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Tuesday, December 30, 2014

State Parks – Great Family Travel Destinations

See Beautiful Waterfall at South Mountains State Park in NC © Katrena
If you are looking for ways to connect with the kids and to connect with nature, our country's state parks offer a wealth of opportunities. Some parks have a minimal or no admission price and may offer camping, swimming, and other fun activities at very reasonable rates.

Enjoy Amazing View at Hanging Rock State Park © Katrena
The state park system may offer scheduled educational programs, guided hikes, and more at various times and locations throughout the year. We've met several rangers while visiting state parks, and they have been friendly and knowledgeable, offering interesting tidbits of information about that park. Some rangers may rotate to different parks, so they may offer information about other parks in the area as well. Volunteers are often quite educated as well and may provide a wealth of information about various aspects of the area.

Boardwalk at Hunting Island State Park © Katrena
I have noticed that many of the parks are adding features on a regular basis. Some may be working on adding trails that are more accessible while others may be adding interactive indoor educational opportunities, for example. Many of the hiking trails we have enjoyed included information about the local animals and plants one might see along the way.

Many State Park Trails and Campgrounds are Pet Friendly © Katrena
One particularly nice perk of many of state parks is that quite a few of them are pet-friendly. We have not ventured out with our pooch, but we have met lots of friendly folks with furry friends along the trails and in the campgrounds. We have found camping at state parks to be particularly enjoyable as it gives us time to see more of the park and to relax on site.

Enjoy Natural Beauty of Beach at Hunting Island State Park © Katrena
Many of the parks offer a vast display of beauty that only nature can provide. I remember taking my nephew hiking to the top of Hanging Rock State Park. Once we were at the top, he could scarcely believe his eyes and shouted, "I'm on top of the world!" Hearing the rushing waters of a waterfall, the ebb and flow of the ocean, the gentle swaying of trees rustled by the wind, or listening to birds singing can be a calming, renewing experience that is hard to achieve any other way.

See Wildlife While Camping at a Hunting Island State Park © Katrena
If you are thinking of visiting a state park, I would encourage you to visit the park's web site. Yep, the park systems have added technology, and you might be surprised to find all sorts of added information, photos, reviews, newsletters, and more. You can also find hours, information about any closings, amenities, rules, and other helpful information before visiting. The StateParks.com/usa site includes a map of the United States where you can see at a glance how many state parks are located in each state.

Interactive Educational Area at South Mountains State Park © Katrena
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Thursday, October 2, 2014

Four Free Carowinds Tickets Giveaway!

Win Free Tickets to Carowinds
I received an unexpected surprise from the folks at Carowinds. They are providing four free general admission Carowinds one-day tickets for either October 4 or October 5, 2014 for a blog giveaway. If you are the winner, you can enjoy the Great Pumpkin Fest, October fun and rides at this amusement park on the North Carolina/South Carolina border.

How to enter
  • Post a comment in the comment section at the bottom of this article that includes your name and email address no later than Friday, October 3 at 12:00 noon EST.
Details of the free Carowinds tickets giveaway

I will simply write down the names on pieces of paper and have one of my kids randomly draw one name out of a hat and will notify the winner via email with directions regarding how to receive these tickets and will ask which date the winner prefers. I will also post the name of the winner on this article.

This one is short and simple and I wish you all the best!

UPDATE on 10/3

I'm pleased to announce that Joanie Reeder is the winner of this free giveaway! Thanks so much for visiting Love 2 Travel With Kids. And a huge thank you to Carowinds for providing this free giveaway. Maybe I'll have more free giveaways on my blog in the future!

Perhaps you might like to read more of my articles about Carowinds, like:

Thursday, August 21, 2014

Fury 325 - Carowinds Builds World's Tallest & Fastest Giga Coaster

Fury 325 Giga Coaster at Carowinds in North Carolina and South Carolina
Carowinds attracts coaster enthusiasts from all around. They offer coasters made of steel and coasters made of wood. They have coasters in which you sit, stand, hang, or lie down. The Intimidator was welcomed as the area's tallest, longest, and fastest coaster of the area when it was built...but records don't often last long when it comes to high thrill rides.

Today Carowinds announces they are going for a world record giga coaster called Fury 325 manufactured by Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M) that will debut in Spring 2015. The coaster boasts some impressive stats with 6,602 feet of track that will lift riders 325 feet high with speeds reaching about 95 miles per hour on the 3 minute, 25 second ride.

Each of the three trains will hold 32 passengers, who must be at least 54 inches tall to ride. Not only will the ride go high, but it will also venture underneath a pedestrian bridge, which I'm sure will be a popular photo spot of the future. Judging from construction pictures, this ride will be near the Hurler, which is on the North Carolina side of the amusement park. See the track layout for Fury 325 on the Carowinds web site.

Giga coasters are for those seeking high thrills. I would not recommend this coaster as your first one to ride or for a child who is at all nervous about riding it. Those who have certain health conditions should avoid high thrill rides like this as well. Work up to it if you haven't ridden many coasters; there are quite a few from which to choose at this amusement park. If you are not interested in riding the new giga coaster, you might find that some of the other coasters may have shorter lines – I'm pretty sure the Fury 325 will be quite popular when it comes out in 2015!

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Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Carowinds 2014 Back to School One-Day Ticket Sale


So, you didn't purchase a season pass, and you don't have any friends with season passes. You can still save $28 off a regular one-day admission price on Carowinds tickets. On August 6, 2014 only, Carowinds is offering a special online price of $29.99. If you take advantage of that deal, you may use the 1-day tickets to visit the park between August 9 and September 1. Online ticket prices for 1-day admission after 4 p.m. are $19.99 for a limited time.

Carowinds also offers two dining plans for those who wish to eat inside the amusement park. The one-meal plan costs $13.99 while the all-day plan in which you can eat as often as every 90 minutes costs $29.99.

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Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Carowinds Height Requirements

Height Requirements at Carowinds Amusement Park © Katrena
Rides at amusement parks tend to have height requirements due to safety reasons. If you are visiting Carowinds, it is a good idea to stop at the height check station just to the left of the main entrance. That person will place a color-coded armband that indicates height to assist you in planning which rides are appropriate for those in your party.

Most rides have a minimum height requirement, and some rides will accommodate people within certain height ranges when riding with a supervising companion, denoted by SC in the chart below. A few rides have a maximum height restriction.

People who meet height requirements may still be unable to ride due to health conditions or the inability to fit into a seat. Although Carowinds does not post weight restrictions, riders must be able to fit in the seats and the seat belt or other safety devices must be securely locked on various rides.

Why did I make this chart? Well, it can be a little confusing when you have children of various heights. This chart shows only the land rides at Carowinds and does not include Boomerang Bay water rides. I checked the Carowinds official web site on the date this article was published to create this chart; however, some height requirements for certain rides have changed over the years, so it is helpful to double-check requirements when you arrive at the park.

I hope this format may help you to plan your day with as little frustration as possible - nobody wants to walk halfway around an amusement park to discover that their child does not meet height requirements, but those requirements are in place to help protect one's safety. Letting a child ride who does not meet height requirements could result in potential injury.

In case you're wondering...no, I don't work for Carowinds. I've visited the park since the 1970s and like to post helpful information on my blogs.

Height Requirement
Carowinds Land Rides
(Note: SC=Supervising Companion)
Must be able to sit upright
Snoopy's Yacht Club
Woodstock's Whirlybirds (under 42" must be accompanied by a SC)
Maximum Height 54"
Snoopy's Space Race
Minimum Height 36"
Charlie Brown's Windup (Maximum height 54")
Scrambler
Snoopy vs. Red Baron
Minimum Height 36-40"
Lucy's Crabby Cabbie (I'm thinking that children between 36" and 40" may ride with a SC while those taller than 40" may ride alone - at least one rider must be a child)
Minimum Height 40-48"
PEANUTS Pirates (I'm thinking that children between 40" and 48" may ride with a SC and those taller than 48" may ride alone)
Minimum Height 40"
Woodstock Express
Minimum Height 44"
 
 
Ricochet
Woodstock Gliders (36" - 44" may ride with SC)
Minimum Height 46"
 
 
Boo Blasters
Carolina Sky Tower (under 46" may ride with SC)
Character Carousel (under 46" may ride with SC)
Rip Roarin' Rapids
Snoopy's Junction (under 46" may ride with SC)
White Water Falls
Minimum Height 48"
 
 
Carolina Cobra
Carolina Cyclone
Carolina Goldrusher
Flying Ace Balloon Race (under 48" may ride with SC)
Dodg'ems, Hurler
Rip Cord
Southern Star (Maximum height 76")
Thunder Road
YoYo,
Minimum Height 52"
Windseeker
Minimum Height 54"
 
 
Afterburn
Drop Tower
*Flying Ace Aerial Chase (Maximum height 76", 44" to 54" may ride with SC)
Fury 325 (Guests with certain amputations may check with Guest Services regarding eligibility to use a full body harness)
Intimidator
Nighthawk (Maximum height 81")
Scream Weaver
Vortex

Thanks for reading my article and visiting my Love 2 Travel With Kids blog!

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Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Safari in Your Own Back Yard – Fun Mini Summer Vacation on a Budget

Find Fun Things to do at Home © Katrena
Stuck at home this summer? You can turn your own backyard into an adventurous safari with a bit of help from nature. It's easy to miss the plethora of animals right outside one's door in the rush to getting the kids ushered off to school and yourself to the daily work grind. Summer might offer several days without a strict agenda. These are the days for fun memories!

Fun Summertime Activities for the Family © Katrena
Those who have no yard might take advantage of a porch or balcony, planning and planting a container garden, or you may find a nearby park where you can hunt for living treasures. Those with a yard might reap huge benefits if the area attracts a wide variety of wildlife.

Learn About Nature in the Back Yard © Katrena
When going outside, stop and listen. You might even have everyone sit and close their eyes. Perhaps you might hear a bird or cicada calling or a rustling in the nearby grass or bushes. As you look around, you might notice animals all around, from a busy ant to a motionless granddaddy spider.

Make Learning Fun © Katrena
One of the best parts of going on a backyard safari is the element of surprise. In the last week, my kids have been surprised to see a peacock, a juvenile hawk, a rabbit, and a turtle. You might see a whole new crew of animals at dawn or dusk. My kids love to sit and watch fireflies grace the evening with their dainty light show accompanied by the symphony of crickets with a bullfrog bass.

How to Encourage Kids to Enjoy and Protect Wildlife © Katrena
You can turn this backyard fun into a great educational opportunity by learning to identify the various animals using your own experience or a field guide. Check out some books or audiobooks from the local library to learn more about them. Hunt for online pictures and articles featuring common animals in your area. Learn about life cycles, camouflage, defense mechanisms, etc.

How to Have Less Stress © Katrena
Hang some feeders and attract birds or other animals. Experiment with different types of food to see if some animals prefer one type over another. Notice how the animals eat and move from place to place. Add a birdbath and fill with recycled water if possible. Talk about conserving resources and how we might protect these animals for this and future generations. Research local and national news articles about conservation efforts and threats to wildlife.

Back Yard Safari - Learn About Animals © Katrena
Create a chart of common animals and watch for an hour, recording a tally mark for each one seen. We use a web site called Create a Graph to design fun graphs. Encourage math skills by comparing or adding the numbers or having the kids to convert some to fractions or percentages. If children can see math at work in one's life, they may be more likely to understand and retain the information.

Enjoy a Staycation with the Kids © Katrena

Practice writing and imaginative skills by encouraging the kids to write a story about what they saw or did, or have them create a whopper of a tall tale by exaggerating the experience or animal on paper. Hone artistic skills by encouraging the kids to draw or paint animals they saw, perhaps creating a family collage. The family might try to create models of the animals with clay or shadows or design new, unique animals.

How to Save Money with a Family © Katrena
Your own back yard might be the perfect backdrop for a mini family vacation. It may also provide an inexpensive, fun educational opportunity and a way to unwind and connect with the family. Turning off electronic devices can help this time to be uninterrupted and special for everyone. Who knows? This simple excursion might be that day that you and the kids remember and cherish for years to come!

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Monday, May 26, 2014

North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro NC – See Animals, Plants, Art, & Enjoy Nature!

Black Bears at NC Zoo in Asheboro © Katrena
The North Carolina Zoo, located at 4401 Zoo Parkway in Asheboro, North Carolina, offers such a nice variety of displays and activities. One might think that a zoo would only have animals, but this zoo has incorporated many details within many unexpected places.

Giraffe at North Carolina Zoo © Katrena
Taking a step away from digital life can encourage people to see nature in all its glory. The art of slowing down and enjoying the journey reaps great benefits to those who visit the zoo. As our family has visited the Asheboro Zoo several times, we have enjoyed the little details that seem to crop up when least expected.

Can You Find the Alligator Snapping Turtle in this Picture? © Katrena
It might be easy to breeze by a Cypress Swamp, but after standing on the bridge for a while, you might catch a glimpse of a huge tadpole, a similar size to a tablespoon. Or maybe a dragonfly that decides to perch on a water lily. Watching a skink skitter by along the walkway might not have been a planned exhibit but elicited some cool conversations among those of us nearby.

Interactive Ways to Learn About Plants and Animals at NC Zoo © Katrena
Although I know some plants and animals native to North America and Africa, I always welcome new learning opportunities. Many displays offer details and great pictures of the animals and plants in or near the area. Some educational postings are interactive. For example, my daughter timed herself to see how long she could hold her breath and then looked at how her results compared to several animals that can hold their breath for particularly long periods of time.

Interactive Kid-Friendly Conservation Education at NC Zoo © Katrena
Displays highlighting conservation and protection of the environment abound throughout the zoo with ample opportunity to learn how we can do simple actions to help protect the environment around us. The carousel features a variety of endangered animals, and plaques often mention when a plant or animal on display is endangered. The zoo's web site also offers details about many of their animals, plants, and displays.

Artwork at Honeybee Exhibit in North Carolina Zoo © Katrena
Those who enjoy art will find a nice variety of sculptures and art forms throughout the zoo. Many are large and intended as photo opportunities, but there are quite a few unassuming art pieces, such as the bird shape chiseled into a rock, that captured my eye that might easily be missed.

Fun Playground in NC Zoo in Asheboro © Katrena
If you are planning to take in the whole zoo in one day, you are almost guaranteed to get a good physical workout because this zoo covers a large area. Most of the trails are shaded, and benches are scattered throughout the zoo. Many side trails offer additional opportunities to get active with the kids, such as an indoor hopscotch area, an outdoor wading pool, or a huge spider web climbing area in the shaded playground.

Seal at North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro © Katrena
Photographers can find a wealth of photo opportunities throughout the zoo. The animals are often more active in the mornings and during feeding times. Zoo keepers and others who work at the zoo can often give great tips and provide added information related to the various displays as well. Some animals may be more animated in temperatures that are cooler. A few animals, like the otters and puffins, may be quite fast and difficult to capture on film, but visitors with video capabilities may be able to share some of the animals' personalities as they perform underwater acrobatics!

Fun Ways to Enjoy NC Zoo © Katrena
Visiting the zoo is easily an all-day adventure, and I recommend arriving near opening time if you plan to try to see all displays in one day. Those who are considering visiting several times in a year might consider a zoo membership – it can be cost effective, particularly if you visit several times, and you can also enjoy reciprocal privileges at other participating attractions.
Pretty Landscaping and Fun Family Activities at Zoo in NC © Katrena

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See Baby Baboons and Other Animals at North Carolina Zoo © Katrena
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Sunday, May 18, 2014

Carowinds Aggressive Thrill Steel Coaster Reviews

Most Thrilling Roller Coasters at Carowinds © Katrena
If you are going for aggressive thrill roller coasters, Carowinds does deliver several rides of interest. These are the ones for the thrill seekers in the family who are tall enough and brave enough to go for the biggest rides the park has to offer.

Although there are no weight restrictions on these rides, the seatbelts do have to fasten appropriately, and I have seen more than one parent have to sit some of these coasters out after waiting in line. The rides also have minimum height restrictions, and a few like the Nighthawk also have maximum height restrictions. Do your homework before standing in line – they will check height.

My kids have ridden all of the following aggressive thrill steel roller coasters at Carowinds, and I am providing the general consensus from our family with a few tips along the way. I have taught my kids that safety is the number one priority. We always make sure that minimum height limits are met, and I tell my kids that if anything does not feel exactly right with the safety checks or on the ride to immediately say something. No ride is worth one's life. If your kids are trying a bigger roller coaster for the first time, you might suggest a seat near the middle or fairly close to the front but not on the front row.

I would not recommend these rides for kids who have certain medical conditions or who are scared to go on them. An empty stomach and empty bladder are also helpful. My kids were excited about riding these roller coasters, but each one has her favorite.

The Intimidator Roller Coaster at Carowinds © Katrena
The Intimidator

If you are looking for tall, fast, and a long ride that will make you feel like screaming like an idiot but will probably take your breath away from the first hill, this ride is for you. This is one you can see several miles away from I-77 and is probably one of the most popular rides at the park for those seeking an aggressive thrill.

Since this ride is so popular, they often have three trains on the track, and the workers are quite efficient at moving the line. Although a lot of people head to this ride first, we tend to wait because the line for the Intimidator usually moves quickly. There are quite a few lines for other rides that crawl later in the day that we would rather ride earlier. However, if you travel to Carowinds and feel like you would be completely disappointed not to get a chance to ride this one, you might want to hit this one early.

Generally speaking, you won't have a choice where you sit, but I suppose you could let people in front of you until they are seating people on your desired row. Be prepared to store hats and other items that might come loose while riding because you probably won't have much left that isn't securely fastened to your body after riding this ride with the big red track.

The Intimidator makes you feel sort of like a loner. Two seats are close and the next two are far apart, making the view much better than it might be if all the seats were directly in front of each other. Not that you are going to be looking at the view after speeding down that first hill. You might think that a huge roller coaster like this would have a shoulder harness. Think again. Individual lap belts hold you and the kids in place. Yep...it's pretty frightening to most people.

The ride is simple and fast with multiple hills. After a couple of minutes into the ride, you might think it is almost done, but hold on because quite a few more hills can grab your gut on the way back to the beginning. Lots of times I scream on roller coasters. Frankly, on this one I'm just concentrating on breathing and hoping I don't utter something ugly under my breath that my kids can hear.

Carolina Cyclone Roller Coaster at Carowinds © Katrena
Carolina Cyclone

I remember when this ride debuted. I was there the first summer it opened, when it was black and orange and the line wound from the sidewalk, through the downstairs, and up the stairs to the track. This was THE ride back in the day because it was the first to take riders upside down four times. I think it is still a fun ride. The last few times we have visited Carowinds, the Cyclone has had a very short line and wait times were minimal when compared to most other coasters.

This one has a couple of loops and corkscrews and crosses over the sidewalk, so you can get an excellent view of the ride before going on it. This one does have shoulder harnesses, and shorter kids may have their head surrounded by the harness. As the train moves riders from side to side, one's head may hit against the harness, making it a bit uncomfortable. It seemed to me that seats near the front and middle have less of the side-to-side movements than the seats near the back. Taller kids may not experience that issue.

Carolina Cobra Roller Coaster at Carowinds © Katrena
Carolina Cobra

For those people as old as I am, you might remember White Lightening at Carowinds years ago that had one loop that riders would ride forwards, and then the ride would stop and the train would run the loop backwards. That ride is no longer at Carowinds, but the Cobra reminds me a little of that ride.

After riders are strapped in with shoulder harnesses, the train starts in reverse as riders travel backwards and stop for a few seconds. It feels like a long wait, but I'm sure it is not. Then the break releases, and the train shoots riders through a loop and cobra roll, up a hill to a dead stop and then backwards.

For me, going forwards was kind of fun. Going backwards was okay too. But stopping suddenly at the end of the forward part made my brain think we were simply going to keep going off the end of the track. I wanted to put on the brake sort of like a driver's ed teacher would apply the brake from the passenger side if you are getting ready to drive over a cliff. I've ridden this ride once. I'm not sure I can muster up the mojo to ride it again.

Any roller coaster that goes forward and backward on a track is at a disadvantage regarding the line. They can only have one train on the track at a time, so even if the line seems short compared to some of the other roller coasters, keep in mind that they cannot load a second or third train while another one is moving on the track. This might be one to try early in the day if you particularly want to ride it.

Nighthawk Roller Coaster at Carowinds © Katrena
Nighthawk

This coaster was previously called the Borg. I'm going to have to go on second hand reviews on this one. My older kids and their dad have ridden this. The ashen look on their dad's face after riding it was enough for me. My daughters have not asked to ride this one again, partially because of the slow moving line and partially because it is pretty darn scary. They were just above the minimum height requirement, but my kids are pretty brave and tend to want to try every challenge put their way.

The nighthawk is unique in that riders lie down in the coaster. It does take a while to load because each rider must be secured while lying down. This ride will take you headfirst into a variety of twists and turns, much of it while lying face down. This one would be most suited to those who are going for a very aggressive thrill. I would probably ride quite a few other coasters first before checking to see if the kids would want to tackle this one. It is not as fast as some of the others, but the unknown factor due to the position more than makes up for that.

Afterburn Roller Coaster at Carowinds © Katrena
Afterburn

This ride used to be called Top Gun. I tend to call it Top Gun to this day; Afterburn sounds like a gastrointestinal condition to me. As you wind up the stairs in the queue and at the end of the ride while you wait on the track, you might be able to see some of the dinosaur exhibit to the left. The line doesn't move as fast as the Intimidator, but workers have to check to see that seatbelts are secured to the harnesses. They typically have more than one train on the track.

This inverted coaster will take riders around the outside of the loops and picks up some pretty decent speed – around 60 mph. It is packed with lots of action with interesting twists and turns as it takes riders through a space drop, vertical loop, immelman, batwing, flat spin, and spiral, even going underground. If I had to pick a favorite coaster at Carowinds, this would be the one because it can be great fun to ride with a line that moves pretty well.

Vortex Roller Coaster at Carowinds © Katrena
Vortex

The vortex is a stand-up roller coaster. You can get a great close-up view of this one from the Carolina Skytower. The line tends to move slowly, and much of the queue is located out in the sun. It is also located pretty far away from many of the other rides, but the scrambler is close to this ride if you have shorter kids who cannot ride this one.

When riders load the Vortex, everyone straddles something that resembles a bicycle seat. Then they will lock the seats. I would highly recommend keeping your knees slightly bent before they lock the seats unless you want to sing soprano. Shorter kids will notice that they are just hanging in the air when the seats are locked. The workers have to manually push down on their seats to adjust them before starting the ride. Make sure the kids know to bend their knees slightly as the seat is adjusted.

This ride was another trailblazer of its time as it was the first stand up coaster in the South. My kids particularly like being at or near the front or at least on the outside seat on this ride. This ride is pretty short, so there is usually a wait at the end as the next train is still being loaded.

There you have it - these are the big ones at Carowinds. I did not include wooden coasters and high thrill rides in this review. Readers might also wish to read some of my other related articles:
Thanks so much for reading my blog! I hope you find some useful information and ideas here for your family. Check out my other articles at:

Sunday, April 20, 2014

Favorite Moderate Thrill Roller Coasters and Rides at Carowinds

Carowinds, an amusement park that lies half in North Carolina and half in South Carolina, offers a wide range of roller coasters. Members of my family have ridden every ride we can ride without paying an extra fee. Here are the ones my older kids decided were great dry (not water) rides with a moderate thrill that do not go upside down. I have also included a few tips and mention a few similar rides with links to articles where I detail those rides as well.
Flying Ace Aerial Chase - Great Moderate Thrill Coaster at Carowinds © Katrena

Flying Ace Aerial Chase

This is a great starter coaster that my older kids particularly enjoy! Kids may ride if they are at least 44 inches tall and must be accompanied by an adult until they reach 54 inches. Although they say this one is in Planet Snoopy, it seems to me to be just outside of the kids' area as you can get to the coaster without going down the walkway into the Planet Snoopy area.

This steel coaster leaves riders hanging for a minute and a half...well, at least their feet are hanging. Riders with shoes such as flip flops do well to take off their shoes as they enter the ride. This ride gets up some speed and is a fun one to try before going to the bigger coasters. Wait times can be fairly long, but my kids tend to want to ride this one any time we go to Carowinds.

One downside of this coaster is a size restriction. I have seen more than one parent wait in line with a child only to realize that the parent could not ride this one because the bar would not lock. This roller coaster appears to be designed for kids and has a fairly small girth. Most of the wait area is uncovered, which is a factor to consider on a hot and sunny day.
Carolina Goldrusher - oldest & one of the best moderate thrill coasters at Carowinds © Katrena

Carolina Goldrusher

This wooden coaster has been around since 1973, making it the oldest roller coaster in the park. There is a reason the Goldrusher has lasted: it is a fun roller coaster that lasts for 2 minutes and 17 seconds. Shaped like a train, it features a track that offers several unexpected twists. The part my family likes best about this one is the best part of the ride is at the end as it picks up speed through an open "tunnel." Very fun!

The downside of this coaster is the wait time. Each car has seatbelts and a lap belt, and it takes a while to load and unload, but the waiting area is at least covered. This coaster is located near the Windseeker, and the shortcut walkway under the Nighthawk will take you pretty close to where this roller coaster is located. The minimum height restriction was increased to 48 inches in recent years. Shorter kids who are not quite tall enough for this one might consider the Woodstock Express, a very similar coaster in Planet Snoopy.
Ricochet Ride at Carowinds © Katrena

Ricochet

This ride features 17 curves that riders will swing around at a quick speed. The ride lasts 1 minute and 58 seconds with a minimum height requirement of 44 inches. This one can be tricky if you have less adults than kids because smaller kids must be accompanied by a responsible adult. However, you can usually find a responsible-acting teenager in line that is willing to sit beside a child if needed.

This ride is very popular with quite a few age ranges, and the line tends to move slowly as each car only holds four people. This is a ride you might consider trying earlier rather than later as the line tends to lengthen throughout the day. This is a good starter ride before trying the coasters with a larger hills, such as the Carolina Goldrusher and Woodstock Express.
The Scrambler Ride at Carowinds © Katrena

The Scrambler

This is an oldie but a goodie. Kids who are at least 36 inches tall can enjoy this ride. Be careful to place larger people to the outside, unless you would like to flatten the child beside you – think centrifugal force. You can help shorten load times by ensuring that your car is locked and everyone is seated properly. If anyone tends to get motion sickness, this would be a good one for an empty stomach! It helps if you stare at a specific item directly in front of you as you ride.

The Scrambler tends to have a fairly long wait time, especially if people have paid extra to break in to the front of the line. (Sorry...I just tell it like I see it.) The ride lasts 1 minute and 15 seconds, which might feel short for those who aren't getting sick but might feel like an eternity for those who feel their lunch rising.

The wait area is not covered, so people waiting for the Scrambler tend to get hot and grouchy. This is one of the few rides in this area of the amusement park that the smaller kids can ride, and it is close to the air conditioned building where they have some of the shows. If you have several people in the family, you might want to pick cars that will face each other as they turn so that you can enjoy watching your loved ones who are laughing hysterically or who are ready to puke.
Peanuts Pirates Ride at Carowinds © Katrena

Peanuts Pirates

Children as short as 40 inches may ride this ride. This one is particularly fun to ride if you have a group because the cars will turn around to face each other every few seconds. I would recommend this one before eating or give everyone a little time after a meal because it might cause some motion sickness as it twists and turns, but this one is not as likely to cause motion sickness as the Flying Ace Balloon Race. The last turn can be a bit of a jerk if you are in a car that starts to turn and then suddenly twists the other way, but if you watch the numbers closely, you can determine which ones won't do that and pick a number accordingly.

This ride loads pretty quickly, especially if the ride operators are zipping up and down the hilly sidewalk, so even if the line is fairly long, you probably won't have to wait for too many loads. They have tried to cover the wait area, but it still gets a bit hot and perhaps sunny during certain times of the day. You have a great vantage point of watching the Intimidator roller coaster as you wait to load the Peanuts Pirates ride, and people who are riding the helicopters can watch the Peanuts Pirates from above.
Woodstock Gliders Moderate Thrill Ride at Carowinds © Katrena

Woodstock Gliders

This is one of the few moderate thrill rides that kids as short as 36 inches can ride. Children who are between 36 and 44 inches tall must be accompanied by an adult. This ride has twelve cars, so each load may include as few as twelve people or as many as 24 people. It is a three minute ride, so once you are on, you can enjoy it for quite a while!

Woodstock Gliders can be as thrilling as you would like to make it. If you are good at steering, you can whip the glider quite high and low, picking up a good bit of speed while taking it to the far edges of the cable, but it may be hard to even out the ride if you are weaving and your child decides he/she does not want to weave any more! You can also hold the helm in the center for a fun ride without all the ups and downs. The key to steering well is to go slow, catch the wind, and get in the rhythm.

Sometimes the ride operator will offer a second ride for the glider that goes the highest. That's a nice gesture for that lucky rider(s), but I don't agree with letting anyone ride twice in a row on the Woodstock Gliders because wait times for this ride are some of the longest in the park, especially if gliders are weaving when the ride stops.

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