Carowinds Theme Park Vacations & Packages

Photo by Steve Ignowski
Photo by Steve Ignowski
Photo by Steve Ignowski
Photo by Steve Ignowski
Photo by Steve Ignowski
Photo by Steve Ignowski

Choose from 13 roller coasters, chase your friends in a bumper car, enjoy the water slides and beaches of Boomerang Bay, and walk with dinosaurs.

Set on the border of North and South Carolina, this park catches the winds from both Carolinas. You’ll certainly feel them as you’re soaring through the air on one of Carowinds’ many thrilling rides. The theme park boasts some of the tallest, fastest and longest roller coasters in the southeast. You can also ride the rapids, plunge down a 45-foot (14-meter) waterfall, or take a high-speed spin on the Windseeker.Carowinds Theme Park is not just for adrenaline seekers. Kids and families will enjoy the Boo Blasters interactive haunted house and classic dodgem cars. Planet Snoopy provides imaginative, themed adventures, from carousels and helicopter monorails, to pirate and balloon-themed rides. Meet your favorite Peanuts character for a photo opportunity. Carowinds also has live entertainment, which sometimes includes shows with the Peanuts gang. Musical performances run seasonally throughout the year at the Carolina Showplace.Dinosaurs roam the earth once more at the Dinosaurs Alive! interactive walk-through experience. Learn about life in the Cretaceous and Jurassic periods as you interact with 32 animated, roaring dinosaurs and then get your hands on some fossils at the dinosaur dig site.When you’re done with dinosaurs, dive into the Great Barrier Reef in the Australian-themed Boomerang Bay water park. Speed down the dark tubes of the Awesome Aussie Twisters, go tubing in the Crocodile Run or catch some surf at Bondi Beach. Food and drink options are never far away with more than 30 snack bars, candy shacks and restaurants located throughout the park.Carowinds Theme Park is a 20-minute drive south from central Charlotte. You can pay to park or come by bus from Charlotte. In summer, the park’s open longer so that guests can enjoy nightly rides and fireworks shows. The animatronics Dinosaurs Alive! park entry is not included in the main ticket. Note that there are height requirements for many thrill rides.

Plan a trip to see Carowinds Theme Park

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino

Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino

4 out of 5
Las Vegas Strip
Price was $483, price is now $161 per person
$161
per person
Oct 20 - Oct 23
found 2 days ago
Roundtrip flight included
Dallas (DAL) to Las Vegas (LAS)
8/10 Very Good! (18,491 reviews)
Excellent location, close to everything.

Reviewed on Sep 13, 2025

The LEEF Hotel

The LEEF Hotel

2 out of 5
Citrus Grove
Price was $775, price is now $338 per person
$338
per person
Nov 13 - Nov 17
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip flight included
Dallas (DFW) to Los Angeles (LAX)
8.6/10 Excellent! (177 reviews)
Small, motel style rooms located right off the highway. Everything was clean. Bed was a but uncomfortable and squeaked with every move. Decent stay for price

Reviewed on Sep 12, 2025

Westgate Palace Hotel / Universal / I-Drive

Westgate Palace Hotel / Universal / I-Drive

4 out of 5
International Drive District
Price was $1,320, price is now $585 per person
$585
per person
Oct 13 - Oct 20
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip flight included
Dallas (DFW) to Orlando (MCO)
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,007 reviews)
Very good front desk service, staff is very helpful and friendly too. The rooms were good tho a tad too small for the full/queen bedroom barely enough room to walk around. Needed a pan/skillet in the kitchen. Other than that we had a great stay! Very close to parks! Would definitely return and recommend!

Reviewed on Sep 8, 2025

Reviews of Carowinds Theme Park

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
291
5 - Excellent 60%
4 - Good
116
4 - Good 24%
3 - Okay
52
3 - Okay 11%
2 - Disappointing
10
2 - Disappointing 2%
1 - Terrible
13
1 - Terrible 3%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

If you can splurge and get the fast pass, DO IT. I'll never not get it, it was amazing!

4/5 - Good

REDD

If someone cant ride u still hsve to pay full admission to get in.

5/5 - Excellent

Anonymous

It was very CLEAN. Also, the atmosphere was pretty calm given it was an amusement park - perhaps because we went in mid-summer and the heat slows folks down. The park is beautifully landscaped too. We liked it.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Great fun. We went on July 1, 2019 and there was construction around the hotel. I would recommend if you are an out of towner, ask the hotel personnel how to park and navigate the construction. Our navigation system did not help us that much.

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler

Carowinds is not suited for larger guests (ours was a muscular 300 pounds and could only ride 3 rides)

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

It's about a 18 minute drive from here to the park. Be prepared for the traffic jam once you get close to the park on I-77.

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McDowell Nature Center and Preserve

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Canine Commons Dog Park

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Best Lodging Options Near Carowinds Theme Park

Sleep Inn Fort Mill near Carowinds Blvd

Sleep Inn Fort Mill near Carowinds Blvd

2.5 out of 5
3540 Lakemont Blvd, Fort Mill, SC
Sleep Inn Fort Mill near Carowinds Blvd
Comfort Inn Fort Mill Amusement Park at Carowinds Blvd

Comfort Inn Fort Mill Amusement Park at Carowinds Blvd

2.5 out of 5
3725 Avenue Of The Carolinas, Fort Mill, SC
Comfort Inn Fort Mill Amusement Park at Carowinds Blvd
Carowinds Camp Wilderness

Carowinds Camp Wilderness

3 out of 5
14609 Carowinds Blvd, Charlotte, NC
Carowinds Camp Wilderness
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Charlotte at Carowinds

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Charlotte at Carowinds

2.5 out of 5
1000 Coasterview Drive, Charlotte, NC
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Charlotte at Carowinds
TownePlace Suites by Marriott Fort Mill at Carowinds Blvd.

TownePlace Suites by Marriott Fort Mill at Carowinds Blvd.

3 out of 5
3519 LAKEMONT BOULEVARD, Fort Mill, SC
TownePlace Suites by Marriott Fort Mill at Carowinds Blvd.
Quality Inn at the Park

Quality Inn at the Park

2.5 out of 5
3560 Lakemont Blvd, Fort Mill, SC
Quality Inn at the Park
Motel 6 Fort Mill, SC - Charlotte

Motel 6 Fort Mill, SC - Charlotte

2 out of 5
3541 Foothills Way, Fort Mill, SC
Motel 6 Fort Mill, SC - Charlotte
Best Western Carowinds

Best Western Carowinds

2.5 out of 5
3675 Foothills Way, Fort Mill, SC
Best Western Carowinds
Clarion Hotel Fort Mill Near Amusement Park

Clarion Hotel Fort Mill Near Amusement Park

2.5 out of 5
3695 Foothills Way, Fort Mill, SC
Clarion Hotel Fort Mill Near Amusement Park
See all 2,007 properties in Carowinds Theme Park
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Carowinds Theme Park

Carowinds Theme Park is a thrilling destination in the United States, featuring a variety of exciting rides and outdoor experiences perfect for a theme park getaway. Visitors can enjoy live music, guided tours, and even catch a baseball game nearby. With shopping options available, there’s something for everyone to enjoy, making Carowinds a fantastic vacation spot for families and thrill-seekers alike.

Shopping

If you're up for a drive, SouthPark Mall, located 7 miles away, offers a vibrant atmosphere with entertainment and family-friendly options. The Charlotte Regional Farmers Market, just 6 miles from Carowinds, provides a bustling local vibe, while Charlotte Premium Outlets, 5 miles away, is perfect for bargain hunters.

Recreation

At Quail Hollow Club, enjoy a round of golf surrounded by lush greenery and a vibrant atmosphere. Nearby, the CSA OrthoCarolina Sportsplex offers various sports activities, perfect for fitness enthusiasts. For relaxation, visit Anne Springs Close Greenway, where you can unwind amidst serene nature trails and scenic views.

Adventure

The Piedmont Medical Center Trailhead offers a scenic trail for hiking and biking, located 9 miles from Carowinds, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Ray's Splash Planet, 11 miles away, is a thrilling waterpark ideal for family fun. McAlpine Creek Greenway, 12 miles from Carowinds, provides beautiful outdoor spaces for exploration.

Nightlife

After a day at Carowinds, unwind at Topgolf, just 4 miles away, for drinks and entertainment. Catch a show at NarroWay Theater, only 1 mile away, where family-friendly performances await. For some arcade fun, venture 9 miles to Slot Car Cave and enjoy thrilling adventures.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Carowinds Theme Park

Carowinds Theme Park offers a variety of attractions for travelers seeking outdoor adventures, family fun, and urban experiences. Within and around the park, you can explore popular sites such as urban parks, event venues, and sports museums. Be sure to check out nearby attractions and the best local spots for an unforgettable visit, ensuring you make the most of your time at Carowinds and its surrounding areas.

  • Charlotte Convention Center: This large event venue is perfect for business travelers and hosts a variety of conferences and exhibitions. Its modern facilities and professional atmosphere make it a hub for networking and events in the region.
  • Charlotte Douglas Airport Overlook: Enjoy stunning views of aircraft taking off and landing at this family-friendly urban park, ideal for picnics and outdoor activities. Its spacious grounds provide a great spot for relaxation and enjoying the city vibe.
  • NASCAR Hall of Fame: A must-visit for sports enthusiasts, this interactive museum celebrates the history and culture of NASCAR. Experience thrilling exhibits, memorabilia, and even a racing simulator for an adrenaline-filled day.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Carowinds Theme Park

To save money on your visit to Carowinds Theme Park, plan your trip during the cheapest months, which are August and December to January, and opt for a stay on a Monday for the lowest rates. Utilize Expedia’s tools to find budget-friendly accommodations and consider combining your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings. Join the One Key membership for exclusive discounts and cash rewards on future bookings. Look for Eco-certified hotels for sustainable options while sorting by price to find the best deals and maximize your savings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Carowinds Theme Park are August and December to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May and September to October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Carowinds Theme Park is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Carowinds Theme Park is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to refine your options based on your budget, preferred location, and desired hotel type. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay near Carowinds Theme Park with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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