Saturday, July 13, 2013

Six Flags Great America

Disclosure: We received two complimentary tickets to the park. All opinions stated, however, are genuine and entirely my own.



Seems like your favorite amusement park is always the one you frequented as a child, and for my husband that is Six Flags Great America. Every year his parents would pack up the three kids and make their way to the park, and it was a big deal.  Now my husband is 48-years-old and doesn't get excited much about amusement parks, but he sure did for this one.  Everyone noticed his unusually chipper early morning attitude as we packed up the car at 6 in the morning to head on over to Gurnee, Illinois (just outside of Chicago). He was excited to be returning to Great America after having not been there since he was a kid.  For the rest of us it was a first-time visit (it won't be the last).


The first thing that struck me when I entered the park was the double-decker Columbia Carousel that stood ten-stories tall. I've never seen such a thing, and I really thought it was unique and very pretty!


Great America was a lot bigger than I expected, and had a lot more things to do than I'd anticipated. And the roller coasters (always a family favorite), boy did they have 'em!!! You can see from the sky in the pictures that we were faced with an overcast day, and on and off rain, so a lot of the times the big rides were not running. That was perfectly okay though, because there were a lot of other things to do that didn't make you feel like you were 'settling' at all.


There were several kids' areas, and each one was unique, huge, and fun in its own right. There was Camp Cartoon that had different sections all themed to some of the all-time favorite cartoons like Scooby Doo, The Flintstones (woot! my favorite!!), and The Jetsons. Another children's area of the park (with shelter when it was raining) was part splash area, part climb/slide/play, part kiddie rides, and a huge karaoke stage for kids. My two children were oh so excited to get up on that stage and sing one of their favorite pop tunes to the world but right after they'd picked out their song it started to rain really hard, and my daughter chickened out because a whole lot of people came scrambling in. ;) Too bad too, 'cuz she's got a really great singing voice, and it's fun to watch when her and her little bro. duet.

Though there were so many things to enjoy, each one of us ended up having our own favorite.


I didn't get to ride this, but waited with my youngest instead while others did.


King Chaos: My daughter & I are on there...the ride flips you around and then brings you back down, face first before going back into an upright position.
My favorite ended up being the King Chaos ride because it was a concept I'd never seen. This huge chair that seated many took you high up into the air and then flipped you around and brought you back down, face first. My daughter and I rode this together, and she'd never seen anything like it either. I caught her coming off of the Superman coaster and got her on it before she could see what it did.  "What's this do mom?" Oh....nothing, just a little swing ride. hehehe


My teen loved the coasters & Great America had plenty of them!
The teen's fave was the roller coasters, and when I asked her which one, she said, 'all of them!' No surprise there, she takes completely after her mama.

My little guy loved the shows!
The little one, which really surprised me, loved the shows above all else.  In the one pictured above, he got the biggest smile when Bugs, Sylvester, Foghorn and Daffy came out on the stage, and then every time I looked at him he flashed me the same big, uncontrollable grin (which I loved seeing every single time).


You could shoot riders with water from the sidelines (with water cannons, of course).
I loved that concept. :)

The lines were great, the park was very clean, and the rides were fun. My only regret was that we didn't get to ride The Viper (a backwards-going roller coaster) because by the time we got around to it, the rain had completely shut it down. Just one mishap, and a good reason to go back next year, don't you think? :)

She had sore feet and was tired too, but if you'd have asked her if she wanted to go back into the park, she'd have said 'yes' in a heartbeat. :)
On the way out we finally took a ride on that double-decker carousel, and it was very relaxing, and pretty too because everything was lit up (we went to the top deck).

iGnite Grand Finale
Great America allows you to end your night with iGnite Grand Finale, which was full of singing, dancing, lights, and fireworks too...the perfect way to wrap up the fun for the day.

I'm glad we took that trip to Six Flags, for us it was way overdue. I know Jen from The Adventures of Our Army Life went this year with her husband (you can read about her visit here). How about you? Have you been to Great America or any of the other Six Flags parks?

127 comments:

  1. What a fun adventure!

    I love the photos.

    A nice foot soak for everyone when you get home...or maybe that's just the sweet sigh of sleep :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oooh, Colette. I love the pictures you put up of your daughter's hair today. You do great work!!

      http://www.jamericanspice.com/2013/07/hair-glorious-hair.html

      Delete
  2. What a fun fun time!!! I've always wanted to go to a Six Flags...although I am no roller coaster rider lol.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They had a lot of things to do for every age, actually. I was impressed. You know what I don't like to ride? Ferris Wheels. Strange, I know, but true. For some reason they freak me out a lil' bit.

      Delete
  3. Damn, making the cat so jealous, as we have nadda around here

    ReplyDelete
  4. FUN! We are going to Six Flags New England tomorrow and I can't wait. I haven't been there in years and my boys have never been.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I want to go too. How fun. You all did this up very nicely.

    Have a fabulous day. Big hug. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Sandee. Little trips make summer even more fun. :)

      Delete
  6. oh wow >.< i want to go there!! i hope someday >.<

    Invite you to enter my giveaway :)
    Imomoi giveaway
    Persunmall giveaway
    I hope you will join :)

    visit my blog ^^
    www.luchluchcraft.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm headed over to visit. Thanks for reading.

      Delete
  7. How fun! I love Six Flags. The rides are great and the one in Atlanta is only 3 hours from us so it's not too far for a weekend trip.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The one in Gurnee was about 4 hours from us, but hubby's on vacay this week, so we didn't mind the drive at all. :)

      Delete
  8. You know what...all I'm going to say is 3 words :"Please Adopt Me" I'll be good, help around the house, clean, cook, do the lawn!!! anything as long as go on adventures with you and your family!! You guys have so much fun!...think about it . pretty pleeeeaaassseee!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If you lived here my family would never want me to cook again. :) :) :)

      Point in case: http://justdipitinchocolate.blogspot.com/2013/07/chicken-and-egg-bagel-burgers-recipe.html

      http://justdipitinchocolate.blogspot.com/2013/07/devils-food-cake-milkshake-recipe.html

      Delete
  9. fun fun...i love rollercoaster...my favs are the old wooden ones honestly...that pirate ship upside down thing would make me gag though...ha...what a cool time...we took our kids to an amusement park in missouri last year...they want to go again...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love rollercoasters too. Ferris wheels make me nervous, and so do water rides w/a hill (I guess because they have no seat belt?).

      Delete
  10. Such a fun day! Would love to go there when my kids are old, but don't think that I am as brave as you - there are some rides I definitely won't be going on ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There was tons of stuff to do even if you didn't ride much of anything. I was impressed w/the selection, it was kind of a cross between Cedar Point (w/the great rides) and Disney (with the themes, shows, and things).

      Delete
  11. I grew up in St. Louis and have found memories of Six Flags, too, even though I won't ride half the rides there.

    http://joycelansky.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  12. Looks like great place and lot of fun.

    ReplyDelete
  13. I love Six Flags and thanks for the shout out sweet friend! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I was excited when your post went up because we were thinking of possibly going. I'm so glad we went!!

      Delete
  14. We live near the Six Flags in NJ.
    Glad you had a good time! The carousel looks lovely.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I like carousels, and thought that's the coolest one I've seen.

      Delete
  15. It looks like you had a great time! I'm not very good on rides, but I get why others like them.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There were shows, shops, and such too. It was really a park for all ages. And there were elephant ears, which doesn't mean much to me, but sends three of my four kids over the moon with happy. :)

      Delete
  16. I've never been to a Six Flags Park - but it sounds great! =)
    love the Columbia Carousel! Its so pretty!!

    ReplyDelete
  17. What a great time! I loved Six Flags Dallas when I was in college.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think it'd be the perfect place to go when you're in college. I was wishing my 2nd oldest was still at home so he could have just taken off w/his sis to ride. She was stuck in kiddie land quite a few times, but didn't complain even once. :)

      Delete
  18. The carousel and the Superman ride would have been my favorites. I have never seen anything like that carousel and I love roller coasters. But I don't know if I could walk a huge park like that anymore. Getting up there, but I would do it for my great-niece to enjoy the kids stuff. Glad you had fun!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Robin. I thought the carousel was full of charm (and it was just pretty!). I saw some motorized chairs in the park, so they might have them for rent? Not sure, but it would be a nice perk if they did. :)

      Delete
  19. Oh my goodness, it sounds like y'all had such a blast. We have a six-flags by us and I just didn't think it would be little kid-friendly

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There were so many specific areas for little kids...we had a 5-yr old and he had SO much fun!! I'd def. check it out, there were tons of things to do that the younger crowd would enjoy (a lot).

      Delete
  20. We live so close to Great America and haven't been there in awhile - I think it might be time to go again!

    ReplyDelete
  21. that looks like a great day. I think I have been there once, this post makes me want to go back!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That was my first time, it totally exceeded expectations. :)

      Delete
  22. That carousel is pretty awesome!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Wonderful place to visit Rosey! A lot to see and enjoy! Great shots!

    ReplyDelete
  24. I am so scared riding on the roller coaster so I don't think I will go to this place hhehehe .

    http://www.tipsandexperience.com/2013/07/personalized-kids-labels-giveaway.html
    Jheylo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There's shows and stuff too. I think next time we'll have to take a friend of my teen so they can run off together and not be slowed down by the parents. :)

      Delete
  25. I've been to Six Flags once and I loved it. Can't wait for my little one to get a bit older so I can take her as well. Seems like you all had a great time there too! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pretty sure we'll want to go back next summer. :)

      Delete
  26. Thank you for visiting I Love My Post! It's great to connect with you. I look forward to reading more on your blog! Ruth from Captain America & His English Rose This week's co-host!

    ReplyDelete
  27. When they were growing up, we used to take our kids to Six Flags Over Georgia every year, but my hubby and I haven't been in ages. My favorite part was always the shows... because they were darned good, and also because they were shown in air-conditioned. (VERY important in Georgia!) The entrance price has gone up tremendously since those days, but I think annual passes are still available, which makes it more affordable for families attending multiple times in a year. When we went, we always carried a picnic lunch with us, rather than pay the exorbitant prices in the park.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Whew, I've been in Georgia during the summertime and it gets haaaaaaaawt!

      Delete
  28. I have never been there - as I don't live anywhere near there. But it looks like you had a great time!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We did have a really fun time. I like amusement parks quite a bit and this one was full of fun surprises.

      Delete
  29. Thank you for joining Let's Get Social Sunday. This looks like a lot of fun. We are taking all of our grandkids to a park like this next week.
    Wanda Ann @ Memories by the Mile

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have little doubt you're going to have a ton of fun. :)

      Delete
  30. Looks like fun! My husband loves going to amusement parks :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I like it every bit as much as the kids, I'm sure of it. ;)

      Delete
  31. It looks like you add fun. The last time I went to Six Flags was about 20 years ago. I really want to go back now. Great pictures.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I want to go back too. ;) :) Thanks for the visit.

      Delete
  32. We haven't been to an amusement park in many years. Now our Grandkids are getting older, I am sure we will be going again

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The kids get soo excited, lol. That's one of the best parts. :)

      Delete
  33. Haven't been to one in a while, but they were fun

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I grew up in a town that had one (an amusement park, though it wasn't Six Flags) and have loved them ever since. :)

      Delete
  34. And a fun time was had by all ~ Wonderful! Happy Day ^_^

    Thanks for comments!

    ReplyDelete
  35. Looks like a ton of fun! When we were little kids, we would all get season passes to the Six Flags near us in New Jersey. I miss those days sometimes... :)

    toddlindsey.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We had season passes as kids/teens to our local amusement park when I was a kid too. We live too far from one now for my kids to have that, but I'm guessing it's not too far of a stretch to think they'd really like it. ;)

      Delete
  36. This was our go to vacation every summer when I was growing up. We just took our kids a few years ago and it was so fun reliving it through their eyes. The lines were surprisingly short too! Except for Superman. That wait was a little longer than I had anticipated, so I didn't get to ride that one, though hubby and oldest daughter did and LOVED it! I definitely want to go back soon!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was hubby's go-to too, and he was like a kid headed over. The park did not disappoint. ;)

      Delete
  37. I love amusement parks and roller coasters!! It sounds like a fun day for the whole family.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm an amusement park nut, and so are the kids. This was the 1st time though, that hubby got amped up to go. It was nice. :)

      Delete
  38. I've actually never been to an amusement park. Someday! I'm sure my girls would love this. Thanks for sharing and for dropping by my blog. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Amusement parks are fun, I love 'em. :) Thanks for visiting back. :)

      Delete
  39. I took my boys to Six Flags New England way back when James was only like five. He loved the Thomas the Train rides back then! Looks like you guys had a great visit there. Love the pic. of your son with Scooby Doo.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I didn't see a Thomas the Train ride...that must be specific to your Six Flags (or I just missed it?). My little one's 5 right now, he'd love it, I'm sure. :)

      Delete
  40. I think seeing the non-Disney characters would have been fun!
    -Jamie
    ChatterBlossom

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My son was about to jump over chairs to get to Scooby. ;)

      Delete
  41. I was worried when I saw that first picture with the nasty skies! I'm glad it didn't just pour all day and at least you got to ride a lot of stuff.

    That chair thingie sounds so interesting!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That chair ride rocked.

      There wasn't any thunder or lightning, so we didn't mind. We usually do one amusement park a year, we've done 3 this year and it was rainy every time. -_-

      Delete
  42. I love great America! So many great memories from there :)

    ReplyDelete
  43. That is one AWESOME carousel. I'm not much for rides, but I would have enjoyed that :-) Sounds like your family had an amazing time! It definitely looks like a great place to have fun :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We rode it on the way out instead of the way in (trying to beat the rain in the beginning to get to the coasters, which luckily we did). I was glad because it was really nice after dark with everything all lit up around it.

      Delete
  44. Looks like an amazing time! We live about 20 mins from 6 Flags Great Adventure and we haven't been in years!

    ReplyDelete
  45. so glad yall still had a great time... i loved six flags as a kid...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Noelle. It was fun, even w/the rain. :)

      Delete
  46. Hi there! I am co-hosting this week on the My Favorite Posts Showoff Weekend Blog Party. Thanks for connecting up!

    I host a (Not SO) Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop and a TGIF Link Party over at my place -- A Peek Into My Paradise... http://apeekintomyparadise.blogspot.com/ I would love for you to link up and follow (if you don't already) if you like what you see. =) I follow back - I love making new friends!

    Have a terrific week!

    Hugs, Cathy

    ReplyDelete
  47. your children are so lucky - you are such an awesome, loving, fun mother, rosey! six flags looks like a great time...it's been forever since i've been there.
    your adventures make me look even more forward to the future with piper!
    wishing you a sweet weekend! xoxox
    maria

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kids make it so you re-love all the things you did when you were a kid. They give you a good excuse to play. ;)

      Delete
  48. I've never been to Six Flags Great America but would love to go someday. I got married at Six Flags St. Louis almost eleven years ago during Fright Fest. I haven't been back since because hubby is not a fan of those kind of rides at all. Me, though, I'd ride them all again and again.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. How fun that you got married at the amusement park!!!

      Delete
  49. It looks like you guys had lots of fun! We went to the amusement park that was my husband's and my favorite from childhood this summer, too (Silver Dollar City in Branson, MO). My husband spent A LOT of time there as a child, since his grandma lived about 15 minutes from the park and always bought season passes for all of them. A lot of the stuff has changed of course, but some of it is still the same. One of my husband's favorite things to do 20+ years ago (he's 28) before he was big enough to ride a lot of the rides was Grandfather's Mansion, and that is now our son's favorite thing to do there as well. :) My son is big enough to ride most rides, but he doesn't like anything fast or scary. He really enjoyed a ride similar to the one in your picture where you can spray people, though. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's awesome when the kids like the rides we did as a kid. I grew up right next to an amusement park too, and we go there every year, even though we live out of state, just for the nostalgic value. It's my kids' fave. :)

      Glad you had a fun trip!!

      Delete
  50. Wow looks like fun I want to say that its bigger then ours here in Ny, Hope you all had fun

    ReplyDelete
  51. It looks like you had fun except on that Merry Go Round. I used to go to Six Flags over Georgia. It was always lots of fun.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've never seen a double decker merry go round like that, I thought it was very cool! :)

      Delete
  52. We have a Six Flags that is like only 40 miles away from my house!! Love that place!! I think the scariest ride has to be the Superman! OMG!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. lol, that was my first visit and it really was fun!!

      Delete
  53. I miss Six Flags, growing up we had one about an hour away in NJ. I hope to go back with my kids when they are a bit older. I have so many memories going there each summer.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's exactly how my husband feels about it too. That was his family's go-to amusement park when he was growing up. :)

      Delete
  54. I've been to the Six Flags in California and I loved it when I was 16. I'd totally go back when the kids are older and can ride the more adult rides they have.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Six Flags is near and dear to my hubby's heart. That's where his family vacationed as a kid. ;)

      Delete
  55. I've never been to a Six Flags, what a great time! I wouldn't go on any scary rides, esp rollercoasters or King Chaos, but still plenty to do. Great photos and story!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They do still have tons to do, & the double decker merry-go-round was awesome for everyone!

      Delete
  56. Replies
    1. We're talking about a possible trip over the summer. We missed Chicago last year, and this would be a great excuse to go back...since it's right in the neighborhood. ;)

      Delete
  57. I have been to Atlanta and we all had a lot of fun. Maybe one day get to visit when we are in the area!

    ReplyDelete
  58. I know you have a lot of comments here, but this is also a place where I went when I was little, and where I went on dates and where I went with my kids. What a fun place & the theater was always a fun place to go is only to rest our feet and cool off. hahaahaha Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  59. I've never visited there. It looks like it was a lot of fun and a great place for families.

    ReplyDelete
  60. I would be going, but this year I need to have a hip replacement, so I will be recovering.

    ReplyDelete
  61. This place looks amazing, I have only been to a six flags in MA. but a long time ago, I guess I better start visiting more, so much to see.
    @tisonlyme143

    ReplyDelete
  62. I have not been her since i was a kid love it lots of fun

    ReplyDelete
  63. Super Photos! I know my family would love a trip to Six Flags Great America.

    ReplyDelete
  64. I have been to this theme park several times. Fantastic rides that keep you thrilled all day long. Season passes are a great option if you live close enough.

    ReplyDelete
  65. This looks like so much fun my kids would love to go here, we love amusement parks

    ReplyDelete
  66. I have never been to Six Flags. Amusement parks are so much fun. I would love to go here with family.

    ReplyDelete

Your comment is awaiting moderation. Thank you for your visit!