1
Credit: Knott's Berry FarmIf you are a fan of Knott’s Berry Farm and Knott’s Soak City, we may have some news that will dampen your day.
Knott’s Berry Farm is one of the most popular theme parks in California, and considering it is also America’s 1st theme park, and one where Walt Disney himself would visit to draw inspiration for Disneyland (which is conveniently located down the road) it is not surprising to hear that the park has such a dedicated audience.
Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park, California, attracts more than five million visitors annually, which is smaller than Disneyland’s 17 million; however, being a regional theme park, that number is quite impressive. It actually started as a roadside berry stand and chicken dinner restaurant in the 1920s, and has since grown into a popular destination for visitors.
To this day, you can still purchase the infamous boysenberry jam and desserts, as well as eat the original recipe of Mrs. Knotts’s fried chicken dinner.
The park’s “Ghost Town”, which is the main land that guests will walk through upon entering, predates Disneyland by 15 years.
Knott’s Berry Farm is now officially in the hands of Six Flags after the recent merger between the two theme park empires of Cedar Fair and Six Flags. While operationally, there have not been too many changes yet, other Cedar Fair theme parks have been said to start playing Six Flags area music, and some theme park signage has been switched over, but not at Knott’s Berry Farm.
At the moment, Knott’s Berry Farm is gearing up to welcome a ton of guests as Knott’s Scary Farm, the original theme park Halloween event, will run for its 51st year.
Even though fall is in our midst, California is still hitting all-time highs when it comes to their temperature.
ABC has stated, “An excessive heat watch has been issued from Tuesday through Friday, covering much of the region except for the coastline. The National Weather Service says temperatures are expected to increase by a few degrees each day, with hazardous heat developing [mid-week] across most areas besides the beaches.”
The hot, dry conditions are expected to elevate fire risks throughout the mountains, valleys, and deserts for the rest of the week.
Health officials urge the public to stay hydrated, remain in air-conditioned spaces, avoid prolonged sun exposure, check on relatives and neighbors, and never leave children or pets in unattended vehicles, as interiors can quickly reach dangerous temperatures.
28 million Americans in the Southwest—including southern California, southern Nevada, and western Arizona—are under heat alerts.
An excessive heat watch is in effect from Wednesday to Friday for cities such as Las Vegas, Phoenix, Fresno, and Bakersfield, with temperatures potentially soaring between 95 and 110 degrees.
This watch may soon be upgraded to a heat advisory or excessive heat warning.
Knowing this, one would think that Knott’s Berry Farm would be taking advantage of the sweltering heat by promoting its water park, Knott’s Soak City.
Knott’s Soak City water park is a separately gated 15-acre water adventure park immediately adjacent to Knott’s Berry Farm.
The water park has a wide range of slides, including the seven-story Shore Break and the family raft ride The Wedge. Additionally, the Tidal Wave Bay wave pool is a massive 750,000-gallon pool with waves that are perfect for surfing or simply relaxing. The Sunset River is a one-third-mile-long lazy river that winds through the park, providing a leisurely float.
While all of that sounds exquisite during a heat wave, it appears that Knott’s is actually shutting their water park for the 2024 season.
According to the Knott’s Berry Farm calendar, Knott’s Soak City will be open September 7 and 8 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. before closing down for the year.
While it is common for regional theme parks like Knott’s Berry Farm to shutter their water parks in the wake of cooler weather on the horizon, it does feel that it is a little too early for this California theme park to remove the ability to splish and splash around.
So, if you are looking to soak in some final rays of summer at Knott’s Berry Farm, this upcoming weekend will be your best bet. In the past, we have seen Knott’s Berry Farm unexpectedly close, typically due to excessive weather. However, this closure has been planned.
As a reminder to those planning on visiting Knott’s Berry Farm, or Knott’s Scary Farm: Knott’s Berry Farm has reinstated a policy mandating that visitors aged 15 and younger must be accompanied by an adult after 4:00 p.m.
Are you sad to see Knott’s Soak City shutter for the year?