Great America and Hurricane Harbor, Chicago

FAQs

We're always happy to answer your questions about Six Flags. Here are some questions we get a lot. If you don't see your answer here, feel free to call us at (847) 249-INFO (4636).

For your convenience, we've sorted the Frequently Asked Questions:

General Information  |  Park Information  |  Pricing & Admission
Ride Information  |  Trip Planning  |  Tips at a Glance 
 

GENERAL INFORMATION


When does the park open?
What are the operating hours?
What are the current ticket prices?
What concerts are planned for this year?
What special events are planned for this year?
Does Six Flags Great America have live shows?
What kinds of food does the park have?
How do I get information about Six Flags Great America and the area?
Where can I get a map of the park?
What types of jobs does Six Flags Great America offer and how do I apply?
What is the mailing address and phone number?
What is the email newsletter and how do I receive it?

PARK INFORMATION

Is smoking permitted in the park?
Do you rent strollers and wheelchairs?
Does Six Flags Great America have automatic tellers (ATMs)?
Is there a place to store my belongings inside the park?
What happens if I lose something while at the park?
What happens if it rains?
What is The Flash Pass and how does it work?
My family will be visiting. What can we all do together?
Do you have any suggestions if our party gets separated?
Where can I find information for guests with disabilities?
May I bring my own food and beverages into Six Flags Great America?
How do I re-enter the park if I have to leave for some reason?
Does Six Flags Great America have a dress code?
What is Six Flags Great America's alcoholic beverage policy?
Are laser pointers permitted at Six Flags Great America?
Are pets permitted at Six Flags Great America?

PRICING & ADMISSION

What are the current ticket prices?
What does my Six Flags Great America admission ticket include?
Does my child need a Season Pass or ticket?
Does Six Flags Great America offer a discount on admission for groups?
How much is parking?
Do you offer a non-rider discount?
I am having a problem with my online ticket order. What should I do?
What should I do if I can't print my online tickets?  
What if I have an unused daily ticket that has expired?
What if I have an unused Season Pass from a prior season?
Does Six Flags Great America sell gift certificates?
Besides cash, what other forms of payment does Six Flags Great America accept?
Is there a discount for AAA members?
Do you offer a Travel Agent discount?
Do you offer military discounts?
Do you offer rain checks?

RIDE INFORMATION

How many rides does Six Flags Great America have?
What are the most popular rides for thrill-seekers?
Are there rides for small children to enjoy?
What ride restrictions are there?
What is The Flash Pass and how does it work?
What is your loose article policy?
What is considered exceptional size where rides are concerned?
Are there restrictions for guests with casts?
Are there restrictions for guests with prosthetic devices?
Some rides require that a child be accompanied by an adult or responsible person. How are these defined?
Who designs Six Flags Great America rides?
How many roller coasters does Six Flags Great America have?
What are the height requirements for the roller coasters?
What is Six Flags Great America's oldest existing roller coaster?
How tall are Six Flags Great America roller coasters?
How fast are Six Flags Great America roller coasters?

TRIP PLANNING

Which hotels are close?
What are the best days to visit?
Is there a place where I can leave my pets?
What is the weather like?

TIPS AT A GLANCE

Admission Values
Adverse Weather Conditions/Rain
Alcoholic Beverage Policy
Attendance/Best Days to Visit
Automatic Tellers (ATMs)
Checks, Traveler's Checks and Money Orders
Children's Official Measurement
Credit Cards
Dress Code
First Aid
Gift Certificates
Group Sales
Guests of Exceptional Size
Kids' Meals
Laser Pointers
Line Jumping
Loose Articles
Military Discount
Paging/Pagers
Recommended Meal Times
Recreational Wheels
Re-entering the park
Rider Safety Guide
Service Animals
Sun Protection

GENERAL INFORMATION


When does the park open?

Click here for the operating calendar.

What are the operating hours?
For more information, see our park calendar.

What are the current ticket prices?
Six Flags Great America offers a variety of ticket combinations. See our tickets page for information and prices on daily admission, season passes and other options.

What concerts are planned for this year?
Great concerts are held throughout the season. Visit our events calendar for current concert listings, and check back throughout the season, as we continuously add performances to our 2008 lineup.

What special events are planned for this year?
Visit our events calendar for upcoming events. We add performances throughout the season, so be sure to check back often.

Does Six Flags Great America have live shows?
Nothing provides more lasting memories than a great show, especially when shared with friends and family. That's why, in addition to the most thrilling rides on the planet, you'll find a wide variety of top-shelf entertainment right here at the park. Concerts. Characters. A one-of-a-kind parade.  The kind of entertainment you'll be talking about for years to come. For shows, please visit our entertainment page or events page.

What kinds of food does the park have?
From hamburgers and fries to chicken or Papa John's pizza, there are eateries for every taste conveniently located throughout the park.  Salads are available, plus delicious treats such as funnel cakes and ice cream. Six Flags Great America proudly serves Coca-Cola products throughout the park for your enjoyment as well.  Check out our food listings page.

How do I get information about Six Flags Great America and the area?
You may visit the various pages on the website to find information on all of our rides, shows and attractions, as well as local lodging.

Where can I get a map of the park?
Our park map is available online.  In addition, once you arrive at Six Flags Great America, there are park maps available on Main Street as soon as you enter the park.  They are also available at Guest Relations.  Plus, Guests entering our parking area will receive a free souvenir map for your enjoyment. 

What types of jobs does Six Flags Great America offer and how do I apply?
Six Flags Great America has positions in various departments, and you may find this information and apply online.

What is the mailing address and phone number?
Six Flags Great America
542 N Route 21
Gurnee, IL 60031
847.249.2133


What is the email newsletter and how do I receive it? 
The email newsletter is sent several times a month, with updates on special events and discounts.  Be sure to be a Team Six member to have the latest news, great offers and other specials.  Join now!  

Back

PARK INFORMATION

Is smoking permitted in the park?
Smoking is allowed in designated areas only – on the blue benches. Violators will be ejected with out warning or a refund. 

Do you rent strollers and wheelchairs?
Strollers, wheelchairs and electric convenience vehicles are available for rent just inside the main entrance, on a first-come, first-served basis. To rent these items, a valid driver's license, state identification, military identification, or major credit card may be required.

Does Six Flags Great America have automatic tellers (ATMs)? ATMs are located throughout the park. Please refer to a park map for specific locations.

Is there a place to store my belongings inside the park?
There are plenty of lockers available for rent at the Front Gate and outside certain restrooms in Hometown Square, County Fair, Yankee Harbor and Orleans Place. Additional lockers are available in Six Flags Hurricane Harbor, near the changing rooms. All Lockers allow easy, unlimited access throughout your entire day.  Lockers are Electronic, PIN CODE Access, and accept both dollar bills and credit cards.  Lockers are $9-$15, depending on size.

What happens if I lose something while at the park?
Lost and Found is located at the main entrance next to Guest Relations. Ride attendants cannot be responsible for articles left on ride platforms. Please secure all loose articles before boarding. Six Flags is not responsible for any lost, stolen or broken items. Items will be retrieved from ride areas when the park closes and kept at Lost and Found for seven days. For information regarding a lost article, please call (847) 249-4636.

What happens if it rains?
The park contains all types of activities, many of which are not dependent upon good weather, including indoor shows, games and arcades. While some rides and shows may close due to rain or wind, these rides and shows are opened as soon as the weather clears. Refunds and rainchecks are not offered.

What is The Flash Pass and how does it work?
The Flash Pass is an electronic ride reservation system that holds your place in line at the park's most popular rides while you enjoy other attractions. Learn more about  Flash Pass.

My family will be visiting. What can we all do together?
There are plenty of rides and activities your family can enjoy together while visiting Six Flags Great America. Stop by Guest Relations for help planning your day at the park and a copy of your Guide to Family Fun at Six Flags Great America. We have even more ideas on our tips for family fun page.

Do you have any suggestions if our party gets separated?
Arrange a meeting place and time should your party become separated. Although we are unable to page for separated party members, messages can be left for them at Lost Parents and Guest Relations. We have a Lost Parents Center where our employees will take children who have been separated from their family or group. We suggest that you get a one-time height check wristband for your children, available at Guest Relations, all security information booths and major rides. Your cell phone number can be written on the wristband in case your child becomes separated from you.

Where can I find information for guests with disabilities?
Visit our guest relations page for information on accessibility at Six Flags Great America.

May I bring my own food and beverages into Six Flags Great America?
No outside food, beverages or coolers are allowed to be brought into Six Flags Great America. However, exceptions are made for Guests with special dietary needs to include food allergies and baby food/formula. Guest should contact Park Security or Guest Relations when they arrive at the Park for approval to bring in special dietary foods. The special dietary food containers will be marked and dated to clearly show that they have been approved for entry into the park.

How do I re-enter the park if I have to leave for some reason?
Guests who leave the park and plan to return must get their hand stamped before they leave the park at the exit/re-entry gate. When Guests return to the park they must enter through the re-entry gate with a proper hand stamp or re-entry will not be allowed. Transferring hand stamps is a violation of Six Flags policies and is strictly forbidden.

Does Six Flags Great America have a dress code?
In keeping with our family-friendly atmosphere, and for health and safety reasons, Six Flags Great America strictly enforces a dress code. Proper attire must be worn in the park at all times, including shirts and appropriate footwear. Clothing with rude, vulgar or offensive language or graphics is not permitted at any time (shirts cannot be turned inside out as a solution). Park admission may be denied if clothing is deemed by management to be inappropriate.

What is Six Flags Great America's alcoholic beverage policy?
No alcoholic beverages are allowed to be brought into Six Flags Parks. Alcoholic beverages purchased in the park may not leave the premises. Excessive consumption of alcohol is cause for ejection from the park without refund. No one under age 21 is permitted to consume alcoholic beverages and proper identification is required to purchase and/or consume alcoholic beverages at Six Flags Great America. Guests are prohibited from taking beer or wine purchased in the park out through the front gate.

Are laser pointers permitted at Six Flags Great America?
For the safety of our Guests and employees, laser pointers are not permitted.

Are pets permitted at Six Flags Great America?
Pets are not permitted in the park, with the exception of service animals.  Dogs and cats may be boarded for a fee at our kennel, located outside the main entrance. Pets may not be tied to an unattended vehicle in the parking lot.

Back

PRICING & ADMISSION

What are the current ticket prices?
Six Flags Great America offers a variety of ticket combinations. See our tickets page for information and prices on daily admission, season passes and other options.

What does my Six Flags Great America admission ticket include?
Your Six Flags Great America admission ticket includes all rides, shows and attractions.

Does my child need a Season pass or daily ticket? Children two-years-old and younger receive free admission to Six Flags Great America & Hurricane Harbor. A guest does not need a season pass until they turn three years old. Once your child is three years old, the price would be the same as the other passes. If your two-year old is going to turn three during the 2008 season, then we recommend buying the pass now, as it is usually cheaper than it will be later in the season. Children 48" and under are $29.99.

Does Six Flags Great America offer a discount on admission for groups?
Yes, groups of 15 or more people are eligible for a group discount. You may visit the Groups page.

How much is parking?
$15 for General Parking (back lot) and $25 for General Plus Parking. 

Do you offer a non-rider discount?
No, Six Flags Great America is a pay one price facility. Because of the breadth of entertainment offered for all ages, Six Flags maintains the pay-one-price policy for all Guests to enjoy the rides, slides, shows, and other entertainment.

I am having a problem with my online ticket order. What should I do?
Please contact (407) 956-3594

What should I do if I can't print my online tickets?
You can have your tickets printed for you at the Guest Relations building. You will need the credit card you used to order the tickets, I.D. and your order confirmation number.

What if I have an unused daily ticket that has expired?
Six Flags admission tickets, Bounce Back tickets and internet Print-N-Go tickets cannot be extended past their expiration date. They can, however, be used for a half-price discount on a full-price regular admission at the Guest Relations office on your next visit to the park during the 2008 season. You will need to visit Guest Relations when you arrive at the park.

What if I have an unused season pass from a prior season?
Six Flags Great America Season Passes are only valid for the year they are purchased. We do not offer upgrades from year to year.

Does Six Flags Great America sell gift certificates? 
Daily ticket, VIP Tours and Season Pass certificates may be purchased online. 

Besides cash, what other forms of payment does Six Great America accept?
Six Flags Great America accepts Mastercard, Visa, Discover, and American Express credit cards.

Is there a discount for AAA members?
Yes. Please visit any ticket booth with your AAA card to receive your discount off of a daily ticket.

Do you offer a Travel Agent discount?
No. However, Group Rates are available for travel related groups through our Group Sales office.

Do you offer military discounts?
Most military bases offer discounted admission tickets at their MWR/ITR offices. There is no military discount at the park ticket offices.

Do you offer rain checks?
Rides may be closed temporarily during electrical storms, heavy rain, or high winds. Rides will re-open as soon as safe operations can be assured. Refunds or rain checks for inclement weather are not offered.

Back

RIDE INFORMATION

How many rides does Six Flags Great America have?
Check out our all  Rides page.


What are the most popular rides for thrill-seekers? 
Thrill-seekers are sure to enjoy one of our amazing roller coasters. We have a variety of out of this world coasters, including Viper, Batman The Ride and Raging Bull, the world's first hyper-twister coaster! In total, the park has nearly seven miles of thrilling coaster track! Plan to ride our most popular rides early in the day or after 6 pm. Visit our all rides page for a complete listing.


Are there rides for small children to enjoy?  
Six Flags Great America is home to some of the most exciting family rides that your pint-sized ones will enjoy! For more information, please visit our kids page.

What ride restrictions are there?
Typical safety restrictions include height requirements, health and safety advisories, and accessibility guidelines. These restrictions are listed on the specific ride pages throughout our Web site, and on signs posted at each ride.

What is The Flash Pass and how does it work?
The Flash Pass is a ride reservation system. Learn more about Flash Pass.

What is your loose article policy?
Loose articles are not permitted on most rides and should be left with non-riders or secured in lockers. Six Flags and its employees are not responsible for lost or stolen items. Loose articles of any kind (including but not limited to purses, backpacks, and beverage containers) may not be taken past the queue entrance and cannot be left on the load/unload platform of the following rides: American Eagle; Batman: The Ride; The Dark Knight Coaster; Iron Wolf; Raging Bull; Superman: Ultimate Flight. Cell phones, pagers, or other small items must be secured in cargo pockets, zippered jacket pockets, or waist packs. All loose articles which cannot be secured must be left in a locker or with a non-rider prior to entering the queue line.

What is considered exceptional size where rides are concerned?
Safety is our number one priority. Guests with certain body proportions, height and/or weight may not be able to participate on certain rides if the safety restraints will not operate as designed. Specific ride information is available at the ride and at Guest Relations.

Are there restrictions for guests with casts?
Guests with casts below the elbow or knee are permitted to ride as long as they do not get in the way of the ride's safety devices.

Are there restrictions for guests with prosthetic devices?
There are restrictions on certain rides, depending on the prosthetic device. Please visit Guest Relations to pick up our ADA Guide.

Some rides require that a child be accompanied by an adult or responsible person. How are these defined?
Please refer to specific guidelines posted at the entrance of every ride.

Who designs Six Flags Great America's rides?
Six Flags Great America's rides are designed and built by a variety of sources. Along with Six Flags engineers, we work with industry experts and worldwide leading manufacturers to build thrilling rides for your family's enjoyment.

How many roller coasters does Six Flags Great America have? 
Check out our All Rides Page.

What are the height requirements for the roller coasters?
The height requirements vary for each roller coaster. The requirements are listed here, in the Park Map & Guide you receive at the park, as well as at each ride and are subject to change at any time for your safety.

What is Six Flags Great America's oldest existing roller coaster? 
The oldest roller coaster at Six Flags Great America is the Wizzer installed in 1976.

Back

TRIP PLANNING

Which hotels are close?
Please see our lodging page for more information.

What are the best days to visit?
Plan to visit when attendance is lightest. Best bets: Weekdays during the summer and any regular operating day during the months of April, May, September and October.

Is there a place where I can leave my pets?
Dogs and cats may be boarded for a fee at our kennel, located outside the main entrance. Pets may not be tied to an unattended vehicle in the parking lot.

What is the weather like?
The weather varies on a daily basis. We recommend you bring a jacket or sweatshirt for cool mornings and evenings. Store it in the park's lockers.

Back

TIPS AT A GLANCE

Admission Values
The best way to visit Six Flags Great America is often — with a Six Flags Season Pass. Available online or at our front gate, get a Season Pass and visit as often as you want for as long as you choose. One-day tickets are also available.

Adverse Weather Conditions/Rain
Rides may be closed temporarily during electrical storms, heavy rain, or high winds. Rides will re-open as soon as safe operations can be assured. Refunds or rain checks for inclement weather are not offered.

Alcoholic Beverage Policy
No alcoholic beverages are allowed to be brought into Six Flags Parks.  Alcoholic beverages can be purchased in the park but may not leave the premises. Excessive consumption of alcohol is cause for ejection from the park without refund. No one under age 21 is permitted to consume alcoholic beverages, and proper identification is required to purchase and/or consume alcoholic beverages at Six Flags Great America.

Attendance/Best Days to Visit
The park is less crowded on week days especially Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Automatic Tellers (ATMs)
There are several ATM's located throughout the park for your convenience.

Checks, Traveler's Checks and Money Orders
Traveler's Checks are accepted at all park locations. 

Children's Official Measurement
Height restrictions are listed online and in our Park Map & Guide, which you will receive when you enter Six Flags Great America . You may also refer to specific guidelines posted at the entrance of every ride. And, certainly any ride operator or attendant can measure any person at any time.

Credit Cards
We accept Mastercard, Visa, Discover, and American Express.

Currency Exchange
We do not offer a Currency Exchange.

Dress Code
In keeping with our family-friendly atmosphere, and for health and safety reasons, Six Flags Great America strictly enforces a dress code. Proper attire must be worn in the park at all times, including shirts and appropriate footwear. Clothing with rude, vulgar or offensive language or graphics is not permitted at any time (shirts cannot be turned inside out as a solution). Bathing suits may be worn only in the water park area. Park admission may be denied if clothing is deemed by management to be inappropriate.

First Aid
We staff a first aid facility with certified paramedics during park operating hours.  For assistance, ask any Six Flags team member.


Gift Certificates
Daily ticket, VIP Tours and Season Pass certificates may be purchased online.  Please visit our tickets page.

Group Sales
Groups of 15 or more people are eligible for a group discount. You may visit the Groups page.

Guests of Exceptional Size
Safety is our number one priority. Guest with certain body proportions, height and/or weight may not be able to participate on certain rides if the safety restraints will not operate as designed. Specific ride information is available at the ride and at Guest Relations.

Kids' Meals
Most restaurant locations offer great options for our young Guests.

Laser Pointers
For the safety of our Guests and employees, laser pointers are not permitted.

Line Jumping
Line jumping is strictly prohibited. Guests are not permitted to save places in line or exit the line and return for any reason. Violators may be ejected from the park without refund.

Loose Articles
Loose articles are not permitted on most rides and should be left with non-riders or secured in lockers. Six Flags and its employees are not responsible for lost or stolen items. Loose articles of any kind (including but not limited to purses, backpacks, and beverage containers) may not be taken past the queue entrance and cannot be left on the load/unload platform of the following rides: American Eagle; Batman: The Ride; The Dark Knight Coaster; Iron Wolf; Raging Bull; Superman: Ultimate Flight. Cell phones, pagers, or other small items must be secured in cargo pockets, zippered jacket pockets, or waist packs. All loose articles which cannot be secured must be left in a locker or with a non-rider prior to entering the queue line.

Military Discount
Most military bases offer discounted admission tickets at their MWR/ITR offices. There is no military discount at the park ticket offices.

Paging/Pagers
Six Flags Great America does not have a paging system. However at any time Guests may leave a written message for members of their party at Guest Relations.

Recommended Meal Times
To beat the crowds we recommend eating around 11:00a.m. for lunch and 5:00p.m. for dinner.

Recreational Wheels (rollerskates, skateboards, etc.)
No recreation wheels, including Heelys and other tennis shoe style roller skates are permitted at Six Flags Great America.

Re-entering the park
Guests who leave the park, and plan to return, must get their hand stamped before they leave the park at the exit/re-entry gate. When Guests return to the park, they must enter through the re-entry gate with a proper hand stamp or re-entry will not be allowed. Transferring hand stamps is a violation of Six Flags policies and is strictly forbidden.

Rider Safety Guide
Safety is our number one priority. Guest with certain body proportions, height and/or weight may not be able to participate on certain rides if the safety restraints will not operate as designed. Specific ride information is available at the ride and at Guest Relations.

Service Animals
Pets are not permitted in the park, with the exception of service animals.  Dogs and cats may be boarded for a fee at our kennel, located outside the main entrance. Pets may not be tied to an unattended vehicle in the parking lot.

Sun Protection
Sun protection is strongly recommended.  Sunscreen may be purchased at most park retail locations.

Back

JOIN TEAM SIX

Receive exclusive member discounts by email. Be the first to know about special events, hot concerts and more.