Kemah Boardwalk -- A Local Vacation for Houston Residents

Are you looking for a terrific place that includes fun for the whole family and kids of all ages? Just south of Houston, you'll find the Kemah Boardwalk. Nestled on the Galveston Bay, it has daytime fun and nightlife that is appropriate for families and kids. Whether you are local to the Houston area or visiting, Kemah is a must for everyone.

Come on down to the Boardwalk! Parking is free--even in the parking garage! Valet parking is available, too. Kemah has an entourage of restaurants from seafood to Mexican to a pizza parlor. If you need a night on the town, The Aquarium or Willie G's might be the spot for some delicious, succulent steak and seafood. If you just want to feed the kids and play, try The Pizza House and ice cream later. Parents and teenagers love hitting up the local Starbucks on the Boardwalk as well.

The exciting thing about Kemah is that there is something to see or do at every turn. Shopping in the area is always a treat and there is family fun in the arcade or carnival games that line the backside of the Boardwalk. Kids and adults can try their skills at various games and win prizes. If you get tired of walking, sit around the fountain--but beware, this is no ordinary fountain! In the middle of the plaza is a fountain that shoots water right out of the ground. Children love to put on their bathing suits and run through it never knowing when they'll be squirted and drenched. Better keep a towel handy for that one! At night the fountain lights up as kids play and parents sit on the sidelines with a cold beverage or margarita. Often in the plaza there is live music to enjoy as well. Sometimes you'll even find a fire-juggler entertaining off to the side. And--this is all free!!!!

For a small price, the other side of the Boardwalk has carnival rides for the kids. Individual tickets or passes can be bought. Ticket prices range from $3.00-$3.50 per ticket for each ride. All day passes are $16 per person. There are rides for the entire family from the carousel and Boardwalk Bounce to the upside down Inverter. Currently, a new roller coaster is also being built in the area. The whole family can hop on the train that circles the Boardwalk and take a tour to see all the main attractions and the restaurants.

For out of town guests, you can stay at the Boardwalk Hotel, a 52-room hotel overlooking the fun and music of the fountain. It is located off the parking garage and also has parking for its guests.

The year round fun just doesn't stop! There are summer concerts and events like "Rock the Dock." At Halloween, they have one of the best local Haunted Houses that families and especially teenagers love. If you are really feeling adventurous, the whole family can hop on the Boardwalk Beast--the insanely exciting boat that takes families out into the Galveston Bay for a tour and a ride. The restaurant, Joe's Crabshack, owns the boat and provides entertainment the whole time!

To find out more information, visit the webpage, www.kemahboardwalk.com to find out all the schedules, events, and all the fun at the Kemah Boardwalk.