Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, New Jersey, first opened its gates in the summer of 1974. The park welcomed invited guests for a preview on June 30, 1974, and then began regular operations on July 1, 1974, with a celebratory grand opening around the July 4th holiday.

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So, 52 years later, Six Flags Great Adventure has announced its opening day for 2026, scheduled for Saturday, March 28th.

According to Six Flags, Opening Day marks the return of the park’s signature attractions, dining, and entertainment offerings. Wild Safari will also open for the season, offering guests an up-close, guided safari experience featuring animals from around the world.

Saturday, March 28th, will mark the 52nd year Six Flags has opened its gates, and I can remember the day they opened in 1974 because, as kids growing up at the Jersey Shore, we were there from the beginning, and we always made a trip to Jackson every summer.

Growing up, we loved rides like Runaway Train, Lightning Loops, Batman, and more. We would ride the sky ride and the giant Ferris wheel and stay from opening to closing and run from one end of the park to the other. We'd beat the heat with a ride on the log flume and some ice cream, and by the end of the day, meet up with parents and head home, thinking about what we would ride next visit.

It was fun, and even today, I enjoy walking in the park during special events like Fright Fest.

Some Additional Six Flags Fun 👇