Playful monsters, sinister clowns, ghosts, goblins, you name it – can be found lurking this year around Knott’s Scary Farm’s 44th annual Halloween haunt. My husband has been attending since the 17th year and it just keeps getting better. This is definitely not something for younger kids. Middle school age children will probably do just fine. Our kids still don’t feel like they are quite ready. Some mazes are intense and the shows are for mature audiences, but the experience is definitely a fun vibe all around.

Special Ops: Infected: This was the best version of the Special Ops maze to date.  It is now a single maze, just line up and wait your turn to go into combat to fight zombies.  The new attraction is one of the largest mazes ever created in Knott’s Scary Farm history and it is definitely an action packed, one-of-a-kind experience.

Shadow Lands: This maze was the most unique ever seen at Knott’s Scary Farm. We embarked on a quest through a sacred shrine, an ancient Japanese temple and into the midst of the shadow lands. Crazy special effects and you might get a little wet!

Red Barn: We wandered cautiously through a blood-soaked barn filled with carnivorous animals seeking to prey on human flesh in the Red Barn gore maze. This one was gory and the talent were really fun! I’m not including pictures because everything was graphic. Just use your imagination! So below, I’ve included some evil monkeys instead.

Must haves for your visit: Fright Lane and Skeleton Key – these get you front of the line access to the mazes and rollercoasters. It also gives you exclusive entry into the Skeleton Key rooms which provide a mini spookshow for visitors. Friday and Saturday nights become quite busy and you will really limit your experience if you don’t have the Fright Lane wristband. There is not a single maze or show you want to miss.

Elvira, Mistress of the Dark

Must experience: Infected, Shadow Lands, Paranormal Inc., The Red Barn and of course, Elvira and her Danse Macabre show. Elvira is ageless!

What was that???

Knott’s Scary Farm Pass & Admission

• The Knott’s Scary Farm Pass returns in 2016 and offers unlimited visits to all 24 event nights. Current 2016 Knott’s Berry Farm Season Passholders can purchase the pass at the limited time price of $75, now through Sept. 18 (while supplies last, plus applicable fees); the general public can purchase the pass for $85, now through Sept. 18 (while supplies last, plus fees). All Season Long Parking is valid for Knott’s Scary Farm nights.

• Single night tickets are $40 – $52 depending on the event night when purchased online (plus applicable fees). Knott’s Season Passholders receive discounts on single night tickets when purchasing online. Tickets purchased at least 24 hours in advance at the theme park ticket booths are $49 for all nights, and day-of-event tickets purchased at the ticket booths are $72.

• Fright Lane with Skeleton Key offers unlimited priority access to all mazes and unlocks ONE time access to all four standalone Skeleton Key Rooms filled with unnerving terrors, interactive secrets and exclusive scenes. Guests will also receive a commemorative lanyard and collectible keychain. Fright Lane with Skeleton Key passes start at $75. (Separate theme park admission required, and not included)
• Boo-fet dinner at Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant and Spurs Chophouse invites guests to feed the beast before Knott’s Scary Farm opens each night. Meals include a collectible 2016 souvenir cup, which includes unlimited complimentary refills on the event night and $0.99 refills for the rest of the 2016 season. After dinner, enjoy early entry into Knott’s Scary Farm a few minutes before it opens to other mortals.  Boo-fet dinner is $27.99 +tax when purchased online and $32.99 +tax when purchased at the door. (Separate theme park admission required, and not included)

• Knott’s Scary Farm parking is $20 per vehicle and can be purchased online (plus applicable taxes and fees) or at the parking booth upon arrival. All Season Long Parking is valid for Knott’s Scary Farm nights.

Paranormal, Inc.

Knott’s Scary Farm has welcomed millions of visitors over the past 43 years and has become an institution in the Southern California theme park landscape.  This year, the event returns September 22, 23, 24, 29, 30 October 1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 9, 13, 14, 15, 16, 20, 21, 22, 23, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31.  Knott’s Scary Farm is open 7:00pm – 1:00am select Thursdays, Sundays, and Halloween Night and 7:00pm – 2:00am Fridays and Saturdays.  With more than 1,000 monsters roaming the park and lurking in the fog – whatever you’re imagining, it’s here…

For more information on Knott’s Scary Farm, including admission, park hours and events, visit knottsscaryfarm.com or download the Knott’s Berry Farm app for your smart phone. Join the scary conversation by using #ScaryFarm on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat.

*Knott’s Berry Farm invited us to attend in exchange for this review. All opinions are our own.