Things To Do At Kemah Boardwalk

Things To Do At Kemah Boardwalk
Megan
Megan 
Updated
| 5 min read

Kemah Boardwalk is 60 acres of fun on the Texas Gulf coast. Its located southeast of downtown Houston, making it an easy day trip from the city. It is built along the shores of Galveston Bay and Clear Lake. The boardwalk is free, offering a great free outing to stroll and people-watch. For those who are interested in rides and games, there are individual tickets or a combo ticket. For those interested in visiting Kemah Boardwalk, but not sure what to do there, this article offers some great ideas. Plan out your trip with these helpful tips and have a blast at the boardwalk. Read this article to learn more about the things you can do at Kemah Boardwalk.

1. Cruise in the Boardwalk Beast

Sunset Over Kemah Bridge
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Mike Fisher used under CC BY 2.0

The Boardwalk Beast ride offers 25 minutes of excitement on the Galveston Bay. The cruise ship takes you about 4 miles (6.4 km) out, cruising up to a speed of 40 mph (64 kph). While soaking in some sun and enjoying the breeze, there will be music and entertainment. This is a great way to get out and enjoy the water, admiring the boardwalk from a unique angle. For an extra special excursion, try the cruise in the evening. The boat moves along at a slower speed, offering great music and entertainment with the soft night breeze. Tickets are 20 USD for adults and 15 USD for children ages 12 and under. Do note that tickets for the Boardwalk Beast are not included in the All Day All Ride Pass. Those interested in riding must be at least 36 inches (91cm) tall. Make sure to check the schedule on the days you are interested as the Beast only runs on certain days and hours, spring through fall.

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2. Ride around on the Wonder Wheel

Wonder Wheel off-season 1
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Rhododendrites used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Take a ride on the Wonder Wheel, a smaller version of the Ferris wheel. Children especially love to go round and round on this ride. Everyone is welcome, just be sure children under 42 inches (106cm) are accompanied by an adult. The Wonder Wheel was designed specifically for children, and it has been running since 2004. The price of one ticket is 4 USD. So get ready to ride around and around and around on the Wonder Wheel!

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3. Pick a favorite animal on the Double Decker Carousel

Kemah Boardwalk Carousel
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Cstrs101 used under CC BY-SA 4.0

The Double Decker Carousel is another great ride for kids. You will find dragons, sea monsters, unicorns, horses, and lots of other fun creatures to ride on. Anyone can ride, just make sure that children under 42 inches (106cm) are accompanied by an adult. So get ready to pick out your favorite animal and take a fun ride on the Double Decker Carousel. Tickets for the carousel are 4 USD a person.

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4. Take a trip on the C.P. Huntington Train

Miniature Railway
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user [Unknown] used under CC BY-SA 2.5

The C.P. Huntington Train is a replica of the famous C.P. Huntington train from 1863. It offers a great way to see some of the park and views out over the water. The train is a fun excursion for the whole family! Anyone of any age can ride, just those under 42 inches (106cm) must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets for the train are 5 USD a piece. It is not every day you get to ride a train, so be sure to check this out when at Kemah Boardwalk.

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5. Brave the Jungle Bounce

KB Ferris Wheel
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Cstrs101 used under CC BY-SA 4.0

The Jungle Bounce is a great ride that will drop you up and down over and over. The suspense of being dropped, pulled back up, and dropped again takes some bravery, but is sure to get everyone laughing. It is an ideal ride for children or beginner riders. Each rider needs to be at least 36 inches (91cm) to ride. The cost of the ride is 4 USD for each ticket.

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6. Soar on the Pharaoh's Fury

Pharaoh's Fury Kemah Boardwalk
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Cstrs101 used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Pharaoh’s Fury will take riders to new heights as it swings back and forth on its pendulum. The giant boat overlooks the water offering some great views - and lots of stomach drops on its way down! Swing aboard with the whole family for some fun. Everyone needs to be 48 inches (122 cm) or taller to ride. Pharaoh’s Fury will cost 4.50 USD a ticket, and it is worth every penny.

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7. Experience exotic life at the Stingray Reef and Rainforest Exhibit

Reefs
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Bernard DUPONT used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Stingray Reef and Rainforest Exhibit is an exciting change to interact with some wildlife. Visitors can get up close and personal with the stingrays, touching and feeding them. It is a unique experience that you will not forget any time soon! The rainforest exhibit has creatures like snakes, scorpions, piranhas, turtles and more. Both kids and adults are sure to get a kick out of this place. The aquarium at Kemah has floor-to-ceiling windows, offering views of more than 100 species of colorful fish. Ticket prices are 5.25 USD. There is also a 6.99 USD value pass that includes fish food. So, come and dive into an underwater adventure.

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8. Take a turn on the Boardwalk Bullet

Boardwalk Bullet
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Cstrs101 used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Kemah’s high-speed wooden roller coaster is a hit with all ages. The Boardwalk Bullet was opened in 2007, making it the only wooden roller coaster in Greater Houston. The ride has 42 track crossovers, making it the most ever designed on a wooden coaster. It is a compact and twisted ride that will leave you sweating bullets! The ride is included in the All Day All Ride Pass. All riders need to be over 48 inches (122 cm) tall to enjoy the Bullet. If you have your heart set on riding this crazy wooden coaster, be sure to check the schedule ahead of time. Sometimes it is closed for maintenance or due to weather. Their Facebook page and website should have all updates listed.

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9. Soar through the sky on the Iron Eagle

KB Aviator
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Cstrs101 used under CC BY-SA 4.0

At 30 mph (48 kph) and over 100 feet (30 meters) above the boardwalk, the Iron Eagle lets visitors soar through the skies. The zip-line ride has two seats and an electrically powered lift that shoots passengers into the sky. The ride isn’t as rustic as a typical cable and harness system, but it is more comfortable than having to be unstrapped and strapped back in at every stop. This is just a straight and thrilling ride, with beautiful views of Galveston Bay. Anyone from 42 inches (106 cm) to 48 inches (122 cm) needs to be accompanied by an adult. Maximum weight on the ride cannot be more than 450 pounds (204 kgs). The Iron Eagle is 7 USD for those who have the All Day Ride Pass. For single riders, it costs 10 USD, while for two riders it is 15 USD.

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10. Free fall in the Drop Zone

The Boardwalk
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Gracieotripp used under CC BY-SA 4.0

The Drop Zone is a ride that has been at Kemah Boardwalk since 2009. It takes riders slowly up to the top of a tower that is 140 feet (43 meters) tall before sending them back down in a free fall. It will have your senses on alert and leave your stomach in the air when you fall. The Drop Zone will take you up and down a few times, and leave you laughing (or screaming) from the adrenaline! The Drop Zone costs 4.50 USD a rider. Everyone must be at least 48 inches (121 cm) to ride.

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Fun at the Boardwalk

Kemah boardwalk
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user jimthompson used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Kemah Boardwalk offers great fun for the whole family. It can be fun to simply wander and people watch. Or you can take advantage of the unique rides that the boardwalk has to offer. Take a look at this list to see if there are rides that suit your interest, and have a blast at the boardwalk.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
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Megan is an avid explorer and food aficionado. She loves to see the world, experiencing different cultures & traditions. When she’s not off traveling, you’ll most likely find her tucked away with a...Read more

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