McKenna Children's Museum
📍 New Braunfels, TX
McKenna features a simulated Town Square with grocery store, doctor's office, campfire stage, and astronaut play. Outdoor water tables and soft foam areas add sensory play. Best for ages 2–8, with structured classes and membership options.
First time visiting the Children’s Museum. Parking was easy to find and the parking lot was clear to navigate. We arrived at 11:30am. We were greeted when we walked in and told we could go through the gift shop to purchase tickets. I have two little boys 6 years old and a 4 years old. They enjoyed themselves so much they didn’t want to leave. The museum was open play and perfect for pretend play and imagination. I’m glad we waited till the end of our trip to go outdoors. The water tables and outdoor playscape were the boys favorite. They did get pretty wet, which was fine because we were going straight home afterwards. The restrooms and really the whole museum was clean and tidy. They had attendants tidy up play areas, they didn’t disturb play just kept outfits and pretend food in their proper areas to enhance the environment. We cannot wait to come back to play. It was not overly crowded and I felt the kids were able to play safely.
🏆 Family Action Verdict
Best for ages 2–8. The 5-year-old sweet spot is firmly here — nearly every exhibit is designed for that developmental stage. Children 8 and older may move through quickly. Weekday mornings before field trip buses arrive offer the calmest experience; post-lunch timing on weekdays also works well.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →1,596 Google reviews
Ashlee Knapp
“First time visiting the Children’s Museum. Parking was easy to find and the parking lot was clear to navigate. We arrived at 11:30am. We were greeted when we walked in and told we could go through the gift shop to purchase tickets. I have two little boys 6 years old and a 4 years old. They enjoyed themselves so much they didn’t want to leave. The museum was open play and perfect for pretend play and imagination. I’m glad we waited till the end of our trip to go outdoors. The water tables and outdoor playscape were the boys favorite. They did get pretty wet, which was fine because we were going straight home afterwards. The restrooms and really the whole museum was clean and tidy. They had attendants tidy up play areas, they didn’t disturb play just kept outfits and pretend food in their proper areas to enhance the environment. We cannot wait to come back to play. It was not overly crowded and I felt the kids were able to play safely.”
Omarrie Reddix
“Great place for a kids imagination.”
Christine Martinez
“This is a great place to bring your Children to learn and have new experiences. There are many things to do here. Play like a Grocery store customer or clerk. Imagine your an Astronaut or Doctor! Sit by a campfire and sing songs , or maybe play house! There is also outside water table play, soft foam blocks and a mini play ground. The only thing on the negative that I have to say is I wish they wiped down and sanitized everything more often.”
JJones
“Always a hit with the kiddos. They and now 5, 8, and 13. Mainly take the 5 year old and sometimes the 8 year old. Weekdays we go at 9 and leave when the field trip buses arrive. Sometimes we go back after lunch and before school gets out. The classes or activities they offer are fun. Memberships makes it easy to visit.”
Reviews from Google
Overview
McKenna Children's Museum in New Braunfels centers on imaginative role-play across themed exhibit zones. Kids can work a grocery checkout, suit up as an astronaut, practice as a doctor, or gather around a campfire sing-along set. Outside, a water table splash area and soft foam play zones add physical and sensory activity. The museum runs structured classes and activities on top of the open-play floor.
