Carowinds swim-up bar opening in adults-only ‘oasis.’ And kids get new rides

Carowinds’ “oasis” for adults will debut Saturday with the season opening of Carolina Harbor Waterpark.

The 27,280-square-foot adults-only section of the 27-acre waterpark features a swim-up bar, Carowinds’ owner Six Flags Entertainment Corp. said Tuesday.

It’s the first time Carowinds has provided an adults-only experience, Carowinds park manager Brian Oerding said in a statement. He called it an “oasis for our adult guests.”

The 400-acre amusement park that straddles the border of North and South Carolina in Charlotte and Fort Mill, S.C., also has two additions opening in the children’s area of the park.

What to expect at Carolina Harbor Waterpark

Inside the adults-only Carolina Harbor Shore Club will be:

▪ A swim-up bar called Paul Metto’s Boathouse Bar

▪ A 3,577-square-foot pool

▪ 58 shaded chaise lounge chairs

▪ Six cabanas with a television, min-fridge and concierge service

▪ A lawn area with poolside games

Entry to the 26-acre Carolina Harbor Waterpark is included with general admission.

New for the kids at Carowinds

Two new attractions — a roller coaster and an interactive raft ride — also will debut this summer in Carowinds’ children’s area called Camp Snoopy.

The new family roller coaster, Snoopy’s Racing Railway will open the first week of June, Six Flags spokesman Chris Foshee said.

But season passholders can get a sneak peek of the ride from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday and Sunday, and May 31 and June 1. The coaster goes from zero to 27 mph with dips and turns, according to Six Flags.

Charlie Brown’s River Raft Blast will open this summer, Foshee said. The eight-seat boat has on-board and onshore water cannons so riders can spray other boats while navigating the river channel.

Camp Snoopy also has a new splash play zone area and remodeled Camp Store for meet-and-greets with Peanuts costume characters.

More about Six Flags

This is the first season for Carowinds operating under new parent company Six Flags. Last July, Carowinds’ longtime owner Cedar Fair, based in Sandusky, Ohio, closed on an $8 billion merger.

Six Flags, formerly based in Arlington, Texas, is now headquartered at 8701 Red Oak Blvd., about 5 miles northeast of Carowinds, in Charlotte.

In November, Six Flags said it would invest more than $1 billion over two years at its 42 theme parks on upgrades, including new restaurants and menus.

In 2026, a “record-breaking water ride” is planned at Carowinds. Details about the ride have not been released.