The New Jersey park gave more than 1,200 tickets to Tickets for Kids. Families facing money troubles can use them for Fright Fest, Kids Boo Fest and the return of Holiday in the Park.
A day at a theme park is a big ask for a lot of families. In New Jersey, more kids are getting one anyway.
Six Flags Great Adventure has donated more than 1,200 tickets, worth more than $80,000, to the nonprofit Tickets for Kids, the park announced Monday, Oct. 19.
The tickets go to children and families facing financial barriers. They can use them during Fright Fest, Kids Boo Fest and the park’s upcoming Holiday in the Park season, according to the park.
Here’s a look at one of the park’s new family rides, from Six Flags Great Adventure:
Who gets the Six Flags Great Adventure tickets?
Kids and families served by community organizations, foster care programs and youth-focused nonprofits, the park said.
Demand was strong. Tickets for Kids said the first batch of tickets was fully handed out to participating groups, according to the announcement.
The tickets cover everything from seasonal attractions and family rides to the park’s Halloween and holiday events.
What did Six Flags Great Adventure say about the donation?
Park president Michael Fehnel talked about first-time moments.
“Fall and the holiday season are all about making memories with the people who matter most,” Fehnel said. He pointed to “a child experiencing their first roller coaster” and families seeing the lights of Holiday in the Park together.
The park is “proud to help make those experiences possible” for kids and families who might not otherwise get to visit, he said.
What is Tickets for Kids?
It’s a nonprofit that connects kids and families with sports, cultural, educational and recreational outings they might not be able to afford, the announcement said.
It works with youth-serving organizations across the U.S. The goal is to make trips to museums, concerts, ballgames, science centers and zoos part of every childhood.
“We are incredibly grateful for the generosity and partnership of Six Flags Great Adventure,” said executive director Brandice E. Miller. She said the tickets give families “opportunities to spend quality time together.”
When is Fright Fest at Six Flags Great Adventure?
Select nights through Sunday, Nov. 1, according to the park’s website. Fright Fest started Sept. 18.
The park also added Fright Fest Thursdays this year. Two are left: Oct. 22 and Oct. 29, News 12 New Jersey reported.
This year’s lineup includes four new haunted mazes, NJ Family reported. Mazes include The Conjuring Universe and Army of the Dead, plus scare zones like Carnevil along the Boardwalk.
For younger kids, Kids Boo Fest runs on select days through Nov. 1, with daytime fall fun that’s lighter on the scares.
One heads-up for coaster fans: Nitro is still closed. Six Flags shut it and similar coasters after a rider died on Goliath at Six Flags Over Georgia on Oct. 12.
As of Monday, the park’s website says Nitro remains temporarily closed out of an abundance of caution. All other rides scheduled to run are open, subject to normal conditions.
The park asked state and third-party inspectors to look over Nitro, a spokesperson told News 12 New Jersey last week. No reopening date has been announced.
When does Holiday in the Park return to Great Adventure?
Later this year. After the event was canceled last year, Six Flags announced in May that it’s coming back, fully reimagined, Attractions Magazine reported.
The new version adds three immersive themed lands, nightly tree lightings, carolers and live musicians. There’s also a family-friendly indoor walk-through and seasonal tasting menus.
The park hasn’t posted dates yet. Its website says the event is “launching in 2026.”
What else is new at Six Flags Great Adventure?
Plenty. Shoreline Pier opened this summer at The Boardwalk with five family rides: Barrels O’ Fun, Flying Scooters, Hypno Twister, Super Roundup and Wave Swinger, Attractions Magazine said.
Next up is Bakunawa, a spinning launch coaster coming in 2027. Six Flags says it will stand 382 feet tall and hit 100 mph.
The park is also home to Hurricane Harbor New Jersey and Wild Safari, which has more than 1,200 animals, according to the park. That’s about one animal for every donated ticket.
Article compiled and written by Kambrea Pratt (editor-in-chief), Derek Gibbs (beat editor) and the Pirates & Princesses newsroom. Pirates & Princesses is part of WebReef Media.
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Hat Tips:
Six Flags Great Adventure (Oct. 19, 2026), the donation announcement and quotes
Six Flags Great Adventure website, event dates and Nitro’s status
News 12 New Jersey (Oct. 5 and 15, 2026), Fright Fest Thursdays and the Nitro inspections
NJ Family, Jennifer Amato (Sept. 18, 2026), the haunted mazes
Attractions Magazine, Dani Meyering (May 5 and July 28, 2026), Holiday in the Park, Shoreline Pier and Bakunawa
CBS Philadelphia (Oct. 13, 2026), the Nitro closure
Six Flags Great Adventure on YouTube (July 9, 2026), the Barrels O’ Fun video
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