What is special about Carowinds?

Only at Carowinds will you find more than 60 world-class rides, the Carolinas' best waterpark, live entertainment, Camp Snoopy, and downhome Carolina cuisine. Family-friendly special events keep guests coming back for new ways to play all season long.



In 2026, Carowinds remains a unique landmark in the theme park world because it is physically situated on the border of North and South Carolina. This "cross-border" identity is a core part of its branding, with a literal state line painted throughout the park, allowing guests to stand in two states simultaneously. Beyond its geography, it is home to Fury 325, consistently ranked as one of the world's best "giga coasters" with a 325-foot drop and speeds reaching 95 mph. Following its merger with Six Flags, the 2026 season features nearly 60 rides and a massive 26-acre water park called Carolina Harbor. It is celebrated as the "Thrill Capital of the Southeast," blending world-class engineering with Southern hospitality. The park also hosts specialized cultural events like SCarowinds and WinterFest, making it a year-round destination that celebrates the distinct history and culture of both Carolinas through its themed areas and local culinary offerings.

People Also Ask

Carowinds may be known for its thrilling roller coasters, but it's actually quite family friendly.

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Carrying firearms, ammunition, knives, and weapons of any kind and any other prohibited item. Carowinds reserves the right to prohibit any items at their discretion. Unsolicited photographing or video recording that disrupts a guest's experience or interferes with park operations.

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Guests ages 15 years old or younger who are found inside the park unaccompanied by a chaperone will be subject to ejection. This chaperone requirement applies to all Carowinds ticket and season passholders. Parents or guardians are responsible for the behavior of their minor children.

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Alcoholic beverages must be consumed within designated areas. Alcohol sales end one hour prior to scheduled park closing, or at park management's discretion. Guests must present valid I.D. at all times. Guests will only be served one alcoholic beverage per transaction, per I.D.

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CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Officials at the Carowinds amusement park in North Carolina closed a roller coaster on Friday after discovering a crack at the top of a steel support pillar. The Charlotte-based park, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in March, closed the Fury 325 ride, WSOC-TV reported.

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Carolina Goldrusher is the oldest roller coaster at Carowinds, opening with the park on March 31, 1973. Don't let that fun fact fool ya' - this roller coaster is full of spunk and continues to produce as many screams as the day it was debuted.

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What is Carowinds' smoking policy? For the comfort of all guests, smoking of any kind, including vapor and e-cigarettes, is only permitted in the designated smoking area outside of the North Gate. Please refer to the Carowinds mobile app for the specific location. Smoking is not permitted inside Carowinds.

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On this classic lazy river, you can nestle down into a colorful, cushy inner tube, put your shades on, lie back and let the gentle current do all the work of advancing you down and around the river.

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Families with small children will find plenty of things to do in Camp Snoopy, the large children's area at Carowinds. The themed area features a variety of flat rides, two small roller coasters, and an immersive playground.

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