Sprocket Rockets is a small steel family coaster at Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, Illinois. Vekoma built it, and it opened in 1998 under the name Spacely’s Sprocket Rockets. The Roller Coaster Database lists it as a Junior Coaster that stands about 28 feet tall and runs a course of roughly 679 feet. It has no inversions.
For many kids, this is the first coaster they ride. Six Flags plans to rename it Chirp Chaser in 2027, when it becomes part of a new woodland-themed area called Camp Timber Trail.
Stats at a Glance
- Park: Six Flags Great America, Gurnee, Illinois
- Manufacturer: Vekoma (Junior Coaster)
- Opened: 1998 (as Spacely’s Sprocket Rockets)
- Height: About 28 feet
- Top speed: Around 22 mph
- Length: About 679 feet
- Inversions: 0
- Ride time: About 44 seconds
The Ride Experience
The ride is a compact circuit of gentle hills and curves, built for first-time riders. A single train seats 16 riders, two per car across eight cars. RCDB lists the ride time at about 44 seconds, and the hourly capacity at about 780 riders. That is short enough for nervous kids and long enough to feel like a real coaster.
Six Flags lists a 42-inch minimum to ride alone. Children at least 36 inches tall can ride with a supervising rider. The ride has no inversions and no steep drops, and its top speed of around 22 mph is far below the park’s big coasters.
From Spacely’s to Chirp Chaser
The coaster opened as Spacely’s Sprocket Rockets, a name from The Jetsons cartoon. It was later shortened to Sprocket Rockets, and it sits in the park’s Camp Cartoon area.
In August 2026 Six Flags announced Camp Timber Trail, a family area opening in 2027 with nine attractions. Sprocket Rockets is one of four existing rides being re-themed there. It will become Chirp Chaser, a coaster inspired by the birds of the forest. Little Dipper and Logger’s Run are staying as they are.
Explore more: Explore more roller coasters.
Sprocket Rockets FAQs
How tall is Sprocket Rockets?
It is about 28 feet tall, with a top speed of around 22 mph. RCDB lists it at 27.9 feet and 21.7 mph. Other sources round the speed up to 25 mph.
How tall do you have to be to ride Sprocket Rockets?
Six Flags lists a 42-inch minimum to ride alone. Children at least 36 inches tall can ride with a supervising rider. Check the park’s current ride policy before you visit.
Is Sprocket Rockets being renamed?
Yes. Six Flags has announced that it will be renamed Chirp Chaser in 2027. It will be part of the new Camp Timber Trail area, with a forest-bird theme.
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Photo: Jonrev / Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.