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.
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.
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.
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.