The world’s most famous Beagle celebrated his birthday on August 10.
Happy Birthday Snoopy! pic.twitter.com/s3O9JlYrIt
— PEANUTS (@Snoopy) August 10, 2022
American cartoonist Charles M. Schulz first published this comic strip in 1947 under the name Li’l Folks. He renamed and reintroduced the Peanuts gang in a newspaper comic strip on October 2, 1950. The boomers came to know the anxious Charlie Brown; his little sister Sally; philosophical Linus; his crabby big sister Lucy; piano-playing Schroeder; Pigpen and his famous dust cloud; sporty Peppermint Patty, intellectual Marcie, good friend Franklin, and a slew of other characters.
But it was this black and white dog who stole the show. Snoopy and the Peanuts Gang surpassed generations and continue to be loved around the globe.
If you’re a loyal follower of my blog, you’ll know that my Quirks section often puts Snoopy and the Peanuts gang (as well as Hello Kitty and Harry Potter) in the spotlight. To celebrate Snoopy’s birthday (Trivia: I named one of my rescue dogs Snoopy!), I’ve compiled a list of Peanuts-themed places I’d like to visit when the pandemic is over.
1. Charlie Brown Café, Taiwan and Thailand
Sadly, the Charlie Brown Cafés in Hong Kong, Korea, and Singapore have closed, but the Taiwan branch is still open, while Bangkok’s Charlie Brown Café will reopen this August! I went to the ones in Korea and Singapore before they closed, and I remember enjoying my visit there more than the Hello Kitty Café in Manila.
2. Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center, California
On August 17, 2002, two years after the death of Charles M. Schulz, creator of the Peanuts comic strip, a museum dedicated to his works opened in Santa Rosa, California. The Charles M. Schulz Museum features original cartoon strips, artwork, photographs, letters, and Peanuts-themed toys and games.
3. Snoopy’s Home Ice, California
Right across the Charles M. Schulz Museum is Snoopy’s Home Ice. Also known as the Redwood Empire Ice Arena, this indoor ice rink was built by Peanuts cartoonist Charles M. Schulz. It opened on April 28, 1969. Visitors go there for ice skating, figure skating, junior hockey, and adult hockey. Also check out Snoopy’s Gallery and Gift Shop, which features over 1,500 Peanuts products, including unique collectibles that you’ll only find there. If you prefer online shopping, click here for official merch.
4. Warm Puppy Café
Food isn’t allowed in the Charles M. Schulz Museum, so customers walk across the street to grab some refreshments at the Warm Puppy Café at Snoopy’s Home Ice. They serve local organic coffee, ice cream, sandwiches, hot dogs, burgers, french fries, and other comfort meals.
5. Snoopy’s World, Hong Kong
While most HK tourists go to Ocean Park and Hong Kong Disneyland, there’s a lesser-known theme park at the New Town Plaza Shopping Mall in Sha Tin (New Territories). Snoopy’s World, which opened in 2000, has various amusement zones such as the Snoopy House, Peanuts Academy, Canoe Ride, Peanuts Dugout, and Peanuts Boulevard. The 4.5-meter tall Snoopy House at the playground entrance doubles as a museum.
6. Snoopy Museum, Tokyo
The world’s only satellite of the Charles M. Schulz Museum first opened in Roppongi, Tokyo in 2016 and closed as planned in September 2018. It reopened at the Minami-machida Grandberry Park in Machida, Tokyo on December 2019. Highlights include the Peanuts Café, Brown’s Store for your souvenir shopping, and fun workshops.
7. Knott’s Berry Farm, California
The last time I went to Knott’s Berry Farm was in the ‘90s, and I still have some Snoopy souvenirs from that trip with my family. The Peanuts gang is the star of the show, with rides like the Flying Ace, Linus Launcher, Charlie Brown’s Kite Flyer, and Peanuts Balloon race—all found in the Camp Snoopy zone. Even if you’re too old for kiddie shows, The Camp Snoopy Theater is a must-see.
8. Camp Snoopy, Michigan Adventure
Michigan’s Adventure is a 250-acre amusement park in Muskegon County, Michigan. It’s the largest amusement park in the state and has been operating since 2001. Their newest park is Camp Snoopy, a Peanuts-themed area that opened just this 2021. The five new rides are Woodstock Express, Beagle Scout Lookout, Mud Buggies, Camp Bus, and Trail Blazers—strictly for kids to tweens! There’s also the Beagle Scout Acres, a large climb-and-play structure.
9. Planet Snoopy, California’s Great America
The first and last time I went to Great America in Santa Clara was back in the ’90s. I don’t remember much from that trip anymore so a revisit is in order! One of the highlights of the theme park is Planet Snoopy, where you’ll find Peanuts-themed rides, activities, and merchandise.
10. Universal Studios Japan
When I went to USJ back in 2019, this Potterhead made a beeline for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, where I spent most of my day. When I looked back at our family albums, I saw my nephew’s photos in Universal Wonderland, a kiddie- and family-friendly area where you’ll find loads of Peanuts attractions and souvenirs. I regret not spending more time there, so I’m definitely heading back to Osaka for that one.
Who’s your favorite Peanuts character?
First published: August 12, 2021
Edited: August 11, 2022