Six Flags Over Texas is where the whole Six Flags chain started. It opened in Arlington on August 5, 1961, named for the six flags that have flown over Texas, and it’s still the one locals grew up on. Today it mixes classic rides with some of the biggest coasters in the country, and it’s about 15 miles from our house.
What’s new
The headline ride is Tormenta Rampaging Run, a giga dive coaster that opened in July 2026 in the park’s new Spanish-village area. It climbs 309 feet, hangs you over the edge, then drops at 95 degrees and runs up to about 87 miles per hour. Riders need to be between 4 feet and 6.5 feet tall.
To make room for it, the park retired two older coasters, La Vibora and El Diablo. Plenty of favorites remain, and there’s a whole section of gentler rides for little ones.
Getting there from Casita
Head east toward Arlington and the park sits right along the highway, next to the Entertainment District. On most days it’s an easy 25 to 30 minute drive. Parking is in the main lot at the entrance. On busy summer Saturdays, getting there before opening saves time at both the lot and the first ride.
Plan your visit
Texas summers are the park’s busiest season and its hottest. Our favorite way to do it with family is to arrive at opening, ride the big coasters while lines are short, head back to the house for lunch and a nap in the air conditioning, then return for the cooler evening. The drive is short enough that the break is worth it.
Check the official calendar before you go. Hours change with the season, the park doesn’t open every day outside of summer, and fall and holiday events have their own schedules.
Hurricane Harbor Arlington
Next door, Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Arlington is the water park. It opened as Wet ’n Wild in 1983 and joined Six Flags in the 1990s. Its Splash Island area added 17 slides and more than 100 interactive water features, which makes it a great half day with younger kids. It’s a separate ticket, though some season passes include both parks.
Make a weekend of it
Pair a park day with something slower. The Fort Worth Zoo is a hit with the same age group, and the Stockyards cattle drive is free and takes about 10 minutes to watch. If the Rangers are home, Globe Life Field is right there too.
After a long, hot day, a real kitchen, a washer for the swimsuits and two bedrooms beat a crowded hotel. Check our dates for your trip.
Tips from the house
- Arrive at opening. The biggest coasters have their shortest lines in the first hour.
- Check the height chart before you go so nobody is surprised at the gate. Tormenta needs riders between 4 feet and 6.5 feet tall.
- Plan around the heat in summer. Do coasters in the morning, take a break at the house after lunch, and come back for the evening.
- Pack swimsuits if you're adding Hurricane Harbor Arlington. It's a separate park with separate tickets.
- Look at the official calendar first. Hours change by season and the park closes some weekdays outside summer.
Good to know
What is the new ride at Six Flags Over Texas?
Tormenta Rampaging Run, a giga dive coaster that opened in July 2026. It climbs 309 feet, drops at a 95-degree angle and reaches about 87 miles per hour.
Is Hurricane Harbor part of Six Flags Over Texas?
It's a separate water park a short drive away, also run by Six Flags, with its own tickets. Some season passes cover both, so check before you buy.
How far is Six Flags Over Texas from Fort Worth?
From our home in southeast Fort Worth it's about 15 miles, usually 25 to 30 minutes by car.
When did Six Flags Over Texas open?
August 5, 1961. It was the first park in the Six Flags chain.
Photo: Freddo, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons.
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