A Kid’s Guide to Six Flags Great America!

Nothing says summer like a day at Six Flags Great America. Whether you’re looking for a thrilling roller coaster ride on Raging Bull, a family-friendly Whizzer, or a way to beat the summer heat at Hurricane Harbor Water Park (which opens Memorial Day Weekend), Six Flags is full of sunny day memories just waiting to be made. But heading out to a theme park can be a project in itself, so let us help simplify things for you with our Kids Guide to Six Flags Great America!

Kids Guide to Six Flags Great America

Insider Tips for Six Flags Great America:

•  Prices for kids vary based on height. Because kids 48″ and under can’t ride every ride, their entry is cheaper. (See website for pricing)
• While there are plenty of rides that do not have a height restriction, Great America’s more exciting rides often come with a height minimum to help keep kids safe. Here are just a few popular rides and the height restrictions to keep in mind while planning your day at the park!
  •   36” with adult and 42” to ride alone: Whizzer, Little Dipper, Roaring Rapids, River Rocker, Spacely’s Sprocket Rockets
  • 42”: Demon, Orbit
  • 42” with adult and 48” to ride alone:  Condor, Dare Devil Dive
  • 48”: Viper, Giant Drop, American Eagle, Goliath, THE DARK KNIGHT Coaster
  • 54”: BATMAN the Ride, SUPERMAN: Ultimate Flight, X-Flight, Raging Bull, King Chaos, Revolution, Vertical Velocity
  • Rides with no height restrictions: Splish-Splash Zone, Castaway Creek, Buccaneer Bay, and a bunch more!

Hurricane Harbor at Six Flags Great America – Waterpark Fun!

• Hurricane Harbor has an additional charge for a daily ticket, but it’s free if you have a season pass. Bring a bathing suit and a towel if you plan on making a splash! But make sure your suit doesn’t include any buttons or zippers.
• Life Vests are available for weak swimmers
• Some general rules you should know:
  • Toddlers must wear swim diapers
  • Family-friendly swimsuit attire is required at Hurricane Harbor and regular clothes, including shoes, must be worn through the rest of the park
  • Face masks are not allowed and there is a NO diving policy

Lockers at Six Flags Great America

Great America recently upgraded its lockers to help make traveling around the park easy and convenient. And let me tell you, they really work! They are now electronic and can be reopened throughout the day. You can find lockers near the Front Gate, near restrooms in Hometown Square, Yankee Harbor, and Orleans Place. You can reopen your locker with a PIN, so DON’T FORGET THE PIN NUMBER YOU USE! Also, like always… make sure no one can see the number you use! The lockers can be paid for with dollar bills AND credit cards.

Stroller Rental at Six Flags Great America

If you need a stroller, wheelchair, or electronically controlled vehicle, be sure to get there early!  They have items available on a first-come, first-serve basis and can run out.

Dining at Six Flags Great America

Your classic summer favorites abound! Dine on grilled burgers and hot dogs, fresh Italian pizza, pasta, desserts, and smoothies to name a few.  Choose from a quick picnic table style option from the County Fair Food Court, or opt for a sit-down meal of fried chicken and pulled port at Aunt Martha’s Boarding House Restaurant.

Looking for Gluten-Free options? Enjoy apple sauce, French fries, frozen yogurt, garden salads, hot apple dumplings, grilled chicken, corn on the cob, and more. Be sure to ask about your options! Read more at our Dining Guide to Six Flags Great America.

More Insider Tips for Six Flags Great America:

• The park is busiest on the weekends. If you can get there during the week, you’ll save in wait times for rides!
• Pack a picnic! You can get a re-entry to the park, so feel free to return to your car for a picnic and maybe a little r&r for the little ones
• Bring water! And don’t forget to drink it! The quickest way to ruin a summer day is to become dehydrated.
• Here are a few hydration tips from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention:
  • Drink more water than usual.
  • Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink more fluids.
  • Drink from two to four cups of water every hour while working or exercising outside.
  • Avoid alcohol or liquids containing high amounts of sugar.
  • Remind others to drink enough water.

What are your tips for taking kids to Six Flags Great America? Share them in the comments!

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