theme parks Archives - L.A. Parent

Best Things to Do in Buena Park This Summer

Published March 2, 2026

Summer in Southern California is made for adventure, and Buena Park is the perfect hub for a getaway that blends thrills, culture and flavor. Nestled just 5 miles from Disneyland and 15 miles from the coast, this lively city packs more into one visit than most could imagine. Whether you’re seeking heart-pumping rides, immersive shows, unique eats or one-of-a-kind experiences, Buena Park makes every day feel like a vacation.

Dinner Shows
Start your adventure with a touch of theater and excitement. For families and thrill-seekers, Pirates Dinner Adventure offers swashbuckling fun where guests can get involved in the action alongside daring pirates. If medieval knights are more your speed, Medieval Times delivers jousting, swordplay and feasts fit for royalty. Adults looking for a more relaxed evening can unwind at the Beach Boulevard Club, a 21+ spot featuring creative cocktails and lively dueling pianists.

Theme Parks & Seasonal Fun
No Buena Park getaway is complete without a visit to Knott’s Berry Farm, California’s first theme park. From corkscrew coasters and high-speed thrill rides to kid-friendly areas in Camp Snoopy, the park offers fun for all ages. Cool off during the warmer months at Knott’s Soak City, a seasonal water park with 23 exhilarating slides, a lazy river and private cabanas for the ultimate sunny-day retreat.

Free & Historic Attractions
For a slower pace, step back in time at the Ralph B. Clark Interpretive Center, located within the 104-acre Ralph B. Clark Park. Exhibits, guided tours and programs showcase prehistoric Orange County, including a jaw-dropping 9-million-year-old baleen whale skeleton. Continue your historical journey at Knott’s Independence Hall, a brick-by-brick replica of the original Philadelphia landmark, or stroll through Buena Park’s Historic District, where buildings from the 1800s offer a charming glimpse into the past.

A Taste of Buena Park
Food lovers will feel right at home in Buena Park. Just outside Knott’s Berry Farm, the Knott’s California Marketplace is a must-visit. Savor the famous fried chicken at Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant or enjoy boysenberry-inspired treats — a tribute to the fruit invented right here in Buena Park. Beyond Knott’s, explore Buena Park’s culinary diversity. At Porto’s Bakery, delight in Cuban favorites like potato balls and cheese rolls. Uncover inventive cocktails at The Cauldron, a witch-themed bar with a secret room hidden behind a bookshelf. Enjoy classic American dishes and outdoor cornhole at Rock & Brews, boasting more than 60 beers on tap. Indulge in Chicago-style sandwiches, hot dogs and the iconic chocolate cake shake at Portillo’s. Don’t miss the food award winners for a curated foodie experience.

Legoland California Unveils $90M Lego Galaxy This March

Published January 21, 2026

By Chris Tribbey

Families visiting Legoland California Resort this spring will have a brand-new universe to explore. Opening March 6, Lego Galaxy is a $90 million, space-themed land designed to spark curiosity, creativity and plenty of “wow” moments for kids and grown-ups alike.

Rosie Brailsford, Merlin Magic Making’s creative director for Legoland Parks, shows off sections of Lego Galaxy.

Building an entirely new galaxy, however, took years of imagination and meticulous planning. Flora Liu, senior project manager with theme park attraction creator Merlin Magic Making, oversaw the design, Lego integrations and additions of a few Easter eggs to the park’s newest land, which will features Legoland’s first new roller coaster in 20 years.

And after more than three years of design, development and construction, Liu could use a vacation herself, once Lego Galaxy is open to the public. “In case you couldn’t tell, I’m exhausted,” she said during a recent media preview of Lego Galaxy. “It’s exciting. This is the largest investment we’ve [made] in 20 years.”

At the heart of Lego Galaxy — which features themed rides including G-Force Test Facility and Duplo Launch and Land, a Junior Astronaut Training Zone, exclusive shops and multiple space-themed food options — is the Galacticoaster, Legoland’s first indoor rollercoaster. Housed in a 30,000-square-foot building, the coaster, which reaches speeds of 40 miles per hour, integrates decades of Lego space-themed toys, dating back to 1978.

Galacticoaster is Legoland California Resort’s first indoor rollercoaster, and the centerpiece of Lego Galaxy. PHOTOS COURTESY LEGOLAND CALIFORNIA RESORT

Riders team up to digitally create their own customizable spacecraft (with 625 possible combinations), and once on the ride itself, see themselves flying in their creation through augmented reality technology.

“It’s inspired by the very first Lego space sets from the 1970s and celebrates the imagination that has captivated generations,” said Kurt Stocks, president of Legoland California Resort. “We can’t wait for March, when new and longtime fans get to experience the nostalgia of the past, the creativity of today and the adventures yet to come.”

Rosie Brailsford, Merlin Magic Making’s creative director for Legoland Parks, said the entire Lego Galaxy area is intended to immerse visitors in a different universe, compared to the rest of the park, with lots of inside nods that only the most dedicated of LEGO fans will understand.

“We want this all to be a passion point for space,” she said.

Annual Knott’s Boysenberry Festival is Back with Food, Drinks, Music & More

Published March 18, 2022

By Nina Harada

PHOTO COURTESY SEAN TEEGARDEN PHOTOGRAPHY

The annual food-inspired event that celebrates the park’s namesake berry, returns to Knott’s Berry Farm March 18 and runs daily through April 24. The Knott’s Boysenberry Festival features over two dozen new boysenberry food and drink creations, live music and fun activities for all ages to enjoy.

Indulge in delicious, themed food and drink offerings from sweet to savory. Highlights include one-of-a-kind desserts like boysenberry rocky road brownie and boysenberry pie bars, savory dishes like boysenberry filled donut open face chicken sandwich with aioli and trio of sausage with peppers and onions and boysenberry polenta, and drinks like boysenberry seltzer and boysenberry sweet tea with vodka.

Browse local craft vendors at the craft fair. PHOTO COURTESY SEAN TEEGARDEN PHOTOGRAPHY

In addition to food and drinks, the festival also features activities and live entertainment for the whole family. Browse boysenberry-inspired artisan products at the craft fair featuring 30 local vendors, or join the entire Peanut’s gang at Snoopy’s Boysenberry Jamboree where the whole family can dance and sing along. Other highlights include a Boysenberry Pie Eating Contest, boysenberry-themed souvenirs from the Berry Market and more.

The festival is included with admission to Knott’s Berry Farm. Tasting cards are available to purchase for $50 or $45 for season pass holders. Tasting card offers six tastings from 25 boysenberry-inspired drinks and dishes. Knott’s Boysenberry Festival runs daily March 18 to April 18.

Dance and sing along to Snoopy’s Boysenberry Jamboree. PHOTO COURTESY SEAN TEEGARDEN PHOTOGRAPHY

For more food festivals happening this spring, check out our Festivals, Fairs & More Spring Fun roundup.

Your Guide to L.A.’s Reopenings

Published April 4, 2021

Elena Epstein

L.A. — we have missed you and are thrilled to see you come back. As more of our favorite spots begin to reopen, we will bring you the latest on reservations, safety measures, new features and exhibits and everything you need to know before you begin rediscovering our L.A. all over again.

As L.A County progressively opens, The Gourmandise School of Sweets and Savories at Santa Monica Place is excited to open up its kitchens for in-person private party cooking and baking classes beginning May 1. Food fanatics are invited to uncover their culinary skills and prepare scrumptious dishes led by a renowned Gourmandise chef in a safe limited capacity environment.

The Gourmandise School of Sweets and Savories is reopening May 1.

The state-of-the art commercial style kitchens are diligently sanitized and offer a well-ventilated space for guests to enjoy a hands-on cooking experience at a safe distance. Up to 12 friends or family members (half kitchen capacity) are welcome to take part in a private class and choose a three-course meal or decadent dessert from the School’s specialty menu. Reservations for each 1 1/2 – 2 1/2-hour class are available now and can be booked online at www.thegourmandiseschool.com/private-events on the date of your choice.

For the latest on Theme Parks click HERE.

Knotts Berry Farm is hosting its Taste of Boysenberry Festival through May 2.

For the latest on L.A. County Libraries, click HERE.

For the latest on Museums, click HERE.

PetSpace opens their new Critter Corner to young visitors. PHOTO COURTESY WALLIS ANNENBERG PETSPACE

Theme Parks Reopening in L.A.

Published April 2, 2021

Cassandra Lane

If the energy in your household is about to blow, the reopening of our theme parks after a year of being quarantined might bring you a huge sigh of relief. Theme parks large and small have opened—or are gearing up to reopen. In most cases, advance registration is required and in all situations, capacity is limited.

While you and the kids will need to stay masked, no mask is thick enough to muffle the screams elicited by an exhilarating ride or the sighting of a favorite character. Here’s a list of area theme parks and their websites where you can find the most updated information on their reopening status.

Disneyland Resort’s Disneyland park and Disney California Adventure are planning to officially reopen to the public on April 30, with limited capacity. Attractions, stores and restaurants will reopen, and beloved Disney characters will be on hand to welcome guests back to the park—socially distanced, of course.

A picture containing old, stone

Description automatically generated — Get ready to once again experience favorite attractions at both parks, from thrilling adventures like the new *Star Wars*: Rise of the Resistance and the Incredicoaster to family-friendly experiences like Peter Pan’s Flight and Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree. New magic will be unveiled, too, as the reimagined Snow White’s Enchanted Wish opens to guests for the very first time. PHOTO COURTESY Disneyland ResorT

The Disneyland Resort will manage attendance through a new theme park reservation system that requires all guests to obtain a reservation for park entry in advance. To enter a park, both a park reservation and valid admission for the same park on the same date are required for guests ages 3 and up, park officials say. Theme park reservations will be limited and subject to availability and, until further notice, only California residents may visit the parks in line with current state guidelines.

Visit Disneyland.com for the most current information, including future details about ticket sales and reservations and which experiences are currently available or will be offered.

Six Flags Magic Mountain flew into April with a gust, opening its gates to guests on April 1 if they are passholders and April 3 to the general public.

The theme park details its “comprehensive reopening plan” on its website, stating that it was developed in consultation with epidemiologists and meets or exceeds federal, state and local guidelines for sanitization, hygiene and social-distancing protocols. You can make reservations on the website, and check out which “Thrill rides” are available, including the new West Coast Racers, the world’s first single track quadruple launch racing coaster. Unlike traditional coasters, this first of its kind racing coaster features two side-by-side tracks with four individual high-speed launches.

Universal Studios will reopen April 16 and its flashing and flashy website is a whirlwind of an experience all its own, enticing viewers with soon-to-open rides and the “Taste of Universal” gourmet offerings, plus prominently placed COVID-19 protocols. The company gives this sobering reminder: “Exposure to COVID-19 is an inherent risk in any public location where people are present; we cannot guarantee exposure during your visit.”

While Knott’s Berry Farm is currently hosting its Taste of Boysenberry Festival through May 2, attractions at Knott’s Berry Farm and Knott’s Soak City are temporarily closed. Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel, California Marketplace and Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant are open, however, and the park’s plan includes welcoming guests back sometime in May.

Meanwhile, at the Taste of Boysenberry Festival offers over 80 boysenberry-infused food and drink items, and guests can also shop from a variety of boysenberry-inspired merchandise, including event apparel, kitchenware and pre-packaged take-home sweets. View the calendar to find event days and hours.

Legoland reopened select attractions on April 1 and plans a wider reopening on April 15. Reservations are required.

Experience rides, LEGO CHIMA Water Park, SEA LIFE Aquarium and both LEGOLAND Hotels at a limited capacity with advanced reservations required. Enhanced health and safety measures includes reduced capacity, cashless payments, social-distancing practices and enhanced cleaning regimes.

Water Play, Safety and Summer Fun at Great Wolf Lodge

Published June 5, 2018

By Cassandra Lane

Keep water safety in mind during summer fun at pools, water parks and beaches.
PHOTOS COURTESY GREAT WOLF LODGE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

My son loves to cajole me and my husband into having in-home campouts. As the clock ticks past his bedtime, he’ll run to his room, grab his blanket and pillow, then run back into the living room or our bedroom and sing: “We’re camping out!”

For his birthday last weekend, we decided to take him and one of his best buddies for a little in-door “camping” fun beyond the confines of our house. We took them to Great Wolf Lodge Southern California in Garden Grove—a large cabin-looking resort for kids and families— one brimming with water rides, “Wolf Dens” and all the modern amenities and varieties of play an 11-year-old could want. We had to pry the boys from the hotel room. They went crazy for the part of our suite called “Wolf Den,” which, with its treehouse like flair, bunk beds and separate TV, had them yelping with joy.

We knew all manner of other fun—a MagiQuest adventure (complete with wands and “mystery boxes” located throughout the resort), an impressive arcade, glow-in-the-dark golf, mini bowling lanes, a theater, tons of food and desserts and, of course, the massive indoor water park—was just an elevator ride away.

It was great to see the boys spend so much time on thrilling water slides and in the wave pool (and to join them), but as summer approaches, the folks at Great Wolf Lodge Southern California, the largest family of indoor water park resorts in North America, remind us to beef up our water safety measures as we head for pools, water parks, lakes and beaches.

The following water-safety tips are from Aquatics Director Wendy Rosales:

Families can have a water blast together in the indoor water park at Great Wolf Lodge.

Never swim alone. Always use the buddy system and be sure the area is well supervised by lifeguards before you or other family members enter the water.
Encourage your child to wear a life jacket. Many public pools and water parks provide life jackets for your use free of charge and it’s better to be on the safe side if your child is not a confident swimmer.
Never assume someone else is watching your child. Even with lifeguards nearby, you have the responsibility for your child. The best way to keep your child safe is to play right alongside them.
Stay hydrated. Swimming and playing takes a lot of energy, especially during the hot summer months. Drink plenty of water or sports drinks and rest in a cool location.
Forget the bling. Before heading to the beach, pool or water park, avoid swimsuits that have ties, grommets or decorations that could get caught on something during water activities.
Skip the flip-flops. Look for sandals with a heel strap or a full-coverage slip-on water shoe that will stay in place both in and out of the water.
Too much sun is no fun. Be sure to limit your exposure during peak hours of 12 p.m. and 3 p.m., and reapply waterproof/sweat proof sunscreen every 80 minutes.
Take a CPR course. Knowing these skills can be important in any environment. This is a skill we all can benefit from – on land and around water.
Read all of the signs before going on a waterslide, pool or attraction. Make sure your child meets the posted requirements. If you have questions about an attraction, ask an employee at the facility.
Plan ahead. As a family, decide on a meeting place to go to if anyone gets separated. Kids can take off in instant, and crowded parks and beaches can make it difficult for little ones to find you. Choose an easy-to-spot location that can be quickly reached by all family members.
If you see someone struggling in the water, call for help. Remember “Reach or Throw, Don’t Go!” Even professionally trained lifeguards don’t enter the water without having the proper flotation devices to keep themselves safe.