McKenna Children's Museum, New Braunfels, TX

Children are able to discover the world of science, technology, culture, health, art, history, and creativity at the McKenna Children's Museum in New Braunfels, Texas. The museum was created for the children of Texas and any other children who may visit the area. The goal of the facility is to provide fun, interactive activities that children can learn from. There are many hands on exhibits found at the museum including the Lend a Hand Ranch, Outside the Lines Art Studio, Grocery Store, Tot Spot, Destination Space, and much more.

During the winter McKenna Children's Museum offers plenty of holiday fun. Each year they have a Gingerbread Event where children can come to create their own Christmas gingerbread house. This special event requires reservations, but all other exhibits are available without reservations. The hours are Tuesday through Saturday 10am to 5pm and Sunday 12pm to 5pm. The museum is closed on Mondays, except in summer when the hours are 10am to 5pm. Holiday hours can vary, for example the day before Thanksgiving the museum closes at 2pm, and is closed for Thanksgiving Day. McKenna Children's Museum is normally closed on major holidays. In the summer on Thursdays the museum will remain open until 7pm.

Admission is $5.50 from Labor Day to Memorial Day. In summer the admission is $7.50. Children 12 months or under are free. Since it is a children's museum which caters to those that can walk there is no break on the admission price for those above 12 months. There is still something for children between the ages of 1 and 3 to enjoy.

Destination Space is perhaps the most popular exhibit with children because it takes them out of their world and into another. Fun facts, a musical light adventure, and information on what is out there in the universe are shared. Children even get to put on special clothing and equipment for their trek into space. The Grocery Store at McKenna Children's Museum is quite like many real grocery stores, except all the carts are child size and the food is fake. Children get to learn how to count, as well as read Spanish.

Children who are fascinated by medical information and professions get the chance to be doctors in the McKenna Hospitable. This area has patient rooms, doctors, patient library, health information, a newborn nursery, and even an ambulance. The more scientific minded regarding earth may find their experience is in the Under the Comal River or The Great Outdoors. Under the Comal River explores the fish and other animals found in rivers and salt water places. The Great Outdoors offers an Art Car to decorate, Big Dig where children can find hidden treasures, and even grow a garden.

The McKenna Children's Museum allows for birthday parties, events, and programs. Reservations are required for school children and parties. Parents can also stop by the gift shop to find souvenirs and learning toys to take home from the experience. The museum is a place that can keep on giving, especially education.