Carowinds

Carowinds is the Carolinas' flagship theme park — a full-scale Cedar Fair property that straddles the North Carolina/South Carolina border just south of Charlotte. On a good day with a plan, it's an exceptional family outing. On a hot August Saturday without one, it's an expensive exercise in frustration. The difference is preparation.

The park divides into two experiences by age. Caroler's, the kids' section, is a self-contained world with 13 rides calibrated for the 36-52 inch crowd. There's a junior coaster (Woodstock Express), spinning teacups, a mini-swing ride, and a scaled-down version of the park's classic rides.

Young kids can spend 3 hours here without leaving the area. For bigger kids and teens, the coaster lineup is serious: Fury 325 (one of the tallest and fastest steel coasters ever built), Intimidator, and Afterburn are all top-tier rides by any standard.

Carolina Harbor, the on-site water park, is included with park admission from late May through Labor Day. It has a dedicated kids' splash zone, a lazy river, and the standard collection of waterslides. Plan to transition to the water park in the afternoon when the coaster waits peak and the heat is at its worst.

Food is the park's biggest trap. In-park meals run $15-20 per person. Carowinds allows soft-sided coolers at the entrance — bring lunch, snacks, and drinks and save $50-80 for a family of 4.

Season passes at $100-130 per person are worth it if you'll go twice. They also cover parking and give discounts on food. Buy tickets online regardless — gate prices are $20-30 per person higher than the website.