Table of Contents

23 Top Six Flags Packing List Items for 2023 + What to Wear & NOT to Bring

what to pack for Six Flags
seen in: national geographic, cnn, travel + leisure, new york times
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With twenty-seven theme parks all over the world, the name Six Flags is synonymous with fun. Ever since they opened their first park in 1961, tourists and locals have been visiting Six Flags parks for decades, and for a good reason.

Of course, visits to theme parks of any kind require skillful packing because they’re typically an all-day commitment. And theme parks can run on the expensive side, depending on how you approach them. This article will help you decide what you have to pack, what to wear to Six Flags, what you can leave behind, and how to save a little bit of money along the way.

See our product selection criteria and guidelines here.

What to Pack for Six Flags – 23 Essentials

  • 1. Lipstick-Sized Portable Charger

    If there is anywhere in the world with an array of photo ops at every turn, that would be a Six Flags location. It would be terrible if you found that perfect moment to take a great photo with your family and everyone’s smartphone’s batteries were on their last one percent. This portable charger will ring any phone back to life, so no photo ops are missed.

    Lipstick-Sized Portable Charger

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 2. Neck Wallet

    Theme parks are full of crowds. Keeping your wallet in your pocket isn’t the safest bet, and even a purse can be left behind by accident. You also don’t want to watch your credit cards, and I.D. go flying out of your pocket on a ride! This neck wallet gives the wearer peace of mind that their valuables are close to their heart, literally. This neck wallet is unisex and as durable as they come.

    Neck Wallet

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 3. Water Bottle

    Some Six Flags locations allow visitors to bring in a reusable water bottle, as long as it’s not glass. This water bottle is the perfect option. You can fill it with water from any faucet or fountain, and it filters out the things you don’t want, so you have clean-tasting drinking water. It lessens your carbon footprint, and you save money by not purchasing commercial water.

    Water Bottle

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 4. Quick-Dry Travel Towel

    The people at Six Flags know so much about water rides, they have entire parks dedicated to them. This quick-dry towel is a great asset when you plan on getting soaking wet. It dries 10x faster than cotton, so you can hit all the water rides you want and still stay on the go.

    travel towel

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 5. Universal Waterproof Phone Case

    Speaking of water rides, how would your smartphone fare on one? Not too well in most cases. That’s why we added this universal waterproof phone case. Whether you have an iPhone or Samsung, this case will protect it, which is great because water rides are great opportunities for photos!

    Universal Waterproof Phone Case

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 6. Travel Insurance

    There are Six Flags all over the world, so you may be traveling by plane or overseas to visit a park. Travel insurance offers tourists security for their travels. Faye Travel Insurance offers affordable rates at the touch of a button.

    We use Faye because they are revolutionizing the insurance game. If anything goes wrong (such as stolen items, cancelations, or medical emergencies), you are covered during your travels instead of paying out of pocket. Our favorite part about Faye is their digital app which allows immediate reimbursements when you need it most, rather than waiting months and filling out endless paperwork for an unguaranteed pay-out. Ultimately, insurance is too affordable to travel without.

    Travel Insurance

    Get a quote in less than 60 seconds with Faye ➜

  • 7. Packing Cubes

    While you’re not allowed to bring food into the park, you are allowed to leave and re-enter, which means you can pack food and beverages and head back to your car for lunch. This is a great way to save money while you’re visiting the parks. Packing cubes like these can help you organize snacks, clothing, and so much more.

    Packing Cubes

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 8. Sunscreen

    The last thing visitors think about while walking around a theme park and waiting in line for their favorite ride is that the sun is beating down on them the whole time. With concrete that reflects UV rays back on you, we put sunscreen on our list as a must-have for your packing list. Sun Bum is a natural brand that offers great protection with Vitamin E for moisturizing.

    Sunscreen

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 9. Motion Sickness Patches

    Rollercoasters and rides that spin in circles can often cause people to get sick! Even if the kids are loving it, adults may not be as enthused, and if you have ever had motion sickness before, then you know how debilitating it is. Nobody wants to feel sick on a fun-filled trip to Six Flags! So prevent motion sickness before it starts with this patch that can be put behind your ear for preventative measures.

    Motion Sickness Patches

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 10. Cooling Towel

    Summer is a great time to visit Six Flags, but the lines are long, and you could be standing for hours at a time. This can lead to overheating, which can cause an array of health problems. Take a cooling towel with you for the day. Water it down and keep it over your head or on your shoulders. You’ll be amazed at how fast it’ll cool you off.

    cooling towel

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 11. Swimsuit Cover-up

    I am madly in love with this cover-up! It’s my go-to whenever visiting areas where I want to walk around in a swimsuit all day. Since six flags has so many water parks, this is the ideal attire for sauntering around slides, games, and lazy rivers. This one is very flattering and will help you feel stylish but modest. The lightweight material makes it dry super quick, and it’s breathable.

    Swimsuit Cover-up

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 12. Slip-on Water Shoes

    As you visit Hurricane Harbor and other water parks, water shoes are a must! Not only is the concrete HOT, but so many kids have had their toes all over this area, and it’s a good way to keep yourself clean with a barrier between waterslides and tide pools. These have great traction, so nobody will slip and fall, and they are breathable so you won’t create blisters. Here’s an equally-cool pair for kids.

    mesh water shoes maui

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 13. Windproof Travel Umbrella

    Weather is fickle, and you always hope for a day at the park that is clear and sunny. But rain is more common in the summer months at Six Flags and thunderstorms are quite frequent. This windproof umbrella is sturdy, light, and small enough to fit into your daypack. It can also double as another fantastic layer of protection from the sun.

    Umbrella

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 14. Children Safety I.D. Bands

    It is easier than you think to lose someone in the buzzing crowds of Six Flags. In case you and your little ones get separated as they go off on rides or do their own thing – have them wear these safety I.D. bands. They are reusable, waterproof, and won’t wash off with the right marker, so you can write your child’s name plus your contact information. It will give you peace of mind that if a child strays, an adult can easily contact you.

    Children Safety I.D. Bands

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 15. Waterproof Daypack

    As you will see, there are going to be quite a few items that you’ll want on hand when you’re walking around the park. That’s why we always suggest a great daypack for these types of trips. This daypack has plenty of room for your things, is waterproof, and it’s easy to keep everything organized with all the pockets.

    Waterproof Daypack

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 16. Locks

    You’ll likely use a locker when at Six Flags. You don’t want to be carrying around all of your belongings when you’re on rides or in the water park or having people rummage through your things in chaotic crowds. Bringing a lock for the lockers will make sure your belongings stay safe while you stay light and explore the park. These are also TSA-approved, so you can use them on your luggage if you’re flying.

    luggage locks

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 17. Hand Sanitizer

    With the pandemic behind us it feels great to head out into the world again, but we know that we still have to be careful of germs. When you’re at a theme park, there are millions of people who have been there first. While Six Flags does everything to ensure clean surfaces, there’s always a chance, so hand sanitizer is essential.

    Hand Sanitizer

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 18. Durable, Waterproof Camera

    You’ll be smack-dab in the center of “The Thrill Capital of The World!” With all the splash zones and exciting rides, you’ll want a durable camera that can document your adventures. This one is great on land or in the water, especially since it’s not too precious to endure a little damage. It’s way cheaper than the investment of a GoPro or DSLR, with comparable quality.

    underwater camera

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 19. Handheld Fan

    Sweating profusely in the direct sun can ruin an otherwise perfect day, so I always recommend bringing a personal fan with you to help keep yourself and your kid(s) plenty cool in the theme-park heat. This gem is rechargeable and gives you a gentle but powerful breeze. Trust us, as you wait in line during peak season, you’ll be happy to have it!

    Handheld Fan

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 20. Activated Charcoal

    Between the burgers, hot dogs, funnel cakes, ice creams, pretzels, nachos, and more – having something to soothe your tummy is not a bad idea. These activated charcoal supplements absorb toxins in your body and will help stop food poisoning in its tracks. They will keep you on your feet and can help detoxify your body more quickly.

    Activated Charcoal

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 21. Kid’s Sun Hat

    Regardless of your kiddo’s age, UV rays can be powerful! And you don’t want to risk heat issues or overexposure to sunlight. This hat will give your little one a bit of protection and keep them cool, preventing nasty burns or having to cut the day short due to heat exhaustion. Here are equally cool sun hats for mom and dad.

    Kid’s Sun Hat

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 22. Poncho

    Water rides mean you can get wet. Some people want to get fully wet and revel in it. Others want to experience the ride, but maybe we don’t want to get fully wet. Ponchos are perfect for keeping your clothing dry. These are also great for those surprise rain showers that the weatherman forgot to tell you about.

    Poncho

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 23. Cooler

    While you can’t bring a cooler into the park, this is another way to save some money. Pack your own beverages and head to the car for a refill when you need it. This cooler can hold 64 cans, is leakproof, and is collapsible. It’s also on wheels for those times when you can bring it with you.

    Cooler

    View on Amazon.com ➜

What to Wear to Six Flags

When you’re walking around a theme park there is only one thing that matters, and that’s comfort. You don’t want to be wearing the shoes that give you blisters or the skirt that’s so short you spend all your time pulling it down. Any clothing that will distract your mind from having fun should be avoided.

This goes for men and women, and for a good reason. The last thing you want to be doing while waiting to get on a ride is to be wishing you had a seat because your feet are killing you. Take our warning and be sure you put comfort over everything else when choosing what items to pack.

What to Wear to Six Flags
What Should WOMEN Wear at Six Flags? – (Click to expand)
Below is a sample women’s clothing list. (All items link to Amazon.com for your convenience).

Shorts
T-shirt
Tank Top
Sundress
Bathing suit
Water Shoes
Walking Shoes
Headband
Sun Protection Shirt
Pullover
Jeans
Underwear
Socks
Light Jacket
Sports Bra
Waterproof Bag

Some ladies like to look cute, while others couldn’t care less and dress for comfort like we talked about above. Whatever your fashion style is, you can find something to wear to Six Flags. If you love fashion, a cute sundress with some fun walking shoes is a perfect outfit. If your outfit doesn’t matter, then shorts and a tank top will do.

The key is to wear shoes that won’t leave you with blisters. Also, a pair of sunglasses to fight the glare, a waterproof bag, and a headband to keep your locks tight and off your face are accessories we can all use when visiting Six Flags.

What Should MEN Wear at Six Flags? – (Click to expand)
Below is a sample men’s clothing list. (All items link to Amazon.com for your convenience).

T-shirt
Shorts
Tank Top
Swimming Trunks
Socks
Comfortable Shoes
Water Shoes
Sun Protection Shirt
Sun Hat
Jeans
Hoodie
Belt
Denim Shirt
Sandals
Underwear

Many people assume women are the most obsessed when it comes to their appearance, but men are just as conscious about how they look to others. The good thing is men can dress comfortably and still look good. A nice pair of shorts and a tank are the perfect combination for a day at a Six Flags Park.

Be sure that your shoes are comfortable. It doesn’t matter if you prefer sandals or walking shoes, men will also be unhappy if they have a heel full of blisters. We also suggest a sun protection shirt if your skin is sensitive to UV rays or a good sunhat. Don’t forget your sunglasses to protect your eyes.

Packing for the Seasons at Six Flags

Summer – June, July, August

Summer is arguably the most popular time to visit Six Flags Theme Park, especially those that are water centric. For the summer all you need is a bathing suit, shorts, a tank top, and some comfortable shoes. This goes for all the locations, although we always recommend checking the local weather first.
Summer

Fall – September, October, November

Fall is a great time to head to a Six Flags location. They do it up with special events for the season. Deciding what to pack when visiting in the fall depends on the location you’re headed to. If you’ll be in Gurnee, Illinois, then you want to wear jeans with a hoodie or jacket. If you’re in Arlington, Texas, stick with the shorts and t-shirts.

Winter – December, January, February

Six Flags has parks all over the world, and the weather is one factor that helps them decide if they’re open for the winter. Some parks are open year-round, others are closed, and some are only open on the weekends in the off season. That said, check the weather. If it’s going to be cold, stick with a sweater and jeans. If it’s going to be hot, shorts and a t-shirt will do.
Winter

Spring – March, April, May

Spring is a fun time at Six Flags. They’re getting ready for a new season and it’s fun to experience a park waking up. But, spring can be chilly in some areas so don’t forget your hoodie, especially if you wear a tank top or t-shirt. Layers always work with a cute pair of jeans.

Dressing Appropriately for the Activity – (Click to expand)
Going on Rides: One of the main reasons we all love hanging out at Six Flags is the rides. The roller coasters and water rides are enough to make us come back again and again. Bathing suits work well for water rides. Other than that, comfort is key when riding coasters and other attractions. All you need are good shoes, shorts, and a t-shirt.

Seeing Shows: Another fun thing to do at Six Flags is catching a live show or a band. Sometimes these events are outside and other times they’re inside. In the summer you can expect inside areas to be air-conditioned. A wet bathing suit would be distracting to say the least. Bring some extra dry shorts, underwear, and tank top for heading indoors.

Meeting Characters: Just like other theme parks, Six Flags has characters running around ready to make you laugh and smile. You may just see some famous ones like Bugs Bunny and Tweety. You should wear a fun t-shirt and hat. Don’t forget the autograph book for the kids to fill up with signatures.

Eating: Spending the day at Six Flags makes you hungry, so when you head back to the car to eat, this is a good time to grab those dry shorts and t-shirts, if you’re wet. If you plan on eating at a restaurant inside the park, don’t forget that it could be air-conditioned, which is a good reason to grab that hoodie too!

Shopping: Another fun activity is checking out all the shops Six Flags has to offer. There is plenty of eye candy to keep you occupied for hours. It’s fun to look cute when shopping so a sundress is ideal, but a fun t-shirt and shorts will work too. Don’t forget the shoes! You know how we feel about comfort.

What NOT to Bring to Six Flags

  • 1.DON’T Bring Unnecessary Electronics

    All smartphones come with a camera that allows video recording as well, so leave the extra cameras at home. There is no need for a tablet or laptop when you’re running around Six Flags.

  • 2.DON’T Bring Heavy Books

    We understand that the lines can be long, and that’s a great time to catch up on reading but stick to your Kindle app on your phone. Heavy books will just weigh you and your party down. Leave them behind.

  • 3.DON’T Bring Expensive Jewelry

    Diamonds and pearls are lovely, but not when you’re slipping down a water slide. You not only risk ruining your good jewelry at a theme park, but you also put it in jeopardy of being lost. Don’t even consider bringing the good earrings.

  • 4.DON’T Bring Uncomfortable Shoes

    If you learned anything from this article, it should be that your physical comfort is of the upmost importance. High heels are the antithesis of comfort in most situations, and especially at a Six Flags location. Wear comfortable shoes!

  • 5.DON’T Bring Prohibited Items

    Go to the Six Flags website and make sure you aren’t bringing along anything they won’t allow in, like a collapsible cooler or a selfie stick. We’ve checked the items we recommended but things change. So be sure before you bring it.

  • 6.DON'T Bring Pets

    Pets are not allowed at Six Flags unless they are a certified service animal. Be sure to leave them at home and not in the car, as temperatures can rise rapidly and be extremely unsafe.

What NOT to Wear to Six Flags – (Click to expand)
You don’t want to wear fancy clothes like cocktail dresses and suits. You can wear pajamas to be fun but that might be uncomfortable too. Whatever you wear, don’t forget that you have to wear it all day long, so think it through thoroughly.

FAQs about Visiting Six Flags

  • 1. Should I buy my tickets in advance?

    Should I buy my tickets in advance?

    It never hurts to be prepared, which is why I always recommend getting your tickets ahead of time. Some Six Flags offer discounts at local stores. Do a little research about the park you’re visiting to see if you can find tickets for a deal. You can also purchase tickets online in advance. This will save you from having to wait in line at the park so you can get straight to the fun!

  • 2. Can I take pictures while visiting Six Flags?

    Yes, but you cannot use them in a commercial way. As long as you don’t use the images to make money you can take all the photos you want.

  • 3. Are there limits on what you can bring into the park?

    Are there limits on what you can bring into the park?

    Yes. Be sure to check their website. They don’t allow food or drinks in the park unless the visitor has a specific food allergy. They don’t allow chairs, glass bottles, selfie sticks, monopods, laser pointers, and other hand-held extension poles for mobile devices. Some prohibited items aren’t so obvious, so be sure to check the website beforehand if you don’t want to have anything confiscated.

  • 4. Are Six Flags parks expensive?

    They can be, like any other vacation. That’s why we gave you some money-saving tips so you could use that cash for a fun collectible or something you want.

  • 5. What is the best Six Flags Park to visit?

    What is the best Six Flags Park to visit?

    That’s difficult to say. With offers like Hurricane Harbor and Discovery Kingdom, how could we pick one that’s the best? You’ll just have to visit them all and decide for yourself! They all offer something unique. It depends on what you’re interested in, if you’re traveling with kids, or not. No matter which park you decide to visit, you’re bound to have a blast!

  • 6. When is the best time of year to visit Six Flags?

    Summer is a popular time, but fall is fun too. Some locations are in areas of the world where the weather is gorgeous all year round, which makes Six Flags a destination for any time of the year.