Day Trip to Six Flags Great Adventure

It’s been said that all things old are new again. Nowhere is that more true, perhaps, than at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, NJ. The hugely popular amusement park opened back in 1974, and for the past four decades, has offered a fun and exciting day trip for countless families throughout the tristate area.

Now the world’s largest theme park, Six Flags Great Adventure has undergone numerous expansions and ambitious changes over the years that longtime loyal visitors undoubtedly still enjoy – and which newcomers, or past guests who have not been there in a while, are sure to love! For the 2015 season, the 510-acre park, recently voted America’s second best theme park by USA Today, is launching its 13th looping roller coaster, El Diablo; expands the fabulously frightening Fright Fest for Halloween season; premieres, in the Hurricane Harbor water park, an outdoor grill and luxury cabanas in a lush, tropical setting; and introduces, for a limited time only (from July 4 through Labor Day), the iconic BATMAN: The Ride…running backwards!

Other go-to thrill rides include Kingda Ka, the world’s tallest and fastest coaster, and Zumanjaro: Drop of Doom, the world’s tallest and fastest drop ride. Traditionalists flock to El Toro, continuously ranked as one of the best wooden roller coasters in the world. For the little ones – since thrill seekers come in all sizes – there are lots of rides in areas throughout the park that spin, fly, and take kids on journeys perfect for their height and age.

The longtime drive-through animal park at Six Flags Great Adventure has taken on a new life and has been recreated as the Safari Off Road Adventure, a one-of-a-kind interactive experience where guests journey through six continents in giant, open-air, military-style vehicles, accompanied by an informative tour guide. The 350-acre safari preserve is home to 1,200 fascinating animals representing 52 species, including lions and tigers and bears (oh, my!) plus elephants, rhinos, zebras, giraffes, and many more.

In the heat of summer, nothing feels better than frolicking in the water. At Six Flags Hurricane Harbor, there are a number of hot slides that are sure to cool things off. They include the four-story Big Wave Racer toboggan race, the swirling funnel of Tornado, and the coiled, show-stopping snake called King Cobra that blasts riders out of the serpent’s mouth. Additional cool options include a million-gallon wave pool, a half-mile lazy river, and a massive water playground.

Not a ride person? Six Flags Great Adventure has become an outstanding venue for concerts, charity functions, and other special events throughout the year, in addition to the regularly scheduled entertainment and LOONEY TUNES character visits. The park hosts fundraisers such as the Komen Kolor 5K, walks for Ronald McDonald Houses of Central and Northern New Jersey, as well as FDNY Appreciation Day, a Central Jersey Blood Center Blood Drive Day, and dates for Seeing Eye Puppies and Deaf and Hard of Hearing Awareness. In springtime, there are Easter eggstravaganzas and baby animal events, and in autumn, there is Grape Adventure, an excellent wine tasting festival in a safari setting. There are magic shows, pro-wrestling events, music festivals, and a concert on July 25 by Colts Neck’s own Jacquie Lee, of “The Voice” fame.

Familiar to hordes of zombie wannabes, Fright Fest is the largest Halloween party in the Northeast, taking place on weekends from September 18 through November 1, plus Columbus Day. This year, it will introduce a new indoor haunt maze and an additional terror trail. New in 2015, Six Flags Great Adventure will extend the season of fun even further with the magical Holiday in the Park, running on select days from November 21 through January 3. Millions of glittering lights, dazzling holiday entertainment, delicious seasonal treats, Santa’s village, live carolers, animals, and many of the popular rides (weather permitting) are sure to delight visitors as the park is transformed into a winter wonderland.

Now more than just a summertime outing and certainly more than the typical amusement park, Six Flags Great Adventure is a must-see attraction for kids of all ages at almost any time of year. To make plans for your own great adventure, be sure to look for everything you need to know, including ticket prices, operating hours, dining, park information, and special events, at www.sixflags.com/greatadventure.