Carowinds
300 Carowinds Blvd., Charlotte, North Carolina
Enjoy a day of thrilling rides and fun at Carowinds, the only amusement park to straddle two states. Sitting across the border in both North and South Carolina, Carowinds features more than 60 rides and attractions, including the largest water park in the region, making it an ideal destination for families and thrill seekers alike.
Carowinds spans 398 acres (161 hectares) and is divided into eight themed areas, including the Carolina Harbor water park, with water slides, wave pools, and lazy river, and the 12-acre (4.8-hectare) kid-friendly Planet Snoopy. Visitors can enjoy 14 rollercoasters, including Fury 325, an enormous giga coaster, and the Intimidator, one of the world’s tallest, fastest, and longest hyper coasters, along with a range of other rides and attractions, and live entertainment. The park also hosts special and seasonal events, such as SCarowinds and WinterFest.
Prebook your ticket online for extra savings. Choose a daily ticket, or opt for a season pass for the best value. Upgrades include: Fast Lane passes that allow riders to skip long lines; parking, drink and meal packages; and photo packages.
- Admission to Carowinds includes admission to Carolina Harbor.
- There are height and weight restrictions for certain attractions.
- Outside food and drink are not permitted inside the park; there are numerous food options inside.
- The park is wheelchair accessible, but not all attractions are suitable for wheelchair users.
- Reentry is allowed on the same day; be sure to get your hand stamped at the exit.
Carowinds is located off I-77 at exit 90 (Carowinds Blvd), at the North Carolina/South Carolina border. It’s about a 15-minute ride from Uptown Charlotte. Paid parking is available on site.
Carowinds is open from early April and stays open with limited hours through November and December with its SCarowinds Halloween events and Winterfest. Both Carowinds and the Carolina Harbor waterpark operate every day from June through August, but park hours vary throughout the season.
Carolina Harbor may be the largest park in the region, but it’s not the only one, and it’s dependent on the weather. For indoor options that are not weather dependent, head to Ray’s Splash Planet in central Charlotte or the Great Wolf Lodge in Concord.
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