CAROWINDS

Carowinds is a major amusement resort built directly across the North Carolina–South Carolina state line. The park combines more than 60 rides and roller coasters with Camp Snoopy family attractions, live entertainment, seasonal festivals and the 26-acre Carolina Harbor waterpark.

Plan on a full day if you want to combine headline coasters, family rides, shows and the waterpark. On-site lodging includes the SpringHill Suites Charlotte at Carowinds and Camp Wilderness, making an overnight visit practical for families and groups.

Carowinds follows a seasonal operating calendar. The schedule, pricing ranges and planning details below give visitors the information needed to choose a date and budget a visit.

GUIDE TO CAROWINDS

Hours and the Best Time to Visit

September hours: September 18 and 25, 6:00 p.m.–midnight; September 19 and 26, 11:00 a.m.–midnight; September 20, 10:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.; and September 27, 11:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m.

October hours: Fridays October 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30, 6:00 p.m.–midnight; Saturdays October 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31, 11:00 a.m.–midnight; Sundays October 4, 11, 18 and 25, 11:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m.; and Thursdays October 15, 22 and 29, 6:00 p.m.–midnight.

November hours: November 1, 11:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m.; November 7, 14, 15, 21 and 22, 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.; November 27 and 29, noon–8:00 p.m.; and November 28, noon–9:00 p.m.

December hours: December 5, 12, 19 and 26, noon–9:00 p.m.; December 6, 13, 18, 20–23 and 27–30, noon–8:00 p.m.; and December 31, 3:00 p.m.–1:00 a.m.

January hours: WinterFest continues January 1–3. January 1 and 3 follow the noon–8:00 p.m. holiday schedule, and January 2 follows the noon–9:00 p.m. Saturday schedule.

Tuesday and Wednesday in late May or June outside holiday periods are usually the lightest summer choices. During fall events, Friday evenings are generally less crowded than Saturdays. Saturdays, holiday weekends and peak October nights are usually busiest. Arrive before opening for daytime visits or before the evening gate opens for SCarowinds.

Tickets, Parking and Reservations

Admission generally ranges from about $45 to $80 per person, with advance online prices usually lower than gate prices. Taxes and processing fees may add up to about $10 per order. Children age two and younger are admitted free. General parking averages about $30 and preferred parking about $45; prices fluctuate by date and demand. Buy admission and parking through the official Carowinds ticket portal or the Six Flags app.

Gold Passes generally cost about $90–$115 and include admission through the listed pass season, free general parking, regional Six Flags access, bring-a-friend offers, and food and merchandise discounts. Prestige passes generally cost about $230–$275 and add broader park access, limited preferred parking, fountain beverages, bring-a-friend tickets, and larger discounts. Purchase passes through the official Carowinds season-pass page.

Rides, Height Requirements and Fast Lane

The park offers major roller coasters, thrill rides, family rides and children’s attractions. Each ride has its own minimum-height, rider-position and health requirements; some children may ride only with a supervising companion. Check the measurement signs at each attraction and use the park’s accessibility guide when a medical condition, cast or mobility concern could affect eligibility.

Daily Fast Lane generally costs about $50–$120, depending on the date and product. Fast Lane Reserve assigns a return time and digitally holds a place in line; Fast Lane Ultimate can reduce the posted wait by up to 90%. Guests may hold one ride reservation at a time. All-season Fast Lane generally costs around $600. Fast Lane does not include park admission and is sold through the official Carowinds Fast Lane page and the Six Flags app.

Carolina Harbor Waterpark

Carolina Harbor operates on summer dates, generally from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. It is closed during fall and WinterFest operations. Admission is included with Carowinds when the waterpark is open. Bring appropriate swimwear and cover it before returning to dry-park areas. Weather, capacity and safety checks can temporarily pause water attractions.

Families and Camp Snoopy

Camp Snoopy includes rides and experiences designed for younger guests. A Baby Care Center in Camp Snoopy provides changing space, seating and a microwave. Families should measure children before the visit, note which attractions require a supervising companion and arrange a meeting place in case the group becomes separated.

Chaperone Policy

All guests age 15 or younger must be accompanied by a chaperone age 21 or older by 2:00 p.m.; enforcement may begin earlier. One chaperone may accompany no more than five guests age 15 or younger, must present valid government-issued photo identification, enter with the group, remain inside the park and be reachable by phone. Guests age 16 or older may also be asked for photo identification to verify their age.

Accessibility and Rentals

Guest Services offers an Accessibility Guide covering ride access, service animals, sensory needs and mobility considerations. The park participates in the IBCCES Accessibility Card program and also offers braille or large-print information, hearing and visual assistance, and a quiet room. Strollers and wheelchairs are rented near Guest Services at the North Gate; availability is limited, so advance online rental is recommended.

Food, Lockers and Guest Services

Dining locations, snack stands and beverage stations operate throughout the park, with availability varying by day. Outside food and drinks are generally prohibited, although guests with special dietary needs can seek assistance through Guest Services. Lockers are available near the North Gate, South Gate, Carolina Harbor, Fury 325 and Copperhead Strike areas. First-aid stations are located across from Carolina Goldrusher and beside Harbor House in Carolina Harbor.

Park Rules, Weather and Re-entry

Shirts and shoes are required in the dry park, and swimwear must be covered outside Carolina Harbor. Pets are not allowed except qualified service animals. Smoking and vaping are permitted only in designated areas outside the park. Weapons, fireworks, pepper spray, line jumping and disruptive conduct are prohibited. Cameras, phones and recording devices may not be used on rides. Standard re-entry requires a hand stamp; SCarowinds uses stricter re-entry rules and does not permit re-entry after 7:00 p.m.

Before You Go

Download the Six Flags app for the park map, live ride information and mobile purchases. Choose a few priority attractions, note each rider’s height requirements, decide whether Carolina Harbor is part of the day and store loose items with a non-rider or in a locker. Severe weather, maintenance and staffing can change attraction availability during the day, so leave some flexibility in the plan.