Kid-Friendly Things to Do in Buena Park, CA for Solo Parents

Let’s be real: solo parenting on vacation is not for the faint of heart. You’re the snack packer, the activity planner, the bathroom break coordinator, and the bedtime enforcer—all rolled into one. But guess what? Buena Park gets it. Located in sunny Southern California just 5 miles from Disneyland, Buena Park is best known as the home of Knott’s Berry Farm and a hub for family-friendly attractions. This SoCal gem is perfect for one-parent shows, with built-in entertainment, easy eats, and enough kid-friendly magic to keep everyone smiling (even you). Here’s how to handle Buena Park with just you and the kids.

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Day 1

Feed Them and Free Yourself
Solo mornings with kids need easy, meltdown-free breakfast spots, and Porto’s Bakery & Café delivers. With a massive menu of sweet and savory Cuban-style pastries, sandwiches, and smoothies, there’s something for everyone—even the pickiest eater. The order-and-go setup makes it easy to grab food quickly or settle in on the patio while the kids happily munch on cheese rolls, chorizo and cheese breakfast sandwiches, and cuban style french toast. For a more relaxed sit-down option, Black Bear Diner delivers big portions that are perfect for sharing—especially helpful when dining with multiple kids. There’s also a fun photo-op train right outside to keep the little ones entertained while you sip your coffee. And if getting your kids to actually eat their food feels like a daily battle, the Gudetama Café might be your secret weapon. The meals feature the adorably lazy egg on sandwiches and more. It’s fun, it’s silly, and it turns mealtime into a game they’re excited to play. For a playful breakfast twist, Modoo Donuts offers colorful donuts decorated with kid-favorite characters like Elmo, Cookie Monster, and Pokémon that make breakfast fun and irresistible for little ones.

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Ride Together, Relax Together at Knott's Berry Farm
Knott’s Berry Farm is a must-visit for solo parents with kids, offering over 40 rides and attractions designed to keep everyone entertained. One spot you don’t want to miss is the newly renovated Camp Snoopy. It’s a kid-friendly area where parents can join their little ones on rides, meet the Peanuts gang, and enjoy carnival games designed so everyone walks away a winner. To get the most out of your visit, be sure to read the Knott’s Berry Farm Gameplan and An Insider’s Guide to Camp Snoopy before you go. Visiting with little ones is easy and stress-free thanks to plenty of family-friendly amenities. You can rent strollers right at the park, so no need to lug your own. If you have an infant, small containers of baby food are allowed inside. Plus, baby-changing and nursing stations are conveniently located in both the California MarketPlace® and Camp Snoopy, providing comfortable spaces to care for your child. Lockers are available inside the park to store diaper bags, snacks, and extra clothes, helping you lighten your load and enjoy the day hands-free. Be sure to download the Knott’s Berry Farm app before you arrive. It offers exclusive perks, lets you check real-time ride wait times, and allows you to order food ahead so you can skip the lines and eat on your schedule. Popular picks like funnel cakes and boysenberry-filled treats can be ordered in advance for a quick pickup. For something unique, swing by Wagon Wheel Pizza for a surprising yet delicious boysenberry pizza that blends sweet and savory in the best way. Check out the Year-Round Boysenberry Fix for more boysenberry favorites around Buena Park. The app also includes showtimes, helping you plan an efficient and fun-filled day. Buy discounted tickets here.

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Dining and Entertainment Made Easy
Skip the hassle of meal-time negotiations and book a seat at one of Buena Park’s dinner shows where your meal is part of the entertainment. At Medieval Times, upon arrival at the castle, you will be crowned with the colors of your kingdom and have opportunities to take photos with the King or Queen before the show. Your little royalty can cheer for their knight while enjoying a four-course meal they eat with their hands. You’ll love watching them cheer and shout in a fun, safe environment. Pirate’s Dinner Adventure offers a swashbuckling spectacle filled with sword fights, aerial stunts, and a full-size pirate ship floating in a 250,000-gallon indoor lagoon.Your kids might even be invited to take part in the action, making the experience extra memorable. Meanwhile, you can relax and enjoy a delicious three-course meal in comfort. John’s Incredible Pizza is a top choice when the kids need to burn off energy and you need a moment to catch your breath. With arcade games, bumper cars, laser tag, and an all-you-can-eat buffet, it offers the perfect mix of fun and convenience for solo parents.

Sweet Moments in Buena Park
Cap off your day with dessert spots that are as fun and picture-worthy.Hit up Nobibi Ice Cream for unique flavors like Red Bean & Taro ice cream and boba drinks like the Dalgona Matcha. Even better, there are board games in the back you can borrow as the kids dive into their cotton candy–topped creations. For something simple and sweet, Honeymee serves creamy Kosher ice cream topped with your choice of fruit, chocolate syrup, and all-natural honey. Craving something a little different, Don Melt serves fun, photo-worthy croffles in flavors like matcha blueberry and strawberry, along with towering soft-serve ice creams that look as good as they taste.

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Day 2

Escape to the Great Outdoors
Let the kids run wild while you soak up some sunshine at Ralph B. Clark Regional Park. With open lawns, shady picnic spots, a playground, and a peaceful lake, it’s perfect for burning off energy. Pack a picnic or grab takeout from one of Buena Park’s local eateries. Don’t miss the Interpretive Center, where kids can marvel at a 9-million-year-old whale skeleton and pretend to be paleontologists for the day. Another local gem is Rick Gomez Park. It features baseball-themed climbing structures and plenty of parent-friendly seating. It’s the kind of place where you can actually sit down while your kids play safely within sight. Bring a ball and enjoy a friendly game of catch or baseball to round out your visit. For more outdoor spots the whole family will love, read Top Parks to Play and Picnic in Buena Park.

Meals That Make Everyone Smile
When the crew is craving comfort food, Buena Park delivers. Portillo’s is a crowd-pleaser with its loaded Chicago-style hot dogs, sandwiches, and crinkle-cut fries. Don’t forget to order their famous chocolate cake shake. For something a little more playful, Flippoly serves up creative egg sandwiches. There’s even a built-in photobooth so the kids can snap silly pics while you wait. Rock & Brews is all about good vibes and a big menu. The outdoor patio is perfect for families, complete with cornhole games to keep little ones busy. Try the Beyond Boneless Tenders or stick with the classic burgers. And whatever you do, don’t skip the giant brownie sundae—it’s the kind of dessert that gets passed around with big smiles and sticky fingers.

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Make a Splash at Knott's Soak City
Open seasonally, Knott’s Soak City is the perfect place to cool off and make waves with the kids. Little ones will love Gremmie Lagoon, a shallow splash area designed just for them, packed with water features and gentle slides. For parents looking to relax, renting a private cabana offers a shady, comfortable spot to unwind while keeping an eye on the fun. Don’t miss floating down the lazy river—a peaceful way for the whole family to drift and soak up the sun together. Buy discounted tickets here.

One-Stop Playland: The Source OC
For those days when you want to park once and stay put, head straight to The Source, OC—a vibrant three-story mall packed with international eateries, entertainment, and boutiques. Snack on Korean-style corn dogs from Myungrang or grab a creamy soft serve from Overflo. Don’t miss The Bakery’s strawberry tart, a flaky pastry filled with fresh fruit and cream. Kids can burn off energy at PlayPie, an indoor play zone with plenty of climbing space, while you savor a macaroon from Sweet Box. For older kids, there’s batting cages and virtual golf at Olympic Golf Zone, or catch a thrilling 4DX movie at CGV Cinemas, where seats move, shake, and spray mist.

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Sleep Where the Fun Is
When you’re parenting solo, choosing the right hotel makes all the difference in location and convenience. Knott’s Hotel puts you within walking distance of the theme parks and offers shuttle service to Disneyland. Little ones will love the splashpad, and the whole family can enjoy a meal at Thirty Acres Kitchen, home of the famous boysenberry cheesecake. For a no-fuss morning, Hampton Inn & Suites and Fairfield Inn & Suites serve complimentary breakfasts—one less decision to make before the day starts. Both hotels also offer EV charging stations, perfect if you’re road-tripping. DoubleTree and Courtyard both have Starbucks on-site, so you can grab your morning coffee to start the day. At DoubleTree, kids will be thrilled with the warm welcome cookie. You’ll appreciate free shuttle service to the parks and on-site dining at Ventanas Grill, where the whole family can relax over a meal. Hilton Buena Park offers a rooftop pool with stunning sunset views over Southern California. Their restaurant, The Rosemary Room, features kid-friendly options that make dining easy for all ages. After a long day of excitement, choose from over a dozen comfortable and affordable hotels in Buena Park. Check out our ‘suite’ hotel and ticket deals.

You've Got This, Parent One!
Solo parenting doesn’t mean scaling back the fun. Buena Park makes it easy to pull off an epic family trip where everyone has a blast—and you actually get to enjoy it too. From splash zones and jousting knights to rooftop pools, you’ll leave with happy kids, great memories, and maybe even some time to put your feet up. You earned it! To start planning your SoCal vacation, order your FREE Buena Park Travel Guide.

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Kid-Friendly Things to Do in Buena Park, CA for Solo Parents

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