Log Off, Ride On: The Ultimate Teen Escape in Buena Park

Turn screen time into scream time in Buena Park, Southern California’s hub for dinner shows, theme parks, and award-winning dining. Located just 5 miles from Disneyland and 15 miles from the beaches, Buena Park offers nonstop entertainment that keeps kids off their phones and fully engaged.

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Rides, Live Shows, and Fun at Knott’s Berry Farm
Thrill seekers can head to Knott’s Berry Farm, California’s first theme park, where corkscrew coasters like Xcelerator launch riders from 0 to 82 mph in just 2.3 seconds. Between rides, teens can snack on boysenberry treats made from the famous fruit invented in Buena Park—whether it’s boysenberry funnel cake or exclusive boysenberry Dippin’ Dots. The park also features live shows throughout the day, plus fun experiences like the chance to pan for gold for a small fee and keep whatever treasures you find. Teens can also meet Charlie Brown and the entire PEANUTS gang. Be sure to download the free app for the most up-to-date showtimes and entertainment schedules.

Waterpark Thrills and Interactive Dinner Shows When the weather warms up, Knott’s Soak City waterpark offers 23 waterslides, a relaxing lazy river, and private cabanas where families can lounge in style. For unforgettable entertainment, teens love the city’s iconic dinner shows. At Medieval Times, guests cheer for their knight during thrilling jousting matches, enjoy a meet-and-greet after the show, and dine the old-fashioned way—without utensils—while enjoying a four-course meal. At Pirates Dinner Adventure, swashbuckling pirates battle across a massive indoor lagoon while the audience joins in, with more than 150 participants taking part in the action, all while guests enjoy a four-course meal during the show.

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Foodie Favorites
Food is another reason kids won’t be reaching for their phones. Buena Park Koreatown stretches 2.5 miles and features more than 90 restaurants, including Korean BBQ favorites. At the end of the district is The Source OC, a three-level dining, shopping, and entertainment destination. Grab cheesy Korean hot dogs topped with Flamin’ Hot Cheetos at Myungrang Hot Dog, enjoy Cuban favorites like meat pies, fruit tarts, refreshers, and potato balls at Porto’s Bakery, or try Portillo’s Chicago-style sandwiches and hot dogs—plus their famous chocolate cake shake made by blending an entire slice of cake into ice cream. For family fun and food all in one place, John’s Incredible Pizza offers an all-you-can-eat pizza buffet, ticket-to-win games, bumper cars, and even a bowling alley. Just outside Knott’s Berry Farm, Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant serves its legendary fried chicken and famous boysenberry pies.

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More Ways for Teens to Play
For more entertainment, The Source OC also features plenty for K-pop lovers, including Korean shops and fun photo booth opportunities like Photogram OC, where friends can capture memorable pictures together. Visitors can also head to EKO Karaoke Lounge with 16 private rooms where your teen can sing their heart out, and Olympic Golf Zone with virtual golf and batting cages. Teens looking for outdoor fun can explore Ralph B. Clark Regional Park, a 104-acre park with scenic trails and recreation areas including basketball and tennis courts. The park also features a free interpretive center with fascinating exhibits and fossils, including a picturesque 9-million-year-old baleen whale skeleton and marine fossils dating back as far as 80 million years.

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Hotels with Perks Teens Will Love
All hotels in Buena Park feature large pool areas, perfect for unwinding after a day packed with thrills and Insta-worthy eats. Teens love that Knott’s Hotel is just steps away from Knott’s Berry Farm, making it easy to go from rides to relaxation. The hotel also has a fun splash pad for extra water play, shuttle service, and onsite dining at Thirty Acres Kitchen. For those who want easy Starbucks runs, the Courtyard Marriott Hotel is a favorite with its Bistro dining and prime location right across from Porto’s Bakery. DoubleTree adds a sweet touch with its famous warm cookie at check-in, plus an onsite Starbucks and Ventanas Grill for casual dining. If free breakfast and extra space are a must, Hampton Inn and Fairfield Inn have you covered with their large suites. Hampton Inn is also pet-friendly, so furry friends can join the trip. For a stylish stay with a rooftop pool and upscale dining at The Rosemary Room, the Hilton Buena Park is the ultimate pick. It’s also connected to The Source OC, giving teens easy access to trendy shops, K-pop boutiques, and dessert spots without ever needing to hop in a car.

Check out our ‘suite’ hotel and ticket deals. To start planning your SoCal vacation, order your FREE Buena Park Travel Guide.