Knotts Spooky Farm an Autism Friendly Event
Knott’s Spooky Farm … An Autism Friendly Event
If your child with autism has a fear of Halloween, I would recommend visiting Knott’s Berry Farm during their annual Spooky Farm event. Their not so scary approach creates a great opportunity to work on your childs fears surrounding the Halloween season with some familiar characters and faces. Best part it’s included with your day admission or season pass.
Character interactions, it’s just one of the things Knott’s does so well and for children with ASD this is gold in my book! We have been visiting the park for about 5 years now and it’s like going home every time we visit. The connections we have made with the residence of Ghost Town and their undivided attention with each guest is so refreshing and appreciated! We visited during opening weekend of their annual Spooky Farm event geared towards the 3-11 age range and as expected we had a blast!
Her absolute favorite! See Snoopy and his gang in their Halloween Costumes during Spooky Farm.
Tips on visiting during Spooky Farm. Get there at opening, it’s cooler for your child if they are wearing a costume, less crowded and will allow you more time to enjoy the rest of the park after you have completed the Halloween activities you are interested in. Reminder: Park hours are shorter than normal due to the Scary Farm event that happens in the evenings. I would suggest bringing a change of clothes if your Childs costume is hot or not comfortable to enjoy rides in and to remember to bring comfy shoes. You can bring a bag for treats or one will be provided to you at the entrance gates. Be sure to pick up an event guide with locations and daily show times.
Personally speaking Halloween used to be a scary time for my daughter. This kept us from trick or treating door to door and visiting friends houses that were decorated in a scary way. It took a couple of years of ABA therapy sessions to overcome her fears and help her understand finally allowing us to start decorating our own yard and enjoying the season more. If your child is having this same issue, Spooky Farm is a great event to attend to help overcome their fears with it’s less scary decor and familiar characters like Snoopy and his gang.
The activities all happen within the day, are done at your own pace and the parks decorations are very kid friendly. which makes it simpler to desensitized them to them. In the past, we would visit Halloween stores to work on this goal. Problem with stores is that they always had an extreme between really scary stuff mixed with tamer decorations creating an uncontrolled and unpredictable atmosphere. In hindsight, I wish we had visited Knott’s Spooky Farm when she was younger and struggling with it all.
Crafts: If your child normally strays away from crafts be sure to visit Linus Van Pelt’s Great Pumpkin Patch in front of Calico Railroad for several options. My daughter normally passes on coloring but since it was a Snoopy themed picture she completed the entire picture even with a cookie waiting for her to decorate and eat!
Shows: Slower paced while being fun and silly, they are just one more way to introduce your kids to the Halloween experience. Here are the activities to do during Knott’s Spooky Farm:
It’s moments like this one with the Sheriff that speak volumes, for me knowing those smiles are 100% genuine!
Trick or Treat with the friendly Ghosts of Ghost Town at 6 different treat stops (see map for locations) 11am until 4:30pm.
Pumpkin Patch Decorate a cookie (2 per box) $5.99 plus tax, Decorate a pumpkin $5.00 plus tax, Coloring sheets (free) and more!
Picture with Snoopy and the gang in their Halloween costumes: various Locations (Camp Snoopy/Pumpkin Patch, Front at the park entrance)
Ride overlays: Timber Mountain Log Ride and Grand Sierra Railroad
Creepy Critters: Livery Stables
Costume Contest: Camp Snoopy Theater 4:30pm
Shows: Mysto The Slightly Magnificent: Calico Saloon, Spooky Story Time Bird Cage Theatre 10:30am, 12pm, 1pm, 2:45pm, 4pm & The Monsters are Coming Charlie Brown: Camp Snoopy 11:30 am, 1pm, 3pm
Turtle whisper, She interacted with every one of the animals, reptiles and insects inside the Livery Stables… except for the worms and roaches that is!
Don’t pass up the chance to get up close to animals, reptiles and insects within the safe and welcoming space of the Livery Stables with their very patient cast members. My girl touched everything this year within the Livery Stables except for the meal worms and the roaches. She has always refused to pet snakes but this year she did it! She fell in love with the rats and was inches away from the bearded dragon lizard petting it with no problem. Even though it is coined the Creepy Critters of Calico, this fun opportunity during Knott’s Spooky Farm allows kids to get up close and learn about otherwise “gross or creepy” reptiles and insects.
Did you know?You can visit Spooky Farm or Merry Farm for FREE this year when you purchase a 2020 season pass in 2019.
Best Offer of the Year
Visit Knott's Berry Farm as many times as you want all season in 2020 with the Regular Pass, plus enjoy early entry to select rides during the summer and special discounts on food & merchandise, hotel stays, and Knott's Scary Farm. 11 Payments of $8.00 After initial payment of $11.00 Or just pay it all off for just $99. Does not include Knott's Soak City Waterpark.
New Passholders: Receive one free visit this year (2019) plus $14.99 additional visits for the remainder of 2019. Free visit and $14.99 additional visits not valid for Scary Farm or special events.
Renewing Passholders: Receive a limited time renewal price and one free Bring-A-Friend Ticket valid Fall, see site for details.