Visiting Kemah Boardwalk: Waterfront Walks and Evening Rides

Our Kemah Boardwalk visit came with rain and fog, but we still had a fun time walking by the water, playing games and enjoying the rides into the evening.

Allegiant supported this trip.

Spend some time by the water

The weather gave the whole visit a moody feel. We walked around the boardwalk and enjoyed the games and rides rather than treating the stop as dinner alone. We also found delicious barbecue within walking distance, which rounded out the outing.

That makes Kemah a flexible choice for a group: some people can focus on rides while others come mainly for a meal and a walk. Decide which kind of outing you want before buying a pass. Our visit was in the evening, but a ride-focused day needs more room in the schedule than a dinner stop.

The Ferris wheel after dark

We stayed until the Ferris wheel lights came on. The roller coaster, games and evening lights were all part of what made it fun, even without clear weather.

We also tried the enclosed observation ride, Boardwalk Tower. The fog limited what we could see, but being up there made me curious about returning on a clearer day. I would not plan around the same view in every kind of weather.

If a particular ride is your priority, check its operating hours and requirements before choosing when to arrive.

The ride lineup includes the Century Ferris Wheel, a double-decker carousel and the C.P. Huntington train, alongside more intense attractions. The Boardwalk Bullet is a wooden roller coaster with a 92-foot first drop and a minimum rider height of 48 inches. Check the coaster's ride information before promising younger children a ride.

What does the ride pass include?

An All Day All Ride Pass covers the listed amusement rides, but not every activity on the property. The Boardwalk Beast speedboat, Iron Eagle Zip Line, Stingray Reef and games have separate charges. Individual ride tickets are also available. Compare your family's likely rides with the current pass details before deciding which option makes sense.

Weather matters for a visit built around outdoor rides. The Boardwalk's planning guide explains that high winds and lightning can close rides, and weather-related refunds or rain checks are not offered. Check the forecast before buying and keep dining or another outing in mind if conditions change.

A walk, dinner or a longer outing?

Ride tickets are a separate cost from food and parking. Check whether individual tickets or a ride pass make sense for what you want to do.

Check dining options and any events on the official Kemah Boardwalk website as you make your plans.

Admission and parking

There is no entrance fee for the Boardwalk itself. Rides require tickets, and parking fees apply. Bring a credit card for on-site parking, and check the Boardwalk’s visitor information before heading over.

Keep those costs separate when budgeting: parking, food and rides are not automatically part of one purchase.