Even before summer began, signs were clear that theme parks across the U.S. were bracing for a turbulent season.
Last year saw a string of disruptive incidents unfold at amusement parks – brawls, assaults, and even gun violence – prompting operators to reassess the balance between fun and safety.
Now, one popular theme park has quietly implemented a strict entry rule to tackle poor behavior.
Incident at Six Flags Great America Heightens Industry Tensions
The industry-wide unease intensified earlier this month when shots were fired outside Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, Illinois. Police responded to reports of gunfire around 8.20 p.m. on July 7. Though no victims were found, officers did recover evidence confirming a shooting had taken place.
A preliminary investigation suggested the violence may have stemmed from an argument in the parking lot, but details remain unclear. Police confirmed that there was no known threat to the public.
The incident was the latest in a pattern of violence at the Illinois park. In 2022, three people were injured in a drive-by shooting near the entrance. The following summer, six teens were pepper-sprayed by police after a fight broke out at the gates.
While not all incidents have occurred on park property, the pattern is clear: As parks draw massive crowds and operate into the late evening, the likelihood of disorder grows. It’s a dynamic that park operators can no longer ignore.
Six Flags Responds With Strict New Entry Policy
One week after the most recent shooting, Six Flags Great America announced the return of its chaperone policy.
Starting July 17, any guest aged 15 or younger must be accompanied by an adult over the age of 21 in order to enter the park.
PARK UPDATE: Beginning July 17, the Chaperone Policy will be reactivated at #SixFlagsGreatAmerica and #HurricaneHarborChicago
PARK UPDATE: Beginning July 17, the Chaperone Policy will be reactivated at #SixFlagsGreatAmerica and #HurricaneHarborChicago
READ MORE ➡️ https://t.co/0EsyhSR6om pic.twitter.com/upvw34MNwF
— Six Flags Great America (@SFGreat_America) July 14, 2025
The rule will apply all day on weekends, and from 5 p.m. to close during the week.
Chaperones are required to carry a valid photo ID and may supervise up to ten minors per visit. The policy applies to all ticket types, including day passes, Season Passes, and Members. According to the park, the change is intended to “maintain a safe and family-friendly environment.”
A Wider Shift in Park Security
The policy isn’t isolated. Six Flags Fiesta Texas introduced a similar rule earlier this year, mandating that guests 15 and under must be with an adult from 4 p.m. onwards. “We believe these changes will help ensure that Six Flags Fiesta Texas continues to have a positive atmosphere where generations of families and friends can gather for a day of safe fun and good food,” the park stated.
Similarly, Knott's Berry Farm implemented a chaperone policy in 2023. “The safety of our guests and associates has always been our top priority at Knott's Berry Farm, Knott’s Scary Farm and Soak City Waterpark,” it explained. “Over the past two years, there have been increasing incidents of unruly and inappropriate behavior across our industry and at other major entertainment venues.”
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay recently activated its own chaperone policy after plans for a teen-centered event stirred security concerns.
Until further notice, the Florida park requires guests 17 and under to be accompanied by someone 21 or older and reserves the right to enforce the policy at any time. “The safety of our guests and Ambassadors has always been our top priority,” the park’s statement read.
Similarly, while SeaWorld Orlando hasn't currently reactivated its chaperone policy – which follows similar rules to Busch Gardens, except with the lower age limit of 15 – it does reserve the right to do so at any moment.
“The safety of our guests and Ambassadors has always been our top priority at SeaWorld Orlando,” it says on its website. “We’re committed to keeping SeaWorld Orlando a place where guests of all ages can come together to enjoy everything our park has to offer.”
Do you think more amusement parks need chaperone policies?
