5 Ah!-mazing Reasons Why Carowinds is One of My Top Family Destinations to Beat the Heat This Summer

Aerial view of Carowinds / Photo: +Maricris G 

I can't believe the heatwave upon heatwave Charlotte is currently experiencing. It's unreal but there's no denying it - the heat is quite real alright! It's so hot out here, I almost want to live in the water just to escape it! Now that I think about it, I guess I could, some way, somehow. I could go to the beach but the closest one is at least 3 hours away and that would only give me at least a week to enjoy it. Or, I can always go to my community's pool, but nah. It's too small and pretty crowded most of the time, there's just no way to enjoy even a short dip. So, what to do? Why what else, but go to Carowinds! It might be the best solution at this point. Here's why:

1. Tons of option involving fun in the water. They've got huge pools and water slides to immerse yourself into for as long as your heart's desire - or up until you are wrinkled as prunes or park closes for the day. Did all that! Just make sure to slather tons of sunscreen in the process. Didn't do that! My favorite? Bondi Beach! Nothing can top THE WAVE. And for something more relaxing, my go-to-water attraction, is of course, the Lazy River. So, appropriate.

2. Two attractions for the price of 1. I hate math but now this is a math formula I like. Anything that saves me moolah, I'm all in. For as low as $89, I get both parks! Which means, after I'm all wrinkled and pruned getting all soaked up in the waters of Boomerang Bay, I can without difficulty cross the border - legally, of course - then dry myself up on the recreational side of the park at Carowinds. Best of all, I can go back to the parks everyday whenever I want to! And for the rest of the Summer and beyond. Well, till November 1st anyway.

3.  Unlimited Refills. When it's hot out, you rehydrate, rehydrate and rehydrate! I was at the park the past week at one of the hottest days in Charlotte - yeah, call me insane - but I dragged everyone out of my house to go to the bay for a much-needed cool dip! But being in the water is not enough. When it's hot, you're thirsty all the time. This is why I think the unlimited refill introduced this year was a brilliant idea! For only $24.99, you get free refill all season long! This explains why there was such loooong lines at every visible concession stand inside the park! And most everyone was holding identical refillable souvenir bottles like as if they are in a parade. I literally felt left out. Not again.

4. All Day Dining Plan. Let's face it. When you're in a park, food prices are tagged with park rates. I don't need to spell it out for you but yes, I'll say it, they're painfully expensive! I'm glad that Carowinds came up with the idea of offering the All-day dining plan. I tell you, even when there's only three of you in the family, it can get very, very expensive and can put a hole in your pocket - pretty quick! Let me just say, this dining plan for $29.99 is a pocket saver! Easy. Think of all the food you can eat all day! Whoa. More reason to come back everyday. Now, if you want to save more, go for the All-Season dining plan.

5.  Early Access to Boomerang Bay. I admit, this is a sweet treat. Do you know how hard it is to find a spot when everyone is at the park? Very. It can get insane out there. And when it's searing hot, the last thing you will want to do is waste your time, under the sun, trying to find an available lounging chair, preferably under a shade - which is close to impossible. With the early access, you get first dibs on the best spot under those colorful giant umbrellas! Now, that's what I call awesome perk!


But of course, don't just take my word for it, these are just a few of the reasons why Carowinds is yet again in my top family Summer destinations this year. There are more attractions inside the park that are reason enough to make anyone keep coming back for more. Not to say, the park makeover they did this year is simply ah-mazing! And Fury 325? To die for!

Have you visited yet?




Disclaimer: I'm a long-time Carowinds season passholder and currently an official Caro-blogger for Carowinds. This post is part of the program but all opinions are mine and based on my own experiences unless otherwise stated.