Carowinds to require those under 16 be accompanied with an adult

New rules are coming this weekend to Carowinds for children younger than 16 years old.

The changes seek to curb “increasing incidents of unruly and inappropriate behavior” during the last two years, according to the amusement park.

Starting Saturday, all guests younger than 16 years old must have a chaperone who is at least 21 years old accompany them for admittance or to remain in the park past 4 p.m.

The park said the chaperone must have a valid, government-issued photo identification with date of birth at ticket entry.

One chaperone may accompany no more than 10 guests “ages 15 or younger per day,” according to a statement from the park.

School trips and other youth-oriented activities are also required to abide by the policy.

“A chaperone policy still applies to prescheduled company events and school groups,” the park’s news release states. “If you purchased tickets through our Group Sales department and have questions, please contact your Group Sales representative.”

The policy change comes after last Sunday afternoon’s incident where a 13-year-old boy got stuck while trying to steal from a claw machine located in Thrill Zone.

Visit Carowinds’ website for more information on its new chaperone policy and which behaviors are not permitted at the park:

• Carrying firearms, ammunition, knives, and weapons of any kind and any other prohibited item. Carowinds reserves the right to prohibit any items at their discretion.
• Unsolicited photographing or video recording that disrupts a guest’s experience or interferes with park operations
• Unruly or disruptive behavior that interferes with guests’ enjoyment of the park including running, the incitement of running, and blocking midways and exits.
• Fighting or physical aggression of any kind, including verbal and physical assaults
• Acts or behavior that park management determines is 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
• Offensive language or gestures
• Clothing with offensive language, obscene gestures/graphics or nudity or clothing that does not sufficiently cover undergarments
• Intoxication or substance impairment that results in irresponsible behavior
• Smoking/Vaping is not permitted inside the park
• Entering restricted areas including but not limited to ride Danger Zones and behind-the-scenes areas
• Line Breaking- includes leaving and re-entering a line for any reason or place holding in line
• Theft of any kind
• Selling park tickets or soliciting and distributing literature not sponsored by the park
• Refusing to follow verbal or printed instructions or cooperate with park personnel or security