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Guide To Six Flags Great America

Whether you're a thrill-seeker or want to plan a fun family staycation at a local amusement park, make sure to check out Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, Ill. The park offers plenty of roller coaster rides, thrill rides, rides just for kids, shows and water rides, giving you and your family plenty of options for a full day at the park. What should you see when you're there? Check out the following guide to get tips on what to do and where to eat at Six Flags this summer.

Six Flags Great America/Hurricane Harbor
(Photo Credit: Six Flags Great America/Hurricane Harbor's Facebook)

Six Flags Great America

1 Great America Pkwy.
Gurnee, IL 60031
(847) 249‑4636
www.sixflags.com
General Information
Open through Nov. 1, 2014. Hours vary.
General admission full price tickets at park: $64.99
Children under 48 inches: $44.99
Children 2 and under: Free
More ticket options

How To Get There

Located about an hour north of downtown Chicago, Six Flags is easily accessible by car. If you're headed to the park from Chicago, it's a straight shot west on I-294 or I-94, then take the Grand Ave. (Rte. 132) exit east in Gurnee. Parking is available onsite for a fee; for more information, consult the park's website. You can also take public transportation via Pace Bus, with an express bus scheduled for certain days. For the schedule information, check out the Pace Bus website.

What To See

Six Flags has plenty of attractions and shows to appeal to just about everyone in your family. Thrill seekers can choose from more than 20 rides that twist and turn, including such classics as American Eagle, Viper and BATMAN the Ride. In addition, the park's new ride, Goliath, will debut this season and is considered the world's fastest wooden coaster with the tallest and steepest drop. The park also offers plenty of rides for small children, including kid-sized cars and a roller coaster. Want to cool your heels for a bit? The park offers several shows throughout the day so you can take a break from riding roller coasters and sit down for a bit. Let's talk water rides, too. The park has a number of water rides that will appeal to any rider, including a lazy raft cruise, a wave pool, water slides and rides geared for kids. If your party includes small children, you can check out Six Flags' website to see height restrictions for the park's rides. Finally, make time to take a picture of the various Looney Tunes characters at the character meet-and-greet within the park.

Six Flags Great America/Hurricane Harbor
(Photo Credit: Six Flags Great America/Hurricane Harbor's Facebook)

Where To Eat

From fries to funnel cake, Six Flags offers an assortment of snacks and full meals, as well as beverages. Choose from burgers and fries to pizza, ice cream, cotton candy and a variety of other meals and snacks. For a full list of options, check out the park's website. Dining options are available throughout the park, so you won't have to walk far to find a restaurant or food stand. According to the park's website, guests are not permitted to bring coolers, food or beverages into the park. Outside of the park, the town of Gurnee also offers a wide selection of national and independent restaurants, including fast food, fast-casual and sit-down options.

When To Visit

When should you visit Six Flags? According to the park's website, you can likely avoid crowds by heading to the park on weekdays during the summer. In addition, if hitting the slides at the park's Hurricane Harbor is up your alley, then keep in mind that Six Flags' water park is open through Sept. 1, 2014. Prior to your visit, you should consider purchasing both your ticket and parking pass. Season passes are also available for those who plan to make multiple visits to the park.

Megan Horst-Hatch is a runner, reader, baker, gardener, knitter, and other words that end in "-er." She is also the president of Megan Writes, LLC. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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