This clean, friendly theme park sits on the borders of North and South Carolina, delivering 13 world-class roller coasters, two of which are part of the tallest coasters in North America lists (Fury 325 and the Intimidator).

But Carowinds hasn’t forgotten the little guys. The sweet-set will go wild for Planet Snoopy with a small train, coaster, balloon rides and a lot more. The park also features several family rides like Boo Blaster. Live entertainment with shows like Cirque Imagine and Rock and Country bring the house down throughout the year.

Included with the price of Carowinds admission is Carolina Harbor, the largest outdoor water park in the Carolinas. The H20 section of the park was the center of a multi-million dollar renovation, and now boasts an immense multi-level water play structure, a ginormous wave pool, a 1,000-foot long lazy river, and seemingly zillions of exciting, curvy waterslides for the action lovers among us.

Celebrate America! happens on July 3rd and 4th, as Carowinds lights up the sky for Independence Day fireworks.

Hours
Hours vary seasonally, but the park is generally open from 9 or 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. depending on the day. Carolina Harbor is open in the summer. Hours begin at 11 a.m. every day and close at different hours in the week.