Six Flags
Six Flags Entertainment Corporation is an American amusement park operator that owns and operates 40 theme parks, water parks, and resort properties across the United States, Canada, and Mexico as of November 2025, following the permanent closure of Six Flags America and Hurricane Harbor Maryland in early November, making it the largest regional amusement-resort operator in North America.[1][2] Founded in 1961 by Texas oilman Angus G. Wynne Jr. with the opening of its flagship park, Six Flags Over Texas, in Arlington, Texas, the company was inspired by the six sovereign nations whose flags have flown over the state throughout history, emphasizing large-scale family entertainment with thrilling rides and historical themes.[3][4] The corporation underwent a transformative merger with Cedar Fair Entertainment Company on July 1, 2024, combining their portfolios to enhance operational scale and guest experiences under the unified Six Flags brand, with shares trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol FUN.[1] Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, with significant operations based in Sandusky, Ohio, Six Flags focuses on delivering adrenaline-pumping roller coasters—many of which set world records—alongside family-friendly attractions, live entertainment, and seasonal events like Fright Fest and Holiday in the Park.[1] The parks feature licensed characters from properties such as Peanuts Worldwide (including Snoopy and Charlie Brown) and Warner Bros. (including DC Comics superheroes), which have been integral to its branding since the early 2000s.[5][6] In 2024, following the merger, Six Flags reported attendance of 41.6 million guests across its properties.[7] In 2025, the company has reported strong growth in attendance and season pass sales through the Labor Day weekend, with reaffirmed guidance for further expansion in visitation and revenue through innovative ride additions and enhanced marketing strategies.[8] The company continues to invest in record-breaking attractions, such as the upcoming Tormenta Rampaging Run giga dive coaster at Six Flags Over Texas in 2026, underscoring its commitment to pushing the boundaries of thrill-seeking entertainment.[4]History
Founding and early expansion
Six Flags was founded by Texas real estate developer Angus G. Wynne Jr. through the Great Southwest Corporation, which he established in 1956 to develop industrial and entertainment properties in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.[9] Inspired by the success of Disneyland, Wynne envisioned a family-oriented theme park that would celebrate Texas history while offering thrilling rides and educational exhibits. Construction on the first park began in 1960 on 212 acres of land in Arlington, Texas, with an initial investment of $10 million, involving around 400 workers to complete the project in just one year.[3][10] The park, named Six Flags Over Texas, officially opened to the public on August 5, 1961, following a soft opening from August 1 to 4, marking it as the inaugural entry in what would become a major theme park chain.[11] Its theme revolved around the six sovereign entities that had ruled over Texas territory: Spain, France, Mexico, the Republic of Texas, the Confederate States, and the United States, with each park section dedicated to one of these "flags" to provide an immersive historical narrative.[11] Initial attractions emphasized family entertainment and thrills, including the Six Flags & Texas Railroad for scenic tours, stagecoach rides and Wild West shows in the Confederacy section evoking a western village atmosphere, the innovative El Aserradero log flume (introduced shortly after opening in 1963), and the Runaway Mine Train roller coaster added in 1966 as one of the park's early thrill rides.[3][12] Encouraged by the success of the original park, which drew approximately 550,000 visitors in its debut season and grew to nearly 2 million annually by the end of the 1960s, the company pursued early expansion to establish a regional presence.[13] In 1967, Six Flags Over Georgia opened on June 16 in Austell, near Atlanta, as the second park in the chain, adopting a similar historical theme focused on Southern heritage with family-oriented rides and shows.[14] This was followed by Six Flags Over Mid-America, which debuted on June 5, 1971, in Eureka, Missouri, emphasizing Midwestern history through themed areas, log flumes, and roller coasters designed for broad appeal.[15] These foundational parks prioritized accessible, history-infused entertainment to attract regional families, solidifying Six Flags' model as a chain of themed amusement destinations during the 1960s and 1970s.[16]Ownership changes and growth
In the early 1980s, Six Flags remained under the control of Penn Central Corporation, the successor to the Pennsylvania Railroad, which had acquired a majority stake in the company's parent, Great Southwest Corporation, in the mid-1960s. Penn Central sold the Six Flags chain to Bally Manufacturing Corporation in 1982 for approximately $147 million, marking a shift toward diversified entertainment operations under Bally's gaming-focused portfolio. This transaction facilitated further growth, including the 1984 acquisition of Marriott's Great America theme park in Gurnee, Illinois, for an undisclosed amount, which not only expanded Six Flags' footprint in the Midwest but also transferred exclusive North American theme park licensing rights for Warner Bros.' Looney Tunes characters, enabling family-friendly themed areas across its properties. Bally's ownership ended in 1987 when it sold Six Flags to an investment group led by Wesray Capital Corporation for about $600 million, amid Bally's strategic refocus on casinos. The company then entered a period of media integration in 1991, when Time Warner acquired a 50% stake alongside partners Wertheim Schroder and Blackstone Group; Time Warner assumed full control in 1993 by buying out its partners for $70 million. Under Time Warner from 1993 to 1995, Six Flags deepened its ties to pop culture through a licensing agreement with DC Comics—also owned by Time Warner—allowing the development of superhero-themed attractions, such as the 1992 debut of Batman: The Ride, an inverted roller coaster installed at multiple parks to capitalize on the character's popularity. Time Warner sold its majority stake in Six Flags to Premier Parks, Inc., an Oklahoma-based operator, on April 1, 1998, for $1.86 billion, including assumed debt, transforming Premier into a major industry player overnight. This acquisition fueled aggressive domestic expansion, with Premier rebranding and integrating its existing portfolio—such as Riverside Park in Massachusetts and Kentucky Kingdom—into the Six Flags brand, adding approximately 10 new properties through acquisitions and conversions by 2000. The strategy emphasized thrill rides and pop culture integrations, exemplified by the 2000 launch of Superman: The Ride at Six Flags New England, a 208-foot-tall hypercoaster reaching 77 mph, which underscored the company's focus on record-breaking attractions tied to DC Comics licensing. By 2001, Six Flags' portfolio had grown to around 30 parks across North America, solidifying its position as the continent's largest theme park operator.Financial challenges and restructuring
In the mid-2000s, Six Flags faced mounting financial pressures from accumulated debt and operational inefficiencies, prompting significant asset sales to stabilize its balance sheet. In March 2004, the company agreed to sell its European division, which included eight parks, to a private investment firm for $200 million, marking its exit from the European market to focus on core North American operations.[17] Similarly, in 2004, Six Flags sold Six Flags Worlds of Adventure in Ohio to Cedar Fair for $145 million; the site was subsequently closed and partially repurposed as Geauga Lake's Wildwater Kingdom before that too shuttered in 2016.[18] These divestitures were part of broader efforts to reduce debt amid aggressive expansion in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Concurrently, the company abandoned several international development projects, including the proposed Six Flags Dubai theme park, which had been announced in 2005 as a major venture in the United Arab Emirates but was canceled in 2008 due to financial constraints and partner issues.[19] The financial strain culminated in a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing on June 13, 2009, with the company reporting approximately $2.4 billion in debt against $1.8 billion in assets.[20] The restructuring process involved negotiations with creditors, including major bondholders like CNH Partners and Adyar Partners, who ultimately gained control of the reorganized entity. Six Flags emerged from bankruptcy on May 3, 2010, as Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, with its debt reduced to about $1.5 billion through debt-for-equity swaps and new financing arrangements.[21] As part of the reorganization, the corporate headquarters relocated from New York City to Grand Prairie, Texas, near its flagship Six Flags Over Texas park, to cut costs and streamline operations.[22] Post-bankruptcy, the company implemented operational cutbacks, including workforce reductions and deferred maintenance at select parks, to improve cash flow and return to profitability. Leadership changes played a key role in the recovery and subsequent challenges. Jim Reid-Anderson was appointed chairman, president, and CEO on August 13, 2010, leading a turnaround that emphasized cost controls, new ride investments, and membership programs, which helped attendance and revenue rebound in the early 2010s.[23] He stepped down in 2016 but returned as executive chairman in 2017 before retiring in 2019. Mike Spanos succeeded him as president and CEO on November 18, 2019, bringing experience from PepsiCo to focus on digital sales and guest experience enhancements.[24] Selim Bassoul took over as CEO in November 2021, shifting strategy toward premium positioning with higher ticket prices and reduced promotions to target higher-spending families.[25] Under Bassoul, the company introduced dynamic pricing in select parks starting in mid-2022, adjusting ticket costs based on demand, but this move drew criticism for alienating budget-conscious visitors and was scaled back amid backlash.[26] The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated ongoing issues, forcing all Six Flags parks to close for much of 2020 and resulting in attendance of just 6.8 million visitors, a 79% drop from 2019's 32.8 million.[27] Parks reopened in 2021 with capacity limits and health protocols, achieving 27.7 million visitors, or about 84% of pre-pandemic levels.[27] By 2022, attendance faced setbacks from the pricing strategy and economic factors, falling 33% in the third quarter compared to 2021 and reaching roughly 80% of 2019 totals for the full year, though revenue per capita rose due to increased in-park spending.[28] These challenges included temporary closures at some locations due to variant surges and supply chain disruptions affecting operations.[29]Cedar Fair's development
Cedar Point, the foundational property of what would become Cedar Fair, originated in the 1870s as a simple public bathing beach and picnic area on a peninsula along Lake Erie in Sandusky, Ohio.[30] By the late 19th century, the site had evolved into a modest resort, attracting visitors via steamships and early rail connections. In 1897, the Cedar Point Pleasure Resort Company was incorporated in Indiana with a capital stock of $250,000, and the property was purchased for $256,000 by a group led by George A. Boeckling, an Indiana native who became its general manager.[31] Under Boeckling's leadership, Cedar Point underwent significant expansion, including the addition of hotels like the Bay Shore in 1899 and the grand Hotel Breakers in 1905, as well as early roller coasters such as the Switchback Railway in 1892 and the Cyclone in 1929, transforming it into a prominent amusement destination.[30] Boeckling's death in 1931 marked the end of an era, leaving the park vulnerable during the Great Depression and World War II, when operations were limited and many attractions fell into disrepair. Postwar revival began in the late 1940s and 1950s, spurred by returning tourism and investments in new amenities, such as the Midway Carrousel in 1946 and the Cedar Point Causeway bridge in 1957, which improved accessibility. A group of investors, including local businessman George Roose, acquired the park in 1957, leading to further modernization with rides like the Blue Streak roller coaster in 1964. In 1978, Cedar Point's management acquired Valleyfair, a family-oriented park in Shakopee, Minnesota, marking the company's initial steps toward regional expansion in the Midwest.[30][32] The modern Cedar Fair entity emerged with the formation of the Cedar Fair Limited Partnership in 1983, consolidating ownership of Cedar Point and other assets under a structured investment vehicle. This was followed by an initial public offering on April 29, 1987, which provided capital for growth and established the company as a publicly traded limited partnership. Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Cedar Fair expanded its portfolio to 11 amusement parks, emphasizing high-thrill attractions and regional resort experiences, particularly in the Midwest and Northeast. Notable developments included the introduction of Peanuts-themed areas starting in the late 1990s following the 1997 acquisition of Knott's Berry Farm, which brought exclusive licensing for the characters to enhance family appeal across its properties. The company's coaster innovation peaked with Millennium Force at Cedar Point in 2000, a 310-foot-tall "giga coaster" that set multiple world records for height, speed, and drop.[33][34] By 2022, Cedar Fair had solidified its position as a leading regional amusement operator, reporting record net revenues of $1.82 billion, driven by strong attendance at its core Midwest parks and diversified offerings like water parks and resorts. This growth reflected a strategic focus on operational efficiency, guest experiences, and targeted investments in thrill rides and theming, while maintaining a footprint centered on Midwestern markets to foster repeat visitation.[35]Merger and integration
Prior to the 2023 merger between Six Flags and Cedar Fair, several acquisition attempts involving one or both companies had failed. In 2010, following the termination of Apollo Global Management's proposed $2.4 billion acquisition of Cedar Fair, Apollo expressed interest in pursuing a deal with Six Flags, but negotiations did not advance to an agreement.[36] In October 2019, Six Flags approached Cedar Fair with a $4 billion cash-and-stock offer, which Cedar Fair rejected, citing that it undervalued the company and did not adequately compensate unitholders for the loss of its master limited partnership structure.[37] Similarly, in February 2022, SeaWorld Entertainment proposed a sweetened takeover bid for Cedar Fair valued at $3.58 billion, which was rejected by Cedar Fair's board as not in the best interest of unitholders.[38] On November 2, 2023, Six Flags Entertainment Corporation and Cedar Fair, L.P. announced a definitive agreement for a merger of equals, aiming to create a premier amusement park operator with enhanced scale and operational efficiencies.[39] The transaction closed on July 1, 2024, forming the new Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, an $8 billion company operating 27 amusement parks, 15 water parks, and 9 resorts in North America.[40] The merger structure provided Cedar Fair unitholders with approximately 51.2% ownership of the combined entity on a fully diluted basis, while Six Flags shareholders held the remaining 48.8%.[39] The corporate headquarters was relocated to Charlotte, North Carolina, near the Carowinds amusement park, with select finance and administrative functions retained in Sandusky, Ohio.[41] Richard Zimmerman, previously President and CEO of Cedar Fair, assumed the role of President and CEO of the combined company, while Selim Bassoul, former President and CEO of Six Flags, became Executive Chairman.[1] Early integration steps focused on operational synergies, including the unification of season pass and ticketing programs across all properties using the existing accesso platform.[39] In November 2024, the company initiated a comprehensive portfolio review to evaluate and optimize its asset base for long-term growth.[42]Post-merger operations
Following the completion of the merger between Six Flags Entertainment Corporation and Cedar Fair, L.P. on July 1, 2024, the combined company initiated a transition to unified operations, including the relocation of its corporate headquarters to Charlotte, North Carolina, to leverage the region's strategic location near Carowinds park. This move, announced as part of the merger agreement, centralized executive functions while maintaining significant finance and administrative operations in Sandusky, Ohio. As part of broader portfolio optimization efforts to enhance efficiency and focus on high-performing assets, Six Flags announced on May 1, 2025, the permanent closure of Six Flags America and its adjacent Hurricane Harbor water park in Bowie, Maryland, after the conclusion of the 2025 operating season on November 2, 2025. The decision was driven by the park's underperformance relative to capital investment needs and aimed at reallocating resources to stronger regional markets.[43][44] In leadership developments, Richard A. Zimmerman, who had served as president and CEO since overseeing the merger, announced his intention to step down by the end of 2025, with the announcement made on August 6, 2025. Zimmerman, aged 64, will remain in his role until a successor is appointed, amid the company's emphasis on investments in guest satisfaction, such as park improvements and operational enhancements to drive long-term attendance. The board initiated an external search for his replacement, highlighting a focus on stabilizing post-merger performance.[45][46] Financial results for 2025 reflected ongoing strategic priorities, with the company reporting third-quarter earnings on November 7, 2025, showing net revenues of $1.32 billion, a decrease of $31 million or 2.3% from the prior year, and a net loss of $1.2 billion primarily due to a $1.5 billion non-cash impairment charge related to underperforming assets. Despite these headwinds, management emphasized attendance growth strategies, including aggressive implementation of operational playbooks at underperforming parks and upfront investments in guest experience enhancements to build a foundation for future increases. Complementing these efforts, Six Flags extended its licensing agreement with Peanuts Worldwide on September 10, 2025, securing the rights to Peanuts characters through December 31, 2030, ensuring continued theming at select parks like Knott's Berry Farm and Kings Island.[47][48] On November 11, 2025, Six Flags announced plans to potentially close additional underperforming theme parks as part of its ongoing portfolio optimization, following the Q3 impairment charge and the closure of Six Flags America, aiming to improve financial performance and focus resources on stronger assets.[49] Early post-merger challenges included the integration of legacy pass systems from both companies, which led to reported issues such as scanning inconsistencies at park entrances during the 2025 season, complicating cross-park access for season pass holders. Additionally, pricing adjustments, including a shift toward more season pass sales and fewer single-day tickets, resulted in lower per capita admissions revenue and contributed to attendance volatility, with total operating days slightly reduced to 2,573 from 2,585 in the third quarter. These hurdles were accompanied by merger-related integration costs, including consulting fees and retention bonuses, totaling significant expenses in the first half of 2025.[50][51]Corporate structure
Leadership and governance
During periods of financial distress, key figures like Jim Reid-Anderson played pivotal roles in recovery efforts; he served as chairman, president, and CEO from August 2010 to late 2019, overseeing debt restructuring and operational improvements that stabilized the company post-bankruptcy.[52] Reid-Anderson's leadership focused on cost controls and asset optimization, helping Six Flags emerge stronger before his departure.[53] Following the 2024 merger with Cedar Fair, the combined entity, Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, adopted a governance structure that gives Cedar Fair's former unitholders approximately 50.1% ownership, influencing board composition and strategic decisions to leverage Cedar Fair's operational expertise.[54] As of late 2025, the leadership includes Richard A. Zimmerman as president and CEO, a role he assumed post-merger from his prior position at Cedar Fair, though he announced his intention to step down by the end of 2025 pending a successor.[45] As of November 2025, no successor has been appointed. Selim Bassoul has served as executive chairman since November 2021, guiding the company through the merger process, but he too plans to depart the board by December 31, 2025, transitioning to a consulting role focused on international projects.[55] In October 2025, the board announced that Lead Independent Director Daniel J. Hanrahan will step down by December 31, 2025, with Marilyn Spiegel elected as the new Lead Independent Director.[56] These changes reflect ongoing transitions in the merged entity's executive team. The board of directors, which elected four independent members in June 2025 including Sandra Cochran, Michael Colglazier, Felipe Dutra, and Steven Hoffman, consists of 10 members following recent departures, with a majority being independent to ensure balanced oversight.[57] The company is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol FUN, facilitating shareholder engagement through annual meetings, such as the virtual 2025 gathering held on June 25.[1] Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Six Flags emphasizes corporate governance practices aligned with NYSE requirements, including committee charters for audit, finance, and nominating functions.[58] In 2021 and 2022, Bassoul faced criticism for comments during earnings calls suggesting the company aimed to shift its customer base away from "Walmart and Kmart" demographics toward higher-spending visitors through premium pricing, remarks widely viewed as classist and contributing to public backlash amid declining attendance.[59] These statements highlighted tensions in the company's pricing strategy during post-pandemic recovery.[60]Headquarters and financial overview
Following the merger with Cedar Fair on July 1, 2024, Six Flags Entertainment Corporation relocated its headquarters to Charlotte, North Carolina, where Cedar Fair had been based.[61] Previously, the company's headquarters were in Grand Prairie, Texas, from 2010 to 2024, after relocating from Oklahoma City, where it had been situated since 1998 under Premier Parks' ownership.[62] The company is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol FUN, with a market capitalization of approximately $1.42 billion as of November 2025.[63] Post-merger, Cedar Fair stakeholders hold approximately 51% of the combined entity's equity and voting power, while legacy Six Flags shareholders own the remaining 49%.[64] For the full year 2024, Six Flags reported net revenue of $2.71 billion, reflecting the integration of operations following the mid-year merger.[65] In the third quarter of 2025, reported on November 7, the company achieved net revenues of $1.32 billion (a 2% decrease year-over-year) and attendance of 21.1 million guests (a 1% increase year-over-year), with ongoing investments in guest experience enhancements contributing to modest growth amid seasonal challenges.[47] Debt management has been a key focus since the company's 2009 Chapter 11 bankruptcy restructuring, which significantly reduced its long-term obligations and allowed for operational recovery. As of the third quarter of 2025, Six Flags maintains a secured leverage ratio of approximately 3 times, with no significant debt maturities until early 2027, supporting financial stability post-merger.[66]Intellectual property and branding
Licensed characters and partnerships
Six Flags maintains long-standing licensing agreements with Warner Bros. Discovery for the use of Looney Tunes characters, such as Bugs Bunny, which originated in the 1980s as part of promotional campaigns and were formalized through expansions in the 1990s following Time Warner's involvement with the company.[16] The partnership allows exclusive theme park rights for these characters in advertising, merchandising, and attractions across North American properties.[67] Similarly, Six Flags holds exclusive theme park licensing for DC Comics characters, including Superman and Batman, dating back to the late 1990s through agreements with Warner Bros. Consumer Products, with significant expansions such as the 2019 addition of DC Universe-themed areas.[16][68] These licenses, secured long-term until at least 2053, provide Six Flags with stable access to iconic superhero intellectual property for theming and promotions post the 2024 merger with Cedar Fair.[69] In September 2025, Six Flags Entertainment Corporation renewed its licensing agreement with Peanuts Worldwide, extending rights to characters like Snoopy and Charlie Brown through December 31, 2030, ensuring continuity at legacy Cedar Fair parks such as those featuring Peanuts-themed areas.[48] This renewal resolves prior uncertainties following the merger, where the original agreement was set to expire in 2025 with an optional extension that Six Flags exercised.[70] Prior to the merger, Six Flags also licensed Hanna-Barbera properties, including Yogi Bear, as part of its broader Warner Bros. portfolio, though usage has been more limited in recent years compared to DC and Looney Tunes. In 2010, Six Flags terminated many licensing agreements, including Hanna-Barbera, leading to the removal of related branding from attractions by 2011, with further phase-outs in subsequent years. Hanna-Barbera characters, part of the broader Warner Bros. portfolio, have seen limited usage in recent years and were largely phased out prior to the merger.[71][62] These partnerships significantly influence Six Flags' operations, with licensed characters forming a core element of branded experiences and driving merchandising revenue. On August 6, 2025, Six Flags extended its 20-year ticketing partnership with accesso Technology Group through a new five-year eCommerce agreement starting January 1, 2026, enabling enhanced digital promotions tied to IP-themed offerings across its 42 parks.[72]Theming and ride integrations
Six Flags integrates licensed intellectual properties into its attractions through dedicated themed zones, rides, and interactive experiences that immerse guests in the worlds of DC Comics, Looney Tunes, and Peanuts. These integrations emphasize storytelling and character-driven narratives to appeal to diverse audiences, from thrill-seekers to families.[48] DC Comics characters form the backbone of superhero-themed areas at several parks, with Gotham City at Six Flags Magic Mountain serving as a flagship example since its establishment in 1994 and expansion into the broader DC Universe zone in 2011. This area recreates the dark, urban atmosphere of Batman's home city, incorporating architectural elements like towering skyscrapers and neon-lit streets to enhance the narrative immersion. Rides such as The Riddler's Revenge, a Bolliger & Mabillard stand-up roller coaster themed to feature the Riddler's puzzle-solving chaos that opened in 1998, exemplify how existing attractions are retrofitted with DC lore to create high-thrill encounters tied to specific villains.[73] Looney Tunes theming targets family-oriented sections, transforming play areas into whimsical cartoon landscapes filled with slapstick humor and interactive elements. At Six Flags Magic Mountain's Bugs Bunny World, the Road Runner Express junior mine train coaster captures the high-speed antics of Road Runner evading Wile E. Coyote, with trackside props like oversized boulders and desert cacti reinforcing the chase narrative during its 21 mph runs. Complementing these rides, Looney Tunes meet-and-greets at the park's main gate plaza allow guests to pose for photos and interact with characters like Bugs Bunny, fostering personal connections to the franchise's comedic legacy.[74][75] Post-merger with Cedar Fair in 2024, Six Flags retained Peanuts integrations in former Cedar Fair properties to preserve family appeal, extending the licensing agreement with Peanuts Worldwide through 2030 to support ongoing theming. At Cedar Point, the Planet Snoopy area features rides like Snoopy's Space Race, a spinning spaceship attraction where guests control elevations via joysticks in a nod to Snoopy's adventurous spirit, providing gentle thrills for children amid Peanuts-themed scenery. Seasonal events such as the 2025 Peanuts Celebration, titled "Happiness is...A Celebration!", included musical parades and stage shows on the midway that highlighted 75 years of the comic strip's themes of friendship and joy, drawing crowds with character appearances and colorful performances from June 14 to August 17.[48][76][77] Broader applications of these IPs extend to seasonal events that amplify park engagement through character-driven spectacles. The DC Heroes and Villains Fest, which ran select evenings in summer 2025 at parks like Six Flags Great Adventure and Magic Mountain, pitted heroes such as Batman and Superman against villains including the Joker and Harley Quinn in Gotham-inspired battles, complete with live shows, scare zones, and villain takeovers of key areas. Similarly, Six Flags Fiesta Texas's 2025 spring break promotions from March 8 to 17 tied into the debut of the largest DC Universe themed area in the U.S., incorporating character tie-ins like meet-and-greets with Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, and the Joker alongside new rides to blend superhero action with festive programming.[78][79][80]Current properties
Amusement parks
Six Flags Entertainment Corporation operates 25 amusement parks throughout North America, encompassing a mix of legacy Six Flags properties and former Cedar Fair venues integrated following the 2024 merger of equals. These parks emphasize thrill-seeking experiences, with over 200 roller coasters distributed across the portfolio, alongside family-friendly rides, live entertainment, and themed zones inspired by history, superheroes, and pop culture. In 2024, the combined operations attracted approximately 41.6 million visitors across all properties, underscoring the scale of the post-merger entity as one of the world's largest regional amusement park operators.[7][81][82] In November 2025, amid post-merger financial restructuring, Six Flags America closed permanently, reducing the portfolio; details are covered in the "Former properties" section. The remaining parks are regionally distributed with 22 in the United States, 2 in Canada, and 1 in Mexico, allowing for broad geographic coverage from the Pacific Northwest to the Southeast. Post-merger, ownership unified under Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, with former Cedar Fair parks—such as Cedar Point and Kings Island—bringing enhanced coaster collections and operational synergies, while legacy Six Flags sites like Magic Mountain retained their thrill-focused identities. Key features vary by location, but many boast signature wooden or steel coasters, large midway areas, and seasonal events to drive repeat visits.[83] The following table catalogs all current amusement parks, including locations and select key features representative of their scale and attractions:| Park Name | Location | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| California's Great America | Santa Clara, CA | 12 roller coasters; 100+ acres of rides and shows.[84] |
| Canada's Wonderland | Vaughan, ON, Canada | 18 roller coasters; North America's largest seasonal park with 200 acres. |
| Carowinds | Charlotte, NC | 14 roller coasters; border-straddling park with 400 acres. |
| Cedar Point | Sandusky, OH | 18 roller coasters, including Steel Vengeance; 364 acres known as the "Roller Coaster Capital of the World." |
| Dorney Park | Allentown, PA | 8 roller coasters; historic site opened in 1860 with 200 acres. |
| Frontier City | Oklahoma City, OK | 7 roller coasters; Western-themed with 100+ attractions. |
| Kings Dominion | Doswell, VA | 13 roller coasters; 400 acres featuring Intimidator 305. |
| Kings Island | Mason, OH | 14 roller coasters, including The Beast; 364 acres. |
| Knott’s Berry Farm | Buena Park, CA | 10 roller coasters; origins in 1920s farm with boysenberry-themed eats. |
| La Ronde | Montreal, QC, Canada | 9 roller coasters; 146 acres in Olympic Park with Goliath hypercoaster. |
| Michigan’s Adventure | Muskegon, MI | 7 roller coasters; lakeside setting with 250 acres. |
| Six Flags Darien Lake | Corfu, NY | 9 roller coasters; 1,000+ acres including campground integration. |
| Six Flags Discovery Kingdom | Vallejo, CA | 10 roller coasters; animal encounters alongside thrill rides on 135 acres.[85] |
| Six Flags Fiesta Texas | San Antonio, TX | 10 roller coasters; Texas-themed with Iron Rattler. |
| Six Flags Great Adventure | Jackson, NJ | 14 roller coasters, including Kingda Ka; 510 acres with safari adjacent. |
| Six Flags Great America | Gurnee, IL | 12 roller coasters; 300 acres between Chicago and Milwaukee.[84] |
| Six Flags Great Escape | Queensbury, NY | 8 roller coasters; Adirondack setting with 125 acres. |
| Six Flags Magic Mountain | Valencia, CA | 20 roller coasters; Thrill Capital of the World on 262 acres.[86] |
| Six Flags México | Mexico City, Mexico | 9 roller coasters; Superman-themed with 50 acres. |
| Six Flags New England | Agawam, MA | 12 roller coasters; 200 acres with Superman The Ride.[87] |
| Six Flags Over Georgia | Austell, GA | 10 roller coasters; 290 acres near Atlanta with Goliath.[88] |
| Six Flags Over Texas | Arlington, TX | 14 roller coasters; original 1961 park with 66 acres themed to Texas history.[4] |
| Six Flags St. Louis | Eureka, MO | 10 roller coasters; 200 acres featuring The Boss wooden coaster.[89] |
| Valleyfair | Shakopee, MN | 12 roller coasters; 90 acres with Wild Thing hypercoaster. |
| Worlds of Fun | Kansas City, MO | 9 roller coasters; 235 acres with Viking Voyager. |
Water parks
Six Flags operates 14 water parks across North America, comprising 10 outdoor facilities and 4 indoor ones, following the 2024 merger with Cedar Fair that integrated nine additional water parks from the latter's portfolio; one outdoor water park closed permanently in November 2025 amid financial restructuring.[91][92] These parks emphasize aquatic attractions such as wave pools, lazy rivers, and multi-person raft slides, providing seasonal relief from summer heat at outdoor sites while offering year-round access at indoor venues. Many are co-located with or adjacent to Six Flags amusement parks, allowing seamless transitions between dry and wet experiences. The outdoor water parks, which form the majority of the portfolio, focus on high-thrill slides and expansive aquatic areas designed for families and adrenaline seekers. For instance, Hurricane Harbor Los Angeles in Valencia, California, spans 25 acres and features over 30 water slides, including looping body slides and a massive tornado raft ride, alongside a large wave pool and lazy river. Schlitterbahn in Galveston, Texas, prioritizes innovative river tubing experiences through its patented Transportainment system, combining uphill water coasters like the record-breaking Massiv Monster Blaster with miles of themed lazy rivers and wave pools. Oceans of Fun in Kansas City, Missouri, integrates directly with the Worlds of Fun amusement park, offering 20 acres of attractions such as high-speed tube slides, a surf simulator, and a zero-depth entry pool for younger visitors.[93] Other notable outdoor additions from the Cedar Fair merger include Soak City near Dayton, Ohio (adjacent to Kings Island), which boasts more than 50 water activities across 33 acres, including 20 high-speed slides and multiple children's play zones.[94] These seasonal operations typically run from late spring through early fall, emphasizing sun-soaked relaxation and thrill-seeking in regional climates. In contrast, the four indoor water parks provide climate-controlled environments for extended enjoyment, often tied to resort-style lodging. Castaway Bay in Sandusky, Ohio, covers 38,000 square feet and incorporates Peanuts-themed elements with a 100,000-gallon wave pool, 10 multi-level slides, and interactive spray zones heated to a consistent 82 degrees Fahrenheit.[95] White Water Bay in Grand Prairie, Texas, supports year-round operations with enclosed slides, a surf pool, and cabana areas, catering to Texas's variable weather while integrating family-friendly tubing and body slide options. These facilities highlight Six Flags' strategy to extend guest stays through bundled accommodations and all-weather aquatic fun, contributing to the water parks' collective draw of approximately 10 million visitors in 2024.[96]| Water Park Type | Example Parks | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoor (10 total) | Hurricane Harbor Los Angeles (Valencia, CA); Schlitterbahn (Galveston, TX); Oceans of Fun (Kansas City, MO); Soak City (near Dayton, OH) | 20-50+ slides per park; wave pools up to 100,000 gallons; lazy rivers spanning 1/4 mile; seasonal (May-September) |
| Indoor (4 total) | Castaway Bay (Sandusky, OH); White Water Bay (Grand Prairie, TX) | 38,000+ sq ft heated areas; 10+ enclosed slides; year-round access with resort integration |
Safari parks
The Wild Safari Adventure at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, New Jersey, is the company's sole remaining safari park, offering guests an immersive wildlife experience adjacent to the main amusement park. Spanning 350 acres, it houses over 1,200 animals from six continents, including giraffes, zebras, elephants, rhinos, tigers, and lions, allowing visitors to observe species in naturalistic habitats.[97][98] The attraction opened on July 4, 1974, initially as a drive-through safari that entertained more than 10 million visitors over nearly four decades.[99] Following its integration into the broader Six Flags Great Adventure property in 2012, the safari transitioned from a self-guided drive-through to a guided off-road adventure, with the name evolving to Wild Safari Adventure to reflect its standalone tram-based format.[100] Operations now feature 30- to 35-minute narrated tours aboard open-air vehicles, where trained guides provide insights into animal behaviors and habitats, complemented by a self-paced Base Camp area showcasing birds of prey, reptiles, and insects.[98] The safari operates seasonally, typically opening in late March alongside the amusement park and running through early November, with access included in standard admission and season passes for seamless integration with thrill rides and other park offerings.[101][102] As a unique asset post the 2024 merger between Six Flags Entertainment Corporation and Cedar Fair, the Wild Safari Adventure has been retained and enhanced, emphasizing its role in diversifying the park's appeal beyond mechanical attractions.[98] It supports educational initiatives aligned with New Jersey State Learning Standards, offering free K-12 teacher resources on wildlife topics, while the Save an Icon program directs 100% of net proceeds to the Wildlife Conservation Network for global conservation efforts.[98]Resorts
Six Flags operates nine resort properties throughout North America, designed to complement its amusement and water parks by offering overnight stays that extend guest experiences beyond day visits. These facilities prioritize family-oriented accommodations, with features like themed suites, indoor entertainment, and bundled access to nearby attractions, enabling visitors to enjoy multiple days of thrills without relocating. The resorts collectively support the company's strategy to boost per-capita spending through extended on-site amenities, including dining and relaxation options.[103] Following the July 2024 merger with Cedar Fair Entertainment Company, Six Flags incorporated several former Cedar Fair resorts, significantly expanding its lodging portfolio to include high-capacity properties near premier destinations like Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio. This integration added established venues focused on comfort and convenience, such as those clustered around Cedar Point, where guests can walk or take short shuttles to the parks. The merger enhanced overall resort distribution, concentrating offerings near flagship sites to streamline logistics and immerse visitors in the full entertainment ecosystem.[1] Representative examples include the Six Flags Great Escape Lodge in Queensbury, New York, a 200-room Adirondack-themed property with an attached 38,000-square-foot indoor water park emphasizing slides, pools, and family activities for year-round use. Located adjacent to Six Flags Great Escape amusement park, it provides suites equipped with microwaves and refrigerators, alongside arcade access and seasonal outdoor pools.[104] Similarly, Castaway Bay in Sandusky, Ohio, offers 237 renovated rooms and suites themed around land, sea, and air motifs, incorporating Peanuts characters like Snoopy for added family appeal through lobby meet-and-greets and story sessions. This indoor water park resort features a 38,000-square-foot aquatic area with lazy rivers and wave pools, plus on-site dining and an arcade, all within minutes of Cedar Point and its water park.[95] Other standout properties, such as Hotel Breakers at Cedar Point, deliver upscale beachfront lodging with multiple pools, fine dining restaurants, and spa services, while Sawmill Creek Resort nearby provides 235 rooms in a wooded setting with golf access and wellness facilities. Savannah Sunset Resort & Spa at Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey introduces glamping suites amid safari surroundings, complete with a full-service spa, restaurant, and animal encounters. These resorts commonly offer vacation packages that combine stays with park tickets, season passes, and dining credits to encourage multi-day itineraries.[105][97] Amenities across the portfolio emphasize convenience and variety, including diverse on-site dining from casual eateries to themed buffets, fitness centers, and spas for post-park recovery. Many properties feature arcades, mini-golf, and event spaces, with a focus on all-weather indoor options to maintain appeal during variable climates. Primarily positioned near major parks like Cedar Point and Great Adventure, the resorts facilitate easy transitions between lodging and attractions, enhancing guest satisfaction and operational efficiency.[106]Former properties
Six Flags has closed or sold several properties throughout its history, often due to financial challenges, low attendance, natural disasters, or strategic portfolio adjustments. The following table lists notable former amusement parks in North America (excluding those covered in other sections like current or upcoming properties).| Park Name | Location | Opened | Closed/Sold | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AutoWorld | Flint, Michigan | 1984 | 1985 | Short-lived automotive-themed park; demolished by 1997 due to low attendance.[107] |
| Six Flags AstroWorld | Houston, Texas | 1968 | 2005 | Closed due to declining attendance and space constraints; site redeveloped into mixed-use area.[108] |
| Six Flags New Orleans | New Orleans, Louisiana | 2000 | 2005 | Permanently closed after Hurricane Katrina damage; lease terminated in 2011, site remains vacant.[109] |
| Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom | Louisville, Kentucky | 1987 | 2010 | Closed amid lease disputes during Six Flags' bankruptcy; reopened in 2014 under independent ownership.[110] |
| Six Flags Worlds of Adventure (Geauga Lake) | Aurora, Ohio | 1887 (as Geauga Lake) | 2004 (sold by Six Flags) | Acquired by Six Flags in 2000; sold to Cedar Fair in 2004; amusement park closed by new owner in 2007.[111] |
| Six Flags America | Bowie, Maryland | 1974 | 2025 | Closed at end of 2025 season as part of post-merger portfolio optimization; property to be sold.[2][112] |