Six Flags Great America: big thrills at a big park
Sure, L.A.’s got one. Texas has two. But when it comes to Six Flags Theme Parks, it’s tough to beat Illinois’ Great America. Located 45 minutes north of Chicago, this whopping 320-acre theme and water park boasts more than 75 attractions and a whole lot of fun.
One of 20 Six Flags theme parks across the U.S., Mexico and Canada, the 33-year-old Six Flags Great America offers something for everyone — from heart-pounding thrill rides to water slides, live performances and concerts, parades, dancing, contests and holiday events.
With 13 roller coasters — which use more than 6.5 miles of track — adventurous visitors can soar through the sky on Superman: Ultimate Flight; plummet 200 feet in free fall on Giant Drop; or fly like the Caped Crusader on Batman The Ride.
Families can race each other in individually powered cars on the Great America Raceway, bump each other at Rue Le Dodge (the largest bumper car floor in the U.S.), get soaked by Roaring Rapids, or enjoy breathtaking 360 degree views from 28 stories up in the Sky Trek Tower.
Small children may not hit the height requirement for big rides, but there are loads to do with four children’s areas (including Wiggle’s World), 35 rides, and the opportunity to meet their favorite Looney Tunes cartoon characters like Tweety and Bugs Bunny.
Also at the park are shows like The Best of Dick Clark’s Bloopers, Rockin’ Country LIVE and Spirit of America, a daily morning musical stage show.
Concert series throughout the summer include performances by Jesse McCartney and Raven Symoné, and are free with park admission. Also included in Great America admission is access to neighboring Hurricane Harbor, a 20-acre water park with 26 water slides, a wave pool, and interactive playground Skull Island.
Six Flags Great America's season begins April 3 and continues through Nov. 1. For a complete schedule of days and hours of operation, click here.
One-day ticket prices range from $34.99 for kids to $54.99 for adults, but those who plan ahead can snag a deal by ordering tickets online for $39.99. Add in another $15 for parking, and a whole lot more for park snacks and souvenirs, and it can add up to one wallet-and-belly-busting day.
Packing a picnic lunch, parking outside the grounds and walking in, and ordering tickets online can all help keep costs down. In the end though, it’s a small price to pay for that big grin when someone steps off a ride and says “Wow, let’s do that again!”
- by D.J. Siegel, Chicago Reporter for HelloMetro
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