Six Flags Great America Reinstates Chaperone Policy for Underage Guests

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Starting July 17, 2025, Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, Illinois, has enforced a stricter policy for guests aged 15 and under. Now, these younger visitors must enter the park accompanied by an adult chaperone who is at least 21 years old. This rule has been put back into effect as of that date.

The policy covers both Six Flags Great America and its neighboring water park, Hurricane Harbor Chicago, effective from July 17th through July 20th around the clock. From that date forward, it will be implemented daily from 5 p.m. until closing, with the option to start earlier if necessary.

When accessing the park, all chaperones are required to show a legitimate photo ID card issued by the government that includes their date of birth. Each chaperone can accompany a maximum of 10 minors per day. They should enter along with their group, stay within the park during the entire visit, and be contactable via phone at any point.

Visitors who are 16 years old or above might need to show proof of age to verify it. Children below 16, if found unaccompanied by an adult during the active period of the policy, will be escorted out of the park.

Context and Motivation

Just over two weeks ago, an incident took place in the park’s car park on July 7th, which was violent but resulted in no reported injuries. The Gurnee authorities subsequently stated that this event appears to be an isolated occurrence, with no noticeable increase in criminal activity related to the park during this season.

For the first time during Fright Fest 2024, park authorities enforced a rule comparable to having chaperones. This regulation restricted access after 5 p.m. only for guests who were 16 years old or above, or minors accompanied by an adult. This measure was taken to address worries about inappropriate and disorderly conduct.

The company’s recent decision mirrors adjustments made to policies in other Six Flags parks this year. For example, Six Flags Fiesta Texas reintroduced a similar regulation in March 2025, enforcing companions for visitors under the age of 16 after 4 p.m. This rule was incorporated into the park’s summer protocols due to an increase in unruly behavior. Similarly, Six Flags St. Louis implemented comparable restrictions.

Over the past few summers, several Six Flags locations across the country have faced challenges due to parents using these parks as if they were summer camps. Numerous reports suggest that parents purchase an annual pass for their children, provide them with money for food, and then leave them at the theme park unattended throughout the summer days.

Reaction and Enforcement

I’ve noticed that the response from people, particularly those I’ve encountered online, has been quite diverse regarding this matter. Some parents, including myself, are in favor of reinstating the policy because we express concerns about unsupervised groups of teenagers at amusement parks. On the other hand, others voice worries that such a policy might unfairly penalize responsible older teens and create complications when it comes to group visits involving different age groups.

In Gurnee, when asked about the recent adjustment in our park policies, I was unable to provide a direct link to the incident in the parking lot. However, a representative from our team has made it clear that more information regarding this policy can be found online. They declined to elaborate on specifics at this time. Our local law enforcement has also confirmed that while they appreciate the changes, this is not an immediate response to any pressing issue. Rest assured, we continue to maintain regular patrols within the park for your safety and peace of mind.

Earlier, local authorities commended the park for its long-term collaboration with law enforcement agencies. The park usually accommodates an on-site substation and often has multiple officers patrolling daily. Furthermore, Mayor of Gurnee showed faith in the ongoing safety measures in place.

Balancing Safety and Convenience

The revised Six Flags policy on chaperones seems designed to emphasize family oversight and minimize instances of minor children acting disorderly without supervision. Six Flags refers to this policy as a component of their Code of Conduct and overall safety approach.

The park announced that the current rule will stay effective “all through the summer,” while also keeping the option to adjust it if necessary, ensuring safety considerations are met.

As a film enthusiast, I’d put it this way: When you’re taking your family for an evening outing at Six Flags, remember that any child aged 15 or younger needs to be accompanied by an adult aged 21 or over, who carries valid identification and stays with them throughout the visit. If you’re 16 or older, be ready to show ID when requested.

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2025-07-26 17:56