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Knott's Berry Farm – Not a farm at all, and the
only berries are in jars sold at the gift store, Knott's Berry Farm is a
theme park. "The Farm," set on 160 acres, has its own special
delights. Like Disneyland, Knott's Berry is divided into six sections: Ghost
Town, Fiesta Village, The Boardwalk, Indian Trails, Wild Water Wilderness and Camp Snoopy. There are also special
events at the park, which change every few weeks. |
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 Independence
Hall – The first thing you see when you get to Knott's Berry is
a recreation of Independence Hall in Philadelphia: the building includes
a reproduction of the Liberty Bell and exhibits about the founding of the
United States. Because it's just outside the gate to the park, you can visit
Independence Hall for free. |
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Rides – As you'd expect, there are lots of roller coasters here, each taking
its theme from its location in the park, and there's something for every
thrill level. Older kids may also want to try "the world's tallest
descending thrill ride" (the 30-story Supreme Scream) and everyone
will have fun on the Bigfoot Rapids (my daughter screamed in delight at
5, even though we got thoroughly soaked). |
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Theme
areas – Even locals get a kick out of exploring the west in the
different theme areas of the park. You can pan for gold or ride a stagecoach
in one area, taste a little of Mexico in another, listen to Native American
legends in a teepee, pet animals at Camp Snoopy (where everything is geared
for little ones)…just exploring everything here will be a full day. |
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Soak City Water Park – Next door to to Knott's Berry
Farm is the Knott's Soak City., a large water park. So
bring your swim suits and float down the lazy Sunset River, ride the waves
on the giant wave pool, or race down the speed slides. Little kids can play
in the Greemie Lagoon water playground. |
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Camelot Miniature Golf – If love miniature golf,
you won’t want to miss Camelot. There are five 18-hole courses here,
with the whole range of challenges available (even water hazards). You’ll
see all the cutesy buildings (windmills, castles) you could want and an
arcade with over 200 games. You also get a four tube waterslides so you
can cool off after a tough day on the course. |
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The Movieland Wax Museum – Right next door to
Knott's Berry Farm on Beach Boulevard, this spot has been a local landmark
for almost 40 years. The museum boasts of having “more stars then there
are in Hollywood” (at last count over 300 celebrities have been caught
in wax). Perennially popular exhibits include the Wizard of Oz, Star Trek
and Bonanza sets. Expect to spend a little more time and money at (or else
steer clear of) the video game arcade and a great candy store with over
150 types of candy! |
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Discovery Science Center (Santa Ana) –
Need amusement for the mind? The Discovery Science Center has over a 100
hands-on science exhibits, including Virtual Volleyball, Wind Tunnel, Musical
Floor, Rocking Climbing Wall, and the Laser Beam Harp. Special events include
the BubbleFest in April and Spooky Science in October. You can't miss the
giant 10-story solar cube. Click
here for directions to the museum and calendar of events. |
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Crystal Cathedral – Seen by millions
every week, the Hour of Power Sunday Service has made this the most recognizable
religious building in the U.S. Designed by Philip Johnson, it is nothing
short of mind-boggling: shaped like a star with 91,000 square feet of floor
space encompassed by glass. A 45-minute tour tells how the building was
created. You'll also tour the gardens filled with life-sized religious statuary
that bring Bible stories to life. Tours are every half hour from morning
to mid-afternoon, Monday-Saturday. |
