Family Friendly Guide to Summer

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If you’re looking for the perfect summer destination, look no further than Buena Park, California—SoCAL's Ultimate FUN City and the Birthplace of the Boysenberry! With its sunny weather, vibrant atmosphere, and endless family-friendly activities, it’s an ideal spot for making lasting memories. Whether you’re seeking thrilling outdoor adventures, exciting entertainment, or relaxing family moments, Buena Park has it all. Spend your days exploring lively theme parks with action-packed rides and immersive experiences that will keep everyone on their toes. Cool off with water attractions, or enjoy outdoor events that will have you laughing and enjoying the warm summer days.

In addition to adrenaline-pumping activities, Buena Park offers award-winning casual dining and unique shopping experiences, perfect for refueling and finding something special to take home.

Whether you’re here for a weekend getaway or an extended vacation, the city’s combination of fun, relaxation, and excitement will ensure your summer is filled with adventure and laughter.

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Day 1 - Check in to Your Home Away From Home
At Courtyard by Marriott, you can stop at the on-site Bistro, pick up a bottle of wine, and lounge by the outdoor fire pits for a calm romantic evening with your loved one. If you book your stay at the Fairfield Inn or the Hampton Inn, you stay overnight in one of their spacious suites and then start your day off with free hot breakfast before taking off on activities for the day. Guests of the DoubleTree by Hilton can hang out at Marbles Lounge and chat over a cup of Starbucks coffee before using the hotel’s free shuttle to visit Knott’s Berry Farm, Knott’s Soak City or Disneyland. The Hilton Buena Park, offers modern amenities and stylish comfort, perfect for both business and leisure travelers. Guests can unwind at the stunning rooftop pool, enjoying panoramic city views while soaking up the California sun. Stay at the newly renovated Knott's Hotel to be just steps away from the theme park gates and have access to their new on-site restaurant, gym, Starbucks coffee and free shuttle. Be sure to check out all of Buena Park's comfortable and affordable accommodations!

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Start off your family fun with lunch at John's Incredible Pizza at the Downtown Buena Park Mall. John’s Incredible Pizza blends the universal appeal of an all-you-can-eat endless menu, amusement rides, and video and ticket-dispensing games into an incredible experience for the young and the young at heart. In a 50,000 square foot menagerie of sensory entertainment, guests will find buffet-style food prepared fresh daily.

After devouring your peanut butter or loaded nacho pizzas head over to The Source OC, a three-story dining and entertainment center. The Source OC, visitors can capture an unforgettable moment in time with Life4Cuts - an all-in-one cutting edge photo booth experience. You can customize your photo shoot with props to make your shoot fun, easy, and hassle free. Those with toddlers might prefer to spent an afternoon at PlayPie, an interactive playground complete with digital aquarium and sand art tables, a fully stocked library and games. Movie lovers will want to visit CGV Cinemas - featuring state-of-the-art 4DX and luxury cinema. If the virtual world is more your speed, visit Olympic Golf Zone where the family can experience digital golf and batting cages or battle zombies, hunt dinosaurs and more at VR Universe.

Korean bbq with other toppings on the side

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When the sun goes down, join the Pirates of Buena Park for an evening of swashbuckling swordplay, exciting intrigue and riotous fun on the "open seas." At Pirates Dinner Adventure, guests enjoy an interactive dinner show filled with astonishing displays of special effects, aerial artistry and death-defying stunts. The action-packed pirates show in Buena Park takes place onboard a replica 18th century Spanish ship surrounded by a 250,000-gallon indoor lagoon. Guests feast on an elaborate three-course meal while the action takes place all around them.

If award-winning dining is more your scene then you'll want to explore Buena Park's popular Koreatown. Discover over 90 diverse and delicious restaurants, from trendy KBBQ to traditional gimbap, each offering a unique culinary journey through Korean cuisine. The vibrant neighborhood is a foodie lover's paradise spanning over 2.5 miles, starting from Rosecrans Avenue on Beach Boulevard, all the way up to Orangethorpe Avenue.

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Day 2 - Crazy Donuts and Corkscrew Coasters
Wake up and choose from several delicious breakfast options! If you're craving a delicious and unique donut experience in Buena Park, Old Ferry Donuts, Mochinut and Modoo Donuts are must-visit spots, each offering a tasty twist on the classic treat. Or for a heartier option visit Broken Yolk or Black Bear Diner.

Next head to California's First Theme Park - Knott’s Berry Farm! Knott's offers a thrilling adventure for visitors of all ages, with a unique blend of rides, attractions, and immersive themed areas. The park is divided into several distinct themed areas each with its own charm and excitement. Ghost Town takes you back to the Wild West, where you can explore old-time saloons, watch live performances, and experience interactive activities. This historic area also features some of the park’s most iconic rides, including the legendary wooden coaster, GhostRider. In Fiesta Village, the vibrant culture of Latin America comes to life with colorful rides, festive foods, and lively music. The area’s standout attraction, La Revolución, offers a thrilling pendulum-style ride that swings you high above the park. Camp Snoopy, a family favorite, brings the world of Peanuts to life with kid-friendly rides and meet-and-greets with beloved characters like Snoopy and Charlie Brown. This area is perfect for younger visitors. Boardwalk offers a nostalgic seaside carnival atmosphere, complete with classic amusement park rides, games, and the famous HangTime and Xcelerator roller coasters for thrill-seekers. Lastly, Knott’s MarketPlace is home to shops and eateries where you can enjoy the park’s famous boysenberry treats.

little boy and character participating in Ghost Town Alive!

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For lunch, eat at one of America's most beloved family restaurants, Mrs. Knott's Chicken Dinner Restaurant. This local spot has been delighting guests with Cordelia Knott's famous fried chicken, golden homemade biscuits, creamy mashed potatoes, and irresistible boysenberry pies since 1934. Located just outside the main gate of Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park, this iconic eatery not only offers hearty comfort food but also played a key role in the creation of the theme park itself. Whether you're enjoying a classic Chicken Dinner, a hearty chicken pot pie, savory chicken and waffles, or comforting chicken and dumplings, every bite at Mrs. Knott’s is a delightful taste of history and tradition, with something to satisfy everyone’s craving.

In the Summertime, you cannot miss Ghost Town Alive! This award-winning experience draws the entire family into a massive story where you are front and center. Characters of Calico interact with guests, helping them win hands of poker against the town sheriff, or get your own name in the local paper after saving the day from train robbers. The stories are as limitless as your own imagination!

As the sun sets and evening draws near, keep the family in the park a bit longer by experiencing the all-new Summer Nights at Knott's! Live bands take over the Calico Stage, DJ's pump the beats on the boardwalk, and food stations put insane spins on classic summer fares. Let's be honest - what kid wouldn't want to take over the build your own s'mores station, or dive deep into a nacho boat? Oh, and there's also this wonderful twist of a treat called the grilled peach cobbler. You haven't lived until you've tried the grilled peach cobbler.

For discount Knott's Berry Farm & Soak City tickets, visit HERE.

Family on lazy river at Knott's Soak City in Buena Park, CA

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Day 3 - Waterslide Wedgies and Knights in Tights
The best way to unwind after a busy day at Knott's is by lounging in a cabana at Knott's Soak City. Get ready to make a splash at the 15-acre water adventure park located across the street from Knott’s Berry Farm. Open on select dates from May thru September, this thrilling waterpark offers 23 exciting slides, including Shore Break with six different waterslide experiences, and The Wedge, a thrilling family raft ride. Feel the rush in the 750,000-gallon Tidal Wave Bay wave pool or relax on the one-third-mile Lazy River. For younger guests, the Beach House offers three stories of water fun with over 200 interactive features like water guns, nozzles, and sprayers.

After a day in the pools, head back and clean up for an evening with royalty in a castle. That's right, your little knights and princesses will get to meet the King and Queen at Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament. Clashing Knights joust and battle for the approval of the queen as you dine on a feast fit for kings.

potato balls, fruit tart, guava strudels, and other tasty treats from Portos

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Day 4 - Famous Rides & Pastries
You can't have a trip to SoCal without experiencing the local Buena Park famous favorite: Porto's Bakery. Traditional Cuban fare and American breakfast pastries are the reason foodie fans flock from all over to pick up a pack of guava strudel, cheese rolls, fruit tarts and their potato balls. The coffee is out of this world, and perfect for moms and dads as a morning pick-me-up.

After breakfast, take the 5 mile drive down to the Happiest Place on Earth. Disneyland and Disney California Adventure offer a magical escape into a world of imagination, fun, and adventure. Disneyland immerses visitors in timeless stories and beloved characters, from classic rides to unforgettable parades and fireworks. Whether you're flying through space, exploring jungles, or meeting Disney characters, every corner is filled with wonder. Just next door, Disney California Adventure offers a unique experience with its thrilling rides, such as the high-speed roller coaster and breathtaking immersive lands. The park celebrates the best of California, from its beautiful landscapes to the glamour of Hollywood, all with the magic and charm Disney is known for.

Day 5 - Shakes and Surfing
When you and your family are tired from the non-stop, high-energy fun of Buena Park, it’s time to take a relaxing drive 20 miles to the coast to visit Surf City - Huntington Beach. The 1,850-foot Huntington Beach Pier is one of the longest recreational piers in the world. The kids will love the soft sandy beaches that Huntington is known for, and parents can take in the great sea breeze and relaxing vibes of one of California's best beach towns.

For your final evening in Buena Park, explore the many award-winning dining options available in the city. For a more upscale experience reserve your spot at Gaucho Grill, a contemporary take on traditional Argentine Steakhouse favorites, offering a diverse menu that includes a flavorful skirt steak, succulent chicken skewers, creatively crafted burgers, savory empanadas, and a luxurious wagyu ribeye. For a more casual night out visit Rock & Brews offering American comfort food including their signature wings, wood-fired barbecue and rustic hamburgers. Dine outside in the patio area, eat around a fire pit, or challenge your friends and family to a game of cornhole. Don't forget to stop by Portillo's for their iconic hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches and famed chocolate cake shakes.

Get To Know More About Buena Park, CA!

Family at Knott's Summer Nights at Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park, CA

Family-Friendly Guide to A Summer of Fun in Buena Park

Get To Know More About Buena Park, CA!

Visit Knott's Berry Farm's Summer Nights!

See why Buena Park is a Food Lover's Paradise

Book Your Buena Park Hotel Today

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