Carowinds Theme Park Holidays

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-meter) 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 favorite 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

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
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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
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
Best Western Carowinds

Best Western Carowinds

2.5 out of 5
3675 Foothills Way, Fort Mill, SC
Best Western Carowinds
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
Super 8 by Wyndham Charlotte/Amusement Park Area

Super 8 by Wyndham Charlotte/Amusement Park Area

2 out of 5
11300 Texland Blvd I-77 & Westinghouse, Charlotte, NC
Super 8 by Wyndham Charlotte/Amusement Park Area
Charming house 5 minutes away from Carowinds AMSPARK & 20 minutes to downtown

Charming house 5 minutes away from Carowinds AMSPARK & 20 minutes to downtown

Charlotte, NC
Charming house 5 minutes away from Carowinds AMSPARK & 20 minutes to downtown
Charming Charlotte 3-bedroom house, Fenced Yard, 5 Mins to Carowinds, WiFi, Pets

Charming Charlotte 3-bedroom house, Fenced Yard, 5 Mins to Carowinds, WiFi, Pets

Charlotte, NC
Charming Charlotte 3-bedroom house, Fenced Yard, 5 Mins to Carowinds, WiFi, Pets
Tru by Hilton Charlotte Ayrsley

Tru by Hilton Charlotte Ayrsley

2.5 out of 5
9233 Kings Parade Blvd, Charlotte, NC
Tru by Hilton Charlotte Ayrsley
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

At Carowinds Theme Park, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities including summer concerts and adventure tours. The park offers thrilling rides and attractions, making it a perfect destination for family fun. Additionally, explore nearby options such as live music and baseball events. For those looking to venture beyond the park, various attractions are within a short distance, providing a full experience of the area surrounding this exciting amusement park.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience, visit Starmount Shopping Center, just 3.1km from Carowinds, or SouthPark Mall and Foxcroft East Shopping Center, both 4.3km away, offering a variety of shops and family-friendly vibes. If you're up for a drive, explore further shopping options in the area.

Recreation

Quail Hollow Club, a mere 3.7km from Carowinds, offers a tranquil golf experience amidst lush greens. Enjoy the Charlotte Knights Minor League Baseball stadium, located 1.9km away, for lively sports action. For relaxation, the Anne Springs Close Greenway, 2.5km distant, provides serene nature trails and wellness opportunities.

Adventure

At Ray's Splash Planet, 6.8km from Carowinds, enjoy thrilling water slides and a lazy river for a refreshing adventure. Explore the Piedmont Medical Center Trailhead, 5.6km away, for scenic outdoor trails. McAlpine Creek Greenway, located 7.5km from the park, offers beautiful pathways for walking and cycling.

Nightlife

After a day at Carowinds, unwind at Topgolf, just 2.5km away, for drinks and entertainment in a romantic setting. Alternatively, catch a show at the NarroWay Theater, 621m from the park, offering family-friendly cultural experiences, or enjoy a film at Regal Stonecrest, 4.3km away.

Find the best attractions near Carowinds Theme Park

Carowinds Theme Park offers a variety of attractions, including urban parks, event and conference venues, and sports museums, making it an ideal destination for families seeking outdoor and city experiences. Visitors can enjoy the excitement of the theme park while also exploring nearby points of interest. It’s advisable to consider booking hotels near Carowinds for a convenient stay during your visit.

  • Charlotte Convention Center: A hub for business and events, this venue features modern facilities and a vibrant atmosphere. It’s perfect for networking or attending conventions, making it an essential stop for those interested in the professional scene.
  • Billy Graham Library: Immerse yourself in the life and legacy of the renowned evangelist. The library offers engaging exhibits and beautiful gardens, providing a family-friendly cultural experience steeped in history and inspiration.
  • Charlotte Douglas Airport Overlook: Enjoy panoramic views of the bustling airport while relaxing in this urban park. It’s a great spot for families to unwind outdoors, watch planes take off, and appreciate the city’s vibrant atmosphere.

Best time to go to Carowinds Theme Park

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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 and December to January, with Monday being the least expensive day for accommodation. Use Expedia to compare room rates, filter for eco-certified hotels, and sort by the lowest prices. Look for package deals that combine flights and hotel stays for additional savings. Take advantage of free activities in the area and utilise public transport, which is often affordable, to explore nearby attractions 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 the type of accommodation you prefer. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels currently available. To find the most affordable prices and offers, sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel stay at Carowinds Theme Park with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.