by Mark Jones

Created on: July 19, 2008   Last Updated: April 21, 2011

Six Flags Magic Mountain! The mere name of the amusement park is enough to create excitement amongst all age groups and have the hairs on the back of your neck standing up even before you set foot on the first exhilarating roller coaster.

Located off Interstate Exit 5 in Valencia, California, the park sits on 260 acres and with 51 rides, it offers ample entertainment for families who wish to make the most of their day or weekend together.

Plenty of rides have come and gone in the parks 37 year history. At the present time, there is a wide variety of options available for the thrill seekers searching for the ultimate rush, to young children and adults who will be secretly delighted that they can join rides which won't have them screaming for mercy and begging the attendant to stop the ride.

Six Flags' website gives useful information on all the rides available so you are able to plan your route around the park before you arrive. For smaller children and people hoping for an easier time of things, rides such as Foghorn Leghorn's Barn and Railway and Daffy's Adventure Tours are found in the Bugs Bunny World section of the park. There are 11 rides in this area and all are rated as having a mild thrill factor for anybody wishing to experience those rides.

The thrill rating of the rides increases to moderate for attractions like Dive Devil and Jet Stream situated in the aptly named Cyclone Bay. As the name suggests, there is some fast moving action in this area of the park that offers five rides for participants.

There are seven rides available for people searching for the ultimate thrill experience. Perhaps, the most daunting of them is The Riddler's revenge. It is the world's tallest and fastest stand up roller coaster and not for anybody with a faint heart or nervous disposition. You are likely to find many people with a relieved expression once the ride is over not that they will ever admit they were scared of course.

Batman the Ride is one of another 8 rides offering the maximum available thrill to users and has the exciting combination of modern technology coupled with some movie magic that superhero buffs will love.

Taking part in the action available will no doubt help to build a large appetite. There are various eateries situated throughout the park including the Cold Stone Creamery which offers a wide variety of ice cream to help cool down to the Laughing Dragon Pizza Co', a full service restaurant. Kids will enjoy dining with Wally the Moose at his Mooseburger Lodge while Los Cuates Mexican Grill will appeal for those with an appetite for spicier food.

The park is open throughout the year and stages shows and parades at regular intervals. During the Summer months in 2008, the venue is due to host concerts starring Boyz II Men and RavenSymone. The varied entertainment on offer incorporates a deaf awareness day and choral magic festival in October and November.

Tickets for the park are available on arrival or you are able to buy online at www.sixflags.com/magicmountain. The site currently offers one ticket for sale at $59.99 with the second ticket given for free. Infants aged 2 and under will be admitted with no charge.

Keep the family entertained this year by visiting the park. There will be something to keep all ages occupied. Just be sure to try the maximum thrill rides before sitting down to eat at the restaurant of your choice. Enjoy the thrills and spills that comprise the wonder that is Magic Mountain.

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