Six Flags lowers prices, ramps up the fun level
With economic woes causing many families to cut back on summer plans, Six Flags Great America in Gurnee is making it more affordable to get some excitement closer to home. Season pass prices are the lowest in five years and until June 7, everyone pays the kids' admission when tickets are bought online. The savings make the massive theme park a sure bet for a busy day out.
No matter what the age or adventure level of your kids, you can find rides and attractions at the park. Start by grabbing a map, which conveniently lists the height requirements for each ride so you can steer toward the right zones.
Rides, food spots, bathrooms and games are well-spaced around the park. While that means you won't have to wander far to find a place to take a break, it's best to wear comfortable shoes as you might find yourself walking around a fair bit to get to each ride. Lockers are available if you want to stash extra items including sweaters, sunscreen or towels for the water park.
The park features more than 35 children's rides, most of which are clustered in the Yukon Territory and Country Fair zones of the park. The Wiggles World themed children's area features kid-focused shows and gentle rides while the Bugs Bunny National Park has plenty of cartoon-themed kids' rides.
But the main draw of Great America is the roller coasters, with 13 spread throughout the park. These offer some serious thrills. The most popular of them, Raging Bull, skips loops in favor of massive drops and twisty speed that's just as scream-inspiring. Superman: The Ultimate Flight may be the most unique, laying riders flat on their stomachs to imitate soaring through the air as it goes through spins and loops.
Along with plenty of steel coasters, the park also has a pair of wooden roller coasters. The massive American Eagle provides a surprisingly smooth and nerve-racking ride. For serious coaster fans, each ride offers a separate line to sit in the front car. If you're looking for a scare, don't miss some of the other rides, especially the Giant Drop. The 200-foot free fall is at its scariest when you're looking down from the top.
Besides lower prices, the park has a few new features this year. A Cyber Café offers Internet access for a fee if you need to check in with work during your day. The cafe also serves coffee and pastries.
The new Buccaneer Battle ride is scheduled to open mid-May. Groups of eight people can sit on a boat, riding through channels of water and squirting other riders and various targets along the way with water guns.
Admission to the park includes access to the Hurricane Harbor water park, which opens for the season Memorial Day. The park features high-speed tube rides, mat slides, a family raft ride, a lazy river, speed slides, a wave pool, a toddler pool and an interactive water play area for kids.
With so many attractions, your ability to do all of them can easily be limited by lines. The best solution is to go during off-peak times or even days when the weather is cooler and other park goers may be deterred. If you want to avoid too much waiting at other times, a Flash Pass can be purchased for an extra fee. An electronic system holds the rider's place in line while they leave to visit other attractions and will notify them when it's their turn to board.
<p class="factboxheadblack">Six Flags Great America</p> <p class="News">1 Great America Parkway, Gurnee, (847) 249-4636, <a href="http://www.sixflags.com/greatamerica" target="new">sixflags.com/greatamerica</a></p> <p class="News"><b>Hours:</b> 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. for Hurricane Harbor starting Saturday, May 23. The park is closed some weekdays and stays open longer in the summer. Check the Web site or call for details.</p> <p class="News"><b>Prices:</b> $54.99; $34.99 for kids under 48 inches; free for kids younger than 3; $69.99 for a season pass</p>