Looking for family-friendly fun in Illinois? Make a beeline for Six Flags Great America, a sprawling theme park featuring 10 themed areas and the Hurricane Harbor water park. This particular Six Flags amusement park is perfect for thrill seekers, thanks to its 16 roller coasters, but also offers kid-focused rides, themed dining, character meet-and-greets and daily shows.
Get your blood pumping on the electrifying American Eagle, Batman The Ride, Demon or Goliath roller coasters or brave the spinning Revolution or death-defying Dare Devil Dive. Families will enjoy the laid-back Fiddler’s Fling and Logger’s Run, while little ones can ride Krazy Kars and Little Dipper.
During summer, cool off with Hurricane Harbor’s high-speed water slides, such as Dive Bomber and Hurricane Mountain, or relax in the Monsoon Lagoon, Castaway Creek or at Buccaneer Bay. Don’t forget to watch the Looney Tunes shows or indulge in sweet treats, such as funnel cake, popcorn and ice cream.
Getting there
Six Flags Great America is in Gurnee, about 50 minutes’ drive from Chicago, where you can fly into O'Hare International Airport and rent a car. You can also get there using buses, which take between two and three hours.