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.
Carowinds Theme Park Tours
Visit Carowinds Theme Park
Reviews of Carowinds Theme Park
5/5 - Excellent
If you can splurge and get the fast pass, DO IT. I'll never not get it, it was amazing!
4/5 - Good
If someone cant ride u still hsve to pay full admission to get in.
5/5 - Excellent
It was very CLEAN. Also, the atmosphere was pretty calm given it was an amusement park - perhaps because we went in mid-summer and the heat slows folks down. The park is beautifully landscaped too. We liked it.
5/5 - Excellent
Great fun. We went on July 1, 2019 and there was construction around the hotel. I would recommend if you are an out of towner, ask the hotel personnel how to park and navigate the construction. Our navigation system did not help us that much.
2/5 - Disappointing
Carowinds is not suited for larger guests (ours was a muscular 300 pounds and could only ride 3 rides)
5/5 - Excellent
It's about a 18 minute drive from here to the park. Be prepared for the traffic jam once you get close to the park on I-77.
Popular places to visit

McDowell Nature Center and Preserve
Explore the great outdoors at McDowell Nature Center and Preserve, a lovely green space in Charlotte. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the charming coffeehouses while you're in the area.
NarroWay Theater
You can get tickets for a performance at NarroWay Theater during your stay in Fort Mill. Discover the great live music in this family-friendly area, or seek out the local tours.
Regent Park Golf Club
Enjoy a round of golf in Fort Mill at Regent Park Golf Club. Discover the top-notch restaurants and great live music in this vibrant area.
Ramblewood Park
Explore the great outdoors at Ramblewood Park, a lovely green space in Charlotte. Experience the entertainment choices and great live music in this vibrant area.
International Medical Equipment
Though International Medical Equipment might be what brings you to town, perhaps you'll have a chance to explore more of Fort Mill while you are here.
Canine Commons Dog Park
After visiting Canine Commons Dog Park, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Pineville. Check out the shops and top-notch restaurants in this family-friendly area.
Best Lodging Options Near Carowinds Theme Park
Check availability on hotels close to Carowinds Theme Park






Explore a world of travel with Expedia
Explore a world of travel with Expedia
- Vacations and getaways similar to Carowinds Theme Park
- Hotels near popular Attractions
- Expedia's Latest Trends
- Walt Disney World® Resort
- Disneyland® Resort
- Times Square
- Universal Studios Hollywood
- Universal Studios Florida
- Universal Orlando Resort
- Disney SpringsTM
- Waikiki Beach
- Glacier National Park
- Seattle Cruise Ship Terminal 91
- Magic Kingdom® Park
- Central Park
- Bellagio Casino
- MGM Grand Casino
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Hotels near Spectrum Center
- Hotels near Bank of America Stadium
- Hotels near Charlotte Convention Center
- Hotels near SouthPark Mall
- Hotels near Charlotte Douglas Airport Overlook
- Hotels near Bojangles' Coliseum
- Hotels near Billy Graham Library
- Hotels near U.S. National Whitewater Center
- Hotels near Queen City Quarter
- Hotels near Queens University of Charlotte
- Hotels near Carolinas Medical Center