A Family Guide to Carowinds Theme Park
A guide to visiting Carowinds Theme Park in Charlotte, NC
You can also check out my Carowinds Instagram Reel Here.
We’ve always loved Carowinds and there is truly something for everyone from toddler friendly rides at Camp Snoopy to thrilling rollercoasters and live performances. Here is everything you need to know for visiting Carowinds this season.
New this year! There will be two new family rides opening in late spring 2025 - Snoopy’s Racing Railway and Charlie Brown’s River Raft Blast. I’ll share about those as soon as they open.
⏰Hours: They vary per day so check their site calendar for timing. They’ll be open only on weekends through Memorial Day except for CMS spring break when they’ll be open that entire week.
🎟️Tickets: Daily passes are usually around $40. Kids 2 and under are always free.
Parking: $30 or free with a season pass
🎟️Season Passes:
▪️Silver pass is currently $95 and includes unlimited visits through Labor Day and free parking.
▪️Gold Pass is currently $120 and includes unlimited visits plus Scarowinds and Winterfest visits. You also get free parking and early access to the park!
👶Pre-K Pass: Valid for ages 3-5 years and includes Carowinds, Tricks and Treats, and Winterfest. Must bring a birth certificate or passport to activate. A valid 2025 Gold pass is required to redeem for a pre-k pass.
👧The Camp Snoopy area has a wide variety of rides for smaller kids with height requirements ranging from 36-48 inches. There are also some rides that parents can join so any height can ride. My kids tend to stay in this area most of the time and they also love the playground.
💡My Tips:
▪️Carowinds is toddler friendly and there are many rides they can do in the Camp Snoopy area. Adults can also accompany kids on many rides.
▪️Guests with infants or young children can take advantage of the Baby Care Center in Camp Snoopy.
▪️Plan to walk in right at the opening and go straight to your favorite rides. Gold pass holders get in early!
▪️You can bring strollers, water and bags. They have water filling stations throughout the park. They technically say no outside food, but we’ve always brought snacks.
▪️I highly recommend a stroller with little ones. I’ve even brought one with my 8 and 6 six year as they usually get tired and it gives us a place to store our things.
▪️The waterpark opens Memorial weekend and is included in admission. I typically avoid weekends as the waterpark area gets very crowded and feels a bit overwhelming with little ones.
▪️Check the show times when you arrive via the Carowinds app so you can plan your visit around ones you want to see.
▪️Most of the large roller coaster height requirements range from 48-56 inches.
▪️Kids ages 15 and younger, must be accompanied by a chaperone who is at least 21 years old
▪️During the summer I recommend visiting on a weekday if possible to avoid the larger crowds.
