Six Flags closing plans are raising concern among amusement park fans across the United States after the company announced it will shut down two of its parks in Maryland at the end of the 2025 season. As news spreads online, many are asking the same question: is Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey next?
The answer is no. While park closures are indeed part of a broader restructuring plan following the Six Flags and Cedar Fair merger, Six Flags Great Adventure remains fully operational and continues to receive major investment. Here’s a complete breakdown of what’s happening and why this iconic New Jersey park is here to stay.
1. Six Flags Closing Maryland Parks After 2025 Season Ends
On May 2, 2025, Six Flags Entertainment officially announced the planned closure of Six Flags America and Hurricane Harbor in Bowie, Maryland. These parks have been serving guests for over two decades, but recent years have shown signs of struggle in attendance, profitability, and aging infrastructure.
CEO Richard Zimmerman confirmed that the final operating day for both parks will be November 2, 2025. From August 22 through closing day, the parks will shift to weekend-only operations, reflecting a standard late-season schedule. Affected full-time employees estimated to be around 70 will be offered severance packages, extended benefits, and relocation assistance where possible.
According to Six Flags, the decision followed a comprehensive review of park performance across the portfolio. The Maryland parks were identified as underperforming assets that no longer aligned with the company’s strategic growth goals.
Six Flags has already begun working with local real estate firms to prepare the 500-acre Bowie site for commercial redevelopment. While details of what will replace the parks have not been shared, officials suggest it could include mixed-use properties with residential, retail, and business opportunities.
2. Six Flags Great Adventure Is Not Closing
Despite the negative buzz surrounding closures, Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, New Jersey is not only safe but also positioned for growth. With its strong attendance, valuable location, and iconic attractions, the park remains one of the top performers in the Six Flags portfolio.
In March 2025, the park introduced a new record-breaking ride, The Flash: Vertical Velocity, which quickly became a fan favorite. This launched alongside a year-long 50th-anniversary celebration that included fireworks shows, food festivals, and behind-the-scenes experiences.
In addition, Great Adventure has been selected to host Star-Spangled Nights, a new summer night show filled with drones, lasers, and live music, drawing families from across the region.
These developments signal that Six Flags leadership sees Great Adventure as a core asset with high growth potential. It serves as a central hub for the Northeast and has consistent attendance that supports further expansion.
3. Closures Are Part of Broader Post-Merger Strategy
The decision to close the Maryland parks is part of a larger corporate restructuring following the 2024 merger between Six Flags and Cedar Fair. The unified company is now re-evaluating its entire network of parks to streamline operations, reduce overhead, and focus on its most profitable assets.
Under the leadership of Richard Zimmerman and the Six Flags board, the newly formed mega-park company is working toward building a leaner, more profitable portfolio. The first step in that direction was identifying weaker parks with declining returns, aging infrastructure, or limited room for long-term growth.
Six Flags America and Hurricane Harbor were the first to go. Other smaller parks, such as La Ronde in Montreal, Six Flags St. Louis, and The Great Escape in New York, are also reportedly under performance review. However, no additional closures have been officially announced at this time.
Meanwhile, flagship parks like Magic Mountain, Great Adventure, Fiesta Texas, and Six Flags Over Georgia are expected to remain open and continue receiving investment. These parks have strong regional followings and generate healthy seasonal and annual attendance figures.
What This Means for Season Pass Holders and Local Guests
If you are a season pass holder for the 2025 season at any of the affected parks, you can still enjoy full access through the end of the season on November 2. After that, customers will be eligible to transfer unused value toward passes at other Six Flags locations.
Guests who frequent Six Flags Great Adventure or other major parks can expect business as usual. In fact, they may see shorter lines and better service as resources are redistributed toward higher-traffic parks.
Residents of Maryland, however, will likely face a void in entertainment options. For over 20 years, Six Flags America provided a family-friendly amusement park experience that included roller coasters, water rides, and seasonal Halloween and holiday events. Local economic impacts—especially for nearby restaurants, hotels, and service workers are expected to be significant.
Six Flags’ Future Outlook
As the company moves forward, the focus is clear: cut losses and boost returns. The merging of Six Flags and Cedar Fair created a powerful amusement park empire, but it also highlighted inefficiencies in the portfolio. The coming months may bring additional shifts, but for now, the company insists that changes are being made for the long-term benefit of its fans and stakeholders.
CEO Richard Zimmerman has emphasized that investing in top-tier properties is the key to sustainable success. The company will likely pour more funding into high-profile parks like Great Adventure to create better rides, more entertainment, and enhanced food and beverage offerings. Digital infrastructure and mobile app features are also expected to improve.
Conclusion
While the confirmed closure of Six Flags America and Hurricane Harbor in Maryland is undeniably disappointing for fans and employees alike, it marks a calculated move by the company to redirect focus and resources to more viable locations. The move underscores a new era of financial discipline and strategic planning within the theme park industry.
For those worried about Six Flags Great Adventure, rest easy. The New Jersey park remains not only safe but continues to expand with new rides and seasonal offerings that promise an exciting future. As one of the largest and most successful parks in the network, Great Adventure is seen as a crown jewel in Six Flags’ evolving empire.
Stay tuned for more updates as the company continues reshaping the American amusement park landscape one decision at a time.
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