Carowinds, the premier amusement park straddling the border of North and South Carolina, offers an exhilarating blend of thrills and family fun. Located just outside Charlotte, this 400-acre wonderland has captivated visitors since 1973 with its impressive rides, attractions, and entertainment. From heart-pounding roller coasters to gentle kiddie rides, Carowinds caters to thrill-seekers and families alike. As you enter this world of excitement, you'll be greeted by the towering presence of Fury 325, America's tallest and fastest giga coaster, setting the stage for an unforgettable adventure. Whether you're a coaster enthusiast or seeking a family bonding day, Carowinds promises memories that will last a lifetime.
Highlights
- Fury 325: World's tallest and fastest giga coaster
- Aeronautica Landing: New aviation-themed area with innovative rides
- Carolina Harbor: 26-acre water park with thrilling slides and wave pools
Contents
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Here is Why Your Kids Will Find it Interesting
Carowinds is worth visiting with kids because it offers a perfect blend of excitement and age-appropriate fun. Children of all ages will be captivated by the park's diverse attractions. Younger kids will love the whimsical world of Camp Snoopy, while teenagers can test their courage on world-class roller coasters. The park's interactive experiences, such as the Aeronautica Landing Game Zone, spark curiosity and imagination. With live entertainment, character meet-and-greets, and seasonal events, Carowinds keeps the magic alive for children throughout the year.
Family-friendly features
- Camp Snoopy: A dedicated area for younger children with Peanuts-themed rides
- Character meet-and-greets with Snoopy and the Peanuts gang
- Seasonal events like The Great Pumpkin Fest and WinterFest
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Park History and Development
Carowinds opened its gates in 1973, the brainchild of Charlotte businessman Earl Patterson Hall. Originally developed as a theme park celebrating Carolina cultures, it has evolved into a world-class amusement destination. The park has changed ownership several times and is now operated by Cedar Fair Entertainment Company. Recent years have seen significant expansions and improvements, including:
- 2015: Introduction of Fury 325, transforming the park's skyline
- 2019: Addition of Copperhead Strike, the Carolinas' first double-launch coaster
- 2023: Opening of Aeronautica Landing, showcasing the region's aviation heritage
These investments demonstrate Carowinds' commitment to innovation and guest experience enhancement.
Thrilling Attractions at Carowinds
Carowinds boasts an impressive lineup of roller coasters and thrill rides, offering experiences for every level of adrenaline seeker. From world-record-breaking coasters to family-friendly attractions, the park ensures visitors of all ages can find their perfect thrill.
Fury 325
The crown jewel of Carowinds' coaster collection, Fury 325, is a steel behemoth that dominates the park's skyline. This giga coaster reaches breathtaking speeds of 95 mph, making it one of the fastest roller coasters in the world. Its most striking feature is the 81-degree initial drop, which plunges riders 325 feet at a near-vertical angle. The coaster's three-and-a-half-minute ride takes thrill-seekers through a series of high-speed turns, drops, and airtime hills, providing an unparalleled rush that has earned it the title of "World's Best Steel Coaster" by Amusement Today.
Copperhead Strike
As the Carolinas' first double-launch coaster, Copperhead Strike offers a unique experience for park visitors. This innovative ride sends riders on a twisting journey through five inversions, including two launches that propel the train from 0 to 42 mph in just 2.5 seconds. The coaster's compact layout and serpentine track deliver a thrilling experience combining speed, airtime, and disorienting inversions, making it a favorite among enthusiasts.
Intimidator
Named after NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt, the Intimidator is a testament to the Carolinas' racing heritage. This imposing coaster reaches heights of 232 feet and achieves speeds of up to 80 mph. The ride's design emphasizes airtime, with camelback hills providing moments of weightlessness throughout the course. The Intimidator's 5,316-foot track makes it one of the longest coasters in the Southeast, offering an extended thrill ride that captures the speed and excitement of NASCAR racing.
Afterburn
Afterburn stands out as one of the park's most intense experiences. This inverted coaster takes riders through six inversions, including a vertical loop, cobra roll, and zero-g roll. What sets Afterburn apart is its terrain-hugging layout, which brings riders close to the ground and surrounding structures, enhancing the sense of speed and danger. The coaster's fighter jet theme adds to the excitement, making riders feel like they're piloting a high-speed aircraft through aerial maneuvers.
Family-Friendly Thrills
While Carowinds is known for its extreme coasters, it also offers a range of attractions suitable for families and younger visitors. The Carolina Goldrusher, one of the park's original rides, provides a classic mine train coaster experience with gentle drops and turns. The Woodstock Express, located in the Camp Snoopy area, offers a perfect introduction to roller coasters for children, featuring small hills and curves that provide excitement without being too intimidating.
Carowinds' diverse collection of 13 roller coasters ensures a perfect ride for every visitor, from the most daring thrill-seekers to those looking for a more moderate adventure. This variety, combined with the park's commitment to innovation and guest experience, cements Carowinds' position as a premier destination for roller coaster enthusiasts and families alike.
Play House Play Café is 2.3 km away, where you can celebrate a family holiday or just have a great time.
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New and Notable: Aeronautica Landing
Aeronautica Landing opened in 2023 and is a testament to the Carolinas' rich aviation heritage. This immersive area has quickly become a highlight of Carowinds, offering visitors a unique blend of thrills and aviation-themed experiences. At the heart of Aeronautica Landing are five new rides that capture the excitement of flight. The Air Racer allows guests to maneuver through obstacles inspired by heroic tales of ace pilots, while The Airwalker simulates soaring over the dunes of Kitty Hawk.
The area also features reimagined attractions, such as Gear Spin, which transforms a massive aircraft propulsion engine into a thrilling ride. Adding to the interactive experience is an elaborate Game Zone, where visitors can test their skills in gravity-themed challenges, bringing the principles of flight to life in a fun, engaging way.
Aeronautica Landing caters to all senses, including taste. The area boasts aviation-themed dining options serving delicious Southern fare and craft beer, allowing guests to refuel between adventures. The attention to detail and innovative approach to theme park experiences in Aeronautica Landing hasn't gone unnoticed. This exciting new addition to Carowinds has garnered significant recognition, earning a coveted spot on USA Today's 10 Best List for new attractions. This accolade underscores the area's appeal and the park's commitment to providing cutting-edge entertainment for visitors of all ages.
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Water Park Fun: Carolina Harbor
Carolina Harbor, Carowinds' expansive water park, offers refreshing fun for all ages. This aquatic paradise is included with regular admission, providing a perfect way to cool off on hot summer days.
Blackbeard's Revenge
At the heart of Carolina Harbor stands Blackbeard's Revenge, a towering six-story water slide complex that promises thrills for the bravest of pirates. This mammoth attraction features multiple slides, each offering a unique adventure. Guests can plummet down steep drops, twist through enclosed tubes, and experience heart-pounding moments of weightlessness. The complex's pirate theme adds an extra layer of excitement, immersing riders in a world of high-seas adventure.
Surf Club Harbor
Surf Club Harbor delivers its impressive 27,000-square-foot wave pool for those seeking the perfect wave. This massive aquatic playground simulates ocean waves, allowing guests to body surf or enjoy the rhythmic ebb and flow of the water. The pool's gradual depth makes it accessible for swimmers of various skill levels, while the surrounding deck area provides ample space for sunbathing and relaxation.
Kiddy Hawk Cove
Younger visitors will delight in Kiddy Hawk Cove, a play area specifically designed for children. This whimsical water wonderland features shallow pools, gentle slides, and interactive water features perfect for little ones to explore safely. Colorful characters and playful theming create an engaging environment where imagination and water play combine for hours of fun.
Coastal Currents
For a more leisurely aquatic experience, Coastal Currents offers a relaxing lazy river ride. Guests can float along in tubes, carried by a gentle current through a scenic route. Lush landscaping, refreshing waterfalls, and quiet coves line the path, creating a serene atmosphere that provides a welcome respite from the more intense attractions. It's the perfect place for families to unwind together or for adults to enjoy a peaceful moment amidst the excitement of the park.
Carolina Harbor's diverse attractions ensure something for every family member, from thrill-seekers to those looking for a more relaxed water park experience. The integration of this expansive water park within Carowinds adds significant value to the overall park experience, especially during the hot summer months.
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Dining and Shopping
Carowinds offers a variety of dining options to satisfy every palate:
- Blue Ridge Country Kitchen: Serving hearty Southern fare
- Harmony Hall Marketplace: A food court with diverse offerings
- Chickie's & Pete's: Famous for their crab fries
Souvenir shops throughout the park offer merchandise featuring popular rides and characters, allowing guests to take home a piece of their Carowinds experience.
Accommodations and Nearby Attractions
For guests wanting to extend their visit, Carowinds offers:
- SpringHill Suites by Marriott at Carowinds: A 130-room hotel on-site
- Camp Wilderness: RV camping and cabin rentals
The park's proximity to Charlotte provides easy access to additional attractions, including:
- NASCAR Hall of Fame
- U.S. National Whitewater Center
- Discovery Place Science Center
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Carowinds with children is during weekdays in late spring or early fall when crowds are smaller, and the weather is mild. Arriving early in the day allows families to experience popular attractions before lines grow.
Recommended Duration: A whole day is ideal for exploring the park's diverse offerings.
Our Recap
Carowinds offers an unparalleled blend of thrills and family entertainment in the Carolinas. With world-class roller coasters, a refreshing water park, and immersive themed areas, it provides a complete amusement park experience. The park's continuous innovation, exemplified by additions like Aeronautica Landing, ensures that each visit brings new excitement for guests of all ages.
