AMUSEMENT RIDES

Planning information checked October 11, 2026. Confirm current prices, hours and attraction availability before traveling.

Frankie’s Charlotte has several outdoor rides with very different motions: swings, spinning attractions and an upside-down thrill ride. Choose by both rider eligibility and comfort level. This guide focuses on the outdoor lineup, with indoor ride alternatives listed separately so you can plan a visit without confusing them.

Outdoor rides: prices and height requirements

The official Charlotte attraction page lists these prices and requirements. Ask staff about operational status and any additional posted restrictions. Being tall enough does not guarantee that a rider will be comfortable with the motion or able to use the restraint correctly.

Which ride should you choose?

Swings

This is the first outdoor ride to investigate for a shorter eligible child, but a lower height minimum is not a promise of a gentle experience for every rider. Watch a full cycle together before joining the queue. Someone uneasy with height or continuous rotation may prefer another activity.

Disk’O

Consider both parts of the movement when deciding: the disk spins while the whole platform moves up and down its track. Watch a full cycle to see the combined motion. This can be a poor first choice for someone already unsure about spinning.

Zero Gravity

The sensation differs from a seated swing ride. Talk through what the attraction does before buying, especially if someone dislikes enclosed-feeling spaces or the sensation of strong spinning. Let a reluctant rider opt out instead of using a paid ticket as pressure to board.

Discovery

This is the option to assess carefully if anyone dislikes inversions. Watch the entire sequence, including the moments at the top, rather than judging it only from the loading position. Plan for the comfort of the least enthusiastic person in the group; other attractions can be a better shared choice.

A quick eligibility check for families

Compare a child’s measured height against each row before choosing rides. At 42 inches, the published outdoor chart opens up the Swings; at 48 inches, Disk’O and Discovery become possible; Zero Gravity starts at 51 inches. These thresholds are a planning aid, with staff making the final eligibility check at the attraction. An adult companion does not automatically waive an outdoor height minimum.

Ride pricing

Swings, Disk’O, Zero Gravity and Discovery each cost $8 per ride. Each ride is purchased separately. Check which attractions are operating before purchasing.

Indoor rides and alternatives

These attractions offer different experiences: Drop Zone is a rotating indoor drop tower; bumper cars involve driving and collisions within the designated attraction; XD Dark Ride combines a motion seat with an interactive screen experience. Confirm the current rules on the official attractions page. They are alternatives to consider, not equivalent replacements for a particular outdoor ride.

Timing, weather and family-entry rules

Outdoor availability can change with weather. Use the Frankie’s Charlotte location guide for the park-hours table, address, map and indoor options. If Discovery or another specific ride is the reason for your visit, call 704-875-7888 about its opening time and availability.

Family planning: Under-18s must stay with a parent or legal guardian age 21+. Frankie’s FAQ lists 18+ entry after 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Check the current supervision and evening-entry rules before a family evening visit.

Build in time for queues, loading and breaks. Riding everything back-to-back is not necessary to make the outing worthwhile. Let the group decide after each experience whether to repeat, switch to a different kind of motion or stop for a while.

Before boarding

Read the signs at each attraction, follow the operator’s restraint checks and ask where loose belongings should go. For transfer, restraint-fit, mobility or companion-assistance questions, ask about the exact ride before paying. Confirm individual access and restraint requirements with Frankie’s before visiting.

Watch a cycle, make an unpressured choice and follow the operator’s instructions. If someone wants a break from ride motion, the mini-golf courses offer another way to participate. Eligible drivers can compare the three kart tracks, and the location guide covers food and seating for the whole group.