Fun is always in season at Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park! With dozens of rides, shows and attractions in four-themed areas, there is something for every age. California’s first theme park offers a little something for everyone whether you are fighting off the Queen Kraken or taking a voyage to the Iron Reef on an interactive 4-D adventure! The recently renovated Ghost Rider is the longest, fastest wooden roller coaster on the West Coast. Don’t miss HangTime, the first and only dive coaster in California, that towers 150 feet over the Boardwalk area with a 96-degree vertical drop. Hint: Be sure to get your Fast Lane passes to bypass long lines. www.knotts.com
Adjacent to Knott’s Berry Farm is Knott’s Soak City Waterpark, that features 13 acres of California beach-themed areas designed for all ages. Thrill seekers will want to head to Banzai Falls’ six slides or Old Man Falls’ three 63-foot high vertical chutes. For wave riders, Tidal Wave Bay provides the ultimate endless summer, while the whole family will love relaxing in one of the world’s longest lazy rivers. Even kids have their own water wonderland at the Gremmie Lagoon and three-story interactive Beach House.
www.knotts.com/play/soak-city
If you want to make getting around easy, the Radisson Suites Hotel Anaheim-Buena Park is for you. It is located within walking distance of Knott’s and minutes from Disneyland. Not only do they have restaurants and the obvious amenities, they have a complimentary scheduled shuttle service to local attractions.
www.radisson.com/buena-park-hotel-ca-90620/cabuena?s_cid=os.amer-us-rad-CABUENA-gmb
Families who like dinner theater and want to step back in time may enjoy Pirates Dinner Adventure. It is a show with 18th century ship replica. Legends of the Loch Ness Monster is performed all year and filled with action and romance alike. You will even have a chance to dress up in your own pirate attire and take pictures to savor the memories forever.
www.piratesdinneradventureca.com
If you did not get enough after just one pirate adventure, there is more! Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament provides an interactive dinner show with jousting, falconry and horsemanship that includes a 4-course, utensil-free meal. The restaurants looks just like an 11th century-style castle in Spain. www.medievaltimes.com
If your child likes to jump off the walls literally, Big Air Trampoline Park will allow for never-ending fun. Whether you want to jump at zero-gravity court, flip into tons of foam cubes on the launch pad, saddle up on the big bull, battle buddies on galactic gladiators battle beam or test climbing abilities on Martian Mountain, there is going to be an activity that you cannot get enough of. For the wee little one, there is an area with fun-sized versions of the most beloved attractions so everyone can participate. www.bigairusa.com/buena-park/
Voted Yelp’s “#1 Restaurant in the Country” for 2016, Porto’s Cuban Bakery & Café serves up delectable pastries, savory sandwiches, specialty beverages and their famous potato balls. The family-owned business still uses many of the original recipes that they brought with them from Cuba in 1963. With a rich Southern California history, Porto’s Buena Park is one of just four locations and the only one in Orange County. Upon entering, it feels like you are walking into a different world, not just a bakery. The massive number of treats were not only scrumptious but phenomenally priced! www.portosbakery.com.
Irvine encompasses 66 square miles and features some of the best outdoor recreation, family activities, shopping, dining, sports facilities and meeting venues in California. If you would prefer to stay in Irvine, the Embassy Suites by Hilton-Irvine is sure to impress. Located in a beautiful setting complete with complimentary, made-to-order breakfast and evening receptions daily https://embassysuites3.hilton.com/en/hotels/california/embassy-suites-by-hilton-irvine-orange-county-airport-KOLCAES/index.html?SEO_id=GMB-ES-KOLCAES
There is so much to see and the best way to absorb yourself in nature and take it all in is to rent an electric bicycle from Pedego Bikes Irvine. There are countless community parks in Irvine such as, Quail Hill, Bommer Canyon, and Mason Regional Park that you can pedal through along with the Jeffrey Open Space Trail.
www.pedegoelectricbikes.com/dealers/irvine/
One of the most memorable parks is Orange County Great Park. Their signature attractions are the carousel and the Great Park Balloon which will lift you 400 feet in the air and give you an incredible panoramic view of the city. The curious kid may wander through Hangar 244 which is a permanent heritage and aviation exhibition. On Sundays, there is a farmer’s market with fresh fruits and vegetables, crafts and music galore all of which can be enjoyed while you relish and soak up the California sun. www.cityofirvine.org/orange-county-great-park
If you are looking for a different family outing, schedule a family session at Costa Mesa Rockreation, known as the local resource for the climbing community for training and education for over twenty years. They offer climbing for every skill level. www.rockreation-cm.com
The ever-popular Huntington Beach is the perfect close to a great vacation. They are known for their pier and International Surfing Museum that shows off longboards and memorabilia. There are also birds, gardens, lakes and dunes in the area that are quite photographic. This seaside city is nicknamed “Surf City” by locals so you may want to try to ride some waves before you are done. www.surfcityusa.com