The last time I visited the park grounds I was in elementary school and Six Flags was “Riverside.” I have a very fond memory of driving the antique cars, especially knowing my driver’s license was many years away. I remember feeling like such a big kid!
Fast forward to my adult years and I was amazed at the park improvements. There truly was something for everyone. Being it was Six Flag’s Fright Fest, everywhere you looked you would find kids dressed up in their favorite super hero costumes with smiles on their faces, full of adrenaline and excitement for all of the rides before them. Walking around the park with my family on the most gorgeous fall day brought some wonderful nostalgic memories. I was so excited to be able to share a more modern version of my favorite childhood theme park with my son and husband when we were invited to the park to preview this year's Fright Fest.
We started our adventure surveying the land, noting the impressive amount of kid’s rides. Now a safari-themed ride on the same track as the former antique cars, Wild Wheelz has Jeep-inspired cars in bright colors with zebra and tiger stripes along the side. My son loved riding in the car with his dad! There were Zoom Jets, helicopters, swings, Krazy Kars and of course, the timeless teacups… a dizzy memory from my childhood as well. What I especially appreciated was the care each ride operator took to follow protocol to make sure each and every rider was properly buckled and secured and tall enough for each ride. If my son couldn’t ride by himself, either or my husband or I joined in on the fun. A visual scan for safety and a big thumbs up from the operator and they were ready to go! The rides were quick but long enough for any child’s short attention span.
Next, we made our way over to Looney Toons Movie Town where there were performers in costume singing and dancing on stage and in the street, grabbing the attentions of families who joined in for a sing-a-long. What turned out to be the best ride ever -- my son boarded the Acme Yosemite Sam ride that sped around the corner with the excitement my son so desperately yearned for. He was a big boy, after all, that could put his arms up and scream as if he was on a roller coaster. God bless him- he’s so fearless!
Fright Fest did not disappoint the thrill-seeking Halloween enthusiast. Skeletons were unexpectedly jumping out of coffins and brave people could pose for a picture in empty coffins. Too freaky for me! Six Flags employees were dressed up in character as zombies and crazed clowns who surely to turn into frightening monsters and ghosts as the sun went down. Remnants of bloody zombies run over by a Monster truck with blades for wheels proved to be a gory sight for anyone to look at! The Haunted House attracted the bravest souls who could handle the unknown- ghosts, goblins, monsters and the living dead that would jump out and scare the living daylights out of them! A zombie named Mort, from Mort’s Used Coffins, gawked at the passerby’s, engaging with kids and adults alike, searching for good candidates who could fit in his coffins. “A sucker’s born every minute, and he’s hoping they’re dying at the same rate.” Fright Fest also offered a level 1-3 scare meter for kids who could visit scary attractions at their own risk and have the opportunity to get some candy before Halloween is officially here.
I can’t forget to mention that anyone looking for an intense adrenaline rush could ride the incredibly massive rollercoasters that move forward, backwards, upside down and drop so fast your stomach jumps through your throat!
We ended our day with a hug from Daffy Duck dressed up as a pirate and a ride on the carousel. My son proudly shouted, “Giddy up partner!”
Six Flags New England and Fright Fest did not disappoint! What a wonderful way to celebrate Halloween, be scared out of your mind, satisfy the thrill seeker in you and go on rides that get your heart pumping! I can’t wait to go back next year to see what they will have in store for us all! Thank you Six Flags New England!
Fright Fest runs every Friday, Saturday & Sunday through November 1st. For more information about Six Flags New England and Fright Fest visit: https://www.sixflags.com/newengland
