Your Guide to Camp Snoopy at Knott's Berry Farm

If you're visiting Southern California with small children, don't discount the fun of Knott's Berry Farm. The amusement park features shorter lines and lower ticket prices than it's DLand counterpart up the road.

For kids in the 2-8 age range, Camp Snoopy is an especially appealing part of the park. The rides are safe, non-scary, and guaranteed to produce lots of giggles.

Our girls begged to go again and again on Woodstock's Airmail, plus they loved piloting airplanes on the Red Baron and powering their own cars on Huff and Puff (a ride that I remember from my own childhood). They waved enthusiastically on the Balloon Race and satisfied their need for speed on Charlie Brown's Speedway. Although there was a bit of trepidation before boarding Joe Cool's Gr8 Sk8, they ended up being delighted by the thrill.

With 12 rides for little ones (some require an adult to ride), Camp Snoopy alone can easily keep children occupied for at least half of a day. The rest of the park offers even more attractions (and lots of photo opps!) - including a calico mine ride, the recently renovated timber mountain log ride, a ferris wheel, a merry go round, a ghost town, and plenty of hair-raising coasters.

Camp Snoopy is only one tiny corner of the park, but it offers BIG fun. You can even plan a birthday party inside!

TIPS FOR VISITING KNOTT'S BERRY FARM WITH A BABY OR PRESCHOOLER:

• Little ones under age 3 are free.
• Kids (ages 3-11) are currently $33. For comparison, a 1-day, 1-park ticket at Disneyland for a child (ages 3-9) is $86.
• Strollers are available for rent ($10/day), but you can also bring your own stroller.
• There are two baby changing and nursing stations - one in Camp Snoopy and one in California MarketPlace.
• Best time of year to visit is between November and April to avoid the scorching sun and high temps of summer - especially since most of the rides and attractions are outdoors.
• Outside food is (sadly) prohibited.
• Parking is $15 per vehicle or free for under 3 hours.
• Don't forget your camera.

* Thanks to Knott's Berry Farm for providing media tickets to our family. All opinions are my own.