Kids are out of school and parents are searching for ways to make sure their faces aren’t permanently glued to a screen. You’d think school would be a “No Screen Zone.” No, more than most class assignments are found in Google Classroom, Mastery Connect or some other educational app. Even though it involves a chrome book, these programs are great for students and teachers. Some show grades immediately and might give users a chance to correct errors. Pupils can go days without using a pencil or piece of paper. Summer is upon us and it’s time to get up and get out! Upstate residents are within driving distance of so much entertainment. One of the nation’s most popular parks is found between North and South Carolina.
Where The Carolinas Come Together
Carowinds was announced in 1969, broke ground in 1970, and officially opened in March of 1973. The park straddles the North Carolina/South Carolina line, part in Charlotte and part in Fort Mill. The name combined Carolina and “winds,” for the wind that blows across the two states. Our next trip will not be during a holiday (we were there on Good Friday)! The line to get inside the park was SO long. Although the staff ushered guests through quickly and smoothly, it’s not where you want to be if you suffer from road rage. I don’t have road rage, but apparently I was the only one. Once you pay to park, it’s sort of a free-for-all. That would be my only critical review. We didn’t see signs directing cars where to go. Having said that, you won’t have trouble finding a parking space – there’s plenty. Scanning tickets and entering the park was simple. Bathrooms are on the right as you enter. We were thankful for those! It’s not water park season, but Carolina Harbor is included with admission. Pro Tip: Spend the extra money to get a FastPass! I cannot stress this enough. The boys got in line a little before noon and didn’t board their first ride till 2 pm. No thank you. Once they got a FastPass, twenty minutes was their longest wait. The FastPass is an additional charge and can be purchased for individual rides as well. Download the Carowinds app before you go. It’ll be your best friend.
Fun Facts:
- Carowinds was originally going to be a large resort with a theme park, hotels, a golf course, and (are you sitting down) an NFL stadium. Plans were put on hold due to the 1973 oil crisis.
- There are 46 counties in South Carolina and 100 counties in North Carolina. Each has its own brick on their side of the state line as you walk into the park.
- Paramount Parks brings in Halloween event planners from all over the country for S-Carowinds.
- Carolina Cyclone, added in 1980, was the first coaster in the world (the world!) with four inversions. It’s one of only ten rides opened in 1980 that is still operating.
- Carowinds has 14 roller coasters, 2 listed among the 10 tallest in the world.
Let’s Talk About Education
Carowinds is all about education. The park offers educational programming, performance opportunities, and field trips for students. Education Days align with NC, SC, and GA state standards and National Science Standards. STEAM Stations are set up from 10 am -2 pm, in the Thrill Zone near Fury325. If you are an educator or homeschooling family, do not miss out! I’m linking the website here where you’ll find more detailed information. Pro Tip: One complimentary ticket is offered for every fifteen tickets purchased.
A Little Bit of History
Move over, Elsa, there’s a new queen in town! In the 18th century, Catherine the Great built hills out of ice in the gardens of her palace in Russia. People slid down them on sleds for fun. The hills were called Katalnaya Gorka, which means “sliding mountain.” In 1784, she made a “summer” version, adding wheeled carts that rode along grooved tracks. In the 1850s, a mining company in Pennsylvania built the Mauch Chunk gravity railroad. A downhill track used to deliver coal. By 1872, the company began selling rides on the “Gravity Road,” as they called it, to bring in money. Now you know where roller coasters came from! Feel free to email or leave a message in the comments if you have any questions about our experience.