Parents' Carowinds Survival Guide to Carowinds

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Parents Survival Guide to Carowinds

Ashlyn Pecchio Photo Ashlyn Pecchio |
July 12, 2023

Carowinds is the ultimate family destination for FUN in the Carolinas.

Parents and caregivers can take several steps to ensure children remain safe during a visit to Carowinds. By taking precautions, families can ensure a safe and fun visit. In addition to rides and attractions for all ages, Carowinds features several amenities to help make a day of family fun with children as comfortable and carefree as possible.

Family Safety

Follow Carowinds’ Rules and Regulations

Carowinds has adopted, and enforces, specific rules that are necessary to maintain the type of safe, secure, and wholesome environment that our guests expect. Learn more about the park's rules and regulations by reading Carowinds' Code of Conduct.

Height Wristbands

The safety of guests and associates is Carowinds’ top priority. There are height and size restrictions associated with each attraction in the park to ensure guests can have fun while staying safe. Requirements for each ride can be located at the ride's entrance, or in the Guest Assistance Guide.

To save time, and manage a child’s expectations, Carowinds provides a height-measurement station near the North Gate. Children receive a wristband with their height, so families will know exactly what their child can and cannot ride before getting in line. 

KidTrack

While at Carowinds, the last thing you want to worry about is a missing child. Carowinds offers a KidTrack program, and in the case of an emergency, will hopefully track down your missing individual(s). Sign up for KidTrack at Guest Services, located at the North Gate.

Write your cell phone number on the wristband(s) provided and place the wristband on. Share with your children that if lost, they should seek out the nearest Carowinds associate. That associate will call the cell phone number on the KidTrack wristband and will let you know where your child is safely being kept.

Rider Swap

If a child does not meet the height requirement for an attraction, or a guest does not wish to board a particular attraction, no problem. With the Rider Swap program, one adult can wait with the non-rider (or riders) while the rest of the party enjoys the attraction. When the other adult returns, they can supervise the non-riding guest(s), and the waiting adult can board the attraction without having to wait in the regular line again.

For more information, and to enroll in this program, stop by Guest Services at the North Gate, or the Family Care Center in Camp Snoopy.

Kid-Friendly Fun

Camp Snoopy

Families with small children will find plenty of things to do in Camp Snoopy, the large children’s area at Carowinds. The themed area features a variety of flat rides, two small roller coasters, and an immersive playground.

Additionally, families can enjoy The PEANUTS Gallery, an immersive walkthrough meet and greet experience, located at the Camp Theater. Find showtimes and character availability on the Carowinds mobile app.

Carolina Harbor Waterpark

Carolina Harbor Waterpark features a three-acre children’s area with four distinct attractions. Water park access is included with admission to Carowinds.

Myrtle Turtle Beach is specifically designed for toddlers and their families, offering water jets and an interactive water play area that will captivate them for hours. A second play area features turtles and other sea creatures for kids to play and climb on.

Kiddy Hawk Cove is filled with shallow pools, small slides, spray jets and splash areas.

Pirate’s Landing is a small-scale play structure with two stories of interactive water sprays, water wheels, bridges, and rope ladders.

Seaside Splashworks is a large multi-level play structure. With over 80 play elements, there is something for the whole family. Dozens of spray jets, water guns, net bridges and water wheels are highlighted against the heavily themed structure. The attraction is also home to six water slides and a 423-gallon tipping bucket.

Kid-Friendly Dining

Picky eaters are no match for Carowinds. There are over 25 dining locations throughout the park, with a variety of options for everyone’s taste.

Camp Snoopy is home to Camp Cookout, a restaurant specializing in kid-friendly favorites like chicken tenders, hamburgers, and hot dogs. In Carolina Harbor Waterpark, Sharky’s Grille offers similar options, and is conveniently located near the three-acre children’s area.

Harmony Hall, Carowinds’ flagship dining location, is a favorite among families. This location features four different menu stations offering a variety of dining choices.

Families can get the best value during their visit with the All-Day Dining plan, which includes a meal every 90 minutes. Families with season passes can purchase All-Season Dining to enjoy lunch and dinner each park visit, with a four-hour interval between meals.

Other Family Amenities

Family Care Center

Located in Camp Snoopy, the Family Care Center provides nursing mothers with a comfortable, air-conditioned space to take a break with their child. The facility also houses diaper changing stations and provides other family care essentials as needed.

First Aid

Families don’t have to let a minor injury ruin their day at the park. Carowinds has two first aid locations – one in Carolina Harbor Waterpark, next to Harbor House, and another between Chickie’s and Pete’s Sports Grill and County Fair. Our first aid associates are highly-trained medical professionals ready to assist with any first aid needs.

Expanded Family Restrooms

Parents love the restrooms in Camp Snoopy. The spacious facility features numerous expanded stalls and four large family bathrooms.

Stroller rentals

Carowinds offers families convenient stroller rentals at the park. Single strollers and double strollers are available and can be rented at Traditions near the North Gate.