Carowinds Theme Park Vacations

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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Best Lodging Options Near Carowinds Theme Park

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
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
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
Carowinds Camp Wilderness

Carowinds Camp Wilderness

3 out of 5
14609 Carowinds Blvd, Charlotte, NC
Carowinds Camp Wilderness
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
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
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.
Best Western Carowinds

Best Western Carowinds

2.5 out of 5
3675 Foothills Way, Fort Mill, SC
Best Western Carowinds
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
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

During your vacation at Carowinds Theme Park, you can enjoy a fantastic array of activities, including thrilling roller coasters and several exciting rides. The park also offers summer concerts and lively entertainment options like live music and tours. Make sure to take advantage of all the amazing experiences available for a truly memorable time at Carowinds!

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near Carowinds Theme Park, visit the Charlotte Premium Outlets, only 8.0km away, offering great deals. The Charlotte Regional Farmers Market, 9.7km away, is perfect for local produce. SouthPark Mall, 11.3km away, boasts a vibrant atmosphere for family fun.

Recreation

At Quail Hollow Club, enjoy a serene golf experience amidst lush greens, only 9.7km from Carowinds. The Anne Springs Close Greenway, located 6.4km away, offers peaceful trails for relaxation and rejuvenation, while the Charlotte Knights Stadium, 4.8km away, energizes with vibrant sports activities.

Adventure

At the Piedmont Medical Center Trailhead, 14.5km from Carowinds, you can immerse yourself in nature while enjoying scenic trails. Ray's Splash Planet, 17.7km away, promises thrilling water adventures for the whole family. Meanwhile, McAlpine Creek Greenway, located 19.3km from the park, offers serene outdoor experiences.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Carowinds Theme Park with a show at NarroWay Theater, just 1.6km away, or enjoy family fun at Slot Car Cave, 14.5km away. For a cultural evening, check out the Actor's Theatre of Charlotte, also located 14.5km from the park.

Find the best attractions near Carowinds Theme Park

Whether you're seeking outdoor adventures, family fun, or a vibrant city experience, Carowinds Theme Park in Charlotte has something for everyone. Explore popular attractions such as urban parks, event venues, and a sports museum, all within reach. With a variety of activities available, your visit will be packed with excitement and memorable moments, making it an ideal vacation spot for all types of travellers.

  • Charlotte Convention Center: This bustling event venue, located 16.1km from Carowinds, offers a vibrant atmosphere perfect for conferences and gatherings. Experience the dynamic business vibes while enjoying modern amenities and spacious meeting areas.
  • Charlotte Douglas Airport Overlook: Situated 12.9km from Carowinds, this urban park is a family-friendly spot where you can relax outdoors while watching planes take off and land. The park's scenic views and playful ambiance make it an excellent place for a picnic or a leisurely stroll.
  • NASCAR Hall of Fame: Located 16.1km away, this sports museum celebrates the rich culture of NASCAR. Immerse yourself in interactive exhibits and learn about racing legends, making it a must-visit for sports enthusiasts.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Carowinds Theme Park

For a budget-friendly trip to Carowinds Theme Park, consider visiting in August or during December to January when accommodation prices are lower. Mondays tend to be the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays are the most expensive. Explore nearby free attractions like SouthPark Mall and the Billy Graham Library. Use Expedia to compare hotel rates and package deals that combine flights, hotels, and activities for additional savings. Look for eco-certified options to support sustainability while keeping costs down.

  • 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: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of hotel you’re looking for. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" option will highlight sustainable and environmentally friendly accommodations currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay near Carowinds Theme Park with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.