ARLINGTON, TX — As the summer season approaches, Six Flags Over Texas in Arlington is rolling out major policy changes that are stirring both excitement and debate among visitors. The iconic theme park, a staple of North Texas entertainment since 1961, announced it will go fully cashless starting this month, requiring all transactions—from tickets to turkey legs—to be made via credit, debit, or prepaid cards. Alongside this shift, the park is also enforcing a new chaperone policy for guests 15 and under, aiming to bolster safety as crowds swell for the busy season.
No Cash, No Problem?
The cashless policy, effective immediately, marks a significant pivot for Six Flags Over Texas, located at 2201 Road to Six Flags. Guests arriving with cash won’t be left empty-handed—kiosks throughout the park allow visitors to convert their bills into prepaid debit cards, usable both inside the park and anywhere Visa is accepted. “This move aligns with industry trends toward faster, more secure transactions,” a park spokesperson told 710keel.com. The policy extends to all park operations, including parking tolls, retail shops, restaurants, and games.
However, the change has sparked mixed reactions. “It’s inconvenient for those who prefer cash,” said Arlington resident Maria Gonzalez, 34, who visited during spring break. “Not everyone has a card, especially kids.” Others see the upside: the park claims the cashless system will speed up lines, a boon during peak times like the upcoming summer season, which kicks off May 22 with daily operations. Six Flags Over Texas isn’t alone—other parks, like Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, have adopted similar policies, reflecting a broader shift in the entertainment industry.
Chaperone Policy Targets Safety
Equally notable is the park’s new chaperone requirement, which began March 22, 2025. Under the policy, guests 15 and younger must be accompanied by an adult 21 or older after 4 p.m. daily until park close. Chaperones must present a valid government-issued photo ID at entry, with a limit of 10 minors per adult. “Over the past few years, we’ve seen rising incidents of unruly behavior at amusement parks,” the park stated on its official website. “This ensures a safe, family-friendly environment.”
The rule, first introduced during last fall’s Fright Fest, now applies year-round, including to season pass holders and pre-scheduled group events. Teens found without a chaperone after 4 p.m. face ejection—a strict measure the park says is necessary. “Safety is our top priority,” the spokesperson added. The policy mirrors those at other Six Flags locations, like Six Flags Over Georgia, which implemented similar rules in 2024 amid growing concerns over youth behavior at theme parks nationwide.
A New Era for the Thrill Capital
These changes come as Six Flags Over Texas, dubbed the “Thrill Capital of Texas,” gears up for a bustling 2025. Fresh off its 60th-anniversary celebration last August, the park is introducing new dining options under a revamped menu led by a hired chef, as reported by WFAA. Yet some worry the policies could alienate families. “The chaperone rule makes sense, but the cashless system might exclude lower-income visitors,” noted local economist Dr. James Carter in a recent Dallas Morning News column on regional entertainment trends.
For now, Six Flags Over Texas is doubling down on its vision of a modern, secure experience. As Arlington Network continues to follow this story, one thing is clear: visitors to the park this summer will need to pack a card—and, for some, a responsible adult.
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