Six Flags Over Texas, with its 13 roller coasters, 5 water rides and dedicated Looney Tunes section just for tots, has something for both thrill seekers and family-focused visitors.
Opened in August 1961, Six Flags Texas is now nearing its 50th birthday. The park has grown immensely since it first opened, and now includes almost 100 different attractions spread out over 200 acres.
Six Flags Over Texas is divided into several themed sections, each representing one of the six national flags that have flown over Texas: Spain, France, Mexico, the Republic of Texas, the Confederate States of America, and the United States of America.
Other sections in the park include: Looney Tunes USA, Boomtown, Goodtimes Square, Tower, and Gotham City.
Six Flags Arlington Texas uses a color-coded rating system, which makes it easy for parents to determine whether a ride is appropriate for their kids. The park’s ride guide also helps visitors decide what attractions are suitable, based on the child’s height and degree of fun-seeking they desire.
Looney Tunes USA has been developed specifically for younger kids, and includes approximately 10 kiddie rides, including a mini ferris wheel, train ride, airplane ride, bumper cars, and mini teacups. In addition, there are many cartoon characters, like Bugs Bunny, Tweety and Scooby-Doo, who roam this section and interact with the kids.
Popular Rides and Attractions
For the serious thrill seekers, Six Flags of Texas is well known for its adrenalin-inducing rides, and include such favorites as:
• Titan – the tallest (255-foot tall) and fastest roller coaster (up to 85 mph) in Texas
• Superman: Tower of Power – the tallest freefall tower in the world (325 feet tall)
• Mr. Freeze – steel roller coaster that hits a top speed of 70 mph
• Batman: The Ride – an inverted, steel roller coaster
• Texas Giant – named the world’s best wooden roller coaster in 1999 (will be closed all of 2010 for restoration and an upgrade)
• Dive Bomber Alley – where you take a 15-story high speed plunge (an additional fee is required for this ride)
The Flash Pass
Six Flags Over Texas offers guests the opportunity to purchase a “Flash Pass”, which lets them electronically hold their place in line, reducing the amount of time you have to spend standing in line. The rides where the Flash Pass may be used can vary from day to day, so you have to check the Flash Pass booth on the day you’re there.
Nightly Parade
Just added in 2009, Six Flags Over Texas now has an electric “Glow in the Park Parade” which takes place every evening. The parade incorporates music, singing, dancing, floats, stilt walkers, and thousands of twinkly lights. Though relatively new, it has become a very popular attraction at the park.
Live Entertainment / Shows
In addition to the Glow in the Park Parade, other live entertainment options include an Old West mock gunfight, musical revues, and big name concerts.
Events
Six Flags Over Texas hosts several seasonal events throughout the years, including (in chronological order):
Spring Break Out (in March) – This several-week-long event kicks off the beginning of spring break and includes outdoor activities, games, concerts, and more.
Festival Latino (in April) – Celebrating the rich Hispanic and Latino heritage present in Texas, event activities includes arts, crafts, Latino music, and authentic cuisine.
Best of Texas Festival (in September) – The park celebrates all things Texas at this event, including authentic Texas foods and skilled Texas artists with their popular souvenirs such as woodcarvings, homemade soaps, and even hand-crafted leather boots.
Fright Fest (in October) – Originally begun as a one-night event called Fright Night, this annual Halloween festival at Six Flags Over Texas has been expanded and is now held throughout the entire month of October. Special attractions include haunted houses, ghoul patrols, and spooky music.
Holiday in the Park (November/December) – This annual tradition has been around since 1985 and is one of the park’s most popular attractions. Thousands of lights are strung all around the rides and buildings, there are festive shows, holiday arts and crafts, seasonal food, and even an authentic snow hill.
RECOMMENDATION
Though Six Flags Over Texas is nearing its 50th anniversary, the park does not show its age, and has been fairly well maintained over the years. And even though the park has gone through numerous ownership changes the last decade as well as reorganization, management has continued to add new rides and new attractions.
Bottom Line: Six Flags Over Texas is still a great place for anyone looking for an adrenaline rush, as well as for families looking for a friendly place to spend a fun-filled day. Definitely a must-visit.
Click here to visit the website for Six Flags Over Texas
Park Information
Location:
2201 Road To Six Flags
Arlington, TX 76010
Ticket Prices at the Park:
General Admission: $49.99
Children Under 48”: $31.00
Children 2 & Under: Free
Parking Prices:
One-day parking: $15.00
Season parking: $45.00
Hours:
Hours vary quite a bit depending on the season, so check the Six Flags Over Texas website for specific park hours for the day(s) you plan to attend.