It can be challenging to convince kids to spend time with their families, so it’s critical to organize trip experiences that are engaging, delectable, and enjoyable. With its exhilarating water slides, dramatic dinner performances, teen-pleasing retail opportunities, and vintage amusement park, Buena Park, California, is a great fit. Discover the top 5 activities in Buena Park for large children and teens by reading on!
1. Knott’s Berry Farm Theme Park
Did you know that a family-run berry farm and roadside stand selling fruits and jams was the original location of Knott’s Berry Farm Theme Park? This unexpected Southern California destination has a fascinating history that began in 1920 when Walter and Cordelia Knott bought farms in Orange County close to the little hamlet of Buena Park.
The couple started serving fried chicken and Mrs. Knott’s homemade biscuits to devoted diners in the 1930s, who were willing to wait hours to get their fill. To keep the crowds entertained, the Knotts continued to add attractions. Today, Buena Park’s main draw and one of the world’s most popular theme parks is Knott’s Berry Farm!
There are four themed sections in the amusement park. I’ve listed the top attractions for adults and older children for each quarter below.
2. Pirates Dinner Adventure
Teens may not seem old enough for Buena Park’s Pirates Dinner Adventure. But you would be so very mistaken! This interactive live supper entertainment is sure to delight the whole family.
I adore how the cast engages viewers of all ages—from young children to adults—in the competitive plot. To my happy surprise, my teenagers—even the edgy ones—were joining in on the boisterous enjoyment of the evening, putting aside their façade of coolness.
You may anticipate amazing effects, thrilling stunts, belly-laugh-inducing (and cringe-inducing) humor, an airborne mermaid performance, and thrilling sword fighting on the high seas. Enclosed by a 250,000-gallon indoor lagoon, the entire event happens on a re-creation of a Spanish galleon from the 18th century.
You will be served a three-course dinner consisting of tomato soup or green salad, chicken with vegetables, brownie with raspberry sauce, and soft drinks as you cheer and watch. There are kid-friendly meals for those 11 years old and under, as well as vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free selections.
To settle in, aim to arrive one hour before to the start of the show. In addition to taking pictures, you may engage with pirates, buy souvenirs, and purchase themed drinks. If you purchase an upgrade, you’ll get one included photo, better seating, and souvenir pirate accessories.
3. Independence Hall
Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell are easily accessible without having to travel to Philadelphia. This is because Buena Park is home to a perfect duplicate of this historically significant site, where the nation’s founding fathers ratified the U.S. Constitution and Declaration of Independence.
Walter Knott, the founder of Knott’s Berry Farm, was motivated to have the meticulously crafted copy constructed after touring the original location in Pennsylvania. Independence Hall in Buena Park first opened to the public on July 4, 1966. All year round, except Christmas, it is open.
Across the street from Knotts Berry Farm Theme Park and directly next to Knott’s Soak City Water Park is where you can find Knott’s Independence Hall. It’s simple to incorporate some American history into your family trip in Buena Park with this free attraction!
4. Soak City Water Park
Knott’s Soak City Waterpark, which is open from mid-May to mid-October, is particularly refreshing on a sweltering Southern California summer day. Almost two dozen water slides can be found at this water park, ranging from the gentle kiddie slides at Gremmie Lagoon water playground to the extremely terrifying Aqua Launch drop slides and the swift, steep Old Man Falls slides.
But the wet pleasure doesn’t end with the slides. Ten miles inland from the Pacific Ocean, Buena Park is nevertheless a great place for youngsters and teenagers to body surf in the 750,000-gallon Tidal Wave Bay at Soak City.
Adults, meanwhile, might prefer to float on the.33-mile Sunset River in inner tubes. The three-story Beach House is a favorite among all ages because of its numerous water cannons, fountains, and—most importantly—a massive bucket that releases 500 gallons of water on everyone below once every five minutes.
5. EKO Karaoke
Whatever the singing prowess of your family, you’ll have a blast at EKO Karaoke. Actually, there will be more laughing in your karaoke suite the worse the performances are!
With a karaoke machine, sound system, two cordless mics (ideal for duets!), and optional lighting effects, sixteen private rooms are available. At the touch of a button, you may also place delivery orders for food and beverages.
Many songs in English, Korean, Japanese, Spanish, and other languages are available for selection. Singing along is made simple by the words being projected on a screen.
For people of all ages, private karaoke creates a fun and unforgettable bonding experience. Open daily till 9 p.m., EKO Karaoke welcomes children and teenagers under the age of 21. We all wanted to stay until our one hour was over, so I recommend scheduling extra time for the entire family to sing!