About two months ago my son called and told us to have everyone schedule a Sunday off so we could all go to Carowinds for a family fun day. When your 26-year-old son wants to have a family day, you move heaven and earth to accomplish it. If you’ve never heard of Carowinds before, it’s an incredible amusement park filled with roller coasters, tons of rides, a waterpark, lots of food and so much more.
So, all of us cleared our schedules, including all three of my kids, my husband, myself, and my son’s girlfriend. Let me tell you, even though your kids may be adults, you still need to do some fun things together. You are still making memories that will last forever. Nothing is more important than your family. It took some doing but somehow we all managed to clear the day.
Carowinds is in Charlotte, NC, and SC. Sounds crazy right? It literally straddles the border and part of the park is in each state. For us, it’s just under an hour from our house. It’s been five years since we went and the last time, and that wasn’t long after my husband’s cancer surgeries. When the kids were little we actually had season passes and went all the time. Season passes are completely worth it no matter what age your kids are.
This trip to Carowinds was long overdue and we were in desperate need of some family fun. We had a blast! It’s so different going with your older kids than when they were little. First off, they can ride everything! Also, if you want to go off and ride something with your husband, or one child, it’s ok because the others that aren’t riding are all grown up! And they’re also not complaining about lines, the heat and always being hungry or getting bored. Bonus! You don’t have to stick to rides in the kiddy park!
But do I ride everything? Not a chance! I don’t ride rollercoasters or things that go high. I’m a scaredy cat and know my limits. I’m also Pepper Potts (If you’re an Iron Man fan then you know she likes to be handed things). In other words, I hold everything and love watching them ride and take pictures. I mean there are a few rides that I do get on like Carolina Skytower, Rock ‘n Roller, The Carousel, The Scrambler (my favorite), and Bumper Cars. The only roller coaster I will ride is the Gold Rusher. Doesn’t go high, has no upside-down turns and it’s original to the park.
If you’ve never been to Carowinds, it’s a must! Whether you have young kids or grown-up kids or you want to go on a date with your hubby. There are tons of rides, places to eat, a water park, and more. If you plan on going more than once, go ahead and get the season passes, they pay for themselves in two visits. Not to mention Scarowinds, which they were in the process of decorating for when we went and Winterfest.
There are tons of restaurants and places to grab snacks and drinks inside the park. Consider getting a drink pass so you can fill up for free all day. Todd and I shared one, while our girls shared one, and Spencer and Alita had their own. So you don’t necessarily have to buy one for each person unless you want to. The great thing about the drink passes is that the cups are good for the whole season and you only pay $5 to use them on subsequent visits.
Carowinds Suggestions:
- Comfortable Shoes: I suggest tennis shoes, you will do a lot of walking and they don’t come off on the rides.
- Sunscreen: There is a lot of shade, but you will still get burned especially during the summer or if you go to the waterpark.
- A lightweight backpack or fanny pack to hold your phone, sunglasses, sunscreen, etc. while in the park.
- A picnic lunch in a cooler in your car if you want to save money on food.
- Comfy clothing because you want to be comfortable and it does get super hot here in the summer.
- If you’re going to the waterpark, rent a locker to store your towels and stuff in.
- Purchase a drink pass
For more information about all things Carowinds, just click here!
My other suggestion for how to have a family fun day at Carowinds is to go! Make time to do some fun things with your adult kids. Laugh, scream on the rides and make silly photos. You won’t regret it! We had a blast as a family. Time with your family is precious no matter what age you or your kids are.
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