WATERPARK

WATERPARK AT CAROWINDS IN CHARLOTTE, NC

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Carolina Harbor is the waterpark inside Carowinds, at 14523 Carowinds Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28273. Spend the day among dozens of water slides, two wave pools, splash areas, a three-acre children’s area and shaded cabanas. Tidal Wave Bay offers a gradual entry for families; Seaside Splashworks adds more than 80 play features and a tipping bucket. Larger slides include the four-person Hurricane Falls raft ride and Boogie Board Racer mat slide.

HOURS AND BEST TIME TO VISIT

Carolina Harbor opens for the summer season around Memorial Day weekend. Typical waterpark hours are 11 a.m.–6 p.m. on operating days, separate from the longer hours of the amusement rides. It does not operate on every day that Carowinds is open: the waterpark normally closes after summer and does not operate during the fall and winter event season. Weekday mornings offer cooler weather and generally shorter lines; arrive at 11 a.m. for popular slides.

ADMISSION, PARKING AND RESERVATIONS

Carolina Harbor entry is included with a Carowinds daily ticket or season pass; no separate waterpark ticket is needed. General admission commonly runs about $45–$80 per person before taxes and fees, depending on the day and sales channel. General parking and admission to the waterpark are included with eligible season passes; daily parking is separate unless your ticket or package includes it. Buy park admission or passes at Carowinds tickets or season passes. Private cabanas, when offered, can be reserved through Carolina Harbor cabana reservations; capacity ranges from small family groups to larger parties, and rental cost depends on date and cabana.

SLIDES, POOLS AND AGE REQUIREMENTS

Each slide and pool has its own height, supervision and swim-skill rules. Hurricane Falls requires at least 40 inches; Boogie Board Racer requires at least 42 inches. At Tidal Wave Bay, children under 52 inches and inexperienced swimmers must wear a life jacket; children under 42 inches also need a supervising companion. Free life jackets are available at the waterpark. The Shore Club swim-up bar and pool area is for guests 21 and older. Families with small children have play structures and gentler splash zones away from the big thrill slides.

CHAPERONE POLICY

Guests age 15 or younger need a chaperone age 21 or older for admission and throughout the visit when the policy takes effect, generally by 2:00 p.m. One chaperone can accompany no more than five younger guests, must remain inside the park and be available by phone, and must show government photo ID at entry.

WHAT TO BRING AND FACILITIES

Bring swimwear, towels, sunscreen, water shoes and a dry change of clothes. Lockers, food and drinks, cabanas and lounge seating are available; expect separate charges for rentals and purchases. Swim diapers are needed for children who are not toilet-trained. Lifeguards are present, but adults should supervise children in pools and splash areas. Weather can close slides and pools even when the main park remains open.

OFFICIAL DETAILS

Carolina Harbor attractions · Waterpark rules, lockers and life jackets · Carowinds and Carolina Harbor operating calendar