Kemah Boardwalk is gearing up for a serious soak, with a new pirate-and-shipwreck-themed water park called Boardwalk Bay slated to drop anchor in 2027. The compact, family-focused addition is set to pack in slides, splash features and a kids play cove, all tucked into a waterfront corner of the boardwalk. It is the latest move by Landry's, which owns the boardwalk, to refresh the Clear Lake area attraction.
Boardwalk Bay Water Park will be built across from the Boardwalk Inn and is planned to feature eight rides plus a children's play cove. In a news release to the Houston Chronicle, Kemah Boardwalk Chief Operating Officer Terry Turney said, "We're excited to bring a brand-new addition to the Boardwalk that will be fun for the whole family." Chronicle coverage also reports the park is slated to open in 2027.
The expansion was first hinted at last year, when Landry's filed paperwork with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation to convert the former Joe's Crab Shack into an entrance building for a water park. ABC13 reported the TDLR filing described the project as "Convert Joe's Crab Shack to a Future Water Park Entrance Building," listed an estimated cost near $435,000 and showed work beginning last summer with a completion window into early 2026. At the time, Landry's told reporters the renovation would not force other boardwalk attractions to close while the work moves forward.
Trademark and records
The name Boardwalk Bay also shows up in trademark records tied to Landry's Trademark, Inc.; the "BOARDWALK BAY" application was published for opposition on March 24, 2026, signaling the company is moving to lock down the brand. According to Justia Trademarks, the filing covers water-park and amusement-park services, suggesting Landry's is positioning the project as a permanent amenity rather than a short-lived pop-up.
Construction won't pause the boardwalk
Landry's has said construction for the new water park will not shutter other restaurants or amusements on the boardwalk and that guests will still be able to enjoy existing offerings during the build, consistent with what the company previously told ABC13. Park managers say the work will be phased to minimize disruption and keep the boardwalk's seasonal business moving, and Houston Chronicle coverage includes company comments stressing the impact should be limited.
What's next
Landry's has not yet released a full ride-by-ride lineup, ticketing details or a firm construction timeline beyond the general 2027 target. Officials say more information will roll out in the months ahead as permits and plans move along. For now, Boardwalk Bay signals a wetter option for summertime visitors to the Kemah waterfront and another family magnet for the Houston area.
