The closure of these parks will affect leisure options in major urban and suburban areas
Six Flags Entertainment Corporation has confirmed the permanent closure of two historic amusement parks in the United States. Six Flags America and Hurricane Harbor, both located in Bowie, Maryland, will cease operations at the end of the 2025 season. Additionally, Six Flags California’s Great America in Santa Clara is set to close after the 2027 season, contingent upon the possible extension of its lease agreement.
Six Flags’ decision to close the two parks is driven by an internal business review following the company’s merger with Cedar Fair in 2024. The parks in Maryland no longer align with the company’s long-term strategic vision, and the closure of Six Flags California’s Great America is primarily due to low profit margins and the expiration of its lease.
Although these parks will close, Six Flags has confirmed that current events and seasons will continue as scheduled, and tickets for 2025 will remain valid until the parks officially shut their doors. Employees will also be offered severance packages.
Closing dates and plans for Six Flags America and Hurricane Harbor
Six Flags America and Hurricane Harbor will officially close on November 2, 2025. However, both parks will stop regular weekday operations on August 22, 2025, and will remain open only on weekends until the end of the season. The properties will then be marketed to real estate developers, with global firm CBRE managing the sale.
| Park Name | Official Closure Date | Last Regular Operations | Developer Managing Sale |
|---|---|---|---|
| Six Flags America | November 2, 2025 | August 22, 2025 | CBRE |
| Hurricane Harbor | November 2, 2025 | August 22, 2025 | CBRE |
Approximately 70 permanent employees will be affected by the closures, but they will receive severance and benefits. Six Flags America, originally opened in 1974 as Wild World, was rebranded and expanded over the years. The adjacent Hurricane Harbor water park will also cease operations at the end of 2025.
Six Flags California’s Great America: Closing After 2027?
Six Flags California’s Great America is scheduled to close after the 2027 season, unless the lease agreement is extended. The primary reason for the park’s closure is its low profit margins and the expiration of the lease. If the lease is not renewed, the park will shut down permanently.
The property is owned by Prologis, a company that purchased the land in 2019. Prologis is currently working with local authorities to explore new uses for the site, though there are no plans to continue operating the park. Which Six Flags parks will remain open? Despite the closures, Six Flags will continue to operate 42 parks across North America. These include well-known locations such as:
- Six Flags Over Texas (Arlington, TX)
- Six Flags Fiesta Texas (San Antonio, TX)
- Six Flags Great Adventure (Jackson, NJ)
- Six Flags Discovery Kingdom (Vallejo, CA)
The company has not announced any further closures beyond the Maryland and California locations. These parks will remain open, continuing to offer family-friendly entertainment across the country. For employees, those affected by the closures will receive severance packages and benefits.
For guests, any tickets or annual passes purchased for 2025 will remain valid until the parks officially close. Six Flags’ decision to close these historic parks is part of a broader effort to streamline operations and improve profitability, especially after its merger with Cedar Fair in 2024. The company remains committed to its other locations, and the affected communities will be given ample time to adapt to the closures.