Pamela Williams of Marietta says she loves to taker her two children to Six Flags Ocer Georgia during the holidays.
“It’s kind of like a regular thing we do,” she says of her two boys, who split time between her and her expert-husband. “Six Flags Over Georgia had been their happy place over the holidays.”
Not anymore. Not this year.
Six Flags Over Georgia is set to close for the season on Sunday, Dec. 1, 2025.
The popular amusement park has made the decision to forego its holiday operations.
Why Is Six Flags Closing Early?
Six Flags Over Georgia‘s shorter season is primarily a strategic business decision to concentrate resources on peak attendance periods, influenced by several factors, including school calendars, weather patterns and recent financial pressures.
📈 Business & Financial Strategy
The decision to shorten the operating season is part of a broader company strategy to maximize profitability and guest experience during the busiest times of the year.
- Focusing Resources: Park management made a “strategic decision to focus on delivering exceptional guest experiences during our core operating season – spring through fall”. By closing in the off-season, they can better allocate staff and maintenance efforts when the majority of guests visit.
- Cost-Cutting Measures: The cancellation of the annual “Holiday in the Park” event, which ran from December to early January for a decade, is seen as a cost-cutting measure to improve the company’s financial performance.
- Merger Impact: Following the merger with Cedar Fair, the combined company has implemented system-wide changes to address financial challenges and disappointing attendance numbers, leading to scaled-back operations in several parks, not just the Georgia location.
🌦️ Weather and Attendance
Weather conditions and local attendance habits play a significant role in determining the park’s viability during certain months.
- Favorable Conditions: The park focuses its operations during months with more favorable weather conditions, which align with higher expected attendance.
- Lower Expected Attendance: Days with lower expected attendance (e.g., weekdays during the school year, colder winter months) are typically when the park closes, moving to a weekend-only schedule in the fall and then closing completely.
- Local School Schedules: The operating calendar is heavily influenced by local school schedules, with daily operations shrinking to weekends only when children return to school in the late summer and fall.
🛠️ Maintenance & Off-Season
The seasonal breaks provide necessary time for essential maintenance and preparation for the next high season, which would be difficult to conduct during year-round operations.
This downtime ensures rides and facilities are ready for the spring and summer crowds.
Fortunately, Six Flags is not the only game in town.
Fun Attractions for Kids in Atlanta
Amusement Parks and Attractions in Metro Atlanta, Georgia
Metro Atlanta offers a variety of family-friendly amusement parks and attractions, from thrill rides and water parks to interactive experiences. Below is a curated list of notable ones.
- Fun Spot America Atlanta
A budget-friendly theme park with roller coasters (including the intense ArieForce One), multi-level go-kart tracks, batting cages, and family rides. Ideal for adrenaline junkies on a day trip.
Location: Fayetteville (about 25 miles south of downtown Atlanta).
Website: funspotamericaatlanta.com - Stone Mountain Park
A massive 3,200-acre outdoor park centered around a massive granite dome, featuring a skyline gondola ride, train excursion, adventure ropes course, mini-golf, and seasonal events like the Fantasticum laser show. Great for hiking, picnics, and family outings.
Location: Stone Mountain (about 16 miles east of downtown Atlanta).
Website: stonemountainpark.com - Six Flags White Water
Atlanta’s premier water park with high-speed slides (like the Tornado funnel ride), wave pools, lazy rivers, and kid-friendly splash zones. Perfect for cooling off in summer.
Location: Marietta (about 20 miles northwest of downtown Atlanta).
Website: sixflags.com/whitewater - Great Wolf Lodge Georgia
An indoor water park resort with slides, wave pools, and toddler areas, plus family suites, arcades, and themed activities like character meet-and-greets. Rain-proof fun year-round.
Location: LaGrange (about 70 miles southwest of downtown Atlanta, but accessible for a weekend stay).
Website: greatwolf.com/georgia - LEGOLAND Discovery Center Atlanta
An indoor Lego-themed attraction with interactive rides, a 4D cinema, building zones, a climbing wall, and a massive Atlanta city model built from bricks. Best for younger kids (ages 3–10).
Location: Mall of Georgia, Buford (about 35 miles northeast of downtown Atlanta).
Website: legolanddiscoverycenter.com/atlanta - SkyView Atlanta
A giant observation wheel in downtown with climate-controlled gondolas offering panoramic city views. Quick and scenic, especially at sunset—pairs well with nearby Centennial Olympic Park.
Location: Downtown Atlanta.
Website: skyviewatlanta.com - Georgia Aquarium
One of the world’s largest aquariums, with massive whale shark exhibits, touch pools, dolphin shows, and a 4D theater. More educational attraction than traditional park, but a must for marine lovers.
Location: Downtown Atlanta.
Website: georgiaaquarium.org - Zoo Atlanta
A top-rated zoo with pandas, gorillas, elephants, and a petting zoo, plus playgrounds and train rides. Focuses on conservation with daily animal encounters.
Location: Grant Park, Atlanta.
Website: zooatlanta.org - World of Coca-Cola
An interactive museum and attraction exploring Coke’s history with tasting rooms (100+ flavors), vault tours, and a 4D theater. Fun, fizzy stop for all ages.
Location: Downtown Atlanta.
Website: worldofcoca-cola.com
For more options like mini-golf spots or arcades, consider exploring Centennial Olympic Park for free fountain shows and games. Check out our free and cheap guide to Atlanta. If you’re planning a visit, the Atlanta CityPASS can bundle several downtown attractions for savings.
For the most up-to-date schedule, visitors should check the official Six Flags Over Georgia website.