We love the Marketplace at Knott’s. During our normal Knott’s visits we never have enough time to stop in and check things out — mainly because we’re burnt out. Since they were the only spot open for a while we were able to get the pins, Snoopy Squishmallow, and Snoopy cookies there. A little bit of Knott’s is better than nothing.
We decided to order his birthday cake from the bakery. I asked for a Snoopy and Charlie Brown Halloween theme. I think it came out so cute. Next time you’re thinking of Albertons, Ralphs, whatever grocery store you shop at cake — head over to Knott’s instead. Same price with all the quality of The Farm. We also ordered a bunch of Snoopy cookies but right now they have the cutest Halloween themed cookies and treats.
Right before 2020 sunk into a hole we went to Knott’s for Charlie Brown Day. Our most favorite day of the year. Where we cheer on our favorite guy, Chuck, good grief! We went to their first food festival, Taste Of Calico, back in July. Only Ghost Town was open and we were greeted lovingly by the Mayor. I’m sure he senses we are Good Citizens of Calico. We love him.
Like everyone else who adores Halloween we were spending the past few months wishing for things to get back to normal so we could visit Scary Farm. Then it turned into hoping for “Taste Of Spooky Farm”. They always have those crazy Halloween dishes. Then it happened — Taste Of Fall-o-Ween. I jumped at getting tickets for the first day. I love starting spooky season in September. Plus, it landed on Giuseppe’s 5th birthday.
We arrived an hour after opening and it was a breeze to park and a breeze to get in. From temperature screening, security, and entry. BUT we did go on a Friday in September so that may have helped. Not very crowded throughout the day but the entire park is open to roam.
Now, our main reason for going was the trick-or-treating through Camp Snoopy. Hoping to catch a glimpse of our dear friends, The Peanuts Gang. What a beautiful sight! They did SUCH an amazing job. I felt like I was in the most amazing Halloween setting. Sprinkle in all of those little Peanuts Gang cutouts. They had skeletons on every ride. I gotta say, I think Giuseppe was a little jealous seeing all those bones on his rides. He wanted to know what happened to ride operator, Kevin, who was still dressed in his Camp Snoopy outfit. I told him that when everything got shut down — Kevin got trapped in the park — and this is what happened. Snoopy looked great in his Dracula costume. We yelled that we missed them. Lots of kisses were blown our way. Such a tease seeing them from a distance but it was a lovely surprise. Plenty of trick-or-treat stations. Way more than what they offer during Spooky Farm in Calico during normal operations. I hope they keep it like this because I prefer it more. I love all the ghosts in Calico but this experience was just above and beyond.
It’s obvious that Knott’s are the kings of Halloween decorations and props. If we couldn’t have the full thing I’m glad we got a taste. A really good taste.
Best food item I tried: butternut squash soup in bread bowl. Giuseppe’s nana says: Headless Meatball Sandwich.
Also, if you’re looking to grab a birthday pin, those super special 100th Anniversary ones, ask the person at the exit. Both guest services locations were closed and we were finally directed to the exit. They have them locked closely away and are very happy to provide you with one.
Having a pass to Knott’s is the best! Having a pass during holiday seasons — even better!
We’ve done Spooky Farm a few years now for the trick-or-treating, the Camp Snoopy show, and the character meet-n-greets. Now that Giuseppe is bigger we’re able to take in more of the sights.
We started with trick-or-treating in Ghost Town. They provide treat bags right when you walk in at the front gate. You don’t even have to ask — as well as a map of the days events and treat locations. Treats included; Kit Kat, Hershey’s, Jolly Rancher lollipop, Junior Mints, and Twizzlers.
During our treating adventure we stopped in the Livery Stable to see the Creepy Critters Of Calico — there’s even a horse in a “skeleton costume”. We even stopped in with the Undertaker so he could measure Seppe.
We stopped in to check out Linus Van Pelt’s Great Pumpkin Patch at Calico Park. Linus wasn’t there but his place looks real fine. You can decorate your own pumpkin or cookie.
Then it was time for the reason we were there — the Spooky Farm Costume Contest and Peanuts Dance Party. Seppe was more excited about the dance party with the Peanuts gang. Giuseppe thought he was dressed for the occasion because he’s the Great Pumpkin. The place was packed! All the kids were asked to line-up and strut their stuff across the Camp Snoopy Theater. Out came Lucy, Charlie Brown, and Snoopy to help out. Seppe’s jaw dropped. He was so excited to see them and he couldn’t believe that he was going on the stage where he’s seen so many shows. So across the stage he went — in front of a way beyond packed house. As he walked off the stage he was given a Knott’s Spooky Farm Costume Party Participant ribbon. It was so sweet. A bunch of kids gathered in front of the stage for a dance party. If you know my kid, you know he lets loose. Franklin and Schroeder came out in the crowd to dance with the kids. Giuseppe had a hard time posing with Franklin because they were both too busy having the time of their lives and dancing. The Peanuts Gang look great in their Halloween costumes! A lot of bigger girls kept telling Seppe that they liked his costume. Everyone working the character meet-n-greets kept telling the characters — look, it’s the Great Pumpkin! The characters would get excited and play along.
We took A Trip To Camp Spooky on the Grand Sierra Railroad. Love it! The Monsters Are Coming, Charlie Brown is such a cute show. We’ve enjoyed the Halloween show at Camp Snoopy Theater every year.
The only thing we weren’t able to fit in our trip was the Spooky Story Time at the Bird Cage Theatre. We were bummed that we missed it — but there’s just SO MUCH TO DO!
Spooky Farm is happening every Saturday and Sunday until October 27th and Thursday October 31st. For more information visit: https://www.knotts.com/
My son is 3 and obviously the Knott’s pro. He doesn’t mind changing his mind about what he wants to do next and could do 20 laps around the place. This trip was all about Giuseppe and his great-grammy, who he calls, Grammy.
Our main focus was to enjoy the day in Camp Snoopy. Maybe take a little adventure to the Calico Mine. Giuseppe had other plans —
TIMBER MOUNTAIN LOG RIDE — Height Requirement – 36″. We started our day at Giuseppe’s favorite ride. He insisted Grammy go on. They’ve recently changed their 2 long bench seats to 3 or 4 individual seats. Over the year we’ve watched Giuseppe go from, hold me tightly, to — don’t hold me, I’m holding on myself. I think the seat separation has turned him into a badass. Grammy had a hard time getting out of the boat and needed my assistance lifting her out. The warm summer days means the wait time has DOUBLED. Can’t wait for those colder days to soon approach us. This ride is 3 year old approved.
Timber Mountain Log Ride — Giuseppe’s favorite ride at Knott’s
It’s easy finding shady spots in Camp Snoopy to relax. Grammy took a seat and watched us as we looped around all the kiddie rides.
TIMBERLINE TWISTER — Height requirement – 36″. Giuseppe’s 2nd favorite ride in the park. It was also my 2nd favorite as a kid. I love this big layout of a kiddie coaster. Giuseppe started riding alone around 2 years, 3 months. Sometimes he’ll ride with his sister or another little that’s alone will ask to join him. Kids are first belted in and then a lap bar.
CAMP BUS — Height Requirement – 42″ or accompanied by a companion. Seppe’s 41 1/2″ so he’s still stuck going on some rides with his mom. I don’t mind. I love being able to ride rides with my little guy. Seppe’s always hoping for the front but we haven’t gotten it yet. He wants the view and the spot with Snoopy. Each row has you sitting with one of the Peanuts characters. This time we were right in the middle with Linus. I love the screams of the kids when they hit the first drop. Everyone is secured in with a lap bar and a metal door.
Always a treat finding out who we’re sitting with. I’d say Seppe got paired up with his twin.
RAPID RIVER RUN — Height Requirement – 42″ or accompanied by a companion. Giuseppe loves seeing the Butterfield Stagecoach roll past while we wait in line for this one. He’s always waving to the horses but then people always wave back to him. Every kid is always hoping for the 2 back row spots for that wild ride! Everyone is secured with a lap bar and metal door.
PIG PEN’S MUD BUGGIES — Height Requirement – 36″ or accompanied by a companion. This is probably the newest solo ride to Seppe’s Knott’s adventures. He started riding around 40″ with his sister. Parents, you’re even able to take the seat behind your kiddos. These buggies are the absolute cutest, kids reactions to this ride always has me cracking up, and HELLO, it’s Pig Pen! I haven’t seen a kiddie ride like this anywhere else. Everyone is secured with a lock in belt that only the ride operator can undo.
ROCKY MOUNTAIN TRUCKING COMPANY — Height Requirement – 42″ or accompanied by a companion. Another ride where you line up and wait to see which Peanuts character you’re going to get teamed up with. If you’re in the front of the line you’re guaranteed to get Charlie Brown. Giuseppe’s been lucky enough to get him a couple of times. Seppe points out every time how he’s dressed like Charlie Brown. This time we got Lucy. I’ve watched Seppe grow into this ride. Parents, if your child is under 42″ you have to sit in the back of the truck. If you have a little then he/she is sitting with you. When they’re the proper age they’re able to sit in the front of the truck. Giuseppe loves sitting up there and honking the horn. Right now he’s at the stage where he wants to make sure that I’m right there and do I know he’s right there too. I had him poking his head out the window to say, hi, mom a couple of times before we took off. I had to let him know that when we start moving his head has to stay in so he doesn’t whack his nog off. I hear, okay, mom.. and he listens. In the front they’re secured by a door that can only be opened from the outside. Up top you’re secured by a belt.
Just change the name to Rocky Mountain Cuteness already!
CHARLIE BROWN’S KITE FLYER — Height Requirement – 42″ or accompanied by a companion. A huge hit with this one. I mean, I’d like to sit here, ride after ride, and say how cute they all are. Because they are! I love that I’m able to ride these rides with my boy. Personally, I’ll be riding this ride with Giuseppe even when he passes 42″. Usually kids that ride alone are a bit bigger. The double bucket swing, so great! Thanks, Knotts! Secured in by a middle of the legs buckle that only the ride operator can undo — as well as a bar.
TAKING A BREAK — Now, this little picnic area in the middle is very popular with the kids. Especially my kid. I don’t know what it is but that little log tunnel, mini benches, and mushrooms make kids lose their minds! Mine loves to climb through the log, jump across the mushrooms, and will attempt to get on top of the log. He even loves to hide from me in the middle of the tunnel. It was a nice moment to take a break during the day. Take a moment to gander at the Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Woodstock rock sculpture — LOVE! There are so many gorgeous sights in Camp Snoopy. Still magical after all these years.
HUFF AND PUFF — Height Requirement – Under 52″. My favorite ride as a kid!! Always happy to see this wonderful little ride tucked away right under Montezooma’s Revenge (another classic). I remember the day that I was too big to go on it. Broke my heart. My dad still mentions it every time we’re there, thanks, Dad! Pretty sure I didn’t really go on anything else when I was there. This is a must! And if they want to ride it again, let them ride it again! Secured in with a belt.
BALLOON RACE — Height Requirement – 36″ or accompanied by a companion. Another childhood classic of mine. I still love riding this ride with Giuseppe. We love soaring around in the baskets with hot air balloons fashioned after Charlie Brown and Snoopy. Secured in with a belt.
PEANUTS GANG!! — The best part about Knott’s? Seeing the Peanuts Gang! Whoever they hire to be in these costumes do a fantastic job! They are patient, kind, and funny. They notice every single time when Seppe is wearing his Charlie Brown outfit. Snoopy pointed out this time that Giuseppe is the REAL Charlie Brown, melt my heart. Charlie Brown ALWAYS points to Seppe and then himself acknowledging that they’re dressed alike, double melt my heart. Charlie ruffled Seppe’s hair into his face which made everyone around crack up. Silly, Charlie. I adore that he’s so into “kissing the characters”. I hope this lasts for many years. We caught Snoopy in his Space Beagle outfit. We love the Space Beagle show.
PEANUTS GANG WITH GREAT-GRAMMY — Usually Grammy is asked if she’s the grandma. She responded that she’s Great-Grammy. Snoopy gave her a few head nods for it. Lucy kept doing heart fingers to her. It was very sweet.
FLYING ACE — Height Requirement – 32″ – Maximum 54″. The most classic in all of Camp Snoopy, if you ask me. I’ve seen photos of this ride in so many people’s family photos from years past. Always so happy to see it. His sister is now too tall to ride this so this is another one where if there’s a kid riding alone they’ll ask to ride along with Seppe. Secured in with lock in belt that can only be undone by a ride operator.
Forever a classic
GRAND SIERRA RAILROAD — Height Requirement – 46″ or accompanied by an adult. This is the perfect ride if you just want to spend a little bit of time kicking back, relaxing, staying out of the sun, catch your breath. You get to cruise around and check out what the Peanuts Gang are up to. Depending on the time of the year they’re always up to something different. I loved taking both of my nephews on this ride when they were little. They are now 10 and 8.. some things never change. Giuseppe always spots something different each and every time we’re on this ride.
WOODSTOCK’S AIRMAIL — Height Requirement – 36″. Doesn’t matter what we have planned during our trip, this year, this ride, has turned into a must for Seppe. Every, single, visit he makes sure he gets on this one. It’s the closest ride to the entrance/exit so there’s no doubt in his mind he’s going to get to ride it. With it being the closest it usually doesn’t have that long of a line. I get a video of him riding it every single time. It’ll be funny to watch him grow on it. It’s another one where he thinks he’s a pro so depending on how he’s feeling he’ll have his hands up, throw himself around, or pretend like he’s sleeping. Sometimes he waves to me like crazy, hi, Mom. Other times he pretends like he doesn’t know me. I’ve had to be there to help him in and out of the seats. I’ve watched him struggle and fall to get out of the seats (thank goodness for the padded flooring below). I’ve watched kids knock him over when they’re running out. Now, I see him climb in and out of the seat with ease all by himself. It’s a must for your mini thrill seekers. Secured in by padded lap bar.
Where’s Seppo?
VOYAGE TO THE IRON REEF — Height Requirement – 46″ or accompanied by a companion. My parents, Giuseppe’s Nana & Papa’s favorite ride. My dad is the champ at this. He said he likes to use two guns but my mom gets pissed off and doesn’t let him. A 4-D interactive ride where you’re shooting odd sea creatures that are popping up beneath the Boardwalk. This is a nice ride to cool off on during those hot days. Or, once again, if you just want to take a minute to catch your breath. Secured in by a lap bar.
CALICO MINE RIDE — Height Requirement – 46″ or accompanied by a companion. Up until recently Giuseppe thought this was called “Cannibal Mine”. I think Seppe has a future with Knott’s during Scary Farm. Another favorite to add to his list. Another must see classic in the park.
A very happy boy heading in to the Calico Mine.
A few other mentions that we didn’t get around to riding this time around. CALICO RAILROAD — Height Requirement – 46″ or accompanied by a companion. Classic of all classic Knott’s attractions. Fun surprises always await aboard the Calico Railroad. BUTTERFIELD STAGECOACH — Height Requirement – 46″ or accompanied by a companion. Climb on top or inside the stagecoach for one heck of a good time! Our favorite spot is on top in the back. HAT DANCE — Height Requirement – 36″ or accompanied by a companion. Get ready for some spinning action! Where you control the spin! HIGH SIERRA FERRIS WHEEL — Height Requirement – 54″ or 36″ and accompanied by a companion. Seriously, the fastest ferris wheel I’ve ever been on. So fun. MERRY-GO-ROUND — Height Requirement – 46″ or accompanied by a companion. A childhood delight. Which do you choose to ride? PACIFIC SCRAMBLER — Height Requirement – 48″ or 36″ and accompanied by a companion. Seppe just recently had his first taste of the Scrambler and he is HOOKED! SKY CABIN — Height Requirement – 46″ or accompanied by a companion. Get a whole view of the park below as you sit in Woodstock’s nest. SURFSIDE GLIDERS — Height Requirement – 44″ or 36″ and accompanied by a companion. Glide through the air where you control your dips and turns.
Adventures With Candy 