Paramount Carowinds Amusement Park

Carowinds Amusement Park in Charlotte is the quintessential American theme park: the perfect combination of thrill and kiddie rides, impressive coasters, live shows, fairway games, funnel cakes and cotton candy.  Boomerang Bay, a 20-acre water thrill park,  and Planet Snoopy, a 12-acre kids fun zone, just add to the fun at Carowinds.

If thrill rides and coasters are your weakness, Carowinds won't disappoint. The Carolina Cobra is a 125-foot coaster that sends riders up huge hills and around crazy loops in forward, and then again in reverse, and the Afterburn, a 32-passenger steel inverted coaster that leaves riders' feet dangling in the air, are among the favorite rides of thrill seekers at Carowinds.

The Carolina Goldrusher is a family-friendly wooden coaster that takes riders on a mining adventure, while the Rip' Roarin' Rapids take the whole family on a splish-splashing adventure through a winding river that is complete with waterfalls. Don't forget Scooby Doo's Haunted Mansion, either. Climb into the interactive Mystery Machine cars and shoot zappers at the ghosts while you collect yummy Scooby Snacks.

The Planet Snoopy attraction is new for 2010 and features more than a dozen rides that are perfect for even the smallest of riders. A carousel, whirly birds, mini-roller coaster and kid cruiser cars are just some of the rides in Planet Snoopy.

More than 30 restaurants as well as dozens of concession stands are available to fill grumbly tummies in the park. If you prefer, you can also pack a picnic to eat in the park's pavilion.

2010 prices and hours are to be determined, so check the Carowinds website for details.

- by LeeAnn Mullen, Charlotte Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)

LeeAnn Mullen

LeeAnn Mullen is a freelance journalist from Cleveland, Ohio. She holds a bachelor's degree in journalism is currently furthering her education by studying for an additional degree in information systems management. Mullen has written for several Cleveland-area newspapers, online publications and dozens of private clients. Her topics of specialty include health, technology and travel.