Six Flags doubles the thrills: Kids Boo Fest by day, Fright Fest by night

Six Flags Great America is gearing up for a fall season full of thrills, chills and plenty of family fun as Kids Boo Fest makes its return from September 13 through November 2. The Gurnee theme park is once again transforming Hometown Square into Pumpkin Hollow, a whimsical wonderland filled with festive characters, interactive activities, and live entertainment designed for younger guests and families.

This year’s Kids Boo Fest brings a lineup of new attractions alongside returning favorites. Families can look forward to the debut of The Spectral Sisters, a jazzy trio whose harmonies set the perfect spooky-but-sweet tone and the brand-new Tricks and Treats Parade. Sponsored by the Pumpkin Hollow townspeople, the parade gives kids a chance to engage directly with costumed characters while admiring reimagined classic vehicles. Popular returning shows include Love at First Fright, the laugh-filled musical with a spooky twist, and Skeleton Squad, where dancing skeletons invite guests to join in their playful scare contest.

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Activities run daily until 5 p.m. and include plenty of new ways to celebrate the season. Kids can test their creativity in a costume contest, with winners earning a special spot in the Tricks and Treats Parade. Families can also climb aboard the Boo Line Express for a cheerful train ride through fall scenery, explore a brand-new corn “maize” filled with twists and surprises, and enjoy Story Time with Patch, where a friendly pumpkin comes to life to share Halloween tales. For those with a sweet tooth, the Trick-or-Treat Trail offers candy stops along an indoor path that ensures plenty of goodies for little ghouls.

For older thrill-seekers, Six Flags Great America also delivers a darker side of Halloween with the return of Fright Fest presented by SNICKERS. Now in its 34th year, the event features bone-chilling haunted mazes, including a brand-new attraction inspired by The Conjuring Universe. Returning favorites like SAW: Legacy of Terror and Texas Chainsaw Massacre promise plenty of scares, while three new scare zones and live entertainment keep the fright factor high.

Adding a flavorful twist to the fall season, the park also welcomes back the Oktoberfest Food Festival. Hosted on the Yukon BBQ Pit Patio, the festival features German-inspired dishes, seasonal craft brews and a lively atmosphere that makes for the perfect end to a day of rides and entertainment.

Kids Boo Fest, Fright Fest, and the Oktoberfest Food Festival all run on select days from September 13 through November 2. For full details on tickets, schedules, and attractions, visit sixflags.com/greatamerica.