Our Teen-Approved Buena Park Adventure

on Nov 06, 2025

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Our first family visit to California was an unforgettable adventure. My boys are teenagers, so we wanted to be sure there were lots of activities we could enjoy together with a mix of thrills and chill time. We spent a long weekend in Buena Park and everyone had a great time. That’s a tall order for any trip, and I’m so happy we got to make these memories together.

This trip was part of a paid partnership with Visit Buena Park. All opinions (and boysenberry cravings) are my own.

View of a cityscape with palm trees in the foreground and mountains in the distance under a clear sky during sunset.

We flew direct from Raleigh to Los Angeles, and it was a quick drive to our destination. You can easily make the drive to Buena Park in under an hour if traffic cooperates, which it did. I enjoyed billboard spotting and counting palm trees on our way to the first stop.

Steal our itinerary below to create your own family fun.

Hampton Inn and Suites Buena Park

Our home base for the weekend was a suite at the Hampton Inn & Suites Buena Park.

A building with palm trees and people walking in front of it.

There was plenty of space to stretch out, the beds were comfortable, and breakfast was included, a big plus for growing boys.

Hotel room with two queen beds, a couch, desk with chair, TV, lamps, and large windows letting in natural light.

The pool looked so inviting, but it was a little too chilly for this trip. That said, I really enjoyed soaking my tired feet in the hot tub. It’s a great outdoor space with plenty of room to lounge or gather around the fire pit.

Apartment buildings and trees are reflected in a clear outdoor swimming pool, with blue sky and sunlight illuminating the scene.

People sitting and talking at tables in a modern restaurant with colorful hanging lights and a large mural on the wall. — Hampton Inn and Suites Buena Park Dining

A golden waffle with the word "Hampton" imprinted on it sits on a waffle maker. — Hampton Inn and Suites Buena Park Dining

We also enjoyed free on-site parking, with plenty of spaces available, including EV charging stations.

Buena Park Thrills

There are so many great things to do in Buena Park, I was interested to see what my boys would enjoy the most. We each ended up with a standout favorite and they were all different. I can safely say there is something for everyone!

Knott’s Berry Farm

We spent almost a full day at Knott’s Berry Farm. It was a first for all of us, and we had a blast. The sun was shining in that California way that makes people want to stay forever.

A brightly colored roller coaster with empty cars is ascending a steep track against a clear blue sky.

We took turns on different rides, and my 16-year-old, Oscar, declared this his favorite activity. He loves roller coasters and has yet to reach his limit on speed.

Knott’s Berry Farm has some really thrilling options, and he and my husband Jerry tried as many as possible, including Silver Bullet, Hang Time, and The Xcelerator.

A person stands smiling in front of the HangTime roller coaster entrance at an amusement park, with surfboards and a ride sign visible.

My youngest, Calvin, and I opted for some of the park’s on-the-ground offerings like fun photo ops and delicious boysenberry treats. Did you know Buena Park is the birthplace of the boysenberry?

The flavors brought me back to my childhood, when my mom would make cookies from extra pie crust and boysenberry jam. We called them boysenberry smiles. It was such a treat to enjoy those flavors again.

Two people stand back-to-back inside a coffin prop at Knott's Scary Farm, surrounded by Halloween decorations and faux cobwebs.

A beverage dispenser pours Knott's Berry Punch into a paper cup held by a person. — Boysenberry Punch

A single slice of fruit pie with a golden, flaky crust and dark berry filling sits in a clear plastic container. — Boysenberry Punch

As one of the oldest theme parks in America, Knott’s Berry Farm has definitely earned a place in our hearts. I will be dreaming of that pie!

Medieval Times

Another highlight of the weekend was our dinner at Medieval Times. Only my 14-year-old had been before on a school field trip to South Carolina, but he couldn’t wait to go again. He was lit up from start to finish, and our family had a blast cheering on the Black and White Knight.

Knights in colorful armor on horses hold flags in an indoor arena with tiered seating and stage lighting, suggesting a medieval-themed performance.

Four people wearing paper crowns sit at a dining table; one person holds a sword and makes a fierce face, while the others look at the camera with neutral or serious expressions.

The food is delicious and well-timed throughout the evening, so you can watch the show and still have plenty of time to eat. We cheered, we yelled, we laughed until we were hoarse. We even got to meet and mingle with the players afterward, which was an unexpected treat.

Five people stand in front of a Medieval Times sign; one is dressed as a knight, and two wear crowns. They are posing together in a casual setting.

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If you plan to go, arrive 30-60 minutes early to walk around the shop, grab a few beverages, and meet some of the horses. And if your kiddo asks for a flag and a sword to wave, go for it. They’re only young once.

Olympic Golf Zone

I wasn’t sure how our round of virtual golf would go; it was another first for us, but it turned out to be a really fun indoor activity. Between Knott’s Berry Farm and Olympic Golf Zone, my husband got to play too. It’s always fun for me to watch my family enjoy our experiences, and that includes the big kids, too.

A man instructs a boy on how to putt at an indoor golf simulator, with golf clubs and a "golf matters" sign visible in the background.

I won’t ever play a PGA golf course in real life, but it was fun to try our hands at Pebble Beach and Pinehurst virtually. Olympic Golf Zone has a full bar, food, and other games like pool and darts. Plus, on certain days of the week, there are discounts.

Chill time in Buena Park

If you’re looking to slow down and let the vacation vibes sink in, head to The Source in Koreatown. This multi-level shopping and entertainment spot combines indoor and outdoor spaces with restaurants, shops, and activities.

Metal framework structure on a rooftop at sunset, with the sun low on the horizon and cityscape visible through the grid.

In fact, Olympic Golf Zone is located at The Source, so when you’re done practicing your golf swing, stick around for some shopping and dinner, or grab some Old Ferry Donuts before leaving. You may even catch a live performance. And if you have any K-pop fans in your household, this is a must-visit destination.

Counter at a donut shop named Old Ferry Donut, displaying various donuts and drinks, with orange boxes stacked on shelves and a broom leaning against the counter.

For a slow morning with a side of coffee, Porto’s Bakery is the place to be. I instantly fell in love with this massive Cuban coffee shop and bakery. I immediately searched for locations in North Carolina, only to find that all of them are in California.

A cup of hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings in a Porto's Bakery & Café cup, with pastries in the background. — Porto’s Bakery Hot Chocolate

A selection of pastries including a pink mousse cake, a turnover, a croquette, a croissant, a danish, and a cinnamon roll, displayed in boxes and on paper. — Porto’s Bakery Hot Chocolate

You can watch the bakers creating different treats, choose from several indoor and outdoor spaces to eat, and fulfill all your coffee and hot chocolate dreams at the coffee bar. Everything we ordered was fresh and delicious.

What I did learn is that many of the baked goods can be ordered online to bake at home, and yes, I have already placed my first order.

Where to Eat

Buena Park has no shortage of delicious restaurants, from fast casual to sit-down dining. We tried a variety of different options.

Rock & Brews

Three dishes on a wooden table: southwest egg rolls with dip, fried chicken tenders with sauce, and nachos topped with guacamole, corn, cheese, and lime wedges. Two drinks are nearby.

We loved this rock-and-roll themed restaurant founded by Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley of KISS. The food at Rock & Brews is full of flavor, the drinks are tasty, and the walls are covered with decades of rock music memorabilia. Who could ask for more?

Portillo’s

A table with two burgers, crinkle-cut fries, onion rings, a chili cheese dog, a cup of soda, and a container of fries on a red and white checkered tablecloth.

Chicago-style comfort food at its finest. Portillo’s is a fast-casual restaurant and boy was it hopping. It was our first time eating at the chain, and we did not leave hungry.

John’s Incredible Pizza Company

A spinning amusement ride called Twister with children seated in hanging seats, surrounded by colorful lights and arcade games inside an indoor entertainment center.

John’s Incredible Pizza offers all-you-can-eat buffet-style pizza and arcade fun. There were tons of kids celebrating birthdays and plenty of space for many parties at once. There are even a few indoor rides and lots of arcade games if you have extra time.

Honeymee

A close-up of a honey-drizzled soft serve ice cream in a cup with a yellow spoon, with a blurred person sitting in the background.

Cool off for dessert with fresh milk ice cream made with honeycomb at Honeymee. We tried chocolate and caramel, both of which were delicious.

Nobibi

Nobibi serves creative ice cream and desserts, bubble drinks, and space to enjoy them all. While we were there, another table of customers was playing a game, laughing and having a great time. My pick was the Dubai chocolate ice cream with two spoons. Their servings are definitely big enough to share.

Vacations hit differently now that I am the shortest person in the room, but they are just as fun. Our first family visit to California warmed my heart, and I know it won’t be the last.