The biggest reason to visit either park is the hours of fun you and your family will share! With that in mind, here’s a sampling of things to do at each park.
![Calico River Rapids at Knotts Berry Farm](https://img.govisitsandiego.com/guides/things-to-do/attractions/knotts-berry-farm-guide/fst-calico-river-rapids-at-knotts-berry-farm.webp)
Calico River Rapids at Knotts Berry Farm
Rides and Games at Knott’s Berry Farm
There are over 50 rides at Knott’s Berry Farm. There are some for little kids and some faster ones for older kids and adults. Many rides are themed around the western feel of the park or incorporate familiar characters from the Peanuts.
Personally, I’d say that Knotts far outshines the ride selection at SeaWorld in sheer number and variety. The inclusion of specially-themed areas like Camp Snoopy and the Old West Ghost Town are great as well.
Knott's MarketPlace
Technically located before the park proper, getting into Knott's MarketPlace doesn’t require you to have a ticket to the theme park, so it’s a great option for families on a budget.
There, you’ll find tons of stores like The Berry Market, cute gift shops, and even the Peanuts Headquarters.
Soak City
Knotts Soak City is the waterpark attached to Knotts Berry Farm. It’s separately gated, but if you choose to buy admission for both parks, you can cool off on water slides, lazy rivers, and splash pad playhouses, with cabanas for parents.
![Getting on to the Manta Ride at Seaworld San Diego](https://img.govisitsandiego.com/guides/things-to-do/attractions/seaworld-san-diego/fst-getting-on-to-the-manta-ride-at-seaworld-san-diego.webp)
Getting on to the Manta Ride at Seaworld San Diego
What to Do at SeaWorld
SeaWorld’s main attractions are split between two camps: animal-focused attractions and amusement park rides.
Animals
The biggest difference between Knotts and SeaWorld is that SeaWorld has marine animals. With thousands of species of fish and other marine life in the park’s aquariums, any wildlife enthusiast is sure to have a blast.
Some of my favorite aquariums are the Shark Encounter, the Orca Encounter, and the Wild Arctic with walruses, beluga whales, and penguins.
Rides
SeaWorld has both classic theme park rides and water rides. The selection here is smaller than at Knott’s Berry Farm with more for younger children, but you’ll still have your pick of thrills on a coaster, swing ride, water slide, and more.
![Manta Roller Coaster at Seaworld San Diego](https://img.govisitsandiego.com/guides/things-to-do/attractions/seaworld-san-diego/fst-manta-roller-coaster-at-seaworld-san-diego.webp)
Manta Roller Coaster at Seaworld San Diego
More Things to Do: SeaWorld San Diego
Each park has a leg up in their respective areas of expertise. But while both parks have rides, Knotts lacks SeaWorld’s animal exhibits, giving it a bit less variety.