How to Enjoy Carowinds
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You don’t have to leave North Carolina to enjoy life!
Y’all when I was little, I would dream about going places during summer break just so I would be able to share where I visited over the summer when I went back to school in August. Unfortunately, I would rarely have an adventure to share other than staying at my grandparents’ house over the summer, and don’t get me wrong, it was great. They would occasionally treat us- my sister and I, to a trip to the beach or we’d travel to another state for a family reunion. I remember going to Philadelphia one summer, but I have no memory of going to amusement parks, and the one and only time I visited Carowinds, I had to be no more than ten years old, and I went then with the church. Seeing as how I was Tamia’s age the first time I visited a theme park, I thought it only proper to make sure Tamia and Tyson had experiences that I did not have. Plus I have to mention that in all of my 47 years of living, I have spent more of my time in the house than out of it. That had to change!
Covid Made Me Do It
Like I said, before Covid, I did not go anywhere, and if you read my Jamaica post, then you know that I just got my passport and first stamp this year. So with Covid happening, I knew my life and view on travel and getting out needed some major revision, not to mention, my babes have been pretty much been stuck indoors for a year with the exception of going to school or visiting family (which just started in May). Taking all of that into consideration, I thought a little trip to Carowinds would do us all some good, and y’all, I was right.
We Stayed in a Cabin
Did y’all even know that Carowinds has the Wilderness Campground? Well, I sure didn’t. There is a campground for those with RV’s or campers, and then there are the cabins. I was so shocked when I found out about this, and seeing as how I have never camped or stayed in a cabin, and neither have the kids, when I saw that cabin rentals were an option, I immediately booked a cabin our two-day stay. Not to mention, when we travel as a family, I like to have a little privacy away from the kids, even if Tyson does make his way in my room. Plus, I like to be able to cook, so a cabin versus a hotel, was ideal for us because the cabin was equipped with a kitchen, two bedrooms, a living/dining room, and one nice-sized bathroom.
The Kids Were Not Excited
I have to tell the story as it happened, right? So when we first arrived both Tyson and Tamia were skeptical about the cabin in the woods- even if civilization was within walking distance- they were not amused. I had my work cut out for me. Luckily, I had a few tricks up my sleeve, I invited my oldest daughter over for dinner (she lives close to Carowinds), and I cooked my world-famous spaghetti. Needless to say, night one was a success, and on night two, we had a straight-up movie night replete with candy, popcorn, and slushies. It was great! We spent our days exploring and adventuring at the theme parks: Carolina Harbor Waterpark one day and then Carowinds Theme Park the next. By the time we were set to home, neither of them wanted to leave, and my heart was full.
They Are Asking to Return
Now that we are home, Tyson asked daily when are we going back to the cabin, and Tamia has requested a return trip. And I am happy to oblige. Our experience proved to me that it’s good to get away. It’s good to show kids places other than those they frequent. They get to meet new people and learn that the world is bigger and has more to offer than their hometown. What’s more, they get reconnect as a family unit and to make lasting memories.
The Theme Parks
Speaking of the parks, we actually could have spent both of our days at the Carolina Harbor Waterpark one because it was so hot, two, because the kids had an amazing time at the Waterpark, and for good reason. It was really great. There was plenty of seating and shade (for me). The dressing rooms were clean and accessible, and it was an all around great time there. We all enjoyed the Waterpark.
When visited the theme park, we legit posted up at Camp Snoopy, as I had no intentions of riding a ride for people over 54 inches, yes, I am a scaredy cat. And trust me when I tell you that Camp Snoopy, while made for little ones, offers enough thrill for the over 40 pushing 50 squad as well. All I can say is the Woodstock Express had both me and Tamia shook, while Tyson was ready to ride it again. He’s already a thrillseeker.
The Carowinds website makes it super easy for you to plan your adventure. Unless you are surprising your kids, which is what I did, it would be a great idea to include them in this step. I am sure they would thoroughly enjoy doing this kind of research. I think this is what I will do when we return.
We Had a Blast
We will most definitely be returning. I wish that I could highlight every single thing we did here, and next time I will, but what we enjoyed most of all was reconnecting and spending stress-free time together, and I am sure you and your family will too.
If you are thinking about going, here’s what I suggest:
Stay on site
Arrive at check-in to make the most of the day
Cook to save money
Take a backpack with snacks and lunch.
Explore one park a day: water park one day and the amusement park the next.
In the spirit of creativity and inspiration,
