Six Flags has announced the closure of two of its theme parks in a strategic decision aimed at streamlining its operations. While fans across the country are processing the surprising news, New Jersey residents can breathe a sigh of relief — the beloved Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson is not among the parks slated to shut down.
The official word came via a press release and was confirmed by a report from USA Today, which detailed the company’s decision to close Six Flags America in Bowie, Maryland and Six Flags California’s Great America in Santa Clara. The closures mark a significant shift in Six Flags’ long-term strategy, as it evaluates the performance and growth potential of its parks nationwide.
Six Flags America, located just outside Washington, D.C., will shut down permanently after the 2025 season. Its final day of operation is set for November 2, following the park’s annual Fright Fest celebration. Leading up to that, the adjacent Hurricane Harbor water park will close for the season on September 6, with both parks transitioning to weekend-only schedules starting in late August. This summer is expected to draw crowds looking to get one last ride in before the gates close for good.
In a statement, Six Flags President and CEO Richard Zimmerman described the closures as “a difficult decision,” adding that the company had conducted a thorough review of its park portfolio. “We have determined that Six Flags America and Hurricane Harbor are not a strategic fit with the company’s long-term growth plan,” Zimmerman said.
Meanwhile, in California, Six Flags California’s Great America will continue operating for a few more seasons but is expected to shut down for good after 2027. The Santa Clara park has long been a staple of West Coast amusement, but its future was cast into doubt in recent years following a land sale deal.
For New Jerseyans, the immediate concern was whether Six Flags Great Adventure — a staple of summer fun and thrill-seeking in the Garden State — would be affected. The answer, thankfully, is no. The Jackson-based park, which is home to iconic rides like Kingda Ka and Nitro, will remain fully operational. For now, Great Adventure continues to be a cornerstone of local entertainment, drawing guests from across the region and beyond.
That said, the closures raise broader questions about the future direction of the Six Flags brand and what it could mean for parks like Great Adventure down the line. While there’s no current indication that Jackson is at risk, fans will no doubt be keeping a close eye on company developments in the coming years.
For now, however, thrill-seekers can continue to enjoy New Jersey’s largest amusement park without worry. With new attractions, events like Fright Fest and Holiday in the Park, and a loyal fanbase, Great Adventure looks to be safe — and fun — for the foreseeable future.
