[kn072009]

Hi, first time for our family to Carowinds. Want to go next week (Aug 23 or 25). We will have three kids who won't handle the long lines very well. I'm flexible and can go any weekday and time, so want to pick the least peak. Tuesday morning at opening? Or Thursday evening at 4? Any advice on when Carowinds is typically least crowded?

Thanks for helping me with this topic that I am sure has been discussed to death already.

[jeffdavis]

Weekday closings are at 8:00 now, so I wouldn't wait until 4:00 to go if I was going. I would go at opening any weekday next week. I can't imagine a big crowd considering how many schools have started back.

[kirkgun]

Between what you suggested, generally, I think any of those times are going to be good.

Most schools will be back in session, from kindergarten to college.

As to predicting precisely the smallest crowd, I'd watch the weather. The worse the weather the smaller the crowds will be. Worse weather could mean rain, or it could be heat and humidity. But is it worth it to suffer bad weather and be miserable for that reason, or to stand in longer lines on a beautiful day? Pick your poison. And it depends on what you are wanting to do. Heat and humidity increase crowds for the water park but decrease for the amusement park side. Cooler weather will be vice-versa. The water park closes at 6 PM and main park at 8PM.

Again, I think the middle of next week will be generally quite good for smallish crowds. (Maybe I'll see you there, my only visit for 2016 will be the middle of next week also. We'll be over riding Fury over and over and over. )

[cwgator]

Be mindful that while some schools in the area will have started back, not the largest : Charlotte-Meck (they go back the 29th). I would suggest going right before opening on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. It will be less busy then than any other time (maybe Monday as well if that's an option). The afternoons will likely pick up some but doubt it would be terrible.

[uscbandfan]

I always try to go on Tuesday. I went several times on Tuesday this year and never stood in a line more than 10 minutes for any ride other than Ricochet. (I didn't attempt Nighthawk but if you have small kids you wont be riding that anyway.)

There were some longer lines at Carolina Harbor but, with a ton of the world back in school, I don't see that as an issue either. Especially on a Tuesday.

[CoasterKellie]

Hola, insider at the park at your service. Honestly any day this week except for Saturday would be your best bet. Though Charlotte-Meck has not started school yet, it has not led to a huge insurgence of people. We'd love to see you on Tuesday or Thursday! I would definitely come in the morning though to get those early morning rides on Fury and Intimidator though!