Theme parks are closing early due to hazardous air quality from Canadian fires

Cedar Point, Michigan's Adventure, Six Flags America, and more closed today due to poor air quality.

Several theme parks in the northern United States were closed early or entirely today due to hazardous air quality from wildfires raging in Canada.

Cedar Point

Today, several posts were made on social media showcasing the smoke-filled sky with attractions running.

Later on, the Ohio-based theme park announced that the park would close at 7 PM.

“Due to the poor air quality caused by the Canadian wildfires, Cedar Point will be closing at 7PM tonight July 16, 2026.”

Michigan’s Adventure

They were smart and closed down before the park opened.

“Michigan’s Adventure is closed today, July 16, due to poor air quality caused by wildfire smoke. Guests with tickets for today can visit another date this season.”

Six Flags Great America

Six Flags Great America, in Illinois, closed at 3 PM today.

“Due to ongoing air quality conditions, Six Flags Great America and Hurricane Harbor Chicago will close at 3:00 PM on July 16.”

Valleyfair

Valleyfair, in Michigan, closed for the whole day as well.

“Valleyfair is closed today, Thursday July 16 due to poor air quality caused by wildfire smoke. Guests with tickets for today can visit another date this season.”

Kennywood

A local theme park for us in Pennsylvania also closed early today.

“Due to the statewide Air Quality Alert issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Kennywood will be closing at 6:30 PM today, Thursday, July 16, for the safety of our guests and hosts.”

I am sure there are many more amusement or other types of parks that closed today.

The smoke is thick, and it’s sending the air quality rating into hazardous territory. No park employees should be forced to work in these conditions.

I’m glad they are closing.

If you have plans to visit theme parks in the Northern U.S.A region tomorrow, check before you go to make sure they are open.

It is very possible that tomorrow is worse than today.