Six Flags Great Adventure Banning Unaccompanied Kids Under 16 At Night

JACKSON, NJ — The days of dropping your teens off at Six Flags Great Adventure for the evening and leaving are over, after the amusement park announced a new chaperone policy for kids 15 and younger at the park.

The new chaperone policy, which takes effect on Saturday, Sept. 7, requires at least one adult age 21 or older to accompany kids after 5 p.m. both during admission and through their entire visit at the park, according to the Six Flags Great Adventure website.

The change comes as a result of "increasing incidents of unruly and inappropriate behavior across our industry and at other major entertainment venues," and is being implemented as Fright Fest is set to begin.

It was not clear whether there have been incidents of unruly teens at Six Flags Great Adventure, as happened at the boardwalks in Seaside Heights, Ocean City and Wildwood at the start of the summer, where curfews have been implemented.

Six Flags Great Adventure officials said they reserve the right to start enforcing the chaperone policy earlier on any given day.

Six Flags has instituted the new chaperone policy at several of its parks, including Six Flags Over Texas, Six Flags Magic Mountain in Los Angeles, and Six Flags Over Georgia, with the company saying it is "taking proactive steps to ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone."

Under the chaperone policy at Great Adventure, kids ages 15 or younger must be accompanied by an adult 21 or older after 5 p.m. That applies to teens who come to the park earlier in the day as well; they must have a chaperone to remain in the park after the curfew.

In addition, a chaperone cannot supervise more than 10 kids, and must stay with the kids during entry, remain inside the park during their visit, and be available by phone throughout their stay. The policy applies to all season ticket-holders as well as those who buy single-day tickets.

The chaperone must present a valid government-issued photo identification with date of birth at ticket entry, and kids who are 16 or older may be asked to present "a valid government-issued photo identification (driver’s license, state-issued ID card, passport) with date of birth at entry to verify their age," the company said.

Those who cannot verify that they are 16 or older may be denied entry if they are not with a chaperone, the company said.

Kids ages 15 or younger who are found in the park unaccompanied by a chaperone when the policy is in effect could be ejected from the park, officials said.

The company also noted that "Six Flags Great Adventure Resort Security personnel utilize surveillance cameras and body-worn cameras as part of their overall security program."

Six Flags Great Adventure posted the following note with its new chaperone policy:

"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. We strongly recommend that minors (under 18) be accompanied by an adult. The park does not assume any responsibility or liability for unattended minors."

It closed with: "Parents/guardians may be held legally liable for all acts of the children under their care."

"We believe these changes will help ensure that Six Flags Great Adventure continues to have a positive atmosphere where generations of families and friends can gather for a day of safe fun and good food," the company said. "Millions of guests have counted on us for exactly that, and we will continue to deliver on that promise for generations to come."

The company also updated its Guest Code of Conduct. It says the following are not permitted in the park "and may result in removal from the park without a refund:"

• Firearms, ammunition, knives and weapons of any kind.
• Self-defense or restraining devices (e.g., pepper spray, mace).
• Fireworks or other similarly explosive and/or flammable objects, smoke machines or fog machines.
• Smoking, vaping, and products that produce vapor or smoke. Smoking and vaping are only permitted in designated smoking areas
• Line Breaking, including leaving and re-entering a line for any reason or place holding in line.
• Clothing with offensive language, obscene gestures/graphics, or nudity. Clothing that does not sufficiently cover undergarments. Face coverings that conceal identity. (This policy does not apply to masks meant to reduce the spread of Covid-19 and other germs.)
• Family-oriented themed outfits/attire are permitted. Costumes that conceal identity are prohibited. Rides and attractions may also have additional restrictions on attire.
• Unruly or disruptive behavior that interferes with guests’ enjoyment of the park including running, the incitement of running, and blocking midways and exits.
• Acts or behavior that park management deems to be a safety concern or that interrupts park operations or guests’ experience.
• Harassing/threatening behavior, sexual misconduct, or lewd behavior including inappropriate interaction with park guests or associates.
• Fighting or physical aggression of any kind, including verbal assaults.
• Offensive language or gestures.
• Conduct deemed by Six Flags Great Adventure Resort to be inappropriate for the peace and good order of the park, guests, or associates, and which may adversely affect the safety of others.
• Theft of any kind.
• Selling Park tickets, credentials, and other entitlements, or soliciting and distributing literature not sponsored by the park except where otherwise approved.
• Refusing to follow verbal or printed instructions or cooperate with park personnel or security.
• Entering restricted areas including but not limited to attraction Danger Zones and behind-the-scenes areas. If you lose an item, report it to the Ride Attendant or Lost and Found.
• Unsolicited photography or video recording that disrupts a guest’s experience or interferes with park operations. Filming, regardless of device, secured or unsecure, is prohibited on most rides and attractions.