5 Shocking Reasons Six Flags Is Closing Parks And Which Ones Are Next In 2025
The news is true, but the headline is misleading. As of December 18, 2025, the Six Flags Entertainment Corporation is NOT closing down entirely. However, the company has confirmed the permanent closure of at least two major locations and has made the strategic decision to prioritize the sale or closure of additional underperforming parks across North America. This aggressive downsizing is a direct consequence of the massive merger with Cedar Fair, which was finalized in 2024, marking a new, leaner era for the theme park giant. The biggest casualty so far is Six Flags America, which officially shut its gates forever in November 2025.
The question isn't "Is Six Flags closing?" but rather "Which Six Flags parks are closing next?" The theme park landscape is being reshaped by the newly merged entity, which is focused on optimizing its portfolio, boosting profitability, and addressing significant financial challenges, including a reported drop in revenue during the third quarter of 2025. This deep dive explores the current closures, the financial pressures, and the parks most likely to be on the chopping block in the near future.
The Confirmed Six Flags Park Closures: The 2025 Final Countdown
The biggest and most recent news confirming the "Six Flags is closing" rumors centers on the permanent shutdown of a major East Coast destination. This move signals the new company's commitment to eliminating assets that do not meet its aggressive performance targets following the merger with Cedar Fair.
- Six Flags America (Upper Marlboro, Maryland): This park, which served the Washington, D.C., and Baltimore metropolitan areas for over 50 years, officially closed permanently on Sunday, November 2, 2025.
- Hurricane Harbor (Six Flags America): The adjacent water park also ceased operations at the end of the 2025 season. This dual closure was the first major, high-profile announcement made by the company after the merger.
The company stated that the closure of Six Flags America and Hurricane Harbor was not expected to have a material impact on the overall financial health of the newly formed corporation. However, the decision sent a clear message to investors and park enthusiasts: underperforming assets, regardless of their history or location, are now expendable in the pursuit of a streamlined, more profitable theme park portfolio.
Why Six Flags America Was Chosen for Permanent Closure
The decision to close Six Flags America was a calculated strategic move, likely based on several key factors that make it a prime example of the parks the new management team is targeting:
- Underperformance: Six Flags America consistently ranked among the lower-performing parks in the portfolio in terms of attendance and revenue compared to flagship locations like Six Flags Great Adventure or Six Flags Magic Mountain.
- Real Estate Value: The land in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, near the lucrative Washington, D.C. area, is highly valuable. Selling the property for commercial or residential development is expected to generate a significant cash infusion for the company.
- Proximity to Competition: The park faced stiff competition, and its rides and attractions were often overshadowed by other regional parks, making it a less essential component of the company’s regional strategy.
The Cedar Fair Merger: The Real Catalyst for Downsizing
The massive merger between Six Flags Entertainment Corporation and Cedar Fair Entertainment Company, completed on July 1, 2024, is the single most important factor driving the current wave of park closures. This union created the largest regional amusement park operator in North America, with a combined portfolio of over 40 parks, including major brands like Cedar Point, Kings Island, Six Flags Great Adventure, and Canada's Wonderland.
The new, combined company's strategy, as outlined by its leadership, is centered on "portfolio optimization" and increasing per-guest spending. This corporate jargon translates directly to a willingness to sell off or permanently close parks that are dragging down the overall financial performance. The closure of the Maryland park was merely the first step in this new, aggressive strategy.
Financial Red Flags: Why More Closures Are a 'Priority'
The urgency behind the downsizing strategy is underscored by recent financial reports. The company has explicitly confirmed that closing or selling more parks is a "priority" moving forward. This is not a rumor; it is a stated corporate goal driven by recent performance struggles.
In the third quarter of 2025, Six Flags reported a 2% drop in revenue, and its quarterly financial results missed analyst forecasts. This financial pressure, combined with the need to integrate and streamline the operations of two massive companies, has created an environment where difficult decisions regarding park closures are not just possible—they are necessary. Furthermore, in late 2025, the company faced a federal lawsuit, adding another layer of financial and legal scrutiny to its operations.
The Five Key Signs More Parks Are at Risk
While no other specific park closures have been officially announced as of December 2025, industry analysts and theme park enthusiasts are closely watching several indicators that could signal which parks are next to be sold or closed:
- Low Attendance & Revenue: Parks with consistently poor attendance figures and lower-than-average per-guest spending are immediate targets for sale or closure.
- High Real Estate Value: Parks located on prime land that could be sold for a massive profit (e.g., urban or rapidly developing suburban areas) are considered high-risk, regardless of their performance.
- Redundancy with Cedar Fair Parks: Any Six Flags park that is geographically too close to a high-performing Cedar Fair park (or vice versa) could be deemed redundant and closed to consolidate market share. For example, some speculate about the future of parks with nearby, stronger Cedar Fair rivals.
- Deferred Maintenance: Parks that have seen little investment in new rides, attractions, or general infrastructure in recent years are often considered low-priority and are easier to dispose of.
- Negative Local Politics/Lease Issues: Parks with ongoing disputes with local governments or expiring/unfavorable land leases present an easy exit strategy for the corporation.
The closure of Six Flags America serves as a loud warning shot to the entire amusement park industry. The new management is not afraid to make bold, unpopular moves to achieve its financial targets. For park enthusiasts, the current atmosphere is one of nervous anticipation, wondering which beloved regional park will be the next to face the permanent closure announcement.
Future Outlook: A Smaller, More Profitable Theme Park Portfolio
The overall goal of the Cedar Fair-Six Flags merger is not to shrink the company out of existence, but to create a more resilient and profitable entity. The "Six Flags is closing" narrative is a simplification of a complex, strategic downsizing effort. The company is shedding its weakest links to focus capital and resources on its most successful and iconic parks, such as Six Flags Magic Mountain, Six Flags Great Adventure, and the major Cedar Fair properties like Cedar Point and Kings Dominion.
For season pass holders and loyal guests, this transition means a period of uncertainty, but ultimately, it should result in a higher-quality experience at the remaining flagship parks. The capital generated from selling closed park real estate will likely be reinvested in new, major attractions at the surviving locations, ensuring the long-term viability of the North American theme park market. The permanent closure of Six Flags America in 2025 is not the end of Six Flags, but the beginning of a new, more focused chapter for the amusement park behemoth.
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