Credit: Six FlagsIn light of recent events, Six Flags is clamping down on entry rules for one of its amusement parks for the entire summer.
Six Flags is no stranger to guest drama. Over the past year alone, we’ve seen a mass brawl break out among approximately 300 teenagers outside Kings Dominion, as well as more violence at Cedar Point last summer, and an assault on a woman in the line for an attraction at Six Flags St. Louis in August.
Shooting Occurs at Six Flags Great America
The most recent incident to make headlines involved a shooting at Six Flags Great America.
According to Gurnee police (via WGN9), officers responded to reports of gunfire in the parking lot of the amusement park at around 8.20 p.m. on July 7. When they arrived, they found no victims but did recover evidence indicating that a shooting had taken place. A preliminary investigation suggested that an argument may have occurred shortly before the shots were fired, though the exact circumstances remain unclear.
Officers processed the scene and interviewed witnesses in an effort to gather more information. Authorities say there is currently no known threat to the public and that updates will be shared as the investigation develops.
Located in Gurnee, Illinois, Six Flags Great America is known for its mix of high-thrill roller coasters, family rides, and seasonal events. The park spans over 300 acres and includes the adjacent Hurricane Harbor water park. This isn’t the first time violence has unfolded at the park. In 2023, police were forced to use pepper spray after six teenagers engaged in a fight near the park entrance.
A year prior, unknown assailants shot three people in a drive-by shooting. All guests were evacuated from the park, and thankfully, all injuries proved non-fatal.
Six Flags Locks Down Theme Park
A week later, Six Flags has seemingly responded to the incident by restricting access to its theme parks.
Six Flags Great America has officially reinstated its chaperone policy. Beginning July 17, all guests aged 15 and under must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or adult aged 21 or older in order to enter the park. The policy will apply throughout the entire day during the upcoming weekend.
Following the weekend, the chaperone rule will remain in effect from 5 p.m. until the park closes each evening through the summer and for the rest of the season. To comply, adult chaperones must present a valid photo ID and are permitted to accompany no more than 10 minors per visit. The move comes as part of the park’s ongoing effort to maintain a safe and family-friendly environment.
As per the Six Flags Great America website, this requirement applies to all one-day ticket holders, Season Pass holders and Members.
Other Theme Park Chaperone Policies
Six Flags has enforced chaperone policies at its parks on multiple occasions. Earlier this year, for example, Six Flags Fiesta Texas instituted its own policy. Under these rules, all guests ages 15 years old or younger must be accompanied by a chaperone who is at least 21 years old in order to be admitted to, or remain in, the park after 4 p.m. to close.
“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 on its website. “Millions of guests have counted on us for exactly that, and we will continue to deliver on that promise for generations to come.”
Beyond Six Flags, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay also temporarily enacted its chaperone policy in June in response to plans for a teen takeover event at the park. A previous event of this kind led to a mass brawl.
The Florida theme park’s chaperone policy required any guest 17 years of age or younger to be accompanied by a chaperone over the age of 21 to enter or remain in the park.
“The safety of our guests and Ambassadors has always been our top priority at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay,” the park said on its website. “We’re committed to keeping Busch Gardens Tampa Bay a place where guests of all ages can come together to enjoy everything our park has to offer.
“As part of that commitment, a chaperone policy may be activated on select dates. At this time, a Chaperone Policy is in effect daily until further notice. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay reserves the right to activate and enforce the Chaperone Policy any time without prior notice.”