Knott’s Berry Farm will be implementing a weekend chaperone policy for park-goers under 18 years old after multiple fights among teens.

Under the new policy, which takes effect July 22, patrons who are 17 or younger, must enter the park with a chaperone who is at least 21 or older.

The chaperone cannot account for more than three teens/children and must stay with the minors at all times. Should teens be found without a chaperone, they may be subject to park expulsion.

“For decades, Knott’s Berry Farm has been a place where families and friends come together to enjoy a one-of-a-kind park full of homegrown experiences and immersive entertainment,” the park said in a statement. “Millions of guests have counted on us for wholesome family fun, and we’re committed to keeping that promise going forward. As part of that commitment, the park will implement a chaperone policy beginning Friday, July 22, 2022, remaining in effect on Fridays and Saturdays until further notice.”

The amusement park announced the new policy, days after its most recent fight led to an early shut down of the park on July 16.

The multiple-person altercation was caught on video by several park-goers, with additional videos showing people running away, and police vehicles making their way into the park to stabilize the situation.

The park was forced to evacuate its patrons about three hours before its 10 p.m. scheduled closing time and released a statement of apology.

“The safety of Knott’s Berry Farm’s guests and associates is always our top priority. On Saturday evening, the decision was made to close the park 3 hours early due to unruly behavior and altercations involving a number of teenagers,” Knott’s said on the night of the incident. “This behavior did not align with our park’s values, and was not the experience we want any guest to have while visiting Knott’s Berry Farm.”

Fights at the park have become a trend since its reopening in May of 2021, commonly among younger crowds.

A now-removed Instagram account was even created with the name “Knott’s Fights,” as it harvested social media videos of teens getting into fights at the park throughout the past year.


The policy will only be enforced on Fridays and Saturdays “until further notice,” and extends to its neighboring Soak City park, as well as season pass holders.

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