Six Flags/Great America in Gurnee

We went to Six Flags yesterday (Saturday, 9/24).  What a day!  We woke up at 5:30 in the morning, stayed until park closing (7:00), and got home at 1:30.  My sister and her husband each got free military passes so we didn't have to pay admission.  There sure were a lot of coasters!  Most of the rides were coasters.  I expected more diversity.  There were a few other things, though many of those required extra money.  We were originally planning on going with another sister of mine and her family, and another brother of mine and his family, but they all backed out.  Knowing what I do now, I'm glad they didn't come.  I really don't think that Six Flags is a good place for small kids (both of their oldest are around 5/6).  We only saw costumed characters once, and hardly any rides were gentle enough for the very young.  We older people had fun (including my boys), but young kids and toddlers would have been bored and tired.  We were definitely tired!

The best thing about the park, was that it was after the rush season, and it was somewhat rainy (it rained a few times briefly during the day).  The park was sparsely crowded, and waits for rides were never longer than ten minutes!  We were able to go on every ride we wanted to without the pain of standing in lines.  I can't say enough about the value of going to vacation spots during off-season!

After our long day of rides and walking, we went out to eat at Joe's Crab Shack,  It was decent food overall, though my platter (steak and shrimp) was too skimpy for the price, the meat tasted livery in some of the bites (not what I was looking for), and there weren't many shrimp.  My wife Karen's steamed vegetables were mushy like school cafeteria food!  Everyone else liked their food.

With gas costing so much, it was still not a cheap trip, though the free passes, and our lack of a summer vacation this year made it palatable.  If you are looking for something to do, and your kids are older, it's a fun place to be.  If you can, definitely go after summer -- it's worth it!