Six Flags Great America: Five Great Places to Eat

You can plan all you want for the exact time you'll be standing in line for high-demand roller coasters and trekking the vast grounds of Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, Illinois. But have you carved out time to eat? Keep in mind that, when you go to a theme park, especially on hot summer days, your body needs more fluids to stay hydrated.

You might find you need to make frequent stops at a snack shop for a quick bite to eat instead of a full meal around noon. If you unexpectedly start to feel queasy after a ride, your body might actually need food and hydration to help you feel better. So plan for the unexpected at Six Flags by checking out these dining choices.

Claim Jumpers

Located in Yukon Territory park, Claim Jumpers is great for a small bite to eat or a full-fledged meal, Claim Jumpers serves up generous portions of burgers and chicken tenders with hot seasoned fries in their meal baskets. These are the perfect size for sharing with friends and family if you all just want a little bit of food to tie you over. Also, if you don't want to fork out three bucks or more for bottled water, ask for a cup of ice water. Ice water is free at any restaurant establishment at Six Flags.

Cold Stone Creamery

Although this Cold Stone Creamery doesn't necessarily bank all the flavors you'd ordinarily expect, they have enough to choose from with selections in cookies and cream, some birthday cake-style concoction, mint chocolate chip and more. A word to the wise - this doesn't taste too good if you're feeling queasy and have a warm stomach, but it can make you feel better. However, the ice cream itself is very chunky, so if you're expecting a smooth treat, head over to Ben and Jerry's. Cold Stone Creamery is located in Southwest Territory and in County Fair.

Ben and Jerry's

Ben and Jerry's has two locations at Six Flags Great America - one in Hometown Square and the other in Yankee Harbor. If you thought the selection at Cold Stone Creamery was a little slim, check out Ben and Jerry's smoothies, sundaes, drinks and milk shakes.

Panda Express

If your stomach can handle Chinese food at a theme park, more power to you. The Panda Express, though not known for the most exotic in Oriental fare, serves the right size portions of food for any meal desire. However, I do recommend waiting a while after eating before getting back on a ride. Of course, depending on line wait times, you might be able to get in line right after you finish and still have almost an hour to digest! Panda Express is located in County Fair park.

Johnny Rockets

Anyone who's read my Bahamas articles knows I'm a huge fan of Johnny Rockets. However, you might be disappointed when you find out these folks aren't Bahamian and won't start dancing to the smooth sounds of the Bee Gees as soon as they serve your milk shake.

However, they still serve the same tasty shakes and burgers. The food does lay a little heavy on the stomach though, so keep that in mind. I recommend eating here near dinnertime as opposed to in the afternoon.