Six Flags: A Theme Park for Family

Six Flags’ Emporium gift shop.

This may not be Disneyland or Universal Studios, but if you are planning to go the United States, this theme park is definitely worth a visit.

According to a 2008 survey on www.themeit.com, Six Flags is the world’s largest theme park, with over 19 locations across the American states, from California, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Jersey, New York and Texas, and even in Canada and Mexico.

During my visit to the US, I happened to go to the Six Flags in St. Louis, Missouri, and believe me, the place is so huge it would take a few days to actually try all of the rides they offer in the park.

Six Flags gets its name from the six different flags that have been flown throughout history in the territory that is modern day Texas: Spain, France, the Republic of Texas, Mexico, the Confederate States of America and the United States of America. 

The park was founded in 1960 by Angus G. Wynne from Texas and opened in 1961, featuring Native American replica villages and rides such as a gondola, railroad and stagecoach, and shows such as the “Wild West”. Today, all of the parks offer a variety of rides, from roller coasters and carousels, to water parks.

The website www.sixflags.com shows the complete list of rides each park has to offer, plus their thrill ratings. You can find rides dedicated to kids and families, or those for people seeking a greater adrenaline rush.

Now I’m not much of an adrenaline junkie, but I loved seeing the looks on my friends’ faces as soon as they got off the roller coaster called Mr. Freeze — rated “max” on the website — which is only for those who have the guts or are crazy enough to try it. 

Lasting only one minute and 45 seconds, it reaches 112 km per hour and is definitely a ride to remember. At first it seems like any other roller coaster, but when you reach the highest point, you stall in a vertical, 90 degree position for a moment before sliding back down and repeating the whole ride, this time backward. 

Super Slam with Colossus on the background.

Six Flags St. Louis has some other wicked rides to offer visitors. The Boss really shows who is boss after you ride it. For a first impression, perhaps it looks like any other coaster, and for adrenaline junkies it seems no more threatening than a merry-go-round. But once the ride starts, it feels like the coaster is about to collapse because of its classic, wooden frame. 

Another must-try wooden coaster is the Screamin’ Eagle. Although it only reaches speeds of 100 km per hour, unlike Mr. Freeze, it once held the Guinness World Record for the largest coaster at 34 meter high. Don’t bother screaming when you plummet over the first sharp slope. Chances are the people around you are already screaming louder.

Batman: The Ride is a coaster inspired by the Batman movie. The ride involves crazy elements of loops, zero-g rolls, corkscrews and wingovers. I have to say it is definitely dedicated to thrill-seekers.

Six Flags St. Louis is divided into several uniquely themed locations: Studio Backlot, Bugs Bunny National Park, DC Comics Plaza, Old Chicago, 1904 World’s Fair, Britannia, Hurricane Harbor, Gateway to the West and Illinois. All the rides and shops match the themes according to their location. At the Bugs Bunny National Park, you can find a lot of rides for kids.

M&M steps

Six Flags St. Louis doesn’t only cater to the needs of thrill-seekers and adrenaline junkies, but also to families and young kids. There are fun rides for kids such as Colossus, a classic Ferris wheel, Scooby-Doo: Mystery of the Scary Swamp, or the Log Flume. 

If you come with a swimsuit and intend to get wet, go ahead to the Hurricane Harbor water park that offers water rides such as the Tornado, Tube Slides, Wahoo Racer or the Tree House Slides.

I have to give credit to the park for ensuring guests’ comfort and safety by providing safe lockers at points around the park where people can put all their belongings for just US$3 for a couple of hours. That way you don’t have to worry about your things while you are enjoying the rides. 

There are also countless food stalls and gift shops all over the park. I recommend Friar Tuck’s, located in the Britannia area, which sells delicious roasted turkey legs for around $15. 

This spring, the park will add a new thrill ride, the SkyScreamer — and from the looks of it, it will soon be a new favorite at the park. However, if you are planning to visit Six Flags, better check the park calendar first, because the park operates on a seasonal basis. 

It is closed from January-March, open on certain dates through April and May, and fully opens in June-July. Tickets for adults cost $50, $35 for children under 122 centimeters and entry is free for two-year-olds and younger