Americans are more likely to choose thrill rides over nature hikes as earnings from theme parks grew 29 percent over last year, says Six Flags.

Seeking value for money, American travelers are buying more season passes, further boosting the park's busiest summer tourism period.

For the three months ending September 2012, Six Flags Entertainment Corp posted net earnings of US$272 million.

Total attendance at the group's 19 parks hit 11.5 million guests, growth of three percent year to year.

In addition to season pass sales, the company is hoping a host of new attractions will help it reach new profit goals in the coming years.

In a conference call to investors, chairman Jim Reid-Anderson said the last three years had shown that this business could generate high recurring revenues with significant and sustainable cash flow.