If you’re a fan of Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, NJ, like my family is, then you know that Six Flags Fright Fest is the place to go during the Halloween season. It had been a while since we took a trip to Six Flags, so my son and his friends were more than pumped to go to Fright Fest this year. It didn’t disappoint—after a night of being spooked and catching our favorite rides, we all agree that Six Flags Fright Fest is on the top of our list for Halloween fun. Read on for more on what we did and what to know if you go between now and Halloween. (featured photo taken at Six Flags Fright Fest)
Dare to enter Six Flags Fright Fest when the sunsets.
Entering the Six Flags Fright Fest
We decided to visit on a Friday night and headed out before the sunset to get a good look at all the scary, fun Halloween decorations before they turn creepy. As soon as we walked into the foggy haze and eerie sounds playing in the distance, it felt like Halloween. Even the traditional water fountain in the main square lit up with spooky Halloween lights and set the tone for what was to come. The kids kept warning us about “jump scares,” as they call them—creepy characters dressed in zombie-like costumes trolling the park and popping out when you least expect them. They (not me so much) were more than ready for it and would be watching around every corner. The anticipation of a ghostly figure coming out of the dark to scare us didn’t quite have the same effect on me, but hey, if they’re having a blast, mom is taking one for the team.
Six Flags Fright Fest is not clowning around; it’s full of spooky fun.
Dare To Enter The Six Flags Fright Fest Haunted Mazes
Our excitement (and my anxiety) grew as we headed to the haunted mazes. No spoilers here, but with nine premium haunted mazes—Aftermath, Big Top Terror, Blood Shed, Fears, Reflections of the Dead, The Manor— there’s plenty to keep you on your toes and satisfy each Halloween chill seeker.
The Big Top Terror was our favorite. Clowns and circus freaks come from every corner of the darkness in this blacklight maze, and it’s not for the faint of heart. The characters never touch you, but they most certainly spooked us (me) beyond belief.
Keep in mind that there’s plenty of walking throughout each attraction, so I suggest wearing comfy shoes and securing your cell phone. We collected everyone’s valuable items and stashed them in one locker. The park has also gone cashless, so take advantage of the lockers provided (pay at the kiosk) and keep a credit card or debit card in your pocket.
Are you ready to enter Clown Town at Six Flags Fright Fest?
What Lurks In The Shadows Of The Scare Zones
The scare zones are everywhere and certainly live up to the hype. Each scare zone is a spooky mini-adventure. Some are filled with hazy smoke and frightful creatures, but if you ask nicely, the creepy characters will take a selfie with you—Boo!
Five individual scare zones are set up throughout the park, including Clown Town, District 6, Lady of the Lake Cemetery, Scarecrow Street, and the newest Fright Fest Attraction — Exile Canyon. We spent most of our time at Clown Town, in the same area as the Batman ride, one of our classic favorite roller coaster rides. Let’s just say each one of the scare zones will keep you looking over your shoulder.
The roller coasters at Six Flags Fright Fest are worth the trip but stick around for fun Halloween treats.
The BEST part of the Six Flags Fright Fest
For us, the best part of heading to Six Flags for Fright Fest is still hitting up our favorite coasters though this is slightly more thrilling than during the day. In the dark, the adrenaline rush of slowly climbing up and dropping 130 ft while going 58 mph is a chilling thrill like no other.
The kids couldn’t stop talking about how exciting it was to race through the night on their favorite coaster. It almost felt like it was against the rules, and they ate it up. Nitro stood out with speeds up to 80 MPH and only the lower harness to secure us in—at night, and it was an insane thrill for all of us. I have to admit although the kids had zero fear, I questioned my sanity every time we slowly climbed up into the darkness to make each massive drop.
Six Flags’ newer addition and our new favorite roller coaster has to be the Jersey Devil Coaster. It’s The World’s Tallest, Fastest, and Longest Single Rail Coaster. My son and his friend loved the quick pace of getting in and out of the coaster and riding in a single rail car, which certainly added to the maximum thrill level. We all agreed it’s hands down the best new roller coaster.
What To Know Before You Go
I recommend you get there early enough to park and walk to the entrance before nightfall to avoid the crowds at the front gate and get a good photo of some of the fun Halloween decorations. Beware, costumes are not allowed for guests over 12 years old, and costume makeup is only permitted for half the face. In addition to the scare zones and haunted mazes, there are events and shows like The Arrival Ghoul Parade, The Awakening, Dead Man’s Parry” Grave Stories, Freak Show, Blood Drums, and Unleashed. If you have younger ones under 12 and are not ready for the mature scares, there is still plenty of Halloween fun at Six Flags Great Adventure. Come during the day to experience Boo Fest with family-friendly rides, the Trick or Treat Trail, and Fall festivities.
Day tickets start at $54.99, the Digital Haunted Attractions Pass is $34.99, and skip the lines with the Digital Express Haunted Attractions Pass for $54.98. Season passes are also available with daily access through November 5, 2022, starting at $89.99. There is no park re-entry after 7 PM. The last night of the attraction is Halloween, so plan accordingly.
Six Flags Great Adventure Frightfest
1 Six Flags Blvd., Jackson Township, NJ 08527
(732) 928-2000
Learn more about Six Flags Great Adventure on their website, Instagram, and Facebook.
What is your favorite part of Six Flags Fright Fest?
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