Six Flags Magic Mountain Closures: What Parents Need to Know (Plus Our Coaster Ratings by Age)
Raise your hand if your kid has been counting down to Magic Mountain since summer. Same. Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia has long been the roller coaster capital of Southern California, and for a lot of LA families it's the rite of passage: the first big coaster, the first loop, the first time your tween rides something you won't.
But 2026 has been a rough ride for the park, and not the fun kind. X2 is gone for good, Goliath is temporarily shut down, Superman is history, and a couple of beloved kiddie coasters disappeared to make way for the new Looney Tunes Land. If you're planning a trip this fall, here's the honest, parent-to-parent rundown of what's open, what's closed, and which Magic Mountain roller coasters are actually right for your kids' ages.
Key Takeaways
Permanently closed: X2 (retired September 2026), Superman: Escape from Krypton (retired 2025), plus the junior coasters Magic Flyer and Speedy Gonzales Hot Rod Racers.
Temporarily closed: Goliath, shut down on October 12, 2026 as a precaution, with no reopening date announced yet.
Still running: 15 roller coasters, from the 36-inch Road Runner Express to Tatsu, Full Throttle and West Coast Racers.
Best first coaster: Road Runner Express for little ones, Gold Rusher for kids 48 inches and up.
Coming next: Thrill Glider, a brand-new "hovercycle" coaster, is slated for 2027.
Before you go: Check the Six Flags app for live ride status the morning of your visit. Closures can change fast.
Why So Many Magic Mountain Closures in 2026?
Let's be real: a theme park closing rides isn't unusual. Coasters go down for maintenance, refurbishments, wind and even a stray balloon on the track. What makes 2026 different is that several of Magic Mountain's closures are tied to safety concerns and big-picture decisions, not routine upkeep.
Some closures make room for something new, like the Looney Tunes Land makeover. Others, like X2 and Goliath, are a direct response to serious incidents. As parents, that's exactly the stuff we want to understand before we hand over a wristband and wave goodbye at the ride exit. So let's break it all down.
Roller Coasters Temporarily Closed at Magic Mountain
Status: Temporarily closed since October 12, 2026 Height: 48 inches
Goliath, Magic Mountain's 255-foot hypercoaster, was closed on Monday, October 12, 2026, after a rider died on a different coaster that's also named Goliath at Six Flags Over Georgia. Six Flags temporarily closed nine similar hypercoasters across its parks as a precaution, including the one here in Valencia. Investigators are still looking into what happened in Georgia.
As of this writing, Six Flags hasn't given a reopening date for Magic Mountain's Goliath. If your teen has their heart set on it, check the app before you drive up the 5 so nobody gets blindsided at the entrance.
Roller Coasters Permanently Closed at Magic Mountain
Status: Permanently retired (announced September 29, 2026) Opened: 2002 (as "X")
This is the big one. X2, the wild 4th-dimension coaster where your seat spins head over heels, has been closed since July 12, 2026, after two riders suffered brain bleeds within six days of each other. Cal/OSHA opened an investigation, lawsuits followed, and on September 29, 2026, the park announced that X2 was being permanently retired. Park president Brian Oerding said the ride had passed safety testing but that retiring it was the right decision.
For parents, the takeaway is simple: X2 is off the table, and that's probably a relief for many of us who always watched that one from the ground.
Status: Permanently closed (announced March 2025) Opened: 1997
The tower that shot riders backward at 100 mph has been dark since September 2024. In March 2025, Six Flags confirmed it was closing Superman for good because some parts had become obsolete and were too hard to get. It was a record-breaker in its day, and plenty of LA parents (us included!) have stories about screaming our way up that tower.
Status: Permanently closed (2026) Height: Junior coasters for the littlest riders
Two little kiddie coasters were removed when the old Bugs Bunny World and Whistlestop Park became Looney Tunes Land, which opened in June 2026. Magic Flyer had been around since the park opened in 1971, so it's a bittersweet goodbye. The good news? Your preschooler still has two great starter coasters, plus a refreshed land full of carousels, balloon rides, play zones and a train.
Which Roller Coasters Are Open at Magic Mountain?
Here's the current lineup of Magic Mountain roller coasters that are operating as of mid-October 2026. Remember that any ride can close for the day for maintenance or weather, so always double-check the app.
For little riders (36"+): Road Runner Express, Canyon Cruiser
For brave big kids (42"–48"+): Ninja, Gold Rusher, The Great American Revolution, Apocalypse, Twisted Colossus, Wonder Woman Flight of Courage
For tweens and teens (54"+): West Coast Racers, Batman The Ride, Scream, The Riddler's Revenge, Tatsu, Full Throttle, Viper
Our Magic Mountain Coaster Ratings by Age
Height requirements tell you what your child is allowed to ride. They don't tell you what your child will actually enjoy. We rated every open coaster from a parent's point of view: how intense it is, the age group it fits best, and how much fun it is for the family. Ages are our rough guide, since a fearless 7-year-old and a cautious 11-year-old are two very different riders. Height requirements come from the park's official ride pages.
Little Riders: Ages 3 to 7
Height: 36 inches Thrill Meter: Mild Best For: Ages 3–8 and their grown-ups Our Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
This is the first coaster we'd hand any preschooler. Road Runner Express zips along a 679-foot track through desert landscaping at up to about 21 mph, with a little 28-foot drop that gives tiny tummies a gentle flutter. The ride lasts just under a minute, which is the perfect length for a first-timer. Expect big grins and an immediate "again!"
Height: 36 inches Thrill Meter: Mild Best For: Ages 3–6 Our Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Tucked into Camp Duck Amuck in Looney Tunes Land, Canyon Cruiser is a true starter coaster with a thrill level of 1 on the park's scale. It's a confidence-builder for kids who aren't quite sure about coasters yet. Pair it with Road Runner Express and you've got a mini coaster "graduation" before lunch.
Brave Big Kids: Ages 6 to 10
Height: 42 inches Thrill Meter: Moderate Best For: Ages 6 and up Our Rating: ★★★½ (3.5/5)
Ninja is a suspended coaster, so you hang below the track and swing side to side through the trees on Samurai Summit at up to 55 mph. It's the only big-kid coaster your 42-inch child can ride, which makes it a huge milestone. The swinging can feel stronger than the stats suggest, and some kids find the shoulder harnesses a bit bumpy. Skip it if your child gets motion sick easily.
Height: 48 inches Thrill Meter: Mild to moderate Best For: Ages 7 and up Our Rating: ★★★★½ (4.5/5)
Magic Mountain's very first roller coaster (it opened in 1971!) is our top pick for a first "real" coaster. Gold Rusher is a mine train with a roughly 70-foot lift hill and a 540-degree spiral, but no loops or huge drops. It's fun, fast-feeling and forgiving. Parents, this one's a great ride to share side by side.
Height: 48 inches Thrill Meter: Moderate Best For: Ages 7 and up Our Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Hello, history! Opened in 1976 as the world's first modern 360-degree looping coaster, Revolution got its original name back in 2026 for the park's 50th anniversary. It has one big loop, which makes it the perfect "first loop" for kids who've conquered Gold Rusher. Movie buffs will recognize it from National Lampoon's Vacation.
Height: 48 inches Thrill Meter: Moderate to intense Best For: Ages 8 and up Our Rating: ★★★½ (3.5/5)
Apocalypse is an all-wooden coaster with 2,850 feet of track, plenty of quick turns and that classic wooden-coaster rumble. It's thrilling without going upside down, but it can be a little rattly. Great for kids who love speed but aren't ready for inversions.
Height: 48 inches Thrill Meter: Intense Best For: Ages 9 and up (confident riders) Our Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Twisted Colossus is a hybrid coaster with a wooden structure and steel track, and two trains that "duel" each other on a giant loop course. It's packed with floaty airtime moments and a couple of upside-down twists. For thrill-loving families, this is the crown jewel. Just know that 48 inches gets your child on, but it's a big step up from Gold Rusher.
Height: 48 inches Thrill Meter: Intense Best For: Ages 10 and up Our Rating: ★★★★½ (4.5/5)
Riders sit single file on a skinny single rail and soar up about 13 stories before diving into twists and drops at up to 58 mph across more than 3,300 feet of track. It's smooth and exciting, but the sensation of riding a single rail is intense. We'd save it for kids who've already ridden Twisted Colossus and asked for more.
Tweens and Teens: Ages 10 and Up
Height: 54 inches Thrill Meter: Intense Best For: Ages 10 and up Our Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Two side-by-side tracks, four launches, two full laps and lots of near-miss crossovers: West Coast Racers is basically a race car game come to life. It tops out at about 55 mph with zero-G rolls, but it's surprisingly smooth. This is our favorite "first 54-inch coaster" and a blast for competitive siblings.
Height: 54 inches Thrill Meter: Intense Best For: Ages 10 and up Our Rating: ★★★★½ (4.5/5)
On this inverted coaster your feet dangle below the track as you whip through five inversions at about 50 mph. It's short, smooth and powerful, with forces reaching around 4 G's. A great next step after West Coast Racers.
Height: 54 inches Thrill Meter: Intense Best For: Ages 10 and up Our Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Scream is a floorless coaster with seven inversions, including a 128-foot vertical loop and a cobra roll, hitting about 63 mph. It's a classic thrill ride and usually a quicker line than the headliners.
Height: 54 inches Thrill Meter: Intense Best For: Ages 12 and up Our Rating: ★★★½ (3.5/5)
On this stand-up coaster, riders stand and lock into a bicycle-style seat while racing through corkscrews at up to 65 mph and forces up to 4.2 G's. Teens love the novelty, but standing through the intense twists isn't comfortable for everyone. If your kid has knee or back issues, this is one to skip.
Height: 54 inches Thrill Meter: Extreme Best For: Ages 12 and up (seasoned riders) Our Rating: ★★★★½ (4.5/5)
Tatsu is a flying coaster: riders are tipped face-down so it feels like you're soaring like a dragon above the park. The 124-foot pretzel loop is famously forceful. It's an unforgettable experience for experienced teen riders, but it's not the place for a first big coaster.
Height: 54 inches Thrill Meter: Extreme Best For: Ages 11 and up Our Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Full Throttle launches you from zero to about 70 mph straight into a 160-foot loop, then sends you backward for more. It's short and quick, which makes it a great choice for teens who want maximum thrill in minimum time.
Height: 54 inches Thrill Meter: Intense Best For: Ages 13 and up Our Rating: ★★½ (2.5/5)
Viper has been around since 1990, with a 188-foot lift hill, a 171-foot drop and seven inversions at about 70 mph. It's a piece of coaster history, but it's an older looping coaster and can feel rough and jerky compared with newer rides. We'd leave this one to older teens who are coaster collectors.
Which Coasters Should Some Families Skip?
Every family has a different thrill threshold, and there's no shame in sitting one out. Here's our honest guidance:
First-time coaster riders: Skip Tatsu, Full Throttle and Viper until your child has a few coasters under their belt.
Kids who get motion sick: Skip Ninja (lots of swinging) and The Riddler's Revenge, and space out intense rides with breaks, snacks and water.
Kids who are nervous about going upside down: Stick with Road Runner Express, Canyon Cruiser, Gold Rusher and Apocalypse.
Anyone with neck, back or heart conditions, or who is pregnant: Read the rider safety guidelines posted at each ride and on the park's website, and talk with your doctor before your visit.
When your kid says no: Listen! A coaster your child is dreading isn't a fun memory, and there's always next time.
Insider Tips for Visiting Magic Mountain During Closures
Check ride status the morning of your visit. The official Six Flags app shows which rides are running. With Goliath closed and any coaster able to go down for the day, it beats discovering a closure after a long walk uphill.
Measure at home, then believe the ride sign. Measure your kids in the shoes they'll wear. Height checks happen at each ride entrance, and the park's measurement is the one that counts.
Plan around little ones. Head to Looney Tunes Land first while it's cooler and lines are short, then work your way up to bigger coasters as confidence grows.
Know about Fright Fest. On fall evenings, Magic Mountain turns into Fright Fest, with haunted mazes and scare zones that are designed for teens and adults. If you have little kids, plan to leave before dark.
Go on a weekday if you can. Fewer crowds means more rides, and more rides means fewer meltdowns. Win-win.
What's Coming Next to Magic Mountain?
There's something exciting on the horizon. Thrill Glider is under construction on the former Golden Bear Theater site, between Full Throttle and Lex Luthor: Drop of Doom, and is slated to open in 2027. Riders will sit in "hovercycles" on a 3,380-foot track with five inversions, 12 airtime moments and speeds up to 50 mph. The height requirement is expected to be 48 inches, which means it could become a new favorite for big kids. We'll keep you posted!
Parent Tip: Before you buy tickets, peek at the official Six Flags Magic Mountain website for park hours, which change often in the fall.
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Takeaway
Six Flags Magic Mountain is going through a big year of change. X2 and Superman are gone for good, Goliath is temporarily closed with no reopening date yet, and the little ones lost Magic Flyer and Speedy Gonzales but gained a brand-new Looney Tunes Land. The good news is that 15 roller coasters are still running, from gentle starters like Road Runner Express to big-kid favorites like Gold Rusher and Twisted Colossus to teen-approved thrills like West Coast Racers and Tatsu. Match the ride to your kid, not just the height stick, check the app before you go, and you'll still have a day full of screams (the happy kind).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is X2 at Six Flags Magic Mountain closed permanently?
Yes. X2 has been closed since July 12, 2026, after two riders suffered brain bleeds within days of each other, and on September 29, 2026, Six Flags announced it was permanently retiring the coaster. Cal/OSHA investigated the ride, and several lawsuits have been filed.
Why is Goliath closed at Magic Mountain, and when will it reopen?
Goliath was temporarily closed on October 12, 2026, as a precaution after a rider died on a coaster also named Goliath at Six Flags Over Georgia. Six Flags closed nine similar coasters across its parks. No reopening date had been announced as of mid-October 2026, so check the Six Flags app before you visit.
Why did Superman: Escape from Krypton close?
Superman stopped running in September 2024 for maintenance, and in March 2025 Six Flags confirmed it was closing permanently because some parts had become obsolete and were very hard to get.
What is the best roller coaster at Magic Mountain for young kids?
For kids 36 inches and up, Road Runner Express in Looney Tunes Land is the best first coaster, with Canyon Cruiser as a gentle warm-up. Once your child reaches 48 inches, Gold Rusher is our top pick for a first big-kid coaster, followed by The Great American Revolution for a first loop.
What new roller coaster is coming to Six Flags Magic Mountain?
Thrill Glider, a "hovercycle" coaster with five inversions and speeds up to 50 mph, is under construction on the former Golden Bear Theater site and is slated to open in 2027. Its expected height requirement is 48 inches.
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