Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, Illinois, has reinstated a strict chaperone policy for guests aged 15 and younger. The park reactivated the requirement beginning July 17, 2025. Guests under 16 must now enter the park and remain inside with a chaperone who is at least 21 years old.
The policy applies at both Six Flags Great America and its adjacent water park, Hurricane Harbor Chicago. From July 17th through July 20th, the requirement was in effect all day. Since then, it will be enforced from 5 p.m. until closing each day, with the park reserving the right to begin enforcement earlier if needed.
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Chaperones must present valid, government-issued photo identification (with date of birth) when entering. Each chaperone may accompany up to 10 minors per day. They must enter with their group, remain inside the park during the visit, and be reachable by phone at all times.
Guests age 16 and older may also be asked to present identification to confirm their age. Minors aged 15 or under found without a chaperone while the policy is in effect will be removed from the park.
Context and Motivation
The move comes less than two weeks after a violent event occurred in the park’s parking lot on July 7th, although authorities confirmed that no injuries were reported. Gurnee police later said the incident seems to have been isolated, with no sudden uptick in park-related crime this season.
Park officials first implemented a similar chaperone rule during Fright Fest 2024. That policy limited entry after 5 p.m. to guests 16 and older or underage guests accompanied by an adult, a response to concerns about unruly and inappropriate behavior.
Wrath of Rakshasa at Six Flags Great America – YouTube, Coaster Studios
The company’s decision aligns with policy changes in other Six Flags parks this year. For instance, Six Flags Fiesta Texas reinstated a similar rule in March 2025, requiring companions for under‑16s after 4 p.m. The policy became part of the park’s summer procedures following a rise in misbehavior. Six Flags St. Louis also introduced comparable limitations.
Many Six Flags parts around the country have also been having issues the last few years with parents treating their parks like a summer camp. Reports from around the nation have poured in where parents buy their children an annual pass and give them money for food and drop them off at the theme park every day during the summer to run around unsupervised.
Reaction and Enforcement
Public reaction, based on online comments, has varied. Some parents support the return of the policy, citing unsupervised groups of teens in amusement parks as a concern. Others worry that it punishes responsible older teens and complicates group visits involving mixed ages.
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In Gurnee, park management declined to specify if the policy was a direct response to the parking‑lot incident. A spokesperson told local media that policy details are available online but did not elaborate further. Gurnee police echoed that the change—while welcomed—is not a reaction to a sudden problem, and they continue patrolling the park routinely.
Previously, local officials praised the park’s long-standing partnership with law enforcement. The park hosts a substation on-site and typically has several officers on duty daily. Gurnee’s mayor also expressed confidence in current safety efforts.
Balancing Safety and Convenience
The reinstated Six Flags chaperone policy appears intended to reinforce family supervision and reduce the likelihood of unsupervised minors engaging in disruptive behavior. Six Flags describes the policy as part of its Code of Conduct and broader safety strategy.
The park has stated that the rule will remain in place “throughout the summer,” but reserved the right to modify it as needed for safety purposes.
Coaster enthusiasts scream while riding Crazanity at Six Flags Magic Mountain – YouTube, National Coasters
For families planning visits, the implications are clear: if attending after 5 p.m., all children aged 15 or under must have a responsible chaperone aged 21 or older, with proper identification, who stays with them throughout their time at Six Flags. Guests 16 and older should be prepared to show ID if asked.
What do you think of the policy? Is it appropriate or just a little too much? Let us know in the comments below!
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