SoCal with Kids

Ideas, tips, and destinations for FUN with kids in Southern California!

Ideas, tips, and destinations for FUN with kids in Southern California!

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Knott’s Soak City Renovations

By: socalwithkids • This site contains affiliate links.

Knott's Soak City Renovations 2017 ~ www.socalwithkids.com

Knott’s Soak City Renovations

We were recently invited to attend Knott’s Soak City Waterpark’s media day. It coincided with opening day for the 2017 season. The water park recently made some great renovations.

Soak City Renovations ~ www.socalwithkids.com

Knott’s Soak City Renovations

Knott’s Soak City renovations include a two acre expansion. Within the expansion are two new attractions, The Wedge, and Shore Break.

Knott's Soak City Expansion

The Wedge – Family Slide


Knott's Soak City Orange County ~ www.socalwithkids.com

The Wedge is a new family raft ride. It accommodates up to 6 riders, and allows kids as small as 40″ to ride with a supervising companion. Children 48″ and over can ride The Wedge without a supervising companion. The rafts on this ride are brought to the top of the slide via a conveyer, making it much easier than guests carrying them!

Shore Break Towers

Shore Break Towers at Knott's Soak City Orange County ~ www.socalwithkids.com

Shore Break Towers is another new water slide attraction. Here you’ll find a 60 foot tower with a total of 6 slides. The minimum height requirement to ride any of the slides on Shore Break Towers is 48″.

Knott's Soak City Orange County ~ www.socalwithkids.com

The other two slides on Shore Break Towers feature dueling tubes. Guests can ride single-rider tubes, or double-up with a buddy on a two-rider tube. Either way, it’s a fast, fun slide!


Four of the slides on Shore Break Towers have Aqua-Launch chambers. Once a guest enters the chamber, the floor drops out beneath their feet, sending them on a thrilling ride!

Longboard’s Grill Restaurant

Knott's Soak City Orange County ~ www.socalwithkids.com

Longboard’s Grill, one of the water park’s restaurants, has been completely renovated. It’s now twice as large, with a redesigned layout. They’ve also expanded their menu to include breaded chicken tenders, wraps, as well as fish and chips.

20 Additional Cabanas

Knott's Soak City OC Cabanas ~ www.socalwithkids.com

Soak City renovations also include the addition of 20 more cabanas! The new cabanas are located near the entrances to The Wedge and Shorebreak Towers. Also, each of the cabanas in the water park have new seating, tables, and lounge chairs!

Additional Seating and Shade

Knott's Soak City Orange County ~ www.socalwithkids.com

Brand new additional seating is available in front of the new cabanas. Additional seating and shade is also available behind Longboard’s Grill. Longboard’s Grill also has lots of nice, brand new seating and shade structures in front of the restaurant.

Landscaping Upgrades

Knott's Soak City Orange County ~ www.socalwithkids.com

Landscaping upgrades can be seen throughout the water park. Lot of new trees, flowers, bushes and shrubs have been planted for the 2017 season.

Fountain with the Surfer Statue

Knott's Soak City Renovations 2017 ~ www.socalwithkids.com

Just after you enter, you’ll see the new addition of a fountain with the surfer statue. This is a beautiful renovation! If you’re familiar with the water park, you may remember the surfer previously surrounded by flowers in a huge planter. We LOVE this renovation!

New Entrance From Parking Lot

Knott's Soak City Renovations ~ www.socalwithkids.com

There’s a brand new entrance path to the water park from the parking lot. The path is closer to the water park than the old entry. There’s also a beautiful new sign, just above the path’s entry.

Heightened Security at the Entrance

Knott's Soak City OC ~ www.socalwithkids.com

Security has be heightened at the entrance. You’ll now go through a metal detector to enter the water park.

Free Wifi, Fresh Paint, and Other Improvements

Knott's Soak City Orange County ~ www.socalwithkids.com

Both Knott’s Soak City Waterpark, and Knott’s Berry Farm are now offering free wifi for guests! Other improvements include a fresh paint on the attractions, and wooden structure replacement, such as on the bridge toward the Beach House.

Knott's Soak City Orange County ~ www.socalwithkids.com

Click HERE for more information about Knott’s Soak City Waterpark, including operating days and times, pricing, and more. We’re planning another visit later this summer. Perhaps we’ll see you there!

P.S. You’ll also likely enjoy our other post with lots of tips for visiting Knott’s Soak City, as well as the video below of the water park.

(Many thanks to Knott’s for inviting us to experience the renovations first-hand, and hosting us for the day!)

May 24, 2017 By socalwithkids Filed Under: Knott's Soak City Renovations Tagged With: buena park, kids family, knott's soak city, knotts berry farm, oc, orange county, shore break towers, socalwithkids, the wedge, waterpark

5 Reasons Why The Knott’s Boysenberry Festival Rocks!

By: socalwithkids • This site contains affiliate links.

Knott's Berry Bloom Train ~ www.socalwithkids.com

~This post is sponsored by GigaSavvy.~

5 Reasons Why Knott’s Boysenberry Festival Rocks!

Knott's Berry Farm Boysenberry Festival ~ www.socalwithkids.com

Beginning on March 28th, and happening through April 12th, 2015, Knott’s Berry Farm will once again host their annual Boysenberry Festival. This yearly Springtime favorite will be held in the Ghost Town area of the theme park, and feature fun photo opportunities, delicious boysenberry-inspired food, entertainment, and so much more!

Reason #1: NEAT DECOR

Knott's Boysenberry Box

The decor during the Knott’s Boysenberry Festival includes larger-than-life boysenberry decorations, themed cut-outs, “Wanted” posters, and other neat decorations. The special decor, along with the Old-West feel of Ghost Town make for lots of great opportunities for fun photos! Outside of Ghost Town, over in Camp Snoopy, you can find Snoopy dressed as the “Easter Beagle“, and other special Springtime photo opps.

Reason #2: FUN ENTERTAINMENT


Peanuts Party at Knott's

The Knott’s Boysenberry Festival includes fun entertainment including the daytime Peanuts Party in the Park, nighttime dance party called Jammin in the Dark, pie eating contests, a pie walk, dueling fiddlers and banjos, and performances by Krazy Kirk and the Hillbillies.

Reason #3: THE FOOD!

Boysenberry Trifle at Knott's Berry Farm ~ www.socalwithkids.com

Lots of delicious food, including boysenberry-inspired creations, “Boysenberry Bites“, will be available during the Knott’s Boysenberry Festival. Some of the Boysenberry Bites available for purchase include ribs and chicken with Knott’s Berry Farm’s Boysenberry BBQ Sauce, a fish and chips sandwich with boysenberry tartar sauce, fried cheese curds with boysenberry dipping sauce, Boysenberry Latte and Frappuccino, boysenberry fudge, and Boysenberry ICEE Floats to name a few! Little ones can enjoy boysenberry tart making for a small fee, and inside the Wilderness Dance Hall, adults can partake in a Wine and Craft Brew Garden.

Reason #4: THE RIDES AND ATTRACTIONS!


Linus Launcher Ride at Camp Snoopy ~ www.socalwithkids.com

Aside from the great entertainment, food offerings, and special decor during the Knott’s Boysenberry Festival, you also get to experience everything else that makes Knott’s rock! From the newly upgraded Camp Snoopy, to the recently restored Calico Mine Train, to the roller coasters and more, there’s lots to see and do at America’s 1st Theme Park!

Reason #5: THE VALUE!


Knott's Entrance ~ www.socalwithkids.com

Knott’s Berry Farm’s Boysenberry Festival is included in the price of daily admission (or with a Knott’s Season Pass) to the amusement park. You don’t need a special ticket or have to pay an additional fee on top of your daily admission to enjoy the Boysenberry Festival, which makes it a great value!

Calico Mine Ride At Knott's Berry Farm ~ www.socalwithkids.com

If you enjoy social media, be sure to follow (and use!) the hashtag #KnottsSpring for posts from the Knott’s Boysenberry Festival. We look forward to going with the family, and may just even book a room at the Knott’s Hotel to make our visit a weekend getaway. Perhaps we’ll see you there!

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Disclosure: We do not have a formal relationship with Knott’s Berry Farm. We have a relationship with GigaSavvy, for whom we create original content. Our opinions are our own.

March 3, 2015 By socalwithkids Filed Under: Knott's Boysenberry Festival Tagged With: amusement park, boysenberry festival, family, kids, knotts berry farm, knotts spring, oc, orange county, southern california, spring, theme park

SoCal Indoor Family Friendly Activity Deals!

By: socalwithkids • This site contains affiliate links.

Dinosaur L.A. County Museum of Natural History

SoCal Indoor Family Friendly Activity Deals!

Dinosaur L.A. County Museum of Natural History
We’ve searched our affiliates (links within post) to find some great SoCal Indoor Family Friendly Activity Deals. There are some awesome discounts to neat places across Southern California, including San Diego, Orange County, Los Angeles, and the Inland Empire. Here are our top picks:

Indoor Fun Deals In San Diego

• Indoor play at Urban Jungle in Santee, at a discount of $8 per entry! Our kids have been begging me to take them here! It’s located in the previous spot of Jungle Gym and Cafe.

• Take the family ice skating at San Diego Ice Arena, located in Mira Mesa. This special is just $20 for 4 people!

• Check out the all-new indoor play spot, Jump Around Now, located in Chula Vista, for one hour for just $10!

• Take in a movie at UltraStar Cinemas, in the Mission Valley area of San Diego. This special includes 2 tickets, PLUS 2 large drinks and a large popcorn to share for only $24!

• Jump around for just $10 with a 90 minute open pass for 2 kids at Pump It Up in the Poway area of San Diego. Our kids LOVE it here!

• Run around for three hours at San Diego Paintball Park, located in the Miramar area of San Diego, for just $20 for one person! The deal includes entry, a paintball gun, goggles, and neck brace for use during your session, and 200 paintballs.

• Check out The San Diego Soccers at the Valley View Casino Center for just $12 each for mid-level tickets!

Indoor Fun Deals In The OC

• Enjoy a visit to Pirate’s Dinner Adventure, in Buena Park. Ticket includes a 2 hour Pirate Dinner Theater performance PLUS a 4 course dinner starting at $21 for kids, and $29 for adults. I really want to do this with our pirate-loving toddler!

• SOLD OUT! Visit Lyon Air Museum for just $12 per person (1/2 off), or purchase a membership at a great discount!

Indoor Fun Deals In Los Angeles

• Admission for 2 to the L.A. County Museum of Natural History, including the Grandes Maestros Exhibit for only $29!

• Visit the new Ship Model Gallery on The Queen Mary, in Long Beach! This special includes entry to the new exhibit PLUS 2 Queen Mary Passports for just $27!

Indoor Fun Deals In The Inland Empire

• Enjoy an open jump pass for 2 kids for just $8 at Pump It Up in Murrieta!

• Get your thrills with discount Fast Lap Indoor Racing in Ontario. $25 includes two go-kart races PLUS a one year membership!

Be sure to check the details from each link for specific details regarding the SoCal indoor family friendly activity deals, including the suggested age for each establishment. The specials were current as of posting, but won’t last forever! If you see a deal you’re interested in, jump to it! Perhaps we’ll see you at one of these neat family-friendly indoor places soon!

February 20, 2015 By socalwithkids Filed Under: Indoor Deals Tagged With: deal, discount, family, fun, indoor play, indoors, inland empire, kids, los angeles, natural history museum, oc, san diego, social, southern california

Festive Fun at Merry Farm, Knott’s Berry Farm’s Christmas Celebration!

By: socalwithkids • This site contains affiliate links.

Knott's Berry Farm's Christmas Celebration

Knott’s Berry Farm’s Christmas Celebration

Knott's Merry Farm 2014

We’re really excited to once again experience, Knott’s Berry Farm’s Christmas Celebration! We’ve been invited to visit Knott’s the 1st day of their annual event, Merry Farm. Knott’s really gets into the holiday spirit, not only in the Park, but also at their California Marketplace.

Knott's Berry Farm Holiday Decor

Festive Decor, Seasonal Treats, Fun Entertainment, & Unique Gift Shopping

Some of the highlights of Christmastime at Knott’s includes seasonal entertainment and food, incredible festive decor, and the opportunity to shop for unique, one of a kind gifts.

Our personal favorite things to do at Knott’s Berry Farm’s Christmas Celebration is visit with Santa in his Christmas Cabin, ride the festive steam train, and roam the Park while enjoying the festive decor. Of course, our kids LOVE visiting Camp Snoopy!

Knott's Berry Farm Santa

Knott's Merry Farm Entertainment

Knott's Camp Snoopy - Merry Farm

Knott's Berry Farm Seasonal Treats

Holiday Shopping Made Easy!

The Marketplace, which is located just outside the main gates to Knott’s, has some really neat gift shops that go all out with their holiday decor.

Inside Knott’s, at the Christmas Crafts Village, are local artisans selling their original work. You can visit the Christmas Crafts Village for free Monday-Thursday, and is included with daily Park admission.

Of course, a Knott’s Berry Farm 2015 Annual Pass could be the perfect holiday gift for loved ones (or yourself) as well! Some of their annual passes now even include in-park dining, which could be of substantial savings if you eat at the Park often. Passes can be purchased online or at the Park.

Knott's Berry Farm Holiday Store

Merry Farm Is From 11/22/14-1/4/15

Knott’s Berry Farm’s Christmas Celebration happens November 22, 2014 – January 4, 2015. We’re really looking forward to visiting, especially to see Santa in his Christmas Cabin, and ride the festive steam train! Perhaps we’ll see you there!

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No financial compensation was received for this post. We’ve been invited to experience Knott’s Berry Farm’s Christmas Celebration for the purpose of review. Our opinions are our own.

October 26, 2014 By socalwithkids Filed Under: Knott's Berry Farm's Christmas Celebration Tagged With: amusement park, buena park, christmas, christmastime, family, kids, knotts berry farm, merry farm, oc, orange county, peanuts, santa, snoopy, social, theme park

Tips For Visiting The Downtown Disney District In Anaheim

By: socalwithkids • This site contains affiliate links.

Downtown Disney District ~ www.socalwithkids.com

The Downtown Disney District, located at the Disneyland Resort, in Anaheim, California, is fun to visit! Here are some tips for exploring this unique, family-friendly, shopping and dining area.

Downtown Disney District

Downtown Disney District ~ www.socalwithkids.com

The Downtown Disney District Has Something For Everyone!

The Downtown Disney District is an outdoor promenade comprised of restaurants, shops, a movie theater, and more. It’s a great place to enjoy a snack or meal, do some shopping, or simply enjoy the day while leisurely strolling around the promenade.
[Read more…]

September 12, 2014 By socalwithkids Filed Under: Downtown Disney District Tagged With: anaheim, dining, disney, disneyland resort, downtown disney district, family, kids, leisure, movie theater, oc, orange county, outdoors, shopping, socal, southern california

Mickey’s Halloween Party Lights The Night At Disneyland!

By: socalwithkids • This site contains affiliate links.

Mickey's Halloween Party ~ www.socalwithkids.com

Trick-or-treat! Mickey’s Halloween Party, a family-friendly event happens on select dates at Disneyland each Fall. I’ve already purchased a ticket to take our toddler, and can’t wait to go with him! Below are some details about the festivities.

Mickey’s Halloween Party

Mickey's Halloween Party ~ www.socalwithkids.com

A Special Party Requires A Special Ticket

Mickey’s Halloween Party happens during Halloween Time at Disneyland, but is a special nighttime event, requiring a separate ticket. It doesn’t matter if you’re already at Disneyland the day of the event, unless you have a purchased a party ticket, you will have to leave. Those that have purchased a ticket for Mickey’s Halloween Party receive a special wristband upon entry, and believe me, Cast Members DO check, and direct anyone without wristbands out of the Park.

Mickey's Halloween Party Ticket

An Event Ticket Is Less Expensive Than A Single Day Park Ticket

Tickets for Mickey’s Halloween Party are less expensive than a single day Park ticket. Pricing starts at $63, and goes up to $77 for Halloween night. Annual Passholders can receive a discount on tickets for certain nights. If you’re an AP, be sure to inquire about the special pricing. Children under 3 are FREE!

Halloween Time at Disneyland ~ www.socalwithkids.com

You Can Enter Disneyland 3 Hours Prior To The Party

Although Mickey’s Halloween Party is a nighttime event, you can enter Disneyland up to 3 hours prior to the start of the party. So, if the event starts at 6pm, you can enter as early as 3pm. This gives you 3 extra hours to explore The Happiest Place On Earth. I highly suggest taking advantage of these extra hours. There are so many incredible seasonal displays to see, and fun areas to take photos during the extra time before the party begins. If you head on over to the Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree prior to about 4pm you should be able to take some time to enjoy the Halloween Carnival, which is closed during the evening.

Mickey's Halloween Carnival ~ www.socalwithkids.com

Kids of ALL Ages Can Participate In The Fun!

This event is one in which kids of ALL ages can dress up in costume and trick-or-treat! Part of the fun of the event is seeing all the people dressed up in costume. Some are amazing!

Halloween Time At Disneyland ~ www.socalwithkids.com

The Event Includes Parking

Unlike regular tickets to the Park, tickets to Mickey’s Halloween Party INCLUDE parking. Sweet! You must park in one of the lots designated for the Parks to receive free parking. There are tons of parking spaces designated for the Parks. I’ve been to the Parks hundreds of times and I’ve always been able to park in a designated lot for the Parks. If a lot or structure is full, a Cast Member will direct you to another lot.

Small World at Mickey's Halloween Party ~ www.socalwithkids.com

Trick-Or-Treating, A Parade, Fireworks and More!

Mickey’s Halloween Party includes loads of opportunities for safe trick-or-treating throughout the Park. The event also includes a special parade, dance party, awesome decorative displays, neat lighting, character photo opportunities, and more! Most rides and attractions are also open during the event as well.

Halloween Time at Disneyland ~ www.socalwithkids.com

Be sure to check the official Disneyland website for further details about Mickey’s Halloween Party. I’m really looking forward to taking our son. Perhaps we’ll see you there!

P.S. You might be VERY interested in reading our other related post, Halloween Time At Disneyland!

The opinions in this post are our own. We do not work for any brand mentioned, nor do we have any official relationship with them. We were long time Disneyland Annual Passholders, and been to Disneyland at Halloween Time many times.

September 9, 2014 By socalwithkids Filed Under: Mickey's Halloween Party Tagged With: carnival, costume, disney, disneyland, family, kids, mickey's halloween party, oc, orange county, socal, southern california, trick or treat

5 Reasons We Love Halloween Time At Disneyland!

By: socalwithkids • This site contains affiliate links.

Halloween Time at Disneyland ~ www.socalwithkids.com

Halloween Time at Disneyland is so fun, that we think it’s fabulous! As Disneyland Annual Passholders for many years, we’ve experienced this yearly event on many occasions. If you haven’t been to the Disneyland Resort at this time of year, you haven’t truly experienced Halloween in Southern California! Below are some of the reasons why we love visiting Disneyland during Fall.

Halloween Time At Disneyland!

Halloween Time at Disneyland ~ www.socalwithkids.com

Decor, Decor, Decor… Need I Say More?

Disney goes ALL out with neat seasonal decor. From the moment you enter the Disneyland Resort, you can’t help but notice all the beautiful Autumn-themed decor at Halloween Time at Disneyland! The entrance to Disneyland is decked out with gigantic, cute character pumpkin heads. At the beginning of Main Street USA you’re greeted by a gigantic Mickey pumpkin, perfect for taking a fun picture. The entire area is filled with festive banners, pumpkins, and more.

Halloween Time at Disneyland ~ www.socalwithkids.com

Pumpkin, Spice, and Everything Nice

Halloween Time at Disneyland means pumpkin, spice, and everything nice. Who doesn’t love tasty seasonal treats?!? Some of the seasonal treats that have been offered throughout the years are pumpkin lattes, pumpkin muffins, and pumpkin cheesecake. Delicious!

Halloween Time at Disneyland ~ www.socalwithkids.com

Characters Dressed For The Occasion!

Inside the Park, you’ll often find your favorite Disney characters dressed in special seasonal outfits at Halloween Time at Disneyland. There are plenty of character photo opportunities inside Big Thunder Ranch.

Halloween Time at Disneyland ~ www.socalwithkids.com

Carnival With Games, Crafts, and Entertainment Included

Along with seasonally dressed characters, you’ll also find a Halloween Carnival within the Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree area of the Park, during Halloween Time at Disneyland. This area has carnival-style games, crafts, and even some fun entertainment.

Mickey's Halloween Carnival ~ www.socalwithkids.com

The crafts we’ve done in the past have been simple for all ages, including coloring with crayons on paper masks. We love visiting this area, playing the games, enjoying the live entertainment, and having special opportunities with some of our favorite characters.

Mickey's Halloween Carnival ~ www.socalwithkids.com

Here you might also see some pumpkin carvers working on some incredible, unique carved pumpkins! Their creations are true works of art!

Disney Carved Pumpkin ~ www.socalwithkids.com

Special Attractions and Tours

Some of the attractions are seasonally transformed during Halloween Time at Disneyland. The Haunted Mansion is changed to The Haunted Holiday Mansion, inspired by Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas. I love this attraction, and I’m not even a huge Tim Burton fan. Space Mountain also boasts some seasonal changes, but since I’ve always visited with at least one little one too short (or too scared) to go on it, I haven’t experienced it first-hand.

Halloween Time at Disneyland ~ www.socalwithkids.com

Disneyland also offers a tour called Happy Haunts, which takes you to different areas in both Parks at the Resort. The Happy Haunts tour requires an additional fee.

The Park also has a fun, family-friendly event on select nights, called Mickey’s Halloween Party. This event requires a separate ticket, and often sells out prior to the event dates. If you’re interested in attending, you should look into purchasing your ticket(s) far in advance. You can read our post about Mickey’s Halloween Party HERE.

World of Disney at Halloween ~ www.socalwithkids.com

If there’s anything that gets me in the mood for Fall, it’s Halloween Time at Disneyland! Halloween Time at Disneyland runs from 9/12/14-10/31/14. Be sure to visit the Park’s official website for details about pricing, hours, and further . Perhaps we’ll see you there!

P.S. You might also enjoy reading our other post, Planning Your Child’s 1st Visit To Disneyland.

The opinions in this post are our own. We do not work for any brand mentioned, nor do we have any official relationship with them. We were long time Disneyland Annual Pass holders, and been to Halloween Time at Disneyland many times.

September 9, 2014 By socalwithkids Filed Under: Halloween Time At Disneyland Tagged With: autumn, carnival, children, disney, disneyland, fall, family, festive, halloween time, kids, oc, orange county, socal, southern california

Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel Offers Snoopy Bedtime Tuck-In!

By: socalwithkids • This site contains affiliate links.

Snoopy Tuck-In At The Knott's Berry Farm Hotel ~ www.socalwithkids.com

Snoopy Tuck-In & More At The Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel!

We were recently invited to experience a fun overnight stay at the Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel, in Buena Park, California. We knew that Knott’s had a hotel, and had seen it from a distance on many occasions, but had never stepped foot into it prior to our visit.

Snoopy At Knott's Hotel ~ www.socalwithkids.com

Convenient Location To Bounce Between Parks!


The Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel is located next door to Knott’s Berry Farm, and across the street from Knott’s Soak City OC. It’s very convenient to go to and from the hotel to the Parks. The walk to the entrance of Knott’s Berry Farm is about 5 minutes, and it’s just a bit farther to the entrance of their Water Park. It’s super convenient bounce to and from the hotel to the Parks, or even the Knott’s Berry Farm California MarketPlace, without having to drive anywhere.

Knott's Hotel ~ www.socalwithkids.com

321 Guest Rooms At The Knott’s Hotel


The full-service hotel has 321 guest rooms, offers room service, and has an on-site restaurant, Amber Waves, which is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Snoopy makes special daily appearances at Amber Waves; check with the restaurant for details.

Amber Waves at Knott's Hlotel.

Recent Hotel Renovations


The hotel recently received many renovations, including updates to the lobby, front desk, meeting and event rooms, and more. I really liked the neutral colors, and beautiful chandelier hanging from the ceiling in the lobby. The lobby’s carpet had just been replaced the day before we arrived, and new, contemporary furniture had just arrived as well. It was really pretty, and super comfortable!

Knott's Berry Farm Hotel Lobby ~ www.socalwithkids.com

Pool, Spa, Children’s Water Play Area and More!


The Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel has a pool, spa, fitness center, sports courts, and more. Our kids loved splashing in the pool, and playing the special children’s water play area, which is located right next to the pool. They also enjoyed going in the heated pool after dark, and swimming under the stars.

Knott's Berry Farm Pool Play Area

Snoopy Bedtime Tuck-In Rocks!


The Knott’s Hotel offers a super sweet Snoopy Bedtime Tuck-In, which my husband and I enjoyed just as much as the kids! Snoopy came to our room with another hotel employee just after 8pm, made sure we were ready for him, and tucked the kids in bed for the night. We took some cute pictures, and I even got a little snuggle from Joe Cool as well. The service is only available in 18 select rooms, located in the Snoopy-themed wing. We brought our own plush Snoopy and Woodstock, but guests can receive up to 2 plush Snoopy dolls when staying in one of the special Snoopy-themed rooms. Contact the hotel for details.

Snoopy Tuck-In At The Knott's Berry Farm Hotel ~ www.socalwithkids.com

Portable Cribs and Rollaways Available


Since we were traveling with our baby, I requested a portable crib. They promptly had it delivered to our room, which already had two comfortable Queen size beds. The Pack ‘N Play was clean, and our baby slept well in it. I’m not sure if anyone else in my family noticed, but I thought it was super cute that it matched the decor perfectly! Rollaway beds are also available up request and availability. I think it’s about $15 extra for a rollaway, and I know they’re only available in certain rooms.

Knott's Hotel Room ~ www.socalwithkids.com

Hotel Specials and Packages Available


More information about the Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel, including the fun Snoopy Bedtime Tuck-In service, plus specials they may be offering can be found on their official website. We really enjoyed the stay, and would love visiting the hotel again when we visit for a seasonal event such as Camp Spooky, or future Park visit. Perhaps we’ll see you there!

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Disclosure: We were invited to experience an overnight stay at the Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel. We do not work for, or with any brand mentioned in this article. We were not specifically asked to do a review, but know it fits our reader’s interests, and wanted to share our experience. Our invite was through GigaSavvy, for whom we create original content.

August 12, 2014 By socalwithkids Filed Under: Knott's Berry Farm Hotel Tagged With: accommodations, buena park, family, kids, knott's hotel, knott's soak city, knotts berry farm, oc, orange county, peanuts gang, snoopy, social, travel, tuck in

How To Use FASTPASS At Disneyland and Disney California Adventure

By: socalwithkids • This site contains affiliate links.

Visiting Disneyland ~ www.socalwithkids.com

How To Use A Disney FASTPASS

A girlfriend of mine was recently planning a trip to the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, and questioned me about FASTPASS. She’d never used one, and was wondering how to obtain and use a FASTPASS at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park.
[Read more…]

August 7, 2014 By socalwithkids Filed Under: Disney FASTPASS Tagged With: amusement park, anaheim, dca, disney california adventure, disneyland, family, fast pass, fastpass, free, kids, oc, orange county, return ticket, rides, social, southern california, theme park

Best Ways To Beat The Heat At Disney California Adventure

By: socalwithkids • This site contains affiliate links.

Stay Cool at DCA ~ www.socalwithkids.com

Beat The Heat At Disney California Adventure

We’re super lucky to have really great weather almost 365 days a year in Southern California. It makes for pretty easy planning when visiting local theme parks. Certain days can be warmer than others, and some summer days are down right HOT. Sometimes we even have odd heat waves at unexpected times of the year. When visiting the Disneyland Resort, we love going to California Adventure. Our favorite ways to beat the heat at Disney California Adventure are below.

Stay Cool at DCA ~ www.socalwithkids.com

The Disney Animation Building

Our absolute favorite place to beat the heat at Disney California Adventure is the The Disney Animation Building. It’s air conditioned throughout, and you can sit in the lobby and be entertained by illustrations and short videos set to music and recharge. There have been times we’ve spent an hour or more here with one of our little ones sleeping in the jogger, and the rest of us enjoying the atmosphere.

Inside this building you can attend the Animation Academy’s interactive drawing sessions known as The Secrets of Drawing. Each participant receives a pencil and paper, and you have the opportunity to follow along with a Disney artist as they teach you how to draw familiar character. It’s fun, and gives you the opportunity to give yourself a shot at drawing. The session is free, and is short enough for most children to enjoy as well. Even really young ones!

Also within the Animation Building is Turtle Talk with Crush, The Sorcerer’s Workshop, and Character Close-Up. We’ve always enjoyed Turtle Talk with Crush, which is an interactive show with the turtle, Crush. The Sorcerer’s Workshop is fun to walk through, and has some neat hands-on, interactive features. It’s neat to take a few minutes to check out the Character Close-Up while waiting for a Secrets of Drawing session, or before you leave the building.

Disney Junior Live On Stage

Disney Junior Live On Stage is indoors, and lasts about 20 minutes or so. It’s great for younger children, especially those that love the characters from Disney Junior!

Princess Dot Puddle Park

Don’t let the name fool you, boys will love this area too! Located in Bugs Land, the Princess Dot Puddle Park is a great little water park for little kids to get wet! Bring your child’s bathing suit, water proof shoes, and a towel to dry off. We’ve spend hours here playing.

It’s Tough to be a Bug

It’s Tough to be a Bug is an interactive show in an air conditioned building within Bug’s Land. This show may have a little wait in an cool, indoor waiting area. Be forewarned, this show can be a little scary for some young kids.

Indoor Rides

Indoor rides are always a great place to beat the heat. Indoor rides at Disney California Adventure include Toy Story Midway Mania, Soarin’ Over California, Monster’s Inc, The Little Mermaid, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror (which I’ve admittedly never ridden!),

The Boudin Bakery Tour

Although it only takes a few minutes to do so, the Boudin Bakery Tour is a nice place to enjoy cool air. It’s pretty educational too! I highly recommend going through it at least one time if you’ve never experienced it.

Indoor Dining

Stopping for a bite to eat inside an air conditioned restaurant is always a great way to recharge. Our personal favorites inside Disney California Adventure are Flo’s V8 Cafe, located in Cars Land, Taste Pilots Grill, located at Condor Flats, and The Ghiradelli Soda Fountain, located at Pacfic Wharf, but there are other indoor dining options as well.

Browsing Gift Shops

Browsing through the gift shops is also a nice way to escape the heat. The gift shops used to be one of my go-to places if both of my first born kids fell asleep in the jogger at the same time. I could easily walk around and browse the shops in the AC while they got their beauty sleep; a bonus for each of us!

Other Stay-Cool Ideas

Other places I would think would be great to cool down would be the indoor show, Disney’s Alladin – A Musical Spectacular. I would think the Grizzly River Run water ride would be refreshing as well. For whatever reason, we’ve never done either, so I cannot give my personal insights, but I’m pretty certain both would be great to beat the heat!

Shopping At Disney ~ www.socalwithkids.com

Check out the Park’s official website for more information about the places we’ve mentioned. Where are your favorite spots to beat the heat at Disney California Adventure? Perhaps we’ll see you there!

P.S. You might also enjoy reading our other related post, Planning Your Trip To The Disney California Adventure Park.

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The opinions in this article are our own. We do not work for, or with, any brand mentioned in this post, nor do we have any official relationship with them. We’re Disney fans and longtime passholders.

July 30, 2014 By socalwithkids Filed Under: Beat The Heat At Disney CA Adventure Tagged With: anaheim, cool off, dca, disney california adventure park, disneyland, family, kids, oc, orange county, social, southern california, theme park

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