Ray's Splash Planet vs Carowinds and Boomerang Bay
A side-by-side look at two water parks — rides, prices, amenities, and which one fits your trip.
Which Park Is Right for You?
Quick verdicts based on what each park offers.
Amenities Compared
What each park offers, side by side.
| Feature | Ray's Splash Planet | Carowinds and Boomerang Bay |
|---|---|---|
| Parking |
Only at Ray's Splash Planet
- splash pad
- wifi
- life jackets
Only at Carowinds and Boomerang Bay
- cabana rentals
- gift shop
- picnic areas
- season passes
Both parks share 1 amenities including Parking.
About Each Park
Ray's Splash Planet
North Carolina
Ray's Splash Planet brings year-round water fun to Charlotte with its indoor water park setup that's perfect for families with young kids and tweens. The climate-controlled environment keeps the temperature comfortable no matter what's happening outside, making it a solid choice for birthday parties or rainy day adventures. The park focuses on family-friendly attractions rather than heart-stopping thrills. You'll find a good mix of smaller water slides that aren't too intimidating for kids, along with a splash area designed for toddlers and preschoolers. The wave pool generates gentle waves that are manageable for younger swimmers, and parents appreciate being able to stay close without worrying about strong currents. One of the best features is the lazy river, which gives everyone a chance to relax and float around at their own pace. The indoor setting means you don't have to worry about sunscreen or weather delays, but you'll still want to bring water shoes since the deck surfaces can get slippery. The facility tends to get busy on weekends and school holidays, so arriving right when they open gives you the best chance to enjoy attractions without long waits. The food court covers the basics with pizza, burgers, and snacks, though prices are typical theme park markup. Lockers are available and worth renting since you'll want somewhere secure for your belongings. The indoor environment can get pretty humid, which some visitors find uncomfortable, but it's part of the tropical atmosphere they're going for. What sets Ray's Splash Planet apart from Charlotte's…
Read the full Ray's Splash Planet guide →Carowinds and Boomerang Bay
North Carolina
Boomerang Bay gives you two parks for the price of one, which honestly makes it one of the better deals you'll find in the Carolinas. The water park sits right inside Carowinds, so you can literally go from screaming down a 75-foot water slide to riding Fury 325 without leaving the property or paying extra. The water park itself has that classic Six Flags feel - well-maintained but not overly fancy. You've got your standard lineup of body slides and tube slides, plus a decent wave pool that gets crowded fast on summer weekends. The lazy river moves at a good pace and actually stays cool thanks to some shaded sections. Kids have their own dedicated splash area with smaller slides and water features, so families with mixed age groups can spread out comfortably. The park works best for families who want variety in their day. Your teenagers can hit the big slides while parents float the lazy river, and then everyone can meet up for roller coasters later. Just know that summer weekends turn this place into a zoo. I always recommend arriving right when they open and hitting the water slides first - by noon, you'll be waiting 20+ minutes for everything. The food situation is typical theme park fare, so pack snacks if you're budget-conscious. Cabanas book up fast but they're worth it if you're staying all day, especially since you'll want a home base for switching between wet and dry clothes. What sets Boomerang Bay apart…
Read the full Carowinds and Boomerang Bay guide →Ready to visit Ray's Splash Planet?