If you’ve been here awhile, you know we love a good trip to Carowinds. This summer we had even more to look forward to as the park recently expanded one of our favorite areas – Camp Snoopy. With new rides, refreshed spaces, and a dose of Peanuts charm around every corner, it was the perfect family day.
There’s still time for you to pencil in a visit before summer ends so check out this sneak peek at what’s new (and still beloved) in Camp Snoopy this year!
Snoopy’s Racing Railway
One of the biggest highlights of our visit was the brand-new Snoopy’s Racing Railway. This junior launch coaster is a blast—literally! Riders get launched out of the station and zoom around twists and turns while Snoopy rushes to deliver food across camp.
Don’t let the size fool you—this coaster is smooth, fast-paced, and exciting without being too intense for younger kids. My own crew couldn’t get enough of it and immediately wanted to ride again. The theming is playful, and the onboard music adds a fun energy that really brings the whole ride to life.
Kids 36″ and up can ride (with an adult if under 42″), so it’s a great first coaster for little thrill-seekers.
Charlie Brown’s River Raft
Late summer heat is no joke in the Carolinas and this new ride is the perfect way too cool off. Charlie Brown’s River Raft is an interactive water ride that lets riders blast each other (and unsuspecting guests on shore) with water cannons while floating down a twisty, slow-moving course.
Bystanders don’t just have to stand there getting soaked though. Carowind’s has upped the fun even more by giving them access to water cannons to aim at the possing rafts.
We all got drenched, so be sure to bring quick-dry clothes or a towel. Or just enjoy the quick reprieve from the summer heat.
Snoopy’s Talent Show Bonanza at Harmony Hall
After a few rides, we needed to cool off so we headed to Harmony Hall to catch a Snoopy’s Talent Show Bonanza, a live musical show that’s air-conditioned to boot.
The story is cute—Snoopy and the gang are showing off their talents on the last day of camp—and the energy is nonstop. There’s dancing, singing, comedy, and even some surprise audience participation.
The show was a welcome break from the heat and crowds. We also utilized our dining pass to buy lunch to enjoy during the show.
More Classic Fun at Camp Snoopy
You’ll want to explore the rest of Camp Snoopy during your visit and check out all the classic rides Camp Snoopy has to offer. Everything at Camp Snoopy is summer camp themed, with cute signage and Peanuts characters around every turn.
Woodstock Express
This family-friendly roaster coaster is a great starting coaster for your little ones. It features gentle drops and turns, making it the perfect introduction to more thrilling rides as they get older.
Kite Eating Tree
While it’s not your average scary drop tower, this mini version will leave your kids giggling and screaming as they attempt to help Charlie Brown retrieve his ever illusive kite. Just when they’ve reached the treetops, they’ll bounce back down to the ground in a fit of laughter.
Woodstock Whirly Birds & Peanuts Pirates
From spinning in the teacups to sailing and spinning through the waves, both of these rides are full of twists and turns. Woodstock Whirlybirds lifts riders into the sky for a gentle spin, while Peanuts Pirates swings guests back and forth like a ship caught in a playful storm.
Charlie Brown’s Wind Up, Flying Ace Balloon Race & Snoopy vs. Red Baron
Each of these rides will have you take flight and observe the park from the skies. Whether its while spinning around on swings, taking off in the Red Baron, or floating around in balloons, you’re sure to have a birds-eye view and sky-high adventure perfect for young aviators.
Pig Pen’s Mud Buggies, Peanut’s Trailblazers, & Camp Bus
These rides are both fun, bouncy adventures for the youngest members of the Peanuts gang. From buoyant mud buggies, to jeeps whipping around curves to bouncy buses, you’ll find plenty of transportation options.
Beagle Scout Acres
Tucked away in the back of Camp Snoopy you’ll discover a 8,000 square foot climb and play area with sandboxes, seesaws, small slides and more. There are play structures designed for both younger and older children—and best of all, plenty of shade for parents to relax in
Bonus Fun: Camp Snoopy Bird Watchers Club
While waiting in line, we discovered a fun augmented reality game in the Carowinds app called the Camp Snoopy Bird Watchers Club.
It gave us mini scavenger hunts and challenges to do while walking around the area. The kids loved unlocking badges and snapping photos of the silly cartoon birds that popped up on the screen.
Beyond Camp Snoopy: The Full Carowinds experience
The fun doesn’t stop at Camp Snoopy. There’s a whole 407 acres of theme park to explore beyond the Peanut gang’s domain.
Rides, Coasters and Attractions
Carowinds boasts over 60 rides and attractions including 14 major roller coasters. You’ll find rides for everyone here, spanning from fairground favorites like bumper cars to adrenaline-inducing thrillers like the Fury, the tallest, longest giga coaster in North America.
Live Shows, Music, Meet and Greets and more
Be sure to keep an eye on the app during your visit. There’s almost always something going on. From lively concerts echoing through the park to entertaining live shows full of laughter and excitement or meet and greets with your favorite characters, there are plenty of opportunities to take a break from the rides.
Carolina Harbor
When the heat becomes too much, you can hop on over to Carolina Harbor and enjoy the water park. Included in the cost of admission, this splash filled escape has over 29 water slides and play areas, two wave pools and a 1,000 foot lazy river. You’ll also find plenty of seating where you can relax and recharge by the kiddie pools while your kids enjoy the water.
Tips for Visiting
Whether it’s your first time or you haven’t been in a while, there are lots of ways to maximize your experience. I’ve written an entire post on tips for visiting Carowinds, but here are a few of my best tips:
- Get to the park early and beat the heat and the crowds
- Park in row 7 – it aligns with the entrance
- Pack snacks and a refillable water bottle – water is free throughout the park
- Catch the show at Harmony Hall during the hottest part of the day or if you’re brave, attempt the biggest rides then. The line often dies down when the heat index is highest.
- Download the Carowinds app for shows, interactive maps, wait times and more
Camp Snoopy: The Heart of Summer at Carowinds
Camp Snoopy is just one part of the unforgettable experience that awaits at Carowinds. From kid-friendly adventures to high-speed coasters, a full waterpark, and live entertainment, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
So whether you’re soaring through the skies with Snoopy or tackling the thrills across the park, Carowinds is the ultimate destination for family fun this summer. Don’t miss your chance to make memories that will last a lifetime!
Stay tuned! I’ve got a few more recent adventures to share that’ll be up soon. Until then We’ve be sure to check out my Travel page and Pinterest board for more places to see and travel tips!
