Knott’s Berry Farm is extending its chaperone policy to its annual Halloween haunt event, Knott’s Scary Farm. 

The policy was first introduced in July after violent fights involving teenagers forced Knott’s to close three hours early on a Saturday night. On Fridays through Sundays, Knott’s guests under 18 have to be accompanied by a chaperone 21 or older while they’re in the park. 

For Knott’s Scary Farm, the policy will be enforced on all event nights, regardless of the day of the week. The park is also limiting the size of bags that can be brought inside during Scary Farm to no larger than 6.5 inches by 4.5 inches by 2 inches in dimension — which would eliminate many purses, backpacks, and diaper bags. 

What’s new for 2022

As for the more fun aspects of Scary Farm, Knott’s confirmed the lineup of nine haunted mazes, five scare zones, and three shows for the 49th edition of the event. That expanded maze lineup includes two new offerings. Here’s how Knott’s described them in a press release:

    • Bloodline 1842: “Travel through the busy city streets of Valdonia while hunting the bloodthirsty Valhymphri in an all-out war. Bring light into the darkness, survive the vicious onslaught of vampires, and bring honor to your order!”
    • The Grimoire: “Turn the page and enter the world of an ancient relic whose dark stories exist purely to turn your greatest nightmares into a reality. Enter the world of a mysterious spell book and escape the demonic creatures inside or be eternally trapped within!”

The returning mazes from 2021 are Mesmer: Sideshow of the Mind, Wax Works, Origins: The Curse of Calico, Pumpkin Eater, Dark Ride, The Depths and Dark Entities. As announced last year, the Paranormal Inc. maze has been retired. 

The scare zone lineup is the same as last year, featuring Carnevil, Forsaken Lake, Ghost Town Streets, the Hollow and 2021 addition The Gore-ing 20s. 

Two stage shows are debuting this year:

    • “Le Magnifique Carnaval du Grotesque” on the Calico Mine Stage, a reimagining of the “Carnaval du Grotesque” show from 2021
    • “Conjurers: Dark Magic” at the Bird Cage Theater. Knott’s said of the show: “It seems that with death no longer the end, the Undertaker has nearly been run out of business. Fortunately, in all his dealings with death and the afterlife, he’s got a few tricks up his sleeve. Tricks will come in handy as he crosses over to the other side to show our still-living guests what he’s learned.” 

The Brian Henson-created “Puppet Up! Uncensored” will return to the Walter Knott Theater, but last year’s “Invitation to Terror,” “Wicked Drums” and “Doce de la Noche” will not be back. 

The Halloween Hootenanny overlay of Timber Mountain Log Ride will also be offered again. 

For Scary Farm diehards who want a closer look at the mazes, Knott’s is offering a new daytime tour called “Beyond the Fog.” The three-hour tour will include walking through multiple mazes with the lights on. 

Knott’s Scary Farm will run for 26 nights from Sept. 22 through Halloween. It is not recommended for kids under 13. Single-night tickets start at $59 and the event is not included with daytime admission to Knott’s.