I’m sure many of you have heard the bad news… Six Flags America is set to close this fall after the Halloween season. In honor of saying good-bye to the park we planned a visit with friends. With back to school just around the corner, I can confirm that a trip to Six Flags is a great way to cerebrate the end of an era. Here are some summer suggestions for visiting the park like a pro.
DISCOUNTS & TICKETING
Six Flags is a family-friendly franchise, and one way they show this is in the passes available. Six Flags offers tons of programs to make the park affordable by offering low cost daily tickets, military discounts and season passes. With prices set as low as $25 for daily admission, and $70 for a season pass you can’t beat those prices. Season passes include admission into the park all season, free parking, and discounts on food and merchandise.
BE PREPARED
Be prepared and go like a pro! One of the first things I recommend is to download the Kings Dominion app. You can save your passes to the app, which will save you time when scanning passes at the gate, as well as save space when it comes to packing. The app can also help you plan out your day. The app provides information on park hours, show times, and a map of the park. You can also get details on ride wait times and other details like thrill level and height requirements.
BEAT THE HEAT
I recommend arriving at the park when it opens and in a comfortable swimsuit or quick-dry clothing. Once you enter the park, make your way to the Steam Town. This is where you will find the Quantum Canon Rapids and Ship Wreck Falls. Both of which leave riders soaked. Next, make your way over to Hurricane Harbor, where you can stay refreshed and cool in the pool. The water park is open during the peak heat hours. We usually stay in the water park until about an hour before it closes. I have the kids towel off, and change into dry clothing. Then we grab a bite to eat and hit the roller coasters.
WHAT TO PACK
If you have little ones you may find that it’s easier to load up your stroller with all the necessities, and use it as a rolling locker. I pack towels for drying off, a change of dry clothing, goggles, sunglasses, sun screen, water shoes, and puddle jumpers. I also tend to pack a few snacks since I have dietary restrictions and allergies. Another item I always have is a waterproof cell phone case that I put my cell phone in. I do not bring a purse, cash, or credit cards, and only bring my cell phone, which I keep on my person. Other helpful items include a stroller fan and reusable water bottles with a handle. You can refill your water bottles with ice and water free of charge. Don’t worry, if you forget something Six Flags has got you covered. They have life jackets on site and shop that sells necessities.
SET UP CAMP
To start the day of we pick a meet up spot. It’s helpful to have a little spot to take breaks at or even meet up at if your group likes to split up. If you are looking for a less crowded spot, try Buccaneer Beach. You can lay out a towel on a lounge chair or two and park your stroller. This is a great spot to return to frequently to reapply sunscreen, take breaks, or if you have older kids; sit back, relax, and take a nap!
PLAY TIME
The best part about the water park is that the entire family, whether young or young at heart, can play together while staying cool.
Family Attractions
- Splash Water Falls: A giant water play structure with water features and slides.
- Hurricane Wave Bay: A huge wave pool.
- Wahoo River: A lazy river to float along and relax.
- Free Styling: Tube slide that you can ride tandem.
Big Kids
- Tornado: Solo Slide for 48″ and up.
- Half Pipe: Solo Slide for 48″ and up.
- Bahama Blast: four person ride for 48″ and up.
Littles
- Buccaneer Beach: Giant splash pad with water features.
- Bamboo Chutes: All heights solo slide.
FUN FOR EVERY SEASON
If you didn’t make it out to Six Flags in time to enjoy Hurricane Harbor, have no fear! Six Flags has something fun throughout the season. Our family especially enjoys exploring the park during the fall for Boo Fest (A family-friendly fall festival at the park.) Six flags also has some really awesome coasters including Bat Wing, FireBird, SkyWinder, Superman, and more. Looking back on memories we’ve enjoyed the park for many years, and will miss the park very much. Thank you Six Flags for providing us season after season with family fun.
PARK INFORMATION
SIX FLAGS AMERICA
******The Playful Parent is a 501(c)(3), and is not paid to promote companies. Sharing information, and my none-biased opinion about our family’s favorite spots around the DMV area is an honor. I want to thank Six Flags for inviting us out for the day, in order to get all the information needed to write this guide and help parents plan their trip to Hurricane Harbor this summer. All content and photos from the article are intellectual property of The Playful Parent protected by the DCMA.***
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