Six Flags Great America Is Fun for the Whole Family
Located in Gurnee, Illinois, Six Flags is a 45-minute drive (more if there's traffic) from downtown Chicago. But, if you enjoy the amusement park experience, it's great fun for everyone. It has some serious roller coasters, along with a huge waterpark, games and lots of other exciting rides. Though its costumed characters, many from the Warner Bros. Looney Tunes library, are a bit dated, they've just introduced a section for the youngest of children called Wiggles World. This area is themed with the group that's often been called the Beatles for Kids-although when we went on Memorial Day we heard Green Lantern (the park also features many superheroes) call them the "Puff Daddy of children's music."
The thrill rides include the low-lying Demon roller coaster, which is an older high-speed coaster that corkscrews and takes you through a tunnel full of ‘70s-inspired lights. Cheesy, by today's standards, but fun. The classic American Eagle, my husband's favorite, is one of two wooden roller coasters in the park--one of the older ones as well, it feels rickety and dangerous and has a big drop that goes underground. Apparently they tried to tear it down years back, but there was such an outcry they decided to keep it instead. The Déjà Vu, which was closed yesterday when we went, is billed as the world's tallest suspended looping boomerang roller coaster. It's called the Déjà Vu because it goes forwards through the track, then backward. I shudder just thinking about it. The Iron Wolf is a superfast stand-up coaster, the Rajun' Cajun features lots of sudden drops and hairpin turns, and the Raging Bull is a twister of a coaster. This one is not for the queasy. The Whizzer is the least wild and kids will have a great time on it. There are a total of 11 roller coasters at this park, so if you're into them you shouldn't miss out. Don't forget to eat lightly!
If you like your rides a bit tamer, don't worry. There are plenty of other options, like the two-level carousel that stands 10 stories high, not far from the entrance. Roaring Rapids is the whitewater rafting ride, which is my personal favorite. If you like your waves a bit more exciting, you can try Splashwater Falls with a 50-foot drop. Logger's Run lets you ride a water flume. Space Shuttle America takes you on a flight into space. Or swing like a pendulum at Revolution, or rise and flip over at the Orbit.
The smallest kids have just as many options, including the Big Red Cars and Big Red Planes at Wiggles World. There are swinging canoes at River Rocker, and the Sky Trek Tower with its 285-foot view of the surrounding area is a must. Naturally you'll find scramblers, spray fountains, playground equipment, bumper cars and a train.
During the heat of summer the waterpark's a nice place to cool off, with two high-level waterslides in the Tornado and the Paradise Plunge and Riptide. There's also 100,000 square feet of play area for smaller kids at Skull Island, a wave pool, more waterslides and tipping buckets (my two-year-old son loves these).
Great America also hosts shows and events every day, from Lunch with Bugs (Bunny, that is) to Operation Spygirl, a stunt show from the creator of "24." There's a Wiggles show, a 3-D Marvin the Martian show, parades and live music. Check the schedule at www.sixflags.com/greatamerica for details.
As with any amusement park, you're going to have to deal with weather, food, cranky kids, strollers, long lines, maps and shelling out money. Parking here is $15 and admission at the entrance is $54.99 (but take advantage, if you can, of Internet specials and get a Coke can for a coupon). There are some good restaurants here, like Johnny Rockets, Aunt Martha's Chicken Dinner Restaurant, Papa John's for pizza and the Cold Stone Creamery for ice cream. Or you can stop at one of many concession stands for a quick bite or cold drink.
Current hours for the park are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. It's located right on I94, convenient for visitors from both Chicago and Milwaukee. From Chicago, take I94 east to Grand Avenue in Gurnee. You'll see the park from the expressway. Taking a car is by far the best way to get here. For additional information, check out http://www.sixflags.com/greatamerica.
Tips To Make Your Great America Trip Easier
1. The best way to avoid park traffic is to get up early and arrive between 9 and 9:30 a.m. You'll have to wait a little bit to actually get to the rides, but they do open the lines early so at least you'll be inside the park when it opens. When you are inside, try to get a spot closest the big pool in front of the carousel so you can get a good view of the Spirit of American opening ceremony.
2. If you're short on cash, take a barbecue grill with you or a picnic lunch and tailgate in the parking lot. You can get your hand stamped when you leave the park for re-admission.
3. If you think you're not going to get everything done in a day, opt for a season pass. They're only $89.99 right now-less than two days' worth of admission-and the process of getting one is very fast and efficient. You also get a book of coupons for things like free admission for a friend, which is a great deal. Plus, you won't pay extra for parking that's practically at the entrance.
4. Plan your day ahead of time. Check out a map and schedule of events online and decide what you want to do. Start at the back of the park because the rides will be less crowded earlier in the day. There are nine themed areas here; if you check out the rides online they'll all be listed by theme location (Wiggles World is in County Fair, by the way-it doesn't yet seem to appear on the online map) so make a note of it.
5. If you want to avoid lines and you have extra cash, opt for a Flash Pass. For $20 ($10 for each extra person) you can get one to hold your place in line electronically, so you don't actually have to stand around forever. It'll let you know when it's time for your ride. A Gold Flash Pass for $30 ($20 for each extra person) reduces your wait time by 75 percent.
