Carowinds

Carowinds is the 400 acre amusement and water park straddling the North Carolina and South Carolina line off I-77, south of Charlotte. It is home to Fury 325, the giga coaster repeatedly voted the best steel roller coaster in the world. A full lineup of coasters runs alongside Camp Snoopy for younger children and Carolina Harbor, which is included with summer admission.

What to know

• The calendar runs from spring through to the new year.
• SCarowinds takes over the park in the fall.
• WinterFest brings lights and skating in December.
• Season passes pay for themselves in about two visits.