Autism Friendly Things to Do During Knott's Spooky Farm

Knott’s Spooky Farm … An Autism Friendly Event Happening Saturdays and Sundays September 25- October 31, 2021.

If your child with autism has a fear of Halloween, I would recommend planning a visit to Knott’s Berry Farm during their annual day time Spooky Farm event. Their not so scary approach to this seasonal event 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.

Friendly 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 7 years now and it’s like going home every time we visit. The connections we have made with the residence of Ghost Town and the undivided attention they offer to each guest is so refreshing and appreciated! Knott’s Berry Farm hosts their annual Spooky Farm event weekends and it is geared towards the 3-11 age range. Get more details below from our past experiences if you have never been before.

Her absolute favorite! See Snoopy and his gang in their Halloween Costumes during Spooky Farm.

Tips on visiting during Spooky Farm for those who have children on the spectrum as well as those who don’t. Try to arrive to the park upon 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. If you don’t want to carry around extra clothes, there are lockers available to rent next to Guest Services.

Trick or Treating? This is an area lots of our ASD kids struggle with. The approaching strangers part, the asking for candy, the eye contact and saying thank you… these are all things you can easily work with your kids on during this event. There are a handful of treat stops so it’s not a overwhelming task. You can bring a bag for treats or one will be provided to you at the entrance gates. Be sure to download the Knott’s App to get info on character 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 with Halloween as one of her goals to overcome her fears 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 with it’s less scary decor and familiar characters like Snoopy and his gang.

Knott’s Spooky Farm activities all occur within the day, are done at your own pace and the decorations around the park are very kid friendly which makes it simpler to desensitized 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 that are normally offered 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: The Monsters are Coming Charlie Brown: Camp Snoopy Times TBA.

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.