Park Policies

Carowinds is committed to Protecting the Fun by providing a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable experience for all guests. Violating our park policies may result in ejection from the park without a refund. For more information, please review the park policies below.

Code of Conduct

The following are not permitted at Carowinds and may result in removal from the park without a refund.

• Firearms, ammunition, knives, and weapons of any kind. Self-defense or restraining devices (e.g., pepper spray, mace).
• Fireworks or other similarly explosive and/or flammable objects, smoke machines, or fog machines.
• Smoking, vaping, and products that produce vapor or smoke. Smoking and vaping are only permitted in designated smoking areas outside of the park.
• Line breaking, including leaving and re-entering a line for any reason or place-holding in line.
• Clothing with offensive language, obscene gestures/graphics, or nudity. Clothing that does not sufficiently cover undergarments. Face coverings that conceal identity. (This policy does not apply to masks meant to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and other germs.)
• Family-oriented themed outfits/attire are permitted. Costumes that conceal identity are prohibited. Rides and attractions may also have additional restrictions on attire.
• Unruly or disruptive behavior that interferes with guests’ enjoyment of the park, including running, the incitement of running, and blocking midways and exits.
• Acts or behavior that park management deems to be a safety concern or that interrupts park operations or guests’ experience.
• Harassing/threatening behavior, sexual misconduct, or lewd behavior, including inappropriate interaction with park guests or associates.
• Fighting or physical aggression of any kind, including verbal assaults.
• Offensive language or gestures.
• Conduct deemed by management to be inappropriate for the peace and good order of the park, guests, or associates, and which may adversely affect the safety of others.
• Theft of any kind.
• Selling park tickets, credentials, and other entitlements, or soliciting and distributing literature not sponsored by the park except where otherwise approved.
• Refusing to follow verbal or printed instructions or cooperate with park personnel or security.
• Entering restricted areas, including but not limited to attraction Danger Zones and behind-the-scenes areas. If you lose an item, report it to the Ride Attendant or Lost and Found.
• Unsolicited photography or video recording that disrupts a guest’s experience or interferes with park operations. Filming, regardless of device, secured or unsecured, is prohibited on most rides and attractions.

Please report any violations of the Guest Code of Conduct or suspicious activity to the nearest Carowinds associate or security associate, or text "CARO " along with your message to 69050.

Carowinds reserves the right to revise or modify this Code of Conduct with or without notice.

Notice to Parents and Guardians

Parents or guardians are responsible for the behavior of their minor children. Appropriate behavior and supervision are the responsibility of the parent/guardian and are always expected.

We strongly recommend that an adult accompany minors (under 18). The park assumes no responsibility or liability for unattended minors. Parents/guardians may be held legally liable for all acts committed by the children in their care.

Chaperone Policy

The safety of our guests and associates has always been our top priority at Carowinds. Recently, incidents of unruly and inappropriate behavior have increased across our industry and at other major entertainment venues.

We are committed to keeping Carowinds a place where families and friends come together to enjoy a one-of-a-kind park full of fun experiences and immersive entertainment.

Under this policy, all guests ages 15 or younger must be accompanied by a chaperone who is at least 21 years old to be admitted to and remain in the park. The policy will be in effect daily by 2 p.m. local time – Carowinds reserves the right to begin enforcing the Chaperone Policy earlier on any given day.

The chaperone must present a valid government-issued photo identification with date of birth at ticket entry. One (1) chaperone may accompany no more than five (5) guests ages 15 or younger per day. In addition, the chaperone must accompany their party during entry, remain inside the park during their visit, and be available by phone throughout their stay.

Guests aged 16 or older may be asked to present a valid government-issued photo ID (Driver’s license, state-issued ID Card, or Passport) with their date of birth at entry to verify their age. If guests cannot provide proof of age, they may be denied entry into the park.

Guests aged 15 years old or younger found inside the park unaccompanied by a chaperone when the Chaperone Policy is in effect will be subject to ejection. This chaperone requirement applies to all guests attending Carowinds.

We believe these changes will help ensure that Carowinds continues to have a positive atmosphere where generations of families and friends can gather for a day of safe fun and good food. Millions of guests have counted on us for exactly that, and we will continue to deliver on that promise for generations to come.

NOTICE: Carowinds Security personnel use surveillance and body-worn cameras as part of their security program.

We are thrilled that you have joined us today, and we appreciate your cooperation in maintaining our safe, family-friendly environment.

SCarowinds Policies

In addition to our chaperone policy, keep these other codes of conduct in mind when visiting during SCarowinds.

No Re-Entry

To support the safety and flow of park operations during SCarowinds, guests who exit the park after 7 PM may not re-enter the park. This no re-entry policy is in effect during all SCarowinds hours. 

Guests are encouraged to plan accordingly before exiting the park after the policy is in effect.

Please note: We will not make exceptions once a guest has exited the park during restricted hours, regardless of ticket type. Re-entry is not permitted for forgotten items, weather conditions, or personal needs. 

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in helping create a secure and enjoyable experience for all guests during SCarowinds.

Masks & Costumes

To maintain a safe and family-friendly environment, the following costume and mask guidelines are in place at Carowinds:

• Costume masks, full face paint, and costume attire are not permitted for guests aged 13 and older.
• Trench coats, flak jackets, or similar military-style apparel are not allowed inside the park.
• No masks of any kind are permitted on rides at any time.

Exceptions:

• Children 12 years old and under may wear costumes and masks during daytime hours as part of kid-focused events in designated areas only. 
• This policy does not apply to masks worn for health or safety purposes, such as those intended to reduce the spread of COVID-19 or other illnesses, as interpreted by park staff. Final discretion rests with park management.

We appreciate your cooperation in helping us ensure a safe, inclusive environment for all guests.

Haunted Mazes: Photography & Recording Policy

For the safety of our scare actors and guests—and to preserve the immersive experience—no cameras, photography, video recording, or audio recording of any kind is permitted inside haunted mazes. This includes cell phones, smartwatches, GoPros, camera eyeglasses, body cameras, and any other recording-capable device. 

Guests observed using recording devices inside haunted mazes may be removed from the park without a refund. We appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain a thrilling and safe experience for everyone.