Carowinds Theme Park

Photo by Steve Ignowski
Photo by Steve Ignowski
Photo by Steve Ignowski


Choose from 13 roller coasters, chase your friends in a bumper car, enjoy the water slides and beaches of Boomerang Bay, and walk with dinosaurs.

Set on the border of North and South Carolina, this park catches the winds from both Carolinas. You’ll certainly feel them as you’re soaring through the air on one of Carowinds’ many thrilling rides. The theme park boasts some of the tallest, fastest and longest roller coasters in the southeast. You can also ride the rapids, plunge down a 45-foot (14-metre) waterfall, or take a high-speed spin on the Windseeker.

Carowinds Theme Park is not just for adrenaline seekers. Kids and families will enjoy the Boo Blasters interactive haunted house and classic dodgem cars. Planet Snoopy provides imaginative, themed adventures, from carousels and helicopter monorails, to pirate and balloon-themed rides. Meet your favourite Peanuts character for a photo opportunity. Carowinds also has live entertainment, which sometimes includes shows with the Peanuts gang. Musical performances run seasonally throughout the year at the Carolina Showplace.

Dinosaurs roam the earth once more at the Dinosaurs Alive! interactive walk-through experience. Learn about life in the Cretaceous and Jurassic periods as you interact with 32 animated, roaring dinosaurs and then get your hands on some fossils at the dinosaur dig site.

When you’re done with dinosaurs, dive into the Great Barrier Reef in the Australian-themed Boomerang Bay water park. Speed down the dark tubes of the Awesome Aussie Twisters, go tubing in the Crocodile Run or catch some surf at Bondi Beach.

Food and drink options are never far away with more than 30 snack bars, candy shacks and restaurants located throughout the park.

Carowinds Theme Park is a 20-minute drive south from central Charlotte. You can pay to park or come by bus from Charlotte. In summer, the park’s open longer so that guests can enjoy nightly rides and fireworks shows. The animatronics Dinosaurs Alive! park entry is not included in the main ticket. Note that there are height requirements for many thrill rides.

Plan a trip to see Carowinds Theme Park

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Hyatt Centric Times Square New York
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Comfort Inn Fort Mill Amusement Park at Carowinds Blvd

Comfort Inn Fort Mill Amusement Park at Carowinds Blvd

2.5 out of 5
3725 Avenue Of The Carolinas, Fort Mill, SC
Comfort Inn Fort Mill Amusement Park at Carowinds Blvd
Motel 6 Fort Mill, SC - Charlotte

Motel 6 Fort Mill, SC - Charlotte

2 out of 5
3541 Foothills Way, Fort Mill, SC
Motel 6 Fort Mill, SC - Charlotte
Sleep Inn Fort Mill near Carowinds Blvd

Sleep Inn Fort Mill near Carowinds Blvd

2.5 out of 5
3540 Lakemont Blvd, Fort Mill, SC
Sleep Inn Fort Mill near Carowinds Blvd
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Charlotte at Carowinds

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Charlotte at Carowinds

2.5 out of 5
1000 Coasterview Drive, Charlotte, NC
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Charlotte at Carowinds
TownePlace Suites by Marriott Fort Mill at Carowinds Blvd.

TownePlace Suites by Marriott Fort Mill at Carowinds Blvd.

3 out of 5
3519 LAKEMONT BOULEVARD, Fort Mill, SC
TownePlace Suites by Marriott Fort Mill at Carowinds Blvd.
Quality Inn at the Park

Quality Inn at the Park

2.5 out of 5
3560 Lakemont Blvd, Fort Mill, SC
Quality Inn at the Park
Clarion Hotel Fort Mill Near Amusement Park

Clarion Hotel Fort Mill Near Amusement Park

2.5 out of 5
3695 Foothills Way, Fort Mill, SC
Clarion Hotel Fort Mill Near Amusement Park
WoodSpring Suites Fort Mill

WoodSpring Suites Fort Mill

2.5 out of 5
3471 Highway 21, Fort Mill, SC
WoodSpring Suites Fort Mill
avid Hotel Fort Mill - Carowinds Blvd by IHG

avid Hotel Fort Mill - Carowinds Blvd by IHG

2.5 out of 5
154 Springhill Farm Road, Fort Mill, SC
avid Hotel Fort Mill - Carowinds Blvd by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Carowinds Theme Park

Carowinds Theme Park offers an exhilarating array of attractions, including thrilling rides and a fantastic waterpark. Visitors can enjoy live music, take guided tours, and catch a baseball game nearby. This premier amusement park in the Charlotte area promises an unforgettable experience, blending entertainment with the charm of arts centres and vibrant local culture. Prepare for an amazing time at Carowinds, where fun and excitement await at every turn.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near Carowinds Theme Park, visit the Charlotte Regional Farmers Market, 9.7km away, offering a vibrant city vibe. SouthPark Mall, located 11.3km away, features entertainment and family-friendly options. If you're up for a drive, explore Shoppes at Ardrey Kell, 12.9km away, for a charming shopping centre experience.

Recreation

At Quail Hollow Club, enjoy a round of golf amidst scenic views, just 9.7km from Carowinds. The CSA OrthoCarolina Sportsplex offers a vibrant atmosphere for sports enthusiasts, located 6.4km away. For a peaceful escape, visit the Anne Springs Close Greenway, also 6.4km away, perfect for relaxation and wellness.

Adventure

At Piedmont Medical Center Trailhead, enjoy a scenic 14.5km adventure trail perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Ray's Splash Planet, located 17.7km away, offers thrilling water slides and family fun. For a leisurely experience, explore McAlpine Creek Greenway, an outdoor space situated 19.3km from the park.

Nightlife

Enjoy a night at Topgolf, a lively drinking pub 6.4km from Carowinds, perfect for entertainment and romance. Alternatively, catch a show at NarroWay Theater, just 1.6km away, offering cultural family fun. For a cinematic experience, head to Regal Stonecrest at Piper Glen, 11.3km away.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Carowinds Theme Park

Carowinds Theme Park offers a delightful array of attractions and points of interest, including urban parks, event venues, and sports museums. Visitors can enjoy a blend of outdoor activities, family-friendly experiences, and the vibrant city atmosphere surrounding the park. Whether you're seeking thrills or a leisurely day out, there's something for everyone to explore in and around Carowinds.

  • Charlotte Convention Center: Located 16.1km from Carowinds Theme Park, this modern event venue is perfect for business events and conferences. With its sleek architecture and spacious halls, it offers a professional atmosphere ideal for networking and corporate gatherings.
  • Charlotte Douglas Airport Overlook: Situated 12.9km away, this urban park provides a family-friendly environment where you can enjoy outdoor activities. It features stunning views of the airport runway, making it a unique spot for plane spotting and picnics.
  • NASCAR Hall of Fame: Also 16.1km from Carowinds, this sports museum is a must-visit for racing enthusiasts. Dive into the rich culture of NASCAR with interactive exhibits, memorabilia, and immersive experiences that celebrate the sport's history.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Carowinds Theme Park

To save money on your visit to Carowinds Theme Park, consider travelling during the cheaper months of August or December to January, with Mondays being the least expensive days to stay. Use Expedia’s search tool to find budget-friendly accommodation, and don't forget to sort prices from lowest to highest. Look for package deals that combine hotel bookings with flights and activities for additional savings. Exploring the area via public transport can also help keep costs down, while free activities nearby can enhance your experience without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Carowinds Theme Park are August and December to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May and September to October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Carowinds Theme Park is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Carowinds Theme Park is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You may find that you can save some money by combining your hotel reservation for Carowinds Theme Park with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.