The Great Escape Theme Park

Unlike most of the other properties in the Six Flags chain (although it's not an official Six Flags branded theme park), The Great Escape has maintained much of the sweet charm of its humble 1950s origins as a family-run storybook-themed attraction. Goosy Gander, Humpty Dumpty, and a quaint Old West Ghost Town are still here in all their kitschy glory to charm today's kids and rekindle nostalgic memories for their parents and grandparents. Among the many attractions geared to younger children are two train rides. Shoehorned, sometimes incongruously, are roller coasters and other rides to keep thrill-seekers happy.

Thrill-seekers have plenty to be happy about with The Comet. Moved from a park in Canada, the lovingly restored and maintained Herb Schmeck classic is a delight and among the best wood coasters anywhere. There are six other coasters, including Alpine Bobsled, a unique, fun ride that uses a flume instead of a traditional roller coaster track.

Since it's bisected by The Comet roller coaster, Splashwater Kingdom has a bit of an odd layout. The water park offers a number of slides and attractions, including Capt'n Hook's Adventure River, the Lumberjack Splash Wave Pool, and the huge Black Cobra enclosed tube slides. Paul Bunyan's Bucket Brigade and Noah's Spraygorund are two interactive water play areas that can keep kids entertained (and cool) for hours.

With the addition of the Six Flags Great Escape Lodge, the park is now a full-fledged destination resort. Located across from The Great Escape, the hotel and indoor water park provide additional amenities for guests during the theme park's May-to-October operating season. Open year-round, the resort also provides off-season fun.

Admission Policy

Queensbury (near Lake George), New York
518-792-3500

Splashwater Kingdom water park is included in the general admission price. Reduced price for children (under 48"). 2 and under are free. Discounted tickets are often available online. Season pass tickets include admission to all Six Flags parks. Parking is additional. The Six Flags Great Escape Lodge indoor water park (across the street) is not included.

For an additional fee, the park offers the Flash Pass go-to-the-front-of-the-lines program. VIP tours available for an extra fee (which is quite high).

For the on-property Six Flags Great Escape Lodge:
Compare rates for Six Flags Great Escape Lodge at About.com's booking partner, Kayak.

For nearby hotels:
Compare rates for hotels near The Great Escape at About.com's booking partner, Kayak.

Roller coasters include:

• The Comet (wood coaster)
• Alpine Bobsled (bobsled coaster)
• Steamin' Demon (steel looping coaster)

The park also offers Splashwater Kingdom water park (included with admission) and some highly themed areas with shows and rides geared for younger kids and families, including Storytown, Ghost Town, and Looney Tunes National Park.

Six Flags Fright Fest Overview

From Boston: I-90W (Mass Turnpike) to Exit B3. Take I-90 to I-87N (towards Albany) to Exit 20. Take Route 9S and turn right onto Six Flags Drive.

From New York City: I-87N (NYS Thruway) to Exit 24 (towards Albany). Continue on I-87N to Exit 20. Take Route 9S and turn right onto Six Flags Drive.

Outdoor water park:
Splashwater Kingdom at The Great Escape (included with admission)

Indoor water park resort:
Six Flags Great Escape Lodge Indoor Water Park Resort Overview
Photo Gallery of the indoor water park
Photo gallery of the hotel and resort
Six Flags Great Escape Lodge Boogie Bear Surf Ride Review
Six Flags Great Escape Lodge Video

The Great Escape Rides Photo Gallery

The Comet wood coaster review

Fright Fest- Halloween event info

For 2013: Screamin’ Eagles, a spinning ride that passengers will be able to control.

For 2012: Alpine Freefalls, a new slide complex at the outdoor water park, will offer a white knuckle speed slide in which riders will enter a "Skybox" capsule with a trap door. A four-lane mat racing slide will also debut in 2012.