One Day Left: Six Flags Will Implement Restrictive New Entry Rules
For families seeking thrills and funnel cakes this summer, some amusement parks may no longer feel quite so carefree. Increasingly, the classic American theme park outing has come with an added layer of precaution—especially when the sun starts to set.
Over the past year, theme parks across the U.S. have witnessed a troubling uptick in violent incidents. From a 300-person brawl outside Kings Dominion in Virginia to a public assault at Six Flags St. Louis, operators are under mounting pressure to enforce crowd control and maintain a safe guest environment. The response? More rules, tighter access, and the return of chaperone mandates.
Now, one of the chain’s most visited parks is joining the list.
Shooting Sparks Swift Security Shift
On the evening of July 7, Gurnee police responded to reports of gunfire in the parking lot of Six Flags Great America. Officers arrived at approximately 8:20 p.m. and found no victims at the scene. However, evidence recovered confirmed that a shooting had occurred.
A preliminary investigation suggested that a dispute may have preceded the gunfire, though police noted the circumstances remain unclear. No arrests have been made, and officials have said there is currently “no known threat to the public.” Witness interviews are ongoing.
The Illinois park, located roughly 40 miles north of Chicago, has faced incidents like this before. In 2022, a drive-by shooting at Six Flags Great America left three people injured. One year later, police were forced to deploy pepper spray on a group of teenagers fighting near the front entrance.
The July 7 shooting was not the first brush with violence, but it has proven to be a tipping point.
Chaperone Policy Reinstated
In response, Six Flags Great America is tightening its guest entry rules for the remainder of the summer season. Beginning July 17, all guests aged 15 and under must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or supervising adult aged 21 or older to enter the park. The rule applies all day during weekends and from 5 p.m. until close on weekdays.
Adults must present valid photo identification and may supervise no more than ten minors per visit. The park confirmed that the policy applies to all visitors – including day ticket holders, Season Pass holders, and Members.
The company says the decision is part of an effort to “maintain a safe and family-friendly environment” during peak operating hours.
“The park reserves the right to implement the policy earlier as needed,” Six Flags added in an Instagram post.
Parkgoers have reacted surprisingly well to the news. As one fan wrote on Instagram, “This should be common sense. I wouldn’t let my 15 year old be at a place like that by themselves.”
This is not the first time Six Flags has implemented such a policy. Earlier this year, Six Flags Fiesta Texas in San Antonio enacted similar restrictions. Under their guidelines, minors must be accompanied by a chaperone over 21 to enter or stay in the park after 4 p.m.
“We believe these changes will help ensure that Six Flags Fiesta Texas continues to have a positive atmosphere where generations of families and friends can gather for a day of safe fun and good food,” the park said in a public statement.
A Trend Across the Industry
Six Flags isn’t alone in responding to youth-related incidents with heightened access rules. In Florida, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay introduced a temporary chaperone policy in June after a planned teen takeover event prompted concern. The previous iteration of the event had spiraled into a mass brawl.
As of now, the park requires any guest 17 or under to be accompanied by an adult aged 21 or over. “The safety of our guests and Ambassadors has always been our top priority,” Busch Gardens said in a statement, adding that the policy could be activated or adjusted at any time.
This followed yet another teen takeover event at Aquatica Orlando. Young guests flooded the SeaWorld water park, forcing an early closure.
With summer crowds swelling and security concerns rising, it seems theme parks are no longer just relying on thrills to keep guests coming back—but also on rules that aim to preserve the peace.
Do you think more theme parks need chaperone policies?
