Kemah Boardwalk
About
Kemah Boardwalk is a vibrant waterfront destination that combines classic amusement park thrills with scenic bay views, offering families everything from carnival rides and arcade games to waterfront dining and shopping. This Texas Gulf Coast gem provides a perfect blend of entertainment and relaxation, where kids can enjoy rides while parents take in beautiful water views and fresh sea breezes.
Highlights
- ✓Boardwalk Bullet wooden roller coaster with bay views
- ✓Classic carousel and kiddie rides perfect for younger children
- ✓Arcade games and midway attractions with prize redemption
- ✓Stingray Reef interactive touch tank experience
- ✓Train ride that circles the boardwalk with scenic waterfront views
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive during weekday afternoons (Tuesday-Thursday, 12-3 PM) for the shortest lines and easiest parking in the free lots along Kipp Avenue
- 2.Purchase an all-day ride wristband if your kids plan to ride more than 5 attractions - it pays for itself quickly compared to per-ride tickets
- 3.Bring a light jacket even in summer as the bay breeze can get cool in the evening, especially if kids get wet on water rides
- 4.The boardwalk itself is free to walk and explore, so you can enjoy the atmosphere, street performers, and bay views without spending on rides
- 5.Park near the Aquarium entrance for quickest access to restrooms and the main concentration of kid-friendly rides
Best Time to Visit
Visit on weekday afternoons (Monday-Thursday, 12-4 PM) for minimal crowds and comfortable temperatures. Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) offer the most pleasant weather, avoiding the intense Texas summer heat and humidity. Weekends extend hours but bring larger crowds.
What to Know
Admission to the boardwalk is free; you pay per ride ($4-8 each) or purchase all-day wristbands (around $30-35). Parking is free in designated lots. Multiple restaurants and snack stands line the boardwalk, from casual seafood to pizza and ice cream, with high chairs and kids' menus widely available.
Seasonal Notes
The boardwalk hosts special events throughout the year including Mardi Gras celebrations in February, Fourth of July fireworks, and Halloween festivities in October. Summer (June-August) brings the longest hours but also extreme heat and largest crowds. Some outdoor attractions may close during inclement weather or winter months.
Nearby Eats
The boardwalk features several family-friendly restaurants including Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. with interactive movie trivia and kids' menus, and Landry's Seafood with waterfront views and high chairs. For a quick bite, try the Boardwalk Beast Grill for burgers and chicken tenders that satisfy picky eaters.
More Activities Near Clear Lake
Clear Lake Park
Clear Lake Park is a waterfront gem that offers families the perfect blend of beach fun, playground adventures, and outdoor recreation along the scenic shores of Clear Lake. With its sandy beach area, fishing pier, multiple playgrounds, and breathtaking views of sailboats gliding across the water, this park provides endless entertainment for kids while parents can relax in the shaded picnic areas or take in the stunning lakefront scenery.
Exploration Green
Exploration Green is a sprawling 200-acre urban park that transforms former golf course land into an educational playground for families. Kids can run free on multiple playgrounds, splash in water features, explore nature discovery areas, and learn about sustainable green infrastructure,all while parents enjoy the scenic walking trails and well-maintained spaces perfect for picnics and outdoor fun.
Armand Bayou Nature Center
Armand Bayou Nature Center offers families a genuine Texas coastal wilderness experience just minutes from Houston. With 1,500 acres of preserved prairies, forests, and bayou, kids can walk elevated boardwalk trails, meet native animals up close, spot wildlife from observation platforms, and even paddle through the bayou on family-friendly kayak tours.
Helen Hall Public Library
Helen Hall Public Library is a fantastic family resource in the Clear Lake area, offering much more than just books. With dedicated children's activity rooms, regular story times, and engaging educational programs, this modern community library creates a welcoming space where kids can explore, learn, and develop a love of reading through interactive experiences.