Six Flags Great America Family Guide

Located between Milwaukee and Chicago, Six Flags Great America offers the perfect day trip for families seeking thrills and family fun.

2025 Season Information

Operating Dates & Hours

Season Opens: April 18, 2025 Season Closes: October 2025 (typical closure)

Daily Hours:

• Peak Season (June-August): 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM

• Spring/Fall: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM

• Weekend Operations: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Special Events:

• Fright Fest (September-October): Halloween-themed events with extended hours

• Holiday in the Park (November-December): Winter wonderland celebration

Hours vary by season and day of the week. Always check the official calendar before your visit.

Ticket prices

Daily tickets start at $45 each, with military and first responder discounts from $40, and “Bring A Friend” tickets from $25. The main pass is $12.99 per month after a $20 initial payment, offering unlimited access for 12 months, discounts, preferred parking, and two free guest tickets. You can add the All Park Passport for access to all Six Flags parks, though some benefits may vary.

Parking Information

Parking Costs

• General Parking: $30 per vehicle

• Preferred Parking: $40 per vehicle

• Gold Pass Parking: FREE with Gold/Platinum Season Pass

Parking Tips

• Arrive early for closer spots

• Consider purchasing parking online in advance for savings

• Preferred parking gets you closer to the entrance

• Free parking is available at nearby Gurnee Mills mall with shuttle service during peak season

Family-Friendly Attractions

• Raging Bull: Hypercoaster with 208-foot drop

• Goliath: Wooden coaster with inversions

• Batman The Ride: Inverted coaster

• Superman Ultimate Flight: Flying coaster

• Vertical Velocity: Launch coaster

For Younger Visitors

• Kidzopolis: Themed area with age-appropriate rides

• Little Dipper: Kid-friendly roller coaster

• Spacely's Sprocket Rockets: Family spinning ride

• Carousel Columbia: Classic carousel

Water Fun (Hurricane Harbor)

• Tornado: Multi-person raft ride

• Wahoo Racer: Racing water slides

• Buccaneer Beach: Water playground

• Lazy River: Relaxing float

Planning Your Visit

What to Bring

• Sunscreen and hats

• Comfortable walking shoes

• Swimwear for Hurricane Harbor

• Reusable water bottles

• Phone chargers/portable batteries

• Cash for games and souvenirs

Food Options

Given your family's preferences, you'll find familiar options:

• Johnny Rockets: Burgers and shakes

• Panda Express: Quick Asian cuisine

• Pizza restaurants throughout the park

• Chicken tender baskets at multiple locations

Tips for Success

1. Download the Six Flags App: Real-time wait times and map

2. Arrive at Opening: Shorter lines in the morning

3. Consider Flash Pass: Skip-the-line system ($75-$155)

4. Stay Hydrated: Free ice water available at restaurants

5. Plan Rest Breaks: Use picnic areas and shows for downtime

Getting There from North Shore

Address: 1 Six Flags Parkway, Gurnee, IL 60031

From Whitefish Bay/Milwaukee Area:

• Take I-94 South to Grand Avenue exit (Gurnee)

• Approximately 45 minutes

• Heavy traffic expected on summer weekends

Alternate Route:

• US-41 South to Grand Avenue for scenic lakefront drive

• May add 10-15 minutes but avoids interstate traffic

Special Considerations

Height Requirements

Most major coasters require 48" minimum height, perfect for both Clara and Xavier. Check specific ride requirements on the park app.

Weather Policy

• Rain delays but rarely closes the park entirely

• Bring ponchos for afternoon thunderstorms

• Some rides close during lightning

Accessibility

Full accessibility services available including wheelchair rentals and companion assistance passes for guests with disabilities.

Final Tips

Best Days to Visit: Tuesday-Thursday for smallest crowds Worst Days: Saturdays in July/August Best Times: Early season (April-May) and late season (September) for pleasant weather and manageable crowds

Budget Estimate for Family of 4:

• Advance tickets: $150-200

• Parking: $30

• Food: $80-120

• Souvenirs: $50-100

• Total: $310-450

With season passes and planning, this cost drops significantly for multiple visits, making it an excellent value for North Shore families seeking summer adventure!

Always verify current information on the official Six Flags Great America website before your visit, as policies and prices may change.