Six Flags Inc. has more than 20 parks in 14 major cities in the United States, plus Mexico and Canada. Six Flags offers a variety of programs, supports nonprofit organizations and fosters local relationships within their communities. Six Flags, with more than 37,000 employees as of 2009, is the largest regional theme park organization in the world.
Six Flags was founded by Angus Wynne, whose vision was to create parks that were convenient and easily affordable. The first park, Six Flags Over Texas, opened in 1961. This original park contained six themed areas based on the flags that were flown over Texas during its history. These sections encompassed the cultures of six countries. Guests were able to experience French and Spanish cultures, cowboy culture, Southern belles and pirates. In 2006, Six Flags celebrated its 45th anniversary.
There are two Six Flags parks in Los Angeles, one in San Francisco, three in Atlanta, one in Chicago, one in Louisville, one in New Orleans (which as of 2009 is still closed due to damage from Hurricane Katrina), one in Baltimore/Washington D.C., one in Springfield, Mass., one in St. Louis, three in Jackson, N.J., two in Lake George, N.Y., one in San Antonio, two in Arlington, Texas (including the original park), one in Montreal and one in Mexico City.
Six Flags features three types of parks---animal parks, water parks and theme parks. Theme parks offer a variety of rides to suit all different ages. There are some common rides among the parks, but each park also has rides and attractions that are unique to its theme. One example is Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in San Francisco, which offers Dolphin Discovery, where guests have the opportunity to interact with the dolphins in the water. Another is Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, N.J., offering a drive through safari.
Six Flags offers group ticketing and arranges all of the details, including catering, planning and coordination of the tickets. It can provide private picnic areas. Some groups may be able to get discounted tickets and meal vouchers. Six Flags invites companies, schools, religious organizations, travel groups, youth groups and associations. Each park has a group sales office.
All Six Flags parks offer season passes. Season passes are offered at a discounted rate if they are purchased early. For example, if you are purchasing a 2010 season pass, it is less expensive if you purchase it in the fall of 2009. Season passes are accepted for free admission to 15 of the Six Flags parks. You also will receive discounts on food, souvenirs and games, free admission to special events, free tickets for friends on specified days and admission to a private Season Passholder Day.
Prices vary among the different parks for both regular admission and for season passes. As of 2009, one-day admissions range from about $20 to $55 and Dolphin Discovery in San Francisco is $179.99 per person (not including the regular park admission). For example, Six Flags Hurricane Harbor in Los Angeles is $24.99 for adult admission and $19.99 for children under 48 inches tall. Six Flags Great America in Chicago charges $54.99 for adults and $34.99 for children under 48 inches tall. Admission is free for children aged 2 and under at all parks. Special pricing is available if you order tickets online.
