Michael Turner
Recommendation: choose a compact single-compartment day pack, crossbody purse, fanny pack, or clear bag under typical small-bag dimensions so it stays unobtrusive on walkways and attractions. Avoid hiking rucksacks, large duffels, rolling suitcases and frame packs; oversized items are commonly refused at the gate and must be returned to a vehicle or stored in on-site lockers.
Security and item rules: all bags are subject to inspection and metal screening at the turnstiles. Prohibited items usually include weapons of any kind, fireworks, illegal drugs and marijuana products, large coolers, glass containers, loose ice, drones, and unattended folding chairs. Selfie sticks and loose tripods are frequently restricted on rides and may be collected at security. Prescription medication and medical devices are allowed when presented with appropriate labeling or documentation.
Practical tips: measure the bag before arrival and keep heavier items low and central for quicker searches. Use a clear bag or a single small compartment to speed entry. If carrying bulky baby supplies or camera gear, plan to rent a locker near the main entrance for the day; lockers accommodate larger items that will otherwise be denied at the gate. Call park guest services ahead for unusual requests or medical exceptions to avoid delays.
Pack and bag policy at the Anaheim theme park
Small daypacks and personal totes are allowed after mandatory security screening; oversized luggage, commercial coolers, weapons, glass bottles and unmanned aircraft are prohibited.
Entry procedure and inspections
All guests will pass through bag checks at the main gates: staff may request that zippers be opened, contents removed and loose electronics presented separately. Sealed single‑use bottled water, infant formula and medically necessary items are generally accepted but remain subject to inspection. Items refused by security must be returned to a vehicle or left at Guest Services when that option is provided.
Practical recommendations
Pack choice: opt for a compact daypack under ~20 liters or a small crossbody with lockable zippers; front‑worn pouches reduce risk on rides. Valuables: store passports, wallets and phones in internal zip pockets or an RFID sleeve. Electronics should be removable for inspection. Power banks: keep battery packs below 100 Wh. Weather/comfort: lightweight poncho, sunscreen, hat and a few adhesive bandages. Time saving: clear or minimalist bags speed screening and shorten entry lines.
For bulky items, check Guest Services or on‑site rental storage where available; if access to a vehicle is possible, leave large suitcases and coolers there before arriving at the gate. Service animals are admitted with appropriate documentation; emotional support animals typically are not allowed.
Park bag policy and allowed backpack dimensions
Recommendation: Carry a compact daypack with exterior dimensions no larger than 16″ × 12″ × 8″ (40 × 30 × 20 cm); oversized luggage may be refused at security checkpoints.
- Permitted pack types
- Small daypacks / rucksacks
- Crossbody bags, fanny packs, clear totes
- Insulated lunch bags and diaper bags (if compact)
- Dimensional rules
- Measure overall exterior size including straps, pockets and wheels.
- Acceptable example: 16″ (height) × 12″ (width) × 8″ (depth) = fits under most ride restraints and in narrow queues.
- Convert: 16″×12″×8″ ≈ 40×30×20 cm.
- Prohibited or discouraged items
- Large suitcases, trunks, duffels larger than the recommended dimensions
- Items that could obstruct queues or fall from rides: tripods, large coolers, folding chairs
- Weapons, illegal substances, unapproved glass containers
- Security screening
- All bags are subject to inspection at entry points. Allow extra time during peak periods.
- Keep pockets organized and electronics accessible for separate screening.
- Storage alternatives
- On-site rental lockers available for larger items; sizes vary so confirm at the kiosk.
- Vehicle storage recommended for oversized luggage and non-essential bags.
- Ride and queue packing tips
- Stow water bottles in side pockets or use collapsible bottles to save space.
- For thrill rides, transfer loose items to park lockers or a companion’s small bag.
- Secure zippers with small carabiners to prevent accidental openings on rides.
- Medical and special items
- Prescription medication, EpiPens and medical devices are permitted; carry proof (prescription label or doctor note) if possible.
- Contact Guest Services for assistance with mobility aids, service animal supplies and larger medical equipment.
Note: Policies can be updated; verify current size limits and locker availability with the park’s official guest services before arrival.
Items prohibited in bags (weapons, drones, glass, alcohol)
Weapons, drones, glass containers, and alcoholic beverages are prohibited in all guest bags and on park property. Possession of any listed item may result in denial of entry, item confiscation, ejection without refund, and notification of law enforcement.
Weapons: Includes firearms (loaded or unloaded), BB/airsoft guns, replica or toy firearms that could be mistaken for real weapons, all types of knives (fixed-blade, folding, multi-tools with blades), ammunition, pepper spray, stun guns/tasers, and any improvised weapon. Concealed-carry permits do not override venue policy; medical devices that resemble weapons require verification and original medical documentation.
Drones / Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS): All privately owned drones and remote-controlled aircraft are prohibited from being carried or operated on site. FAA rules regarding unmanned aircraft apply in addition to park policy. Spare lithium batteries should be kept in original packaging or terminals taped and stored in checked luggage or left at home/vehicle when possible; loose high-capacity batteries may be refused.
Glass: Glass bottles, jars, drinkware, cosmetic or perfume bottles, and any glass food containers are banned. Exceptions for medically necessary glass items require prior approval and original prescription/label. Plastic, metal, or approved disposable containers are acceptable alternatives.
Alcohol: Open or sealed alcoholic beverages from off-site sources are not permitted. Alcohol purchased within controlled park locations follows separate rules; external alcoholic products found in guest possession will be confiscated and may lead to removal from the property.
Practical guidance: Leave prohibited items at home or in a locked vehicle, place them in checked luggage where applicable, or consult Guest Relations before arrival for medical or accessibility exceptions and available storage options. Noncompliance carries enforcement actions as listed above.
What to expect during security bag checks at the entrance
Arrive 15–30 minutes before planned entry; empty pockets, place loose items in a small pouch, and keep tickets and photo ID accessible to speed screening.
Expect a sequence of steps: queueing at a turnstile, visual inspection of personal carry items, X‑ray conveyor scans for large items, and occasional handheld metal‑detector wand sweeps. Staff will request that all compartments be opened and that loose contents be shown on a flat surface.
Electronics larger than a smartphone (tablets, cameras, portable chargers) are commonly removed from cases and placed on the conveyor or shown powered on. Sealed packages and factory‑sealed food are usually inspected visually rather than opened unless security officers have a specific concern.
Medical supplies and prescription medications should be kept in original containers or accompanied by documentation. For a private inspection or accommodation, speak to an officer at the screening station before exposing sensitive items; privacy screening is typically provided off to the side.
Strollers, coolers, and similar items are inspected fully; collapsible models are often asked to be partially folded. Expect staff to briefly handle straps and buckles to check hidden pockets or attachments.
| Stage | Staff action | Guest action | Typical duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Queueing at approach | Verify ticket/ID | Have ticket ready, reduce items carried | 2–10 minutes (low traffic) / 10–30 minutes (peak) |
| Visual inspection | Open compartments, show contents | Lay items out, remove large electronics | 30–90 seconds |
| X‑ray / conveyor | Scan items, review images | Place permitted items on belt | 30–60 seconds per item |
| Handheld screening | Wand sweep or brief pat‑down | Stand still, follow officer instructions | 10–30 seconds |
| Secondary inspection | Detailed check or private room | Provide documentation if requested | 3–10 minutes (occasionally longer) |
Peak periods–weekend afternoons, holiday events, and special‑ticketed nights–often double queue and inspection times; plan arrival accordingly. Keep small valuable items on the person to avoid dozen‑item searches at the belt.
On-site storage: lockers, rental services and ride storage policies
Store valuables and oversized gear in park lockers rather than carrying them all day; choose size by measured dimensions (small ~11×6×13 in, medium ~15×11×15 in, large ~22×15×18 in) and expect a one‑day fee roughly in the $6–$20 range depending on size and proximity to major attractions.
Locker locations: primary bank at the main entrance plaza, secondary banks near the boardwalk/water attraction zone and adjacent to the large coaster complex. Lockers operate during published park hours; access after closing is typically not permitted, so retrieve items before the gates shut. Most units use electronic PINs or QR-code systems; some older units accept cash or coins.
Payment and refunds: electronic lockers accept major credit/debit cards and contactless mobile wallets. Some rental kiosks require a refundable deposit for keyed lockers–deposit returned on key return. Lost-key or forgotten-PIN incidents route through Guest Services and may require ID verification and a small service fee.
Onsite rentals beyond lockers: strollers and mobility devices are available from Guest Services or a rental kiosk at the entrance; prices commonly range $15–$40 per day for strollers and $40–$70 for electric convenience vehicles. Luggage storage companies and short‑term lockers are often available at nearby transit hubs and hotels for multi‑day needs.
Ride storage rules: high‑speed and invert coasters mandate removal of loose articles before boarding; many attractions provide free cubbies or supervised bins immediately outside the queue for small items. Water rides and splash attractions require electronics and wallets to be secured in lockers or waterproof pouches. Items left on seats or lap during launches are usually prohibited and can cause ride evacuation and delays.
Practical tips: measure items before selecting a unit, place wet gear in plastic bags to protect locker interiors, and distribute valuables across party members when possible. For compact, secure carry options consult best luggage carryology for recommended daypacks and waist pouches suited to theme‑park use.
What to pack: food, medications, baby supplies and loose electronics
Pack a compact insulated lunchbox sized no larger than 9″ x 6″ x 6″ (23 x 15 x 15 cm) with two 500–750 ml resealable bottles and one cold pack; this keeps perishable sandwiches, dairy and cut fruit safe for about 4–6 hours when cold chain maintained.
Food: bring single-serve sealed packages (nuts, crackers, yogurt tubes) and pre-portioned meals–one main item + two snack items per guest for a full day. For liquids, limit each container to 1 L if sharing; refillable bottles are refill-friendly at water fountains. Avoid glass containers; use BPA-free plastic or stainless steel bottles. Label any allergy-free items clearly with big-font labels.
Medications: keep all prescription meds in original pharmacy-labeled containers. For injectables or temperature-sensitive drugs, use an insulated med case with a cold pack and a thermometer strip; maintain refrigeration for storage-sensitive meds per manufacturer guidance (eg, insulin storage 2–8 °C before use; check vial/pen leaflet for in-use time limits). Carry copies of prescription and the prescriber’s contact info; place a spare dose in a separate sealed pouch and an emergency card for severe allergies or diabetes in the main compartment.
Baby supplies: plan 1.5–2 diapers per hour for infants, plus two extra; pack pre-measured powdered formula in single-serve containers or ready-to-feed bottles. Include a compact changing pad, 8–12 wipes, plastic bags for soiled clothes, and one full outfit per child. Store bottles in an insulated sleeve; if hot water is needed, request from first aid or designated guest services rather than bringing a thermos of hot water.
Loose electronics: protect phones, cameras and chargers in waterproof zip pouches or a padded tech organizer. Use short tethers or a wrist strap for cameras and clip small devices inside internal zip pockets. Photograph serial numbers and backup important files to cloud storage before arrival. For portable batteries, choose units under 20,000 mAh (approx. 74 Wh) and carry them in the main compartment, not checked luggage–label capacity on the bank. If carrying a laptop or tablet, use a slim sleeve to prevent pressure damage on rides; consider leaving high-value items in a locked vehicle or rented locker during long ride sequences.
Small extras: pack one microfiber towel, a lightweight poncho in a resealable bag, a chemical cold pack and a tiny first-aid kit (bandages, antiseptic wipe, blister pads). For hands-free options and longer days, consider a wheeled cooler or a compact sling daypack; see related outdoor gear reviews such as best cordless lithium ion lawn mower uk for unexpected product comparisons and durability notes.
FAQ:
Can I bring a backpack into Knott’s Berry Farm?
Yes. Backpacks are generally allowed, but every guest and bag goes through a security inspection at the entrance. Items that are prohibited by the park — such as weapons, illegal substances, or certain large coolers — will not be permitted. If you have specific medical supplies or baby items, bring documentation or ask Guest Services on arrival for guidance. For the latest rules, check Knott’s official website or contact their Guest Services before you travel.
Are there restrictions on the size or contents of backpacks inside the park?
There are practical and policy limits. Large, bulky coolers and unsecured containers are often restricted because they pose storage and safety issues, and alcohol brought from outside is typically not allowed. Pack light and avoid breakable glass, compressed gas canisters, and any items that could be used as weapons. Many guests bring small daypacks or sling bags with personal items, sun protection, medications, a refillable water bottle, and a small snack. Since rules can change, confirm current restrictions on Knott’s website before your visit.
What should I pack in a backpack for a full day at Knott’s Berry Farm, and what options exist for storing items during rides?
Pack for comfort and quick access. Useful items: a refillable water bottle (empty through security if required), sunscreen, a compact rain poncho, sunglasses, spare batteries or a small power bank, essential medications, photo ID, and a few basic snacks if the park allows them. Keep valuables in an interior zipped pocket or a money belt to prevent loss. For rides, many attractions require loose articles to be secured; some riders place small bags in provided cubbies, leave them with companions, or use on-site rental lockers. Parks often offer paid lockers near the entrance for larger bags or items you won’t need while riding. Check whether Knott’s has locker rentals, their location, and fees so you can decide what to carry versus what to store.
