Knott’s Camp Snoopy: Entertaining Characters for Peanuts

You hear it all the time. . . .

“I can’t believe you live in Orange County and you hardly ever go to the amusement parks!” scold your out-of-town friends. “Why, if we lived there, we’d be at a different one every week!”

Forgive them, they know not what they say. As any local knows, a day at any Southland tourist spot can put a serious dent in the household budget. By the time you pay for admission, food and assorted “gotta-have-it-or-I’ll-just-die” souvenirs, these outings can easily run a family of four $100 or more.

However, if you’d like a little more bang for your entertainment buck, you might want to check out Knott’s Berry Farm’s Camp Snoopy Days, four weeks of special activities and performances geared toward kids ages 3 to 11. The promotion, which kicks off Saturday and continues through Sept. 3, celebrates the birthday of America’s favorite middle-aged beagle (Snoopy turns 40 this year). Almost all activities are included with admission, and take place in and around Camp Snoopy, Knott’s 6-acre children’s park.

(Discount coupons, good for $4 off the regular admission price, are available at participating Carl’s Jr. restaurants.)

Here’s the lineup:

Aug. 4, 5: David Jack sings his signature “silly songs” in the park’s Wagon Camp. Shows are at noon, 3 and 5 p.m.

Aug. 6-10: Kelbi the Mechanical Doll performs a mime show set to children’s music in the Camp Snoopy Theatre. Shows are at 1, 3:30 and 5:30 p.m.

Aug. 11, 12: Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie--better known as the Simpsons--bring their TV high-jinks to the Chevrolet/Geo Good Time Theatre. Shows are at noon, 1, 2 and 3 p.m.

Aug. 13-17: Singer Caren croons for the kiddies in the Camp Snoopy Theatre. Shows are at 1, 3:30 and 5:30 p.m.

Aug. 18, 19: “Fun House,” a children’s cable television game show hosted by J.D. Roth, will be presented in a live stage version in the Wagon Camp. Shows are at 2, 3:30 and 5 p.m.

Aug. 20-24: Recording artist Joanie Bartels, winner of the 1989 Parent’s Choice Award, performs at the Camp Snoopy Theatre. Shows are at 1, 3:30 and 5:30 p.m.

Aug. 25, 26: “Fun House” (see Aug. 18, 19) returns to the Wagon Camp. Shows are at 2, 3:30 and 5 p.m.

Aug. 27-31: Kelbi the Mechanical Doll (see Aug. 6) at the Camp Snoopy Theatre. Shows are at 1, 3:30 and 5:30 p.m.

Sept. 1-3: Linda Arnold, host of the syndicated children’s radio show, “Pickleberry Pie,” sings fantasy tunes at the Wagon Camp. Shows are at noon, 3 and 5 p.m.

In addition, each day between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. there are Hula-Hoop and balloon-bursting contests (four daily); Snoopy’s Coloring Corner, where youngsters can color a larger-than-life Peanuts comic strip; a face-painting booth (there’s a small fee for this one), strolling entertainers and appearances by Snoopy, Charlie Brown and the entire Peanuts gang.

What: Camp Snoopy Days at Knott’s Berry Farm.

When: Aug. 4 through Sept. 3.

Where: 8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park.

Whereabouts: Riverside (91) Freeway to Beach Boulevard. Park is located a half-mile south of the freeway.

Wherewithal: Admission: $21 for adults, $17 for kids 3 to 11. Under 3 is free. ($4 off with coupon available at participating Carl’s Jr. restaurants.)

Where To Call: (714) 220-5200.

CHILDREN’S LISTINGS, Page 24.