Rain happens, but that doesn’t mean your trip to Six Flags Great America is necessarily a no-go. In fact, drizzly, cooler days are a great way to enjoy the amusement park. It’s often less crowded and the ride lines are way shorter. However, sometimes the inclement weather just doesn’t let up and the park may even close for everyone’s safety. Since Great America does not offer refunds or rain checks, be sure and read these Six Flags rainy day tips so you get the most out of your trip.
Understand the Six Flags Weather Policy.
Let’s face it, Six Flags admission tickets aren’t cheap. Even if you get a discount Jewel Six Flags ticket, you’re still gonna shell out around $57. Multiply that times a family of four and you’re over $200. Therefore, your best bet is to understand the Six Flags weather policy.
Actually, their rain policy is very straightforward. Six Flags Great America and all their theme park locations do not offer refunds or rain checks. The amusement park does not close during rain, but if the weather is dangerous it may.
If the park remains open during bad weather, some rides may be closed. Examples of inclement weather include electrical storms, heavy rain and high winds.
Do not buy “Choose Your Day” online tickets too far in advance.
If you buy single day tickets online at sixflags.com, you have two options. For instance, you can purchase an Any Day ticket which can be used any operating day during the season. Otherwise, you can purchase a Choose Your Day ticket.
Choose Your Day tickets cost a little less than Any Day tickets, but, they are not as flexible. As a matter of fact, you are locked into the day you select, rain or shine.
Furthermore, Choose Your Day tickets must be purchased at least one day before you use it. Therefore, if you want to get the cheaper online Choose Your Day ticket, wait until the day before to buy it and check the next day’s forecast before doing so.
Get discount tickets the same day you go at Jewel or with a Coke can
Keep in mind, you don’t have to purchase online tickets to save money. For example, you can get discount Jewel Six Flags tickets before going to the park. Jewel Osco tickets save about $20 off each ticket. Here’s a list of nearby Jewel Osco stores. The closest one is only 1-2 miles from Great America.
Or else, bringing a Coke can to the Six Flags ticket booth saves you about $15 per full price ticket.
Check the weather forecast before coming to Six Flags Chicago.
If the weather looks bad, be sure and check the local forecast before you make the trip to the amusement park.
Check the forecast for Gurnee, IL, not Chicago.
Six Flags Great America is located in Gurnee, Illinois, about forty miles north of Chicago. Weather conditions can be vastly different between Chicago and Gurnee. Therefore, be sure and use the Gurnee zip code 60031 in your weather app.
Check the Six Flags website before making the drive.
In the event Six Flags Great America closes for inclement weather, they post it on their website. So be sure and check their daily operating schedule before driving to the amusement park.
Bring rain gear with you.
If a rain shower rolls through, be prepared. That way you can enjoy the rest of the day. Of course, Six Flags sells umbrellas and rain ponchos in their gift shops, but you’ll pay a lot for them. Therefore, I recommend bringing the following items with you:
- umbrellas
- rain ponchos
- stroller covers
- small towel
- dry shirts
- extra clothes for children
Rent a locker.
Carrying around rain gear and extras isn’t a lot of fun. You can always leave it in the car, but then it’s not very accessible. Additionally, you will have to be readmitted at the park’s entrance.
A better option is to rent a locker for the day. For your convenience, the lockers use a PIN code and accept dollar bills or credit cards for payment. Six Flags states that locker rentals are available for a nominal fee.
Additionally, locker bins are conveniently located throughout the amusement park.
Locations of lockers at Six Flags Chicago:
- Front Gate
- Hometown Square
- Yankee Harbor
- Orleans Place
- Six Flags Hurricane Harbor near the changing rooms
Plan your day.
If it looks like a rain shower or storm is going to pass through while you’re at Six Flags, don’t worry. Six Flags has plenty of entertainment besides rides. While some rides may close due to safety, others remain open.
To get the most out of your day, try to go on rides that might close before or after the inclement weather. And while it’s raining, take advantage of the numerous indoor activities Six Flags offers.
For example, here are some other things you can do at the park to get out of the rain.
- Take in a show or go to a theatre.
- Play arcade and other games.
- Go to an indoor or covered restaurant.
- Shop at the retail stores throughout Great America.
- Ride indoor rides or covered rides like the carousel
- If you don’t mind getting a little wet, ride outdoor rides that are still open.
Don’t leave Six Flags just because it rains.
If the weather is severe and the park closes, you obviously don’t have an option to stay. However, those that wait out the rain are often rewarded with shorter lines! Six Flags re-opens rides when safe operation can be assured.
Rain or shine, a trip to Great America is a fun-filled day. Hopefully these Six Flags rainy day tips, help you get the most out of your day!