Thinking about going to Carowinds for the weekend late in March (2nd operating weekend I believe)

Any recs for things to do w/ young kids (4-11) outside of Carowinds

Any recs on places to stay or areas to look for if renting from AirBnB?

Never been but we just book our hotel there for the same weekend. While we are traveling kids less we book a Best Western for the night within a .5 mile of the park for $70.  

Thanks, wasn't sure what the area around the park was like

There is a bunch of hotels around Carowinds Blvd, there is a few fast food places to eat, Culver’s and Cracker Barrel. Enough gas stations too. If you go past the park then you will see industrial warehouses.