Kemah Boardwalk is a vibrant restaurant and amusement center overlooking Galveston Bay, situated just 20 miles south of Houston, Texas. This 42-acre megaplex ranks among the area’s top attractions, showcasing not only exquisite seafood and shopping, but also live musical performances. Explore all the exciting activities available at the Kemah Boardwalk, along with essential information to enhance your visit.
Activities
Kemah’s amusement park features a diverse range of rides, appealing to all ages. From a gentle, child-friendly Ferris wheel to adrenaline-pumping roller coasters, there’s something for everyone. Younger children will enjoy the delightful double-decker carousel and a serene slow-moving train, whereas older kids and thrill-seeking adults may be drawn to the exhilarating Drop Zone, which boasts a remarkable 140-foot freefall.
In addition to the classic amusement rides, visitors can enjoy unique attractions such as:
- Boardwalk Beast — Experience 25 thrilling minutes on this massive speedboat that races through Galveston Bay at speeds up to 40 miles per hour. Adult tickets are $20 and children’s tickets (12 and under) are $15. Riders must be at least 36″ tall. Discounts for military personnel with valid IDs are available.
- Stingray Reef & Rainforest Exhibit — Engage with these captivating sea creatures at Stingray Reef, where guests can touch the rays as they glide through their habitat. Additionally, the exhibit showcases various reptiles and insects, including snakes, scorpions, piranhas, and tarantulas—though petting these creatures is not recommended!
- Boardwalk Bullet — For those who fondly remember the Texas Cyclone, the Texas Bullet will not disappoint. This wooden coaster reaches heights of 96′, featuring a noteworthy 92′ vertical drop and speeds of up to 51 mph. Be aware that the coaster may occasionally undergo maintenance or close due to weather, so it’s advisable to call ahead if it’s a must-ride.
Prices*
All-Day Ride Passes are available for purchase, providing access to all rides except the Boardwalk Beast, Stingray Reef, Midway Games, and arcade activities.
Pricing for All-Day Ride Passes is as follows:
- Under 48 inches tall: $18.99
- 48 inches and over: $24.99
Moreover, military veterans and active-duty military personnel can avail discounts with a valid military ID. Inquire at the ticket counter for more details.
Individual ride prices range from $4 to $20, with most rides costing between $4 and $5.
*Note: Prices listed here were accurate as of December 2018 but may be subject to change.
Food Options
After an exhilarating day of rides, you’re likely to work up an appetite. Fortunately, the boardwalk features an array of fantastic dining options, including various full-service restaurants:
- Aquarium (seafood)
- Cadillac Bar (Tex-Mex)
- Lighthouse (buffet)
- Landry’s (seafood)
- Saltgrass (steakhouse)
- Bayside Grille (coffee and deli)
- The Flying Dutchman (seafood)
- Bubba Gump Shrimp (seafood)
- The Pizza Oven (pizza, Italian)
- Red (sushi)
- Sweet Scoops (ice cream)
- Starbucks (coffee)
Parking
If you don’t mind parking a little further from the boardwalk, you can take advantage of free shuttle boat parking lots off Texas Avenue. Alternatively, closer lots and the on-site parking garage charge $8. Note that during spring break and weekends, all on-site parking incurs fees.
Birthday Parties
Kemah offers multiple options for celebrating birthdays:
- The Classic includes a 1-topping pizza, drinks, birthday cake, three ride tickets, eight arcade tokens, and balloons.
- The Deluxe provides a 1-topping pizza, drinks, birthday cake, all-day ride passes, 12 arcade tokens, and balloons.
If you seek additional perks for your special day, you can opt for extra items at an additional cost, such as tickets to the Boardwalk Beast, access to the Stingray Reef & Rainforest Exhibit, or individual ride tickets. Furthermore, you may add adults to your food and drink order for an extra fee.
What to Wear
Although cooling and warming spots can be found throughout the boardwalk, the majority of activities happen outdoors. It’s essential to dress according to the day’s temperature, and don’t forget to wear a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen year-round.
What NOT to Bring
Kemah is all about enjoyment; however, some items are strictly prohibited, including:
- Outside food, beverages, or coolers
- Pets
- Fishing poles or equipment (fishing is prohibited)
- Bicycles
