Cool Off at Knott's Soak City

Located next to Knott's Berry Farm, Knott's Soak City is open mid-May to mid-September. This separate admission park caters to families looking for a fun way to cool off.

Whimsically themed to Southern California beach towns of the 1950's, a visit to Soak City is a great way to accommodate family members of all ages for a day of fun. The venue boasts 21 water adventures including 17 tube and body slides. The centerpiece of the 13-acre park is Tidal Wave Bay, the enormous wave pool where you can jump in the waves or float over them in a large inner tube. For those who wish to cool off and do nothing else, a float along the lazy "Sunset River" in a single or double inner tube is a perfect plan.

Soak City takes safety very seriously. Courteous, watchful life guards are posted at all water attractions. Life jackets sized for children and adults are available free of charge in several locations. Children under 48" are required to wear life jackets on some attractions. The more thrilling attractions have a 48" minimum height requirement. Look here for a full description.

The water park definitely caters to young families. Gremmie Lagoon offers the under-6 set a water paradise of mini slides, water play and marine characters. This is a great location to find shaded lounge chairs. Just across a small bridge is the Toyota Beach House which provides even more sliding and water play fun for those over 42". At these locations you can find special stations to refill squirting water toys.

Cabanas with amenities and all day inner tube rentals are available. Food and drink is available in multiple locations, including a 21+ location serving beer and wine coolers. The main restaurant is Longboard's Grill which serves hamburgers, hot dogs, fresh baked pizza and a variety of homemade salads.

Admission is $32.99/adult, $22.99/child. Purchasing tickets online in advance saves $7 on each adult ticket. Season passes are on sale at a discount through the end of June. Parking is $15.

Good to know before you go: Bring water shoes or flip flops as the walkways get uncomfortably hot for bare feet. Cabanas may be worth the splurge on peak days. Lockers in various sizes are available for all day rental.

When Elizabeth Peterson is not on her quest for the ultimate sunblock, she can be found over on her blog, Traded My BMW for a Minivan.