With a brand new Carolina theme and a brand new family area, Carolina Harbor at Carowinds has extended its southern hospitality to serve every age. The waterpark now includes water features for their very youngest guests, called “Kitty Hawk Cove and Myrtle Turtle Beach,” as well as a shaded, dry playground created by Soft Play.

“Our goal was to be able to serve everyone, from toddlers on up to the major thrill-seekers,” says Laresa Thompson, Public Relations Manager for Carolina Harbor. “The new family area and the new rides have exceeded all of our expectations.”

Carowinds is located right on the border between North Carolina and South Carolina, near Charlotte, NC. It opened in 1973 and includes over 400 acres of thrills, live shows, children’s areas and even a campground. And it’s all nestled in a beautiful, tree-filled area that makes it feel as much “park” as “amusement.”

“You can really feel the southern hospitality here,” says Thompson. “The Carolina trees and flowers and greenery make this a beautiful place to visit as you’re having a ton of fun.”

The waterpark at Carolina Harbor at Carowinds has been cooling guests off for years, but in the last year it has undergone a transformation. Many of the rides now have Coastal-themed names, such as Pirate’s Landing and Hurricane Falls.

There are also many new attractions, including the new flagship, six-story-tall waterslide complex, Blackbeard’s Revenge; Seaside Splashworks, a multi-level play structure with over 80 play elements and a giant 423-gallon tipping bucket that soaks everything in its path; and a new 27,000-square-foot wave pool called Surf Club Harbor.

There is also a new two-acre family area which features popular coastal town names: Kiddy Hawk Cove and Myrtle Turtle Beach. This is the area where Soft Play contributed an outdoor dry play area for toddlers. It includes rubberized flooring as well as ocean-themed soft climbers and slides, such as turtles, a crab and a whale tale slide.

“We wanted parents to have everything they need right in one area,” says Thompson. “We have received rave reviews from parents.”

Additionally, the waterpark added 2,000 new lounge and pool side chairs, along with just over 30 new cabanas (bringing the total to 60), including two party cabanas that can hold up to 16 people.

Thompson says the waterpark is continuing its outreach to the community by hosting events that cater to different ages. They’ll host a beer festival targeting millennials, a Taste of the Carolinas event for any age, and a Kids Fest targeting families with young children.

“We want to bring people to the park and let them know there’s something for everyone here,” explains Thompson. “This is going to be a great summer!”