Six Flags is rolling out new age restrictions at several parks throughout spring break as the company battles rampant nuisance from its younger customers — sparking mixed reactions among parkgoers.
Six Flags Over Texas requires guests 17 years old and under to be accompanied by an adult over 21 years old, according to the park’s website.
“The safety of our guests and associates has always been a top priority at Six Flags Over Texas,” the new chaperone policy reads.
“In response to increasing incidents of disruptive behavior across the industry and at other entertainment venues, we are implementing enhanced policies to maintain a safe, family-friendly environment.”
Chaperones must provide a government-issued photo ID with a date of birth at entry and can not have more than five minors with them at the Arlington, Texas, attraction.
Guests 17 and older may also be required to verify their age, or face being denied entry.
“We believe these updates will help preserve the positive atmosphere that millions of guests have come to expect from Six Flags Over Texas, where families and friends can make lasting memories together.
Other parks within the Six Flags system have similar chaperone policies, requiring guests under 15 to be accompanied by an adult.
Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson Township, NJ, announced its revised chaperone policy in September 2024,
However, the theme park’s website now shows that guests under 17 must be accompanied by a chaperone.
Great Adventure’s policy goes into effect daily by 4:00 p.m.
“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. Millions of guests have counted on us for exactly that, and we will continue to deliver on that promise for generations to come,” the park wrote.
Social media users had mixed emotions over the new policy, with some saying the park was restricting teens’ enjoyment.
“What’s even crazier about this is that you can be 15 and work here but not enjoy the park,” one person commented on Instagram.
“Y’all realize you are glorified daycare for teenagers?” another said.
“Way to ruin the fun!” a third person wrote.
“Good im tired of they ah w these ‘takeovers’” said a fourth.
“Six flags i love you, but this is too strict. This is what teenagers do they go to ride roller coasters and don’t want to always have a parent right there following them around,” wrote another.
Several brawls involving younger crowds have plagued Six Flags parks in recent years.
A gunfight between a group of youngsters and cops sent hundreds of guests running for cover at Six Flags Over Georgia on March 2, 2024.
Police had responded to gunfire during a massive brawl that had been sparked by an “unruly” crowd of people on the park’s opening day.
Officers chased after one of the suspected shooters, 15-year-old Syere Littlefield, into the woods and shot the young gunman.
Littlefield wasn’t seriously wounded but was hit with a slew of charges, including aggravated assault on a police officer, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, possession of a firearm under 18 and interference with government property, according to Fox 5 Atlanta.
Residents told the outlet they were aware of social media posts that alluded to some teens knowing something was going to occur at the park that night.
The Atlanta-based park has implemented a chaperone policy for guests under 17.
This story originally appeared on NYPost
