When we want to spend a day at an amusem*nt park, we’re lucky enough to have one right here in Chicagoland. Six Flags Great America, located in Gurnee, has been one of the top local attractions to offer rollercoasters, kid-friendly rides and more since 1976.
With summer coming back in full swing, it looks like your family can easily squeeze in a Six Flags trip.What we love about this amusem*nt park is that it’s not just about coasters. There are plenty of options for kids of all ages, and next door you can enjoy the Hurricane Harbor water park during the warmer months. Plus, Six Flags offers seasonal events such as Fright Fest for Halloween and Holiday in the Park for Christmas.
With more than 45 attractions, we broke down what to expect on your next visit to Six Flags Great America in our family guide below.
This article was recently updated on April 5, 2024 by Chicago Parent’s Assistant Editor, Nikki Roberts. The update included her research and fact-checking expertise to provide the latest information on Six Flags Great America, aligning with Chicago Parent’s mission to provide the top parenting resources for local families. Questions? Please reach out to nikki@chicagoparent.com.
Six Flags Great America general admission info for 2024 season
Six Flags Great America’s 2024 season will begin on April 20. Park hours and dates vary. Visit its website to see the park operating scheduling.
Regular one-day tickets begin at $39. Season passes and memberships are also available. The park is located at 1 Great America Parkway, Gurnee. Parking is available at an additional fee — you can purchase your daily parking in advance online for $40.
What’s new at Six Flags for 2024
Unfortunately, there aren’t any new coasters being unveiled this season. Be on the lookout for special events coming to Six Flags Great America this season.
Roller coasters and thrill rides at Six Flags
Six Flags Great America offers a variety of rides for all ages. For thrill rides, the minimum height requirement ranges from 42-54 inches. Depending on the height, some rides require a minor to ride with an adult. Some of our favorite thrill rides include:
Maxx Force
- Minimum height: 48 inches
- Location: Carousel Plaza
One of the newer rides at Six Flags Great America, Maxx Force is known to launch passengers from 0 to 78 mph in less than two seconds. Now that’s fast!
Raging Bull
- Minimum height: 54 inches
- Location: Southwest Territory
The world’s first “hyper-twister” roller coaster takes you on a ride like no other as you ride up 20 stories then plunge down into the first 65-degree drop.
Goliath
- Minimum height: 48 inches
- Location: County Fair
When Goliath first opened, the ride broke three records as the fastest wooden coaster with the tallest and steepest drop.
X Flight
- Minimum height: 54 inches, 78 inches max
- Location: County Fair
You’ll feel like you’re soaring through the sky where riders are swooped into different directions including an upside-down position.
For kids that can’t make the height requirements for the thrill rides, Six Flags Great America offers rides for them. Some family rides include:
Columbia Carousel
- Minimum height: None with adult
- Location: Carousel Park
When walking into Six Flags, it’s hard to miss the magical merry-go-round that will delight riders of all ages.
Chubasco
- Minimum height: None with adult
- Location: Southwest Territory
Are you up for a dizzy ride in a tea cup? See how fast your family can spin around to get everyone laughing and screaming.
Logger’s Run
- Minimum height: None with adult
- Location: Yukon Territory
On a hot summer day, there are plenty of water rides to get your family soaked. One of our favorites is Logger’s Run that ends with a steep, nosedive drop.
Scenic Railway
- Minimum height: None, lap children with adult
- Station locations: Hometown Square and Country Fair
All aboard! When you need a break, enjoy a 15-minute train ride around the park. Also, it’s stroller-friendly attraction.
Find more kid-friendly options with our roundup of the best rides and attractions for younger kids at Six Flags Great America.
Hurricane Harbor Chicago
The 20-acre water park is located right next to Six Flags Great America. Guests can enjoy Hurricane Harbor as a separate attraction with its own entry gate and purchase single-day tickets online prior to visiting.
Tips for visiting Six Flags with kids
When visiting Six Flags Great America with kids, here are more things to know before you arrive:
- Height check: Stop by Main Street Service Center to get your children’s height checked for free. You will learn what rides you can together and kids can receive a wrist band for easy reference.
- Strollers: Strollers are allowed in the park. You will find areas to park your strollers if your family wants to go on a ride.
- Strollers and wheelchair rentals: The Main Street Service Center offers strollers, wheelchairs and electronically-controlled vehicle on a first-come, first-served basis for an additional fee.
- Kid Swap Pass: For parents who want to go on the thrill rides, visit the Ride Information Center for a Kid Swap Pass. The pass allows one or two parents to wait in a designated area as the rest of their party waits in line. Then, they’re able to swap places.
- Food: There are various food and snack options across the park. If you want to save money and time, we suggest bringing a picnic to eat at your car during lunch time.
- Lost Parents Center: If your child gets separated from your group, find the nearest team member or security officer for assistance. You can also visit the Lost Parents Center, located in Carousel Plaza near the exit. Tip: Point that building out to your children when you arrive and let them know what to do if they get lost.
- Attraction accessibility: Six Flags has been designated as a Certified Autism Center. The park will help accommodate the needs and safety for all guests. Visit the website for more information about their Attraction Accessibility Program.
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