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Quick overview

  • Ways to experience: Your admission ticket includes access to all attractions in the water park, except for specially ticketed experiences and events.
  • Additional access: Admission covers only the water park. Knott’s Berry Farm needs a separate ticket.
  • Unique experiences: Cabanas reserve shaded seating for up to eight guests and include four inner tube rentals. Dining plans work at participating outlets.
  • When to book: July, weekends, and holidays are busiest. Book open-date admission for schedule uncertainty, and reserve cabanas early because daily inventory is limited.
  • Good to know: Arrive before opening for the best shot at shorter slide waits and shaded chairs. Food lines often worsen around lunch.

What to expect at Knott's Soak City

Over 20 acres of water attractions to explore
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Over 20 acres of water attractions to explore

Your admission gives you access to the entire 20-acre water park, where you can spend the day discovering a wide variety of attractions at your own pace. Whether you're planning to race down towering slides, float through calm waterways, or simply relax by the water, there's enough to keep visitors of all ages entertained from opening until closing.

Exciting slides for every thrill level

From steep body slides and twisting tube rides to multi-person raft adventures, Knott's Soak City offers attractions for every type of water park fan. Thrill seekers can take on heart-pounding drops and high-speed slides, while those looking for something less intense will find plenty of moderate rides that are just as fun without being intimidating.

Dedicated areas for families and young children

Families can enjoy attractions designed with younger guests in mind, including shallow splash zones, interactive water play structures, mini slides, and kid-friendly pools. These dedicated spaces let children play safely while parents stay close, making the park a comfortable destination for families with kids of different ages.

Plenty of places to relax between adventures

A visit to Soak City isn't just about rushing from one slide to the next. Drift along the lazy river, cool off in the wave pool, or unwind on a lounge chair while taking a break from the excitement. With spacious seating areas, shaded spots, and a laid-back atmosphere, it's easy to balance adventure with relaxation throughout the day.

Food, refreshments, and convenient park amenities

When it's time to refuel, you'll find a variety of dining locations offering snacks, refreshing drinks, and hearty meals available for purchase. Lockers, changing facilities, restrooms, and souvenir shops are conveniently located throughout the park, making it easy to store your belongings, freshen up, and enjoy a hassle-free day in the sun.

Beach House

Interactive Splash Structure – Family Water-Play Zone. A three-story structure supporting extended family fun.

Gremmie Lagoon

Young Kids’ Splash Area – Low-Intensity Family Zone. A dedicated splash zone for younger children.

Things to know before booking your Knott's Soak City tickets

  • What’s included with your ticket: Your Admission ticket provides one-day access to Knott's Soak City Waterpark and its available water attractions, pools, slides, and family play areas on your selected visit date.
    • General admission does not include food, drinks, lockers, cabana rentals, or other separately priced purchases.
    • Admission to Knott's Berry Farm is not included with a Soak City-only ticket.
    • Parking is separate from your admission unless your ticket or package specifically states otherwise.
    • Any premium seating, rentals, or special experiences must be purchased separately if available.
  • Park operating hours and attraction availability: Soak City's operating calendar and hours vary by date and season, with the water park generally operating during its seasonal summer schedule. Check the official park calendar before your visit, as individual attractions may have different operating schedules or temporary closures.
  • Accessibility: Knott's Soak City offers accessible pathways, restrooms, and facilities for guests with mobility needs.
    • Guests using wheelchairs can access many areas of the water park, although individual attractions have specific accessibility requirements.
    • Certain attractions may require guests to transfer from a wheelchair to the ride.
    • Service animals are permitted in designated areas but cannot accompany guests on water rides or into pools.
  • Add-on experiences and rentals available on-site: You can purchase additional conveniences during your visit, depending on availability.
    • Lockers are available for storing personal belongings while you enjoy the water attractions.
    • Cabanas or other reserved seating options may be available for an additional fee.
    • Food and beverages can be purchased at the park's dining locations.
    • Any separately priced upgrades or rentals are not included with standard General Admission.
  • Age, height, and safety restrictions: Each slide and water attraction has its own height, age, weight, or riding requirements, which are enforced for guest safety.
    • Check the posted requirements before joining a queue, particularly if you're visiting with children.
    • Some attractions require children to ride with a supervising adult.
    • Life jackets may be required or recommended on certain attractions and are subject to park rules.

Knott's Soak City water park zones

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Thrill Slide Zone

Big drops and high-speed rides

Head to Soak City's collection of high-thrill slides when you're ready to turn up the adrenaline. This area brings together steep drops, enclosed tubes, racing slides, and capsule-style launches, with several attractions designed for taller guests. General Admission gives you access to these slides, subject to each ride's height and safety requirements.

Top attractions: Shore Break, Old Man Falls, Laguna Storm Watch Tower, The Wedge, and Banzai Falls

Tidal Wave Bay

Ride the waves

Make your way to Tidal Wave Bay for a change of pace from the slides. This 750,000-gallon wave pool creates rolling waves that let you wade, swim, or bob along with the movement of the water. It's a good spot for families and groups who want some excitement without committing to a full-scale slide.

Top attraction: Tidal Wave Bay

Sunset River

Slow down and float

When you need a break from climbing stairs and racing down slides, settle into the gentle current of Sunset River. The approximately 1,780-foot lazy river winds through the park, giving you a chance to float around in an inner tube, soak up the sun, and enjoy a more relaxed part of your water park day.

Top attraction: Sunset River

Beach House

Interactive family water play

The three-story Beach House is designed for hands-on water fun, with multiple levels of interactive features that let families splash, spray, and play together. Water guns, nozzles, sprayers, and other surprises keep the area constantly active, while the giant bucket periodically dumps 500 gallons of water over guests below.

Top attractions: Beach House Slides and the interactive Beach House

Gremmie Lagoon

Little-kid splash zone

Gremmie Lagoon is the dedicated play area for Soak City's youngest visitors, giving little swimmers their own scaled-down water playground. Kids can splash in shallow water, climb around interactive features, explore a miniature submarine, and enjoy kid-sized versions of the kinds of water play found elsewhere in the park.

Top attraction: Gremmie Lagoon

Top rides at Knott's Soak City

Ride DescriptionThrill levelRide typeBest time to ride

Shore Break

Take on a seven-story drop with Aqua Launch chambers, then race through high-speed drops, loops, and dueling tube slides.

High

Body & tube slides

Early morning

Old Man Falls

Choose from three fast body slides—Pipeline, Point Break, or Riptide—and plunge down a 63-foot slide tower.

High

Body slides

Early morning

Malibu Run

Race down a collection of twisting slides that deliver quick turns, drops, and plenty of splashy fun.

High

Body & tube slides

Early morning

Banzai Falls

Challenge your friends to a head-to-head race down multi-lane slides and see who reaches the bottom first.

High

Racing slides

Early morning

Laguna Storm Watch Tower

Climb the tower for a selection of slides that combine drops, curves, and fast-moving water for a classic water-park thrill.

Moderate

Water slides

Late morning

The Wedge

Gather up to six riders for an open-air raft ride filled with sweeping turns, unexpected drops, and plenty of splashing.

Moderate

Family raft slide

Late morning

Tidal Wave Bay

Wade, swim, or bob through waves in Soak City's 750,000-gallon wave pool for a beach-like experience without leaving the park.

Moderate

Wave pool

Late morning

Sunset River

Grab an inner tube and float along the one-third-mile lazy river for a slower-paced break between slides.

Low

Lazy river

Midday

Beach House Slides

Explore three stories of interactive water play with slides, spray features, water guns, and a giant bucket that dumps 500 gallons of water.

Low

Interactive play area & slides

Midday

Gremmie Lagoon

Let younger visitors splash in a pint-sized water playground with an interactive octopus, miniature submarine, shallow pools, and spraying animal features.

Low

Kids' water playground

Early afternoon

Visiting Knott's Soak City with kids

Knott's Soak City is well suited to family visits, with dedicated children's play areas, gentle water attractions, family-friendly slides, and plenty of places to cool off between rides.

Kid-friendly features include:

  • Dedicated play areas for younger children: Gremmie Lagoon gives little swimmers their own shallow-water space with kid-sized attractions, interactive water features, and gentle play elements. It’s a good starting point for younger children who may not be ready for the park’s larger slides.
  • Interactive water play: Beach House is a three-story interactive play area where children can climb, splash, spray water, and explore different features at their own pace. Water cannons, sprayers, smaller slides, and a giant tipping bucket keep the experience active without requiring children to take on a major slide.
  • Family-friendly slides and attractions: Families can choose from attractions that offer shared experiences without the intensity of Soak City's biggest thrill slides. The Wedge, for example, lets groups ride together on a large raft, while other moderate attractions offer a good middle ground for older children who want more excitement.
  • Gentler ways to enjoy the water: Sunset River is an easy option when the family needs a break from slides. Grab an inner tube and float along the lazy river at a relaxed pace, making it a useful reset between more energetic attractions.
  • Wave-pool fun for the whole family: Tidal Wave Bay gives families a chance to swim, wade, or play in rolling waves. Children can enjoy the movement of the water while parents stay nearby, although young swimmers should be supervised closely and follow the posted pool rules.
  • Attractions for different age groups: Soak City makes it possible to split the day according to each child's comfort level. Younger kids can spend time at Gremmie Lagoon and Beach House, while older children and teens can move on to family slides, the wave pool, or more thrilling attractions when they're ready.
  • Convenient family facilities: Restrooms, changing facilities, lockers, seating areas, and dining locations help make a full day at the water park easier with children. Consider using a locker for dry clothes, towels, and valuables so you don't have to carry them between attractions.
  • Easy breaks between rides: With pools, shaded or seated areas, and food and drink options available around the park, families can build regular rest stops into their day. This is particularly useful for younger children who may tire quickly after several hours of swimming and water play.
  • Safety requirements for every age: Each attraction has its own height, weight, and safety requirements, so check the posted rules before joining a queue. Some rides require children to meet minimum height requirements or ride with a supervising adult, while younger visitors may have dedicated attractions better suited to their size and swimming ability.

Itinerary for a perfect Knott's Soak City visit

Morning

Arrive close to opening time and head first to Soak City's most popular thrill slides before queues build. Start with Shore Break, Old Man Falls, or Banzai Falls while temperatures are cooler and wait times are typically more manageable. If you're visiting with younger children, begin at Gremmie Lagoon or Beach House before the park gets busier.

Midday

Use the warmer middle of the day to make the most of Soak City's pools and water-play attractions. Cool off at Tidal Wave Bay, then head to Sunset River for a slower-paced float. Families can spend this part of the day at Beach House, while younger kids can continue playing at Gremmie Lagoon.

Afternoon

Return to the slides you skipped in the morning and work your way through attractions such as Malibu Run, Laguna Storm Watch Tower, or The Wedge, depending on your group's preferred thrill level. Take regular breaks for lunch, refreshments, and time in shaded seating areas so you can stay comfortable through the hottest part of the day.

Evening

As the day winds down, use the remaining time for repeat rides on your favorites, particularly slides that may have longer waits earlier in the day. Finish with a leisurely float along Sunset River or another round at Tidal Wave Bay, then change into dry clothes and grab a final snack or meal before leaving the park.

Plan your visit

Knott’s Soak City is a seasonal water park only open during the summer months, from May to September.

  • Park opens at: 10am
  • Park closes at: 6pm

Please note: Timings for the water park are subject to change. Check the operating hours for the day you plan to visit.

Address: 8200 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90620, United States | Find on Maps

  • Distance from Knott’s Berry Farm: 5 minutes (0.6 miles)
  • Distance from Los Angeles city center: 50 minutes (23 miles)
  • Distance from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX): 1 hour (31 miles)
  • Parking: General parking is available at $40/day. RVs, buses, and preferred parking are available at an additional cost.
  • Restrooms: Restrooms and changing facilities are available within Soak City for convenient access during your visit, particularly around the main guest areas and attractions.
  • First aid: A dedicated first-aid facility is available inside Soak City for guests who need medical assistance during their visit. Aquatics staff and lifeguards are also stationed throughout the water park.
  • Cash-to-card kiosks: Soak City operates as a cashless park. Cash-to-Card kiosks are available for converting cash into a prepaid card that can be used for purchases around the park.
  • Locker rentals: Lockers are available for storing bags, clothing, towels, and other valuables while you enjoy the water attractions.
  • Lost and found: Lost and found services are available at the park. If you misplace an item during your visit, contact a park representative or Guest Services for assistance.
  • Life jackets: Life jackets are available for guests who need flotation support, with their use required in certain attractions based on a guest's height or swimming ability.
  • Parking: General parking is available near Knott's Berry Farm and Soak City, but parking is not included with a standard Soak City admission ticket. Daily parking is sold separately.
  • Guest assistance: Park staff are available to help with general questions, accessibility information, attraction requirements, and other guest needs. Check the park map or speak with a team member if you need assistance during your visit.
  • Cabana rentals: For a more comfortable base during your visit, you can reserve a private cabana near attractions including Old Man Falls, Tidal Wave Bay, and Shore Break. Cabanas include seating and inner tube rentals, with select options also offering poolside food and beverage service.
  • Inner tube rentals: Inner tubes are available for use on applicable attractions, including Sunset River. Some cabana reservations include tube rentals, while other tube arrangements depend on the attraction and park policies.
  • Water wheelchairs: Water wheelchairs are available at First Aid for guests who need additional mobility support around the water park. Guests may also use their own wheelchairs, subject to the park's guidelines.
  • Accessible pools and attractions: Many of Soak City's attractions, pools, restaurants, and shops are accessible to wheelchair users. However, individual rides have specific boarding requirements, and most slides require guests to climb stairs and transfer into a tube or ride vehicle.
  • Accessible restrooms: Most restrooms within Soak City are wheelchair accessible.
  • Service animals: Trained service animals are welcome in most areas of Soak City, provided they remain under their handler's control. However, the park's pools and attractions are not designed for service animals, so another member of your party must remain with the animal while you ride.
  • Ride transfers and companion assistance: Guests who use wheelchairs must generally be able to independently board, exit, and transfer to an attraction, or receive assistance from a member of their own party.
  • Casts, braces, and prosthetic devices: Guests with casts, braces, or prosthetic devices may have restrictions on certain attractions depending on the ride's safety requirements.
  • Hearing accessibility: Written ride instructions are available at attractions, providing an alternative for guests who may have difficulty hearing verbal instructions.
  • Park entry and security: Soak City is a separately gated water park, so you need a valid Soak City ticket or eligible pass for entry. All guests and bags are subject to security screening at the entrance.
  • Appropriate swimwear: Wear suitable swim attire on the water attractions. Clothing, jewelry, footwear, or accessories that could create a safety hazard may not be permitted on certain slides, so check attraction-specific requirements before riding.
  • Outside food and drinks: Outside food and beverages are generally restricted, with exceptions for specific dietary, medical, or infant needs. Alcohol is not permitted to be brought into the park.
  • Follow attraction requirements: Height, weight, and other safety requirements vary by attraction. Follow posted instructions and directions from lifeguards and Aquatics staff before and during your ride.
  • Life jacket requirements: Life jackets are available for guests who need them, and certain attractions require them based on height or swimming ability. For example, children under 48 inches tall must wear a life jacket on Sunset River.
  • Supervise children: Keep children supervised around pools, the wave pool, lazy river, splash areas, and other water attractions. Soak City also has a chaperone policy for guests aged 15 and younger during specified periods.
  • No unsafe behavior: Running, roughhousing, line jumping, and other behavior that could endanger guests is not permitted. Follow lifeguard instructions and posted safety rules throughout the park.
  • Secure loose belongings: Remove loose items before entering slides and other attractions. Use a locker for phones, wallets, clothing, and valuables rather than leaving belongings unattended around pools or seating areas.
  • Cashless payments: Soak City is cashless. If you arrive with cash, use a Cash-to-Card kiosk to transfer it to a prepaid card for purchases around the park.
  • Smoking and vaping: Smoking and vaping are not permitted inside the park; these activities are restricted to designated areas outside the park.
  • Longboard's Grill: A casual Soak City dining stop serving grilled favorites including burgers, hot dogs, fish and chips, chicken sandwiches, salads, wraps, and sides.
  • Water park dining: Additional food and beverage locations are available around Soak City, making it easy to grab refreshments without leaving the water park.
  • Dining plans: If you want more flexibility with meals, paid options include All Day Dining and drink plans. These are separate from General Admission.
  • Dietary needs: Guests with food allergies or specific dietary requirements can speak with a Chef or Food & Beverage supervisor for guidance and ingredient information.

Visitor tips

  • Go straight to your must-do slides: If thrill rides are your priority, head to Shore Break, Old Man Falls, Banzai Falls, or Malibu Run soon after entering. Save the more relaxed attractions for later rather than spending your first hour waiting for a ride you could easily do at the end of the day.
  • Use the park's height requirements to plan your group: If you're visiting with children, check the restrictions for your must-ride attractions before getting in line. This helps avoid walking across the park only to find that a child doesn't meet the requirement.
  • Make Gremmie Lagoon your first stop with toddlers: Families with very young children can start at Gremmie Lagoon before moving to larger attractions. The shallow water and smaller-scale play features are better suited to little swimmers than the main slides.
  • Save Beach House for a group play session: Instead of treating Beach House as just another slide stop, allow time for its interactive features, water sprays, smaller slides, and giant tipping bucket. It's particularly useful when children in the group have different comfort levels with slides.
  • Use Sunset River as your reset point: A float around Sunset River is a practical way to break up a slide-heavy itinerary without leaving the water. It can also be a good option when younger children need a quieter activity.
  • Don't leave valuables around the pool: Use a locker for phones, wallets, car keys, and other items you don't need while riding. Keep only essentials with you, and avoid leaving bags unattended on loungers while the entire group is in the water.
  • Bring a dry change of clothes: Keep a complete change of clothes in your locker rather than just a towel. You'll appreciate having something dry to wear when you're ready to leave, especially if you're continuing to another attraction afterward.
  • Wear footwear you can handle getting wet: Water-friendly sandals or shoes can make moving between attractions more comfortable, particularly when walking across wet surfaces. Follow individual attraction rules on whether footwear can be worn on the ride.
  • Reapply sunscreen after swimming: Don't rely on your morning application for the entire visit. Reapply after extended time in the water and according to your sunscreen's instructions, paying particular attention to shoulders, back, face, and legs.
  • Time your Tidal Wave Bay visit: The wave pool can be a good mid-day alternative when slide queues are busy. Stay aware of changing water conditions and posted depth or flotation requirements, particularly when visiting with younger swimmers.
  • Take advantage of the park's cashless setup: Soak City is cashless, so don't rely on physical cash for purchases. If you arrive with cash, convert it at a Cash-to-Card kiosk and use the resulting prepaid card for eligible purchases.
  • Keep the middle of the day flexible: Rather than creating a rigid ride-by-ride schedule, leave your afternoon open for whichever attractions have shorter queues. Use the hottest hours for pools and water play, and save repeated slide runs for later if lines improve.
  • Check the day's operating schedule before you go: Soak City is seasonal, and attraction availability can vary. Check the operating calendar before traveling and, once inside, look for any attraction closures or schedule changes that could affect your plans.
  • Stay for a final ride: If you're still at the park toward closing, check the queues for your favorites before heading out. A shorter evening wait can give you time for one last run on a slide you couldn't fit into your earlier itinerary.

Frequently asked questions about Knott’s Soak City Waterpark tickets

Plan for at least 3 hours, though most visitors stay half a day or longer. If you want major slides, the wave pool, lazy river, and kids’ areas without rushing, a full day is the safer plan.