CARNIVAL GAMES

CARNIVAL GAMES AT CAROWINDS IN CHARLOTTE, NC

WHAT MAKES THE MIDWAY FUN

Carowinds’ carnival games give families, couples and groups a quick way to compete, test their skills and win souvenir prizes between rides. The games are spread through the dry park, so it is easy to play one or two while exploring or make the midway a larger part of the day.

Most games take only a few minutes. Some reward accuracy, others reward timing or speed, and group games let several players compete for one winner. The exact game lineup and prize selection can change by area, season and operating day.

WHERE TO FIND THE GAMES

Game booths are located throughout Carowinds, with clusters in major areas such as Aeronautica Landing, County Fair, Crossroads and the park’s thrill-ride areas. Aeronautica Landing includes a dedicated Game Zone, while other midway stands are positioned along the main walkways near rides, food and entertainment.

The Six Flags mobile app and the park map can help visitors plan a route, but the brightly marked booths are also easy to spot while walking through the park.

TYPES OF GAMES

Visitors can expect a rotating selection of classic midway challenges such as basketball shooting, target games, toss games, race-style competitions and other skill-based activities. Each booth posts its own rules, number of attempts and prize levels. Watch a round first and ask the attendant to explain the rules before paying.

PRICING

Carnival games are an additional purchase and are not included with general admission, most meal plans or a standard season pass. A practical budget is about $5 to $15 for an individual game or small play package. Larger-prize games and multi-play packages may cost more, while package offers can reduce the cost per attempt.

Prices are posted at each booth. Families should decide on a game budget before starting, especially when several children want to play.

PAYMENT AND GAME CARDS

Carowinds is cashless. Game booths accept major credit cards, debit cards and mobile payment methods. Guests carrying cash can use the park’s cash-to-card kiosks to load money onto a prepaid card without a service fee.

Some game areas may use a reloadable game card or sell bundled plays. If a card is required, it can be purchased or reloaded at the designated kiosk or sales point in that area.

PRIZES AND RULES

Prize size depends on the game, the posted prize tier and the result of the attempt. Some booths award a prize for a successful individual play, while group race games award one prize to the winner. A prize is not guaranteed unless the posted rules say otherwise.

Before paying, confirm the number of attempts, the required throwing or shooting line, the winning target and which prize level applies. Attendants can explain the rules and may offer shorter distances or simpler options for younger players when that particular game allows it.

AGES, HEIGHT AND ACCESSIBILITY

There is no single height requirement for all carnival games. Many are suitable for children and adults, although a child must be able to hold the equipment and participate safely. An adult may need to assist a smaller child, depending on the game and booth rules.

Most booths are reached from paved park walkways. Guests who use a wheelchair or have limited reach should ask the attendant about an accessible playing position or an adapted way to participate before purchasing a play.

HOURS AND AVAILABILITY

Carnival games generally operate during Carowinds’ dry-park hours, although individual booths may open later, close earlier or rotate according to attendance, staffing and weather.

September: Friday evenings are generally 6:00 p.m. to midnight; Saturdays are generally 11:00 a.m. to midnight; Sunday, September 20 is 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; and Sunday, September 27 is 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

October: Friday evenings are generally 6:00 p.m. to midnight; Saturdays are generally 11:00 a.m. to midnight; Sundays are generally 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.; and select Thursdays are 6:00 p.m. to midnight.

November: November 1 is 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Select Saturdays and Sundays are 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. WinterFest begins after Thanksgiving, with November 27 and 29 from noon to 8:00 p.m. and November 28 from noon to 9:00 p.m.

December and early January: WinterFest hours are generally noon to 8:00 p.m. on Sundays and select weekdays, and noon to 9:00 p.m. on Saturdays. December 31 is 3:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. The season continues January 1 through January 3, generally noon to 8:00 p.m., with Friday operating until 9:00 p.m.

Not every booth is guaranteed to operate for every hour the park is open, so visitors who consider the games a priority should play earlier in the day rather than waiting until closing.

WEATHER AND SEASONAL OPERATIONS

Most carnival games are outdoors. Booths may temporarily pause during lightning, heavy rain or severe weather, and fewer games may operate on low-attendance days. Covered booths can reopen before nearby rides, but operations are determined by the conditions in each area.

TIPS FOR PLAYING

• Set a spending limit before the first game.
• Watch another guest play so the motion, distance and timing are clear.
• Read the posted rules and ask which prize tier applies before paying.
• Choose group race games when friends or family want to compete directly.
• Play before the final hour of the day, when some booths may begin closing.
• Plan where to store large prizes before riding roller coasters or water rides.

WHAT TO BRING

Bring a credit card, debit card or mobile wallet, along with the Six Flags app for the park map and operating information. A small bag can help carry smaller prizes, but larger plush prizes may need to be stored in a locker or taken to a vehicle when park re-entry rules allow.

WHO THIS ACTIVITY IS BEST FOR

Carnival games are best for families with children, competitive friend groups, couples and visitors who enjoy short activities between major rides. They are also a good choice for guests who do not ride roller coasters but still want something interactive to do with the group.