Why Six Flags New England is an Awesome Family Destination

Located just outside Springfield in Agawam, MA, Six Flags New England has something for every member of the family. From 11 thrilling roller coasters to toddler-friendly kiddie rides, this park caters to every age and style. Beyond the rides and games, Six Flags New England features live entertainment, with music, comedy, circus stunts, and more. Dance parties for kids and oversized  lawn games are offered daily during the warmest months. Weekend nights feature fireworks in the summer, and the park goes all-out for Halloween.

Rides at Six Flags New England

 
Newly opened in 2023, the Dino Off-Road Adventure ride will thrill the kiddies.

There are so many rides at Six Flags New England–it might be tough to cover everything in a single visit! The park breaks down the rides as thrill rides, family rides, and kids rides.

Thrill Rides at Six Flags New England

Thrilling or relaxing, the rides at Six Flags New England offer something for every age.

Superman™ The Ride is the biggest roller coaster in New England. It might be a bit much for most kids—and some adults—but the thrill-seekers in the family will be over the moon (or at least closer to it!) Other thrill rides have similar comic-book themes and comparable intensity. Batman the Dark Knight™, The Joker™ 4D Flyer Coaster, and the Riddler™ Revenge are all way cool and most definitely not for the youngest or more sensitive kids. Most thrill rides at Six Flags New England have a height requirement of at least 48 inches. But if they have the height and the nerve, these thrill rides will blow their minds!

Family Rides at Six Flags New England

The park has a wonderful selection of family rides, featuring classics like bumper cars, teacups, and the Scrambler. Most of the height limits based on whether the child is riding alone or with an adult. Blizzard River is a great ride for families. It's an 8-person raft on a wild country river. The spray is the perfect answer to a hot summer day!

Kids Rides at Six Flags New England

The kids rides at Six Flags New England provide age-appropriate thrills for younger children!

Over a dozen kids rides–many with Looney Tunes touches–await the smaller visitors to the park. Our favorites are the Daffy Duck Hollywood Tours and the Krazy Kars. Some of the rides have no height requirement (so long as an adult is present), while others have a 36-inch minimum to ride. Preschoolers will flock to these swinging, spinning, twirling rides designed with little kids in mind.

Six Flags Hurricane Harbor in Agawam

Cool off from the summer heat with a splash or two at Hurricane Harbor at Six Flags in Agawam.

Six Flags New England is home to the region's largest water park, Hurricane Harbor. There are fifteen unique elements, including slides, waterfalls, a lazy river, and more. Hook's Lagoon is a big hit with families. This massive play pool has plenty to engage the kids—rope ladders, water cannons—and lots of ways to get soaked! Little daredevils will flock to the big drop on Cannonball Falls. The Big Kahuna, with four enclosed tube-slides, is also a must-ride.

The gentler Hurricane Harbor attractions have no height requirements; others have minimum height requrements ranging from 36 to 54 inches. Hurricane Harbor is not included with general admission. Check out our section on Six Flags New England Tickets to learn more.

Know Before You Go

The park offfers stroller rental (first come, first serve), wheelchairs, and electric service vehicles. Guest bags are screened on entry to the park. As with most amusement parks, Six Flags New England is busiest on weekends in the summer. A weekday visit is better for smaller crowds and shorter lines.

The website has lots of useful information for planning your visit.

Eating or Restaurants at Six Flags New England

 
Find fun food as well as the standard favorites! Greek Gyro Fries photo courtesy of Six Flags 

There are over 40 places to get food inside the park and at Hurricane Harbor. Options range from a quick treat (Dippin' Dots!) to burgers and chicken tenders to pizza. Enjoy some Asian fare or Mexican cuisine.

Food is not allowed inside the park, with the exception of baby food (no glass) and allowances for guests with allergies and sensitivities. See the park policies for details.

Hotels Near Six Flags New England

Since there's more than enough to fill a day, why not stay a while?

 
Springfield's Hilton Garden Inn is minutes from Six Flags! Photo courtesy of the Hilton Garden Inn

Hilton Garden Inn - Springfield

Located minutes from Six Flags New England, and steps from the Basketball Hall of Fame, this hotel has family-friendly amenities like an indoor pool and breakfast.

Sheraton Springfield Monarch Place Hotel - Springfield

This pet-friendly hotel in downtown Springfield is located less than six miles from Six Flags. And the pool has a stunning skylight!

D. Hotel Suites & Spa - Easthampton

A little off the beaten path, but still right by the highway, this lovely hotel has stunning views, free breakfast, and ample suites. Plus a pool (of course).

Visiting Six Flags New England

Six Flags New England is located in Agawam, Massachusetts, a western suburb of Springfield. The park is approximately two hours from Boston and thirty minutes north of Hartford.

The sky really is the limit for family fun at Six Flags New England!

Six Flags New England Tickets

You can purchase Six Flags New England tickets at the park, but your best bet is to purchase online. This offers both convenience and significant discounts. Six Flags New England tickets can be purchased for the day or for the season, with a variety of options and add-ons. One day tickets start from $25, but prices vary significantly depending on the day. A Flash Pass (for the die-hard enthusiasts) cuts down on the wait time for the more popular rides; think roller coasters, not the kiddie rides. And don't forget to purchase a parking pass when buying Six Flags New England tickets online.

If you anticipate multiple visits—or several days at the park—season passes are worth the investment. They range from $70 to $160, with the highest tier providing unlimited access to all Six Flags parks.

Hurricane Harbor is not part of general admission. Ticket upgrades of approximately $10 gain entry to the water park. Other Hurricane Harbor add-ons include cabanas, which start at $120. 

Six Flags New England Hours

The time of year affects Six Flags New England hours of operation. It's always best to check the website for any updates to the hours of operation. The park is typically open at 11am during the summer, and closes between 7pm and 8pm on weekdays, 9pm on weekends. Hurricane Harbor Waterpark opens between 11:30am and noon; Six Flags' waterpark closes at 6pm daily.

Six Flags New England hours vary in the spring and fall. The park is open on a number of weekends. In late September, "Fright Fest" adds an extra thrilling, Halloween-themed twist to the amusement park all the way to the end of October. The park is open on Friday evening, Saturday and Sunday, staying open as late as 11pm; Fright Fest at Six Flags New England gets extra spooky after dark—but never fear! Kids Boo Fest is a Hallowwen celebration fit for the little kids. Six Flags Boo Fest activities take place during the daytime hours on weekends in October.

All photos courtesy of Six Flags New England