The fact that I was the only one on the Kemah Boardwalk Bulletcoaster would have been a red flag to most people.  But I love roller coasters… how bad could it be?  It was one of those wooden, old-school types, not the sleek high-drop kind that leaves your stomach in your mouth.

But within seconds of the start, I knew I was in trouble.  Following the slow, drawn-out, crickety climb to the top, the drop was disappointing.  Not very fast and certainly didn’t give me the butterflies in my stomach that I’d grown to love.  But I had little time to lament as my car whipped around the corner, throwing me hard against the left side of the wooden car.  Oweeeeeeee!  If my left ribs did not crack, they were at least bruised.  The rest of the ride was a combination of whiplash and more punishing smashes against the side.  Where were the butterflies in my stomach I was so looking forward to?

Not to worry, I found them on the Drop Zone free-fall ride.  A free-fall or drop tower is a type of amusement ride incorporating a  tower where passengers are taken to the top and then released to free-fall down the tower. Brakes activate to slow the enclosure as it approaches the bottom of the ride.

The Kemah Boardwalk is a very nice amusement/entertainment just outside of Houston, along Galveston Bay.  It offers a variety of rides at different levels, although nothing like the Six Flags type so older teenagers would probably not be interested.

The boardwalk along the bay is picturesque and breezy, and there are several shops, a stingray discovery experience, a dozen restaurants and bars offering different dining experiences, and even an inn overlooking the bay.

Just outside the boardwalk is a marina and blocks of additional tourist attractions, ice cream shops, and restaurants.

All in all, the Kemah Boardwalk has all the elements for a very fun day!

There are lots of other things to do in Houston while you are there. Make plans to visit the Historic District, the Museum of Natural Science and/or the Children’s Museum, the Space Center, Chinatown, Smither Park, and a beach day in Galveston.

You may also be interested in:

Five Family-Friendly Attractions in Houston

13 Branson Attractions You Won’t Want to Miss

Showboat Branson Belle

Summer in Chicago: Things to Do

About the Author

Patti Morrow is a freelance travel writer and founder of the award-winning international blog Luggage and Lipstick and the southern travel blog Gone to Carolinas. TripAdvisor called her one of the “20 Baby Boomer Travel Bloggers Having More Fun Than Millennials” and she was named one of the “Top 35 Travel Blogs” in the world.

She is also the star of the upcoming TV series “Destination Takeover” which is scheduled to premiere in the next few months.

Patti is the author of the book “Girls Go Solo: Tips for Women Traveling Alone,” and has over 150 bylines in 40 print and online publications, including The Huffington Post, International Living Magazine, Washington Post Sunday Travel, Travel Girl, Travel Play Live Magazine, and Ladies Home Journal. She has traveled extensively through six continents looking for fabulous destinations, exotic beaches, and adventure activities for her Baby Boomer tribe.