4 Ways to Play: What to do in Buena Park, CA That The Whole Family Will Love
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4 Kids, 4 Ways to Play: Something for Everyone in Buena Park Ca
Buena Park, CA makes for the perfect Southern California family escape—especially when you’ve got four kids with four very different tastes in fun. Over two delightful days, our crew experienced thrills, bites, history, and nature—all centered around the exciting city of Buena Park California.
Home Base: Hampton Inn & Suites Buena Park
📍 7307 Artesia Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90621
Start and end your adventure at the Hampton Inn & Suites Buena Park
https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/lgbbuhx-hampton-suites-buena-park/
Located near Knott’s Berry Farm you’ll find spacious rooms, free hot breakfast (waffles, eggs, bacon, fruit), which is a must when traveling as a family for us, an outdoor pool, fitness center, complimentary parking which also included a charging station for EV vehicles, and Wi‑Fi—everything a family needs to recharge after a day of fun.
1. The Thrill Seeker
Knott’s Berry Farm
📍8039 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90620
Knott’s is the ultimate playground for the adventure lover. From looping into Summer Nights to strapping in for the legendary Ghost Rider wood coaster, Knott’s Berry Farm is where many SoCal Families find nonstop smiles. Little ones will love interactive Ghost Town adventures and meeting their favorite Peanut characters at Camp Snoopy. And thrill seekers will find a variety of rollercoasters to keep even the biggest adrenaline junky happy.
- Soar on Silver Bullet, California’s largest inverted coaster.
- Blast through 4‑D mayhem on Bear‑y Tales: Return to the Fair.
- Dare the 96° drop on HangTime, the state’s first dive coaster.
- Ride the newly revamped Ghost Rider, the longest & fastest wooden coaster west of the Mississippi. At 118 ft tall, 4,533 ft long this fun rollercoaster is sure to get your heart pumping!
Knott’s embraces its heritage at every turn- you can find Boysenberry cream sodas, and BBQ ribs to boysenberry-infused desserts. Don’t miss items like Boysenberry Dippin’ Dots and signature jams. Trying the signature dishes and seasonal specialities is half the fun.
Fun is always in season at Knott’s, with themed areas full of rides and live shows for every age. And for a great value, you are sure to have a day of thrills.
*Tips for the best experience
Summer is a great time to visit. Plan for Summer Nights and Ghost Town Alive. Bring sunscreen, and water.
Grabbing a pass to the attached Soak City Water Park and heading over to Knott’s Summer Nights is a great way to spend a day.
Grab tickets here.
2. Calling All Foodies
After thrills, call in the foodie kid.
First up: Rock & Brews
📍7777 Beach Blvd. Buena Park, CA 90620
Created by Gene Simmons & Paul Stanley of KISS, this rock‑and‑roll themed American comfort‑food spot serves wings, barbecue, burgers and salads in a fun, edgy setting. Great vibe for families who love bold flavors.
Or, for breakfast Gudetama Cafe
Gudetama Cafe
📍8340 La Palma Ave, Buena Park, CA 90620
This amazing brunch is the first U.S. location and the only Gudetama-themed cafe in Southern California. Indulge in items like Lazy Bacon Egg & Cheese sandwiches, avocado toast, sleepy sliders, mango or crème brûlée cold brews, and rotating Beard Papa’s cream puffs. Not only is the food great, but their are so many photo ops and fun things to try, you’ll love it!
*Other fun foodie options in Buena Park:
The Source OC
📍 6940 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90621
The Source OC located in Buena Park is an open-air lifestyle center with a lot of Korean influence in the heart of Buena Park. You’ll find a lot of food options, and fun photo ops.
Porto’s Bakery
📍 7640 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90620
A family favorite! Founded in 1976 by Cuban immigrant Rosa Porto this one time home bakery has since turned into a VERY beloved SoCal eatery, including the first Orange County location in Buena Park. Ranked #1 on Yelp’s top 100 US Restaurants, voted “Best Bakery” in the LA area by the LA Times and for Orange County in 2022, you’ll find a line wrapped around the door nearly every time you visit and with good reason. The incredible fare and affordable prices will have you coming back time and time again.
3. The Time Traveler and History Buffs
Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament
📍 7662 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90620
Ok ok, no time machine is actually required—just grab your crown and step into a world of knights, nobles, and noble steeds at Medieval Times Buena Park
This isn’t just dinner—it’s a full-blown time-traveling experience perfect for your history-loving kid or anyone who’s ever dreamed of being a knight (or cheering for one), watching a jousting tournament and eating without utensils. It’s seriously such a good time!
What makes it a must-visit?
- Authentic 11th-century vibes: From the moment you enter the castle, everything—from the medieval architecture to the armor-lined halls—sets the stage for a fully immersive experience.
- Live-action jousting & swordplay: Cheer for your assigned knight as they compete in epic tournaments, daring horse stunts, and one-on-one combat.
- Royal court drama: A story unfolds throughout the show, blending themes of chivalry, honor, betrayal, and triumph—all while you enjoy your meal.
- Feast fit for a king: Dig into a four-course meal (no utensils, just like the 11th century!)—roasted chicken, garlic bread, sweet buttered corn, herb-roasted potatoes, and dessert.
- Educational value in disguise: Kids not only witness pageantry and tradition, but they learn about medieval history, equestrian skills, falconry, and feudal society—all in the most entertaining way possible.
Insider Tip: Arrive 30–45 minutes early to explore the Hall of Arms, check out the knight’s armor, visit the dungeon (spooky fun!), and grab a royal souvenir.
More History Lover Fun in Buena Park
Knott’s Independence Hall is a hidden gem that blends history, patriotism, and education—perfect for the Time-Traveling History Buff in your family getaway to Buena Park.
📍 8039 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90620
Open daily, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Admission: Free
Just across the street from Knott’s Berry Farm, this exact, brick-by-brick replica of Philadelphia’s Independence Hall is one of the most under-the-radar historical attractions in Orange County—and it was built by Walter Knott himself in 1966, as a gift to the American people.
Why it’s worth a visit:
- Perfect replica: The structure is an exact copy of the original Independence Hall, down to the dimensions, red bricks, and iconic steeple.
- Liberty Bell replica: Inside, you’ll find a faithful replica of the Liberty Bell, including the famous crack.
- Founding Father history: Exhibits and displays showcase important moments in American history—from the signing of the Declaration of Independence to the shaping of the U.S. Constitution.
- Guided Audio Tour: Listen to recordings that walk you through the early days of American democracy, great for sparking questions and curiosity from younger visitors.
- Great photo ops: Snap some patriotic family pics with the bell, columns, and flags—great content for your social feed!
*Tip: Since it’s free and right by Knott’s, it’s an excellent pre-park stop or midday history break between roller coasters and funnel cakes. It would also make an incredible home school field trip idea. Best way to make history come alive!
4. The Nature Lover
While Buena Park is known for its theme parks and entertainment, it’s also home to pockets of peaceful green spaces and outdoor learning, perfect for the kid (or parent) who thrives in nature, on quiet walks, freedom to run and explore and discovery.
Here are the best places to soak in some fresh air and natural beauty during your stay:
Ralph B. Clark Regional Park & Interpretive Center
📍 8800 Rosecrans Ave, Buena Park, CA 90621
Park: 7 a.m. – 9 p.m. | Interpretive Center: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. (select days) Visit OC Parks site
Explore the prehistoric side of Orange County at Ralph B. Clark Regional Park, including its Interpretive Center—where fossil exhibits and live digs bring ancient OC to life. A peaceful contrast to the excitement of Knott’s and shows, this center is perfect to learn, walk or fish the pond, and become a Jr Ranger.
We also loved The Rick Gomez Park
📍 7501 8th Street , Buena Park CA
A baseball themed park with baseball themed play elements and a stadium type feel. Lots of area to pay and the children’s play area has good shade structures for hot days. You’ll also find shaded picnic areas with BBQs and drinking fountains and outdoor exercise equipment in two locations.
*Tip: You’ll not find bathrooms and on busy days parking may be an issue.
From heart-pounding roller coasters to hands-on fossil digs, royal dinner shows to boysenberry delights, Buena Park truly caters to every kind of kid—and every kind of family. Whether you’re chasing thrills at Knott’s Berry Farm, cheering on knights at Medieval Times, discovering prehistoric treasures at Ralph B. Clark Park, or indulging in quirky bites at the Gudetama Café, there’s magic in every moment. If you’re traveling from out of state consider a home base like the Hampton Inn & Suites or looking for an easy but fun staycation idea with easy access to everything from natural escapes to immersive history, Buena Park proves that you don’t have to travel far to make unforgettable memories. Just pack your sense of adventure—and maybe a few extra napkins for that boysenberry funnel cake.
