and a 1790s horse drawn carriage.Yes, one of the things to do in Orange County California with kids is see the Liberty Bell!
The city of Buena Park dates to the 1800s. In the Historic District, several well preserved buildings offer free tours. You literally step back in time here. There is a large clock, with hour and minute hands. Assuming you know how to tell time this way, you can teach your kids how to tell time the non-digital way. Historic buildings include the Whitaker-Jaynes House, which is also the city’s local history museum. The Stage Stop Hotel dates from 1890 and serves as the California Welcome Center. The hotel once served stagecoach passengers and still assists travelers. Pick up free maps and discounted tickets here. And check out the Bacon House, one of the oldest surviving structures from the area.
The city of Buena Park dates to the 1800s. In the Historic District, several well preserved buildings offer free tours. You literally step back in time here. There is a large clock, with hour and minute hands. Assuming you know how to tell time this way, you can teach your kids how to tell time the non-digital way. Historic buildings include the Whitaker-Jaynes House, which is also the city’s local history museum. The Stage Stop Hotel dates from 1890 and serves as the California Welcome Center. The hotel once served stagecoach passengers and still assists travelers. Pick up free maps and discounted tickets here. And check out the Bacon House, one of the oldest surviving structures from the area.
4. WINDOW SHOPPING, WITH FREE PARKING TO BOOT Head to Knott’s Marketplace, just outside Knott’s Berry Farm, for Snoopy souvenirs and Knott’s jams and jellies, or just to window shop. When you see all the jams, the origin of the name Knott’s Berry Farm makes sense. In fact, though Rudolph Boysen developed the hybrid berry that bears his name, he was unable to grow the berry successfully. Knott’s Berry Farm is where the first boysenberries (a cross between blackberries, rasberries and loganberries) were cultivated. Validate your parking ticket in one of the shops. You can get up to one hour free, a rarity for most theme parks.
The Nutrilite Health Institute Center for Optimal Health has twice daily free tours. The interactive experience includes learning how organic farms and rooftop gardens operate. The farms supply the ingredients for the Nutrilite brand vitamins and supplements. Reservations are required, and you must be 16 or older to visit.
After a long day of excitement, choose from over a dozen comfortable & affordable Buena Park hotels -- most are located within walking distance to all major attractions. CLICK HERE for hotel deals. To start planning your SoCal vacation, order your FREE Travel Guide HERE.