Six Flags Over Texas: Everything You Need To Know Before Visiting

Are you looking for somewhere to take the family for a day full of fun and adventure in Texas? Six Flags Over Texas is a win for everyone–adults and children! Six Flags over Texas has the great distinction of being the original Six Flags amusement park in the United States.

The first amusement park in the Six Flags chain has been around for more than 60 years. The park opened in 1961 in Arlington, Texas, on 212 acres between Dallas and Fort Worth.

The park includes everything for the family–rides, including 14 world-famous roller coasters, fascinating shows and entertainment, shops, restaurants, cartoon characters, and more. Six Flags divides into six cultural sections that represent six countries.

Before you head out for a day of fun, let’s plan your trip and discuss Six Flags Over Texas: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting and how to prepare to ensure your time is well-spent and enjoyable.

How To Save Money at Six Flags Over Texas

To enjoy a trip, especially with the family, you need to plan with a budget to limit excess spending. The best way to save money at Six Flags Over Texas is to order tickets before you arrive at the gate. Buying tickets at the front gate will always cost you more.

You can purchase tickets online for up to $20-$30 less than the cost at the gate. If you belong to places like AAA or have special discount programs, look into any savings available through these programs. The park does offer military discounts to military personnel.

Sometimes you can find discounts or coupons at grocery stores, your place of employment, or online such as Groupon. You may also find coupons or discounts on products such as Coca-Cola cans. If you plan on visiting Six Flags Over Texas often, purchasing a season pass is cheaper.

Most season passes over discounts or coupons on parking – possibly free parking – and coupons or discounts on food and shop purchases and other perks. The park doesn’t allow you to bring in picnic baskets or coolers, but you may be able to save on the cost of food by bringing your food and snacks that you can pack in a bag.

You may also bring your own water bottle. Bringing your personal water bottles helps you stay cool and hydrated and save money. Free ice is usually available throughout the park.

You can also keep a larger cup on hand for refills and ice. Another way you can save money on food is by eating before you visit the park or dining at one of the local restaurants near the park. The park offers a dining pass which may be worth it.

If you return to the park the same day, you can get your hand stamped for re-entry into the park. Then you can dine at one of the nearby restaurants and return to the park the same day. Bring one credit or debit card – this cuts down on extra spending. Finally, leave cash at home. Cash is not accepted anywhere in the park.

The Weather

Six Flags Over Texas in the summer months will be hot like anywhere else in Texas. Texas heat can be brutal because of the high humidity levels. It may be 90 degrees, but it will feel like 110 degrees.

Amusement parks don’t have a lot of trees or shade, so be prepared! Drink plenty of water and visit indoor air-conditioned places such as restaurants and shops.

If you’re visiting during the Spring months, be prepared to encounter rainy days. Some rides may be closed on rainy days. It doesn’t often rain in Texas during the fall, but it can be a bit breezy on the rides since the temperatures are not as high.

Avoiding the Crowds at Six Flags Over Texas

Long lines are a disadvantage for amusement parks. It seems you have to wait in a long line everywhere you go, whether it’s a ride, restaurant, or even the restroom. 

Let’s face it, none of us like waiting in long lines, especially when it’s hot outside. Your best bet to avoiding long lines is to visit the park during non-busy days. 

The peak season is usually between June and August when the kids are out of school.

Other busy times are holidays, special events, and concerts. Busy days are Fridays and the weekends. If you want to avoid long lines, visit the park from April to May or September to December.

The problem with April and May is the weather. Texas usually has a healthy dose of rain during the spring months. September is not as busy but may bring in large crowds who have the same idea of avoiding lines. October through December, the weather is cooler, and rain is more likely.

Another way to avoid long lines is purchasing a flash pass which allows you to schedule ride times without waiting in line. The flash pass allows you to cut your wait time in half.

Familiarize Yourself With the Park

No one likes wandering around, especially in the summer heat or if you have younger children. If you’ve never been to Six Flags Over Texas, check out the park’s map and layout before you visit. This helps you know where certain rides, restaurants, and shops are so you won’t waste time searching for them. It’ll also let you know where the restrooms are and where to get free ice, take shortcuts, and avoid dead ends.

Line Jumping

If you or your children like to line jump, beware that it is a serious offense and can lead to being expulsed from the park without your money back. Line jumping includes saving places in line and leaving the line for any reason, including going to the restroom and trying to return to the same spot.

Many people may not realize these are park infractions. It’s common for people to save places for people in line or step out of line and try to return to the same place. Before getting in line, go to the restroom, and make sure everybody who plans to ride is with you to avoid any problems.

Park Hours

The theme park changes its operating hours throughout the year, so check its calendar before planning your visit. The park is closed if no operating hours are on the calendar.

Additionally, certain attractions like the water park may be closed or only open on select days. 

Special Circumstances

Here is some other information to know about Six Flags Over Texas

Disabilities

Six Flags Over Texas accommodates all guests, including those with disabilities. There are wheelchairs, special dogs, personal care attendants, along with other special equipment available at various locations in the park.

Park Security

The park is very concerned with the safety of its guests. No weapons are allowed in the park, and all guests must go through metal detectors and have every bag inspected at the front gate before entering the park. All inappropriate items will be detained or thrown away.

Lost Children

Children get lost in an amusement park, even with your best efforts. Before coming to Six Flags Over Texas, prepare your children for what to do if they get lost. 

Put your name and phone number on a waterproof wristband. Elementary-aged and older children can find park security or park employee to help them. Establish a meeting place before entering the park or moving to a new park area in case someone separates from the group. 

If your child is lost, try remaining as calm as possible. Contact a Six Flags employee or security personnel immediately. A park employee will take any lost children to the Lost Parents section, which is located next to JB’s Smokehouse BBQ and across from Heroes gift shop. 

Thrill Rides

If you’re an adrenaline seeker, there are 14 famous roller coasters and 20 exciting rides that will provide that adrenaline fix you’re seeking.

Titan

This one is the tallest steel roller coaster in Texas. It starts with a slow ascend to 245 feet in the air and plunges more than 255 feet at 84 mph for a scream-curling thrill! Before you know it, you’re blasting through a tunnel. Then the twist and turns will leave you bouncing around in your seat! The thrill level is maximum, and the minimum height is 48 inches.

Harley Quinn Spinsanity

Are you a spin fanatic? You’ll love this spin sensation that takes you up and down in a series of spins for a dizzy thrill. The ride is in Gotham City, next to the Joker ride.

Catwoman Whip

This spin ride spins in a circular motion. It starts close to the ground and then speeds up, whipping you around and around while the ride rises higher and higher around a 68-foot loop. You’ll feel like a Catwoman after this ride.

Batman

Of course, Batman has his ride too. With your feet hanging, you’ll take on this thrill seeker with a slow ascend, then take off at 50 mph, twisting and turning in a maze of fun throughout Gotham City!

Family Rides

If you’re looking for rides at a slower pace, try one of these family-friendly rides. 

Boomtown Depot

If you want to take a trip around the park with the family, this is the way to do it. Hop abroad on this classic steam engine train ride. It’s a relaxing, slow-speed trip that takes you through a scenic view of the park.

Cloud Bouncer

Grab the family for a nice ride in the clouds. You won’t go that far up, but it’ll feel like it. This ride will make you feel like you’re in your hot-air balloon taking in the fresh air, the scenery, and the park, while up in the air. Small children will love it.

Batwing

The children will love this trip in their very own bat plane! They will feel like they’re on a special mission fighting the villains in Gotham City. The ride goes in a circular motion at a slow pace allowing youngsters a smooth ride while viewing all there is around them.

Kid Rides

These rides are sure to delight the youngest in your family. 

Bugs Bunny Boomtown

This area has plenty of cartoon characters to hug and talk to for the kids. It’s complete with rides, attractions, and plenty of fun in the water. There is an interactive play area where kids can climb, slide and discover. 

The rides are small, with mild turns and slow speeds. The little ones will also enjoy their bouncing time with the Bugs Bunny Cloud Bouncer, their space-time with Marvin the Martian Space Rockets, and getting wet with Daffy Duck Bucket Blasters.

Boot Scootin

The little ones will love this bouncy ride. It simulates a rodeo with its up and down movements, cowboy hat on the top, and cowboy boots to ride in. The kiddos can pick their favorite color and ride in a circle for great fun.

Yosemite Sam’s Texas Tea Cups

The little ones will enjoy spinning around in these tea cups. For your children that love a little more speed and can handle it, this ride goes faster than other kid rides.

Restaurants

There are a variety of restaurants for everyone’s taste. 

The All-American Cafe has American food, including hamburgers, hot dogs, fries, pizza, and chicken strips. Bubba’s Texas Giant Hot Dogs has some Texas-sized hot dogs and Turkey Legs. 

If your sweet tooth is getting to you, try some delicious cheesecake at Drizzle Cheesecake in Gotham City. For the adults, Casa Bar serves Beer and Frozen Margaritas. 

Got a taste for Mexican? Try Casa De Churros–they also have Sundaes. And if Chinese food is your thing, Chop Six is available. Enjoy a bag of Cheetos, popcorn, or pretzels at Cheetos Popcorn Mix.

Shops/Gifts

There are various shops and gift stores to pick up souvenirs. 

Entertainment

Six Flags Over Texas has a variety of entertainment scheduled at different times of the year, from concerts to kid shows. One of the popular kid shows around is the Looney Tunes crew! The kids can dance with their favorite Looney Tunes character.

Conclusion

No matter when you visit, we hope this guide to Six Flags Over Texas is helpful so you can have a jam-packed day of fun and then relax in a beautiful hotel afterward. 

Remember that Six Flags Over Texas has special events if you’re planning a Texas vacation. Just a few include the Fourth of July in the summer, Fright Fest for fall, Holiday in the Park for winter, and Spring Break Out in the spring. Check out the calendar for more events.