Six Flags is a fun place to visit for people of all ages, and if you have been there, you know many attractions, especially roller coasters. But most of the big rides are outside, so you may wonder what happens if there is bad weather. Does Six Flags close when it rains?

Six Flags does not close when it rains unless it is a heavy storm with lightning and thunder, which would make it hard to be in the park safely. However, some of the outdoor rides will close down if it rains very hard or if there is lightning. But you can still eat, shop, and play games.

This article has everything you need to know about what happens at Six Flags when it rains, including what rides close, if any, and what you need to know about Six Flags’ Weather Guarantee.

Table of Contents:

Does Six Flags Close if There’s Rain?

Six Flags does not close if there is light rain or if there will only be rain for part of the day. But, if there is heavy rain or there is rain forecasted for the whole day, the park might close. You can check the Six Flags website and social media for your specific park for the most updated information about weather closures.

The big rides are outdoors all year round, and they are made to withstand the elements, especially the ones at the Six Flags location in the north, where there is snow. But, it can be unsafe for people to ride them, including the process of getting on and off the ride, if there is a lot of rain and the ground is wet.

You also should not be on a metal roller coaster when there is lightning because if it strikes in the wrong place, you will not make it off the ride.

Six Flags Rides That Stay Open in the Rain

Usually, when there is heavy rain, and always if there is lightning, Six Flags will close down many major rides, including all the outdoor roller coasters. But not all rides will close down when there is rain.

Some of the covered rides will stay open, such as a carousel or any rides inside a building, which is usually limited to smaller rides.

However, there are some big rides at Six Flags that will stay open when there is rain since they are indoors, and it is not a safety issue to run them, even if there is lightning.

But, the number of these rides varies by park. One example of an indoor roller coaster is the Dark Knight Coaster at Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey. This ride is open no matter the weather and is a great place to go if you want to escape the rain.

Just remember that any rides that run during rain will be busier than usual since more people are riding them.

What to Do at Six Flags When It Rains

In addition to some rides, you will find that many other events and places throughout the park stay open even in the rain. There are restaurants in the park that are open all the time since they are indoors. During heavy rain, when they have to close the big rides, you might find that it is the best time to grab some lunch. But everyone else might be doing the same to escape the rain, so be prepared for some restaurant lines.

There are also shops and arcades where you can play games while you wait for the rain to subside and the rides to start up again. If you know it is going to rain later in the day, save your shopping and games until after you go on as many rides as you can before the rain.

Or, you can check out one of the many shows that Six Flags puts on daily. There are all types of shows at the park, so whether you want something family-friendly, or more geared toward adults, you will find something to watch. The shows at indoor venues will always continue in the rain, but any outdoor shows might be canceled.

Six Flags’ Weather Guarantee

In addition to all the great rides and attractions that stay open if there is rain or bad weather, there is also a way for you to still enjoy your time there, but on a day when there is better weather with the Six Flags Weather Guarantee.

The Six Flags Weather Guarantee helps you still enjoy the park when there is bad weather that shuts down the rides. If most of the rides at the park are closed for a certain amount of time, you will get a ticket to use another day to return to Six Flags. The amount of time that most of the rides need to be closed varies by the park but is usually 60 to 90 minutes at a minimum.

You should read all the terms of the Weather Guarantee program to ensure you qualify for the program, as the exact qualifications for the program vary by park. You can also check at guest services if you have questions about the program. If you do find yourself at the park on a day when the Weather Guarantee program goes into effect, you will have to take your ticket and receipt to Guest Services, where they will issue your return ticket.

Not all types of tickets qualify for the program, including the following:

Season Pass, Thrill Pass, and Members, as these tickets already allow you to visit again on another day.
Parking passes
Complimentary tickets

If you have any of these, you will not be issued a new ticket for another day, and refunds are not allowed.

Final Thoughts

Six Flags does not close when it is raining unless a bad storm is expected during the entire day. Even if it does rain when it is at the park, you can still shop, eat, and play games. And, some, if not all, of the rides might stay open so you can still have a fun day, even if you get a little wet.

Facebook X Reddit

More about our TFVG Author

Author Profile

James Brockbank

Founder at The Family Vacation Guide

A seasoned traveller, Dad, and avid sports tourist, James foundered The Family Vacation Guide to share his expert vacation experiences- especially when it comes to being a travelling family man.

Featured in Travel articles such as Travel + Leisure, TripSavvy and SFGate, you know you're reading some of the best vacation tips online.

Additional menu