Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, New Jersey is the largest theme park in the Six Flags chain by land area and one of the largest in the United States. The park occupies more than 2,200 acres in Ocean County, encompassing a theme park, the adjacent Safari Off Road Adventure (a drive-through wildlife park), and Hurricane Harbor water park. The theme park is particularly noted for its roller coaster collection: Kingda Ka, once the world's tallest and fastest roller coaster at 456 feet and 128 mph, and El Toro, consistently ranked among the best wooden coasters in the world, are the headline attractions. Superman: Ultimate Flight, Bizarro, and Nitro steel coasters round out a line-up that draws enthusiasts from across the northeastern United States. The park is divided into themed sections including Safari Kids, Adventure Alley, and Golden Kingdom. Hurricane Harbor water park operates separately during summer months and requires a bundled or add-on ticket. Safari Off Road Adventure runs on a self-drive vehicle tour through habitats housing lions, giraffes, rhinos, and other species and is included with many Six Flags season passes. The park is open daily from June through August and on weekends from late March through October; Fright Fest (September–October) and Holiday in the Park (November–December) extend the seasonal calendar. Midweek summer visits dramatically reduce wait times for headline rides.
Good to know
- Hours
- Seasonal — open daily Jun–Aug 10am–9pm; weekends only spring/fall 10am–8pm; check sixflags.com/greatadventure
- Best time
- Weekdays to avoid crowds; open first thing for top coasters
Location
1 Six Flags Blvd, Jackson, NJ 08527
40.1387, -74.4385 View on map
Highlights
- Kingda Ka: 456-foot tower coaster, once the world's tallest and fastest (128 mph launch)
- El Toro: internationally ranked wooden roller coaster with intense airtime hills
- Safari Off Road Adventure: self-drive wildlife park with lions, giraffes, rhinos, and 1,200+ animals
- Hurricane Harbor water park adjacent to the main park, open in summer
- Fright Fest (September–October) and Holiday in the Park (November–December) seasonal events
Tips for visiting
- Visit on Tuesday or Wednesday in June or August for the shortest wait times — top coasters run 10–15 minutes versus 1+ hour on weekends
- Download the Six Flags app before arriving to check real-time wait times and show schedules
- Purchase tickets online at sixflags.com/greatadventure well in advance — gate prices are significantly higher
- The Flash Pass (paid add-on) allows virtual queueing for popular rides; worthwhile on busy weekends
- Parking is $35 on-site; arriving before the park opens reduces both parking congestion and first-hour ride queues
When to visit
Weekdays in June through August for shortest queues; weekends are significantly more crowded throughout the summer. October's Fright Fest adds haunted mazes and scare zones for visitors aged 13 and over. The park closes most weekdays after Labor Day and is closed in winter.
Accessibility
Six Flags Great Adventure provides accessibility guides at the park entrance and at sixflags.com. Most rides have specific requirements for riders with mobility aids; the park's Ride Accessibility Program provides individualized guidance. Mobility-accessible parking is available near the main entrance.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a full day at Six Flags Great Adventure take?
A full day from opening to close (10am–9pm in peak season) is needed to cover the main coasters and areas with reasonable wait times on busy days. On a midweek visit, 6–7 hours may suffice for all headline attractions.
Is Six Flags Great Adventure worth it for young children?
The park has a dedicated kids' area (Safari Kids) with age-appropriate rides and characters, making it worthwhile for families with children aged 4–10. Height restrictions apply to major coasters; Kingda Ka requires riders to be at least 54 inches tall.
What is the best time to visit Six Flags Great Adventure?
Weekday visits in late June or August offer the shortest wait times. Avoid Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day weekends, which are the park's busiest days of the year.