Teens heading to Six Flags St. Louis this weekend will need more than a ticket to ride. The park is reactivating its chaperone policy, and guests 16 and younger who show up without an adult will be turned away or escorted out. The move comes as the park opens its 2026 season under new operators and braces for big opening-weekend crowds.
The Rules You Need To Know
According to FOX 2, every guest age 16 or younger must be accompanied by a chaperone who is at least 21 years old. That adult has to show a valid government-issued photo ID at the ticket entry point and can supervise no more than six guests 16 or under.
The same report notes that the chaperone has to stay inside the park for the entire visit and must remain reachable by phone. The rule applies to all ticket types, including season passes, and park staff will be enforcing it both at the gate and inside the park.
Why Now: Ownership And Opening Weekend
The policy is coming back as the property starts operating this year under Enchanted Parks, following EPR Properties' acquisition of several Six Flags assets, as outlined on Mid‑America Parks. Company statements say the Six Flags name will stay in place through the 2026 season while the parks transition to new management and eventually new branding.
Local managers said they decided to flip the switch on the chaperone rule ahead of a busy opening weekend to help keep crowds in check and cut down on unruly behavior before it starts.
What The Park Is Banning
FOX 2 also reports that certain face coverings are out. The park is banning full or partial face coverings that could conceal a guest's identity, specifically listing hoods with front zippers, ski masks, balaclavas and neck gaiters.
Team members will be screening clothing and bags at entry points, and anyone who refuses to follow the rules may be asked to leave the park.
How This Fits A Broader Trend
Six Flags St. Louis is not alone here. Similar chaperone rules have been rolled out at other regional parks as operators try to keep things family-friendly when crowds spike. Park World and local coverage of nearby Worlds of Fun note that the details can shift from park to park, with different age cutoffs and hours of enforcement, but the stated goal is consistent: fewer disruptions as guests pour in for opening weekends and special events.
That patchwork of policies means families should not assume the rules are the same everywhere. It is worth checking the specific park's posted chaperone policy before heading out.
What Parents Should Do
For parents, this is one more thing to plan around. Make sure any adult chaperone has a valid government-issued photo ID in hand, is prepared to stay in the park the whole time and is available by phone. Build in extra time at the front gate for ID checks and bag screening.
For operating hours, schedules and contact details, families should refer to the current operator's website and the transition information from EPR and Six Flags for the 2026 season before they go.
