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Voyage to the Iron Reef is just one of the new thrills to be had at Knott’s this summer. (Yuri Shimoda/LOL-LA)

Growing up in Orange County I spent most of my summers at day camp, and the highlight of the entire season would be a trip to Knott’s Berry Farm. I have so many memories of standing in line for the Log Ride chomping on a big dill pickle, going on my first roller coaster with a loop (Montezooma’s Revenge), savoring a plate of fried chicken at Mrs. Knott’s, laughing at friends getting drenched on Bigfoot Rapids and topping it all off with a mandatory funnel cake covered in powdered sugar and the former berry farm’s world-famous boysenberry sauce.

Although I no longer have the ability to indulge in all of that decadent food then immediately jump onto a ride like Xcelerator (seriously one of the most intense thrills to be had at a theme park in Southern California), a trip to Knott’s is still one of the best ways to spend a summer day. In addition to taking in rides that are timeless favorites – like the Calico Mine Ride and Supreme Scream – Knott’s has added several entertainment attractions this summer.

Through Aug. 23, there are two all-new productions to check out: an ice-show adventure starring Snoopy, the Peanuts gang and world-class ice skaters called “Blockbuster Beagle!” at the Charles M. Schulz Theatre and extreme skate, trampoline, BMX, dance and aerial stunts to make your jaw drop in “Vertical Impact” on the Calico Square Stage. If you like to dance, you can move your body while watching the pumped up tricks set to EDM, dance and pop hits after dark during “Vertical Impact: Geared Up.” Music lovers are sure to enjoy jumping, jiving and swinging to Big Bands in Boardwalk Circle every Sunday through Aug. 30 or shaking their hips to some of the area’s most popular salsa bands on the Fiesta Plaza Stage.

One of the most exciting attractions at Knott’s this summer is the brand-new interactive 4D ride Voyage to the Iron Reef. You take a seat in a four-person submarine, don a pair of 3-D glasses and have your freeze ray gun at the ready to take on the Kraken Queen and her aquatic army as you journey into the Iron Reef. Be the first to blast menacing creatures, such as giant pufferfish and glowing jellyfish, from your sub to gain the most points during the completely interactive ride.

The fun isn’t over yet, though, so refuel with a burger at Johnny Rockets, some nachos at Pancho’s Tacos or a plate of barbecue at Fireman’s Brigade Barbecue. Then, take in the hilarious Crazy Kirk and the Hillbillies show at Bird Cage Theatre, soak in some bluegrass from the Ghost Town Miners on the Spurs Stage or classic tunes from the Big Fat Steve Band on the Boardwalk Circle Stage before heading on to more rides. Unfortunately summer won’t last forever, but the memories you make will.

Park hours have been extended (from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.) all summer long. On Fourth of July and Labor Day, Knott’s caps off your holiday with a fireworks display.

For tickets and more information, visit knotts.com.

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