Kemah Boardwalk

The basics

Kemah Boardwalk has more than 15 amusement park rides, which include a roller coaster, free-fall ride, zipline, double-decker carousel, and a Ferris wheel with views over Galveston Bay. You can also take speedboat trips into the bay or visit the Stingray Reef to observe marine life. Ride and attraction tickets can be purchased separately or as an all-day ride pass, which doesn’t include boat rides, the zipline, Stingray Reef, or midway games.

The boardwalk features on several sightseeing tours of Houston, which typically cover local highlights such as Market Square and Houston Zoo.

Things to know before you go

• Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself while enjoying the boardwalk’s outdoor attractions.
• The boardwalk is wheelchair and stroller accessible, but rentals are not available.
• There’s an abundance of dining options on the boardwalk, which range from steak and burgers to coffee and chicken.
• Most businesses on the boardwalk accept major credit cards, while there’s also an ATM.

How to get there

Kemah Boardwalk is in a southern suburb of Houston, 32 miles (50 kilometers) from downtown. There’s no public transport to the boardwalk, so the best option is to drive (the boardwalk is along State Highway 146) or join a tour that includes round-trip transfers.

When to get there

The boardwalk is open throughout the week, with extended hours on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. In the summer months, kids can cool off in the boardwalk’s Dancing Water Fountains. To avoid lines at the boardwalk’s top attractions, plan to visit on a weekday.

Things to Do in South Houston

South Houston is home to numerous popular attractions. First-time visitors, especially those with kids, shouldn’t miss a trip to Space Center Houston for a behind-the-scenes tour of the NASA facilities. If you’re looking for some retail therapy, the Tanger Outlets and the Baybrook Mall are nearby. Head further south to Galveston Island for an afternoon on the beach or at the Historic Pleasure Pier.

Can I walk around the Kemah Boardwalk for free?

Yes, you can enter and walk around the Kemah Boardwalk for free. However, to enjoy the rides and attractions, you must purchase individual ride tickets or all-day passes from the ticket booth off Kipp Avenue on the northeast side of the boardwalk.

Is parking at the Kemah Boardwalk free?

It depends on when and where you park. Parking at the Bradford and Kipp Avenue lots requires payment on weekends, holidays, and special events; parking on the Kipp Avenue and 6th Street lots always requires payment, and parking on the Texas Avenue lots is free and sometimes includes shuttle boats to the boardwalk.

What kind of rides are there at Kemah Boardwalk?

The Kemah Boardwalk has classic rides such as carousels, replica trains, Ferris wheels, and a wooden roller coaster, and more modern rides such as a pendulum ride, a drop zone, and a looping coaster. The boardwalk is also home to the Boardwalk Beast, which takes visitors on high-speed boat rides on Galveston Bay.

Are there restrooms at the Kemah Boardwalk?

Yes, there are public restrooms at the Kemah Boardwalk. Find them near the ticket booths on the northeast side of the boardwalk and in front of the dancing fountains near the ATMs and retail stores of the Boardwalk Inn near the northwest side of the boardwalk.

Is visiting the Kemah Boardwalk worth it?

The Kemah Boardwalk is worth visiting if you're looking for a day of family-friendly theme park rides within easy driving distance of Houston—think double-decker carousels, roller coasters, and drop towers. You can also visit the aquarium, take high-speed boat rides on Galveston Bay, and check out the arcade and game room.

Does the Kemah Boardwalk have a dress code?

Yes, while you can likely wear what you want when you visit, the Kemah Boardwalk does have a dress code. Visitors must always wear shirts, shoes, and shorts or pants, with pants pulled to the waist. Clothing with explicit language and shoes with wheels are never allowed on the boardwalk.