New Chaperone Policy In Effect At Six Flags America

BOWIE, MD — Six Flags America has implemented a new chaperone policy that applies to guests age 15 and younger at its parks nationwide.

Under the new policy, all guests 15 years old and younger must be accompanied by a chaperone who is at least 21 to remain in or be admitted to the park from 4 p.m. until closing time. The policy went into effect July 26.

In announcing the policy on its website, Six Flags said, “Over the past few years, there have been increasing incidents of unruly and inappropriate behavior at amusement parks and other major entertainment venues.”

The chaperone must show a government-issued ID and can accompany up to 10 guests who are 15 years old and younger per day when the young people enter the park. The chaperone must remain inside the park during the visit and be reachable by cellphone.

After 4 p.m., guests 15 years old and younger who are found inside the park unaccompanied by a chaperone are subject to ejection, the policy states. The chaperone requirement applies to all guests, including season passholders, Six Flags stated.

"Parents or guardians are responsible for the behavior of their minor children. Appropriate behavior and supervision are the responsibility of the parent/guardian and is always expected. In addition to our chaperone policy, we strongly recommend that minors (under 18) be accompanied by an adult. The park does not assume any responsibility or liability for unattended minors. Parents/guardians may be held legally liable for all acts of the children under their care," Six Flags said on its website.

But fights in 2014 and 2021 required a police presence at Six Flags America. Then earlier this year in Atlanta, Georgia, a 15-year-old was injured after exchanging gunfire with police, near Six Flags Over Georgia, according to the Cobb County Police Department.

"The safety of our guests and associates has always been our top priority at Six Flags America. We are committed to keeping Six Flags America a place where families and friends come together to enjoy a one-of-a-kind park full of fun experiences and immersive entertainment," the amusement park stated on its website. "We believe these changes will help ensure that Six Flags America continues to have a positive atmosphere where generations of families and friends can gather for a day of safe fun and good food. Millions of guests have counted on us for exactly that, and we will continue to deliver on that promise for generations to come."