Illinois Parents Will Love This New Six Flags Kids Pass Deal

Kids in Illinois will be on summer break soon, and that cost parents a lot of money, but it doesn't have to.

Summer Fun For Kids

For the last couple of weeks I have spent more time than I would like looking for camps and activities to send my daughters to this summer.

We've got basketball camps and Vacation Bible School already penciled in on the calendar, but where else can we go that won't cost mom and dad an arm and a leg?

READ MORE: How to Save Money On Gas Every Friday in Illinois

When I asked my girls where they wanted to go this summer, they both immediately said "theme parks" and "water parks". Sure, both of those sound like fun, but they also sound expensive, so now I have a new task on my plate: finding the most affordable way to make it happen.

Ways to Save at Six Flags Great America

Typically, my girls have not been very adventurous when it comes to rides, but now that they are getting older they are more willing to try new things, and Six Flags Great America in Gurnee is one place we've never taken them.

Honestly, I've always been hesitant about dropping a bunch of cash on Six Flags tickets for them to chicken out going on most of the rides.

I think they may be ready to fully enjoy a trip to Six Flags now, but is my wallet?

Here's one way to save money at Six Flags Great America this summer, but you have to take advantage of it by April 26, 2026!

Six Flags Great America is also offering a new "Kids Pass” this year, which sounds like a major summer mom win, but it does have some catches you need to be aware of.

Six Flags' New Kids Pass

Six Flags' new 'Free Pre-K Pass' is being promoted as a budget-friendly way to get kids into both the big amusement park in Gurnee AND Hurricane Harbor in Rockford this summer, but you need to pay attention to the fine print.

Let's start with the most important part of the deal: the Free Pre-K Pass is only available to kids ages 3 to 5 years old, but it does include unlimited visits to Six Flags parks in Illinois and beyond.

Here are a few more important things families need to be aware of:

• Free Pre-K passes will be available to reserve starting April 23 through May 31.
• You must purchase a qualified adult season pass to reserve one. (Pre-K passes cannot be purchased separately)
• Pre-K passes are limited to two per membership.
• Passes need to be activated at the park entrance by May 31.
• You need to provide a valid birth certificate or passport showing the child's age to reserve a Pre-K pass.

With all the hoops to jump through, is the Pre-K pass still a good deal? Yes, if you plan to go more than once or twice this season.

Single-day tickets to Six Flags Great America are $45 and admission to Hurricane Harbor Rockford starts at $30, so repeated visits add up quickly!

My mom verdict: If your kids love water slides AND roller coasters, and you’re willing to play the pass game strategically, this could be one of the better ways to stretch your summer fun budget.

Six Flags Great America in Gurnee opens for the season on April 25, and Hurricane Harbor Rockford will open the weekend after Memorial Day...get ready now for fun!