Since 2006, the McKenna Children’s Museum—established by the McKenna Foundation—has played a key role in nourishing young minds and encouraging imagination through creativity, science and history since 2006. But the foundation's commitment to the New Braunfels community began long before its children's museum.

The history

In the 1940s, Howard C. McKenna and other civic and business leaders saw the need for a hospital in New Braunfels. Through community fundraising efforts, the initiative raised $500,000 and an additional $280,000 was supplemented by the Hill-Burton grant.

The combined funds led to the opening of the New Braunfels Hospital in 1953. To ensure long-term growth and community service, the hospital—which was renamed McKenna Memorial Hospital in 1973—was sold to CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital in 2008, according to the McKenna Foundation's website.

The McKenna Children's Museum was previously called the New Braunfels Children's Museum, but changed its name in 2006 when the McKenna Foundation took over to provide early childhood programs to the local community, according to Operations Officer Isabel Martinez.


Over the years, the McKenna organization has expanded its services to the community including the McKenna Children’s Museum, McKenna Events Center and the McKenna Foundation.

Digging deeper

The McKenna Foundation is responsible for operating the events center and children's museum. The museum is self-sustaining with admissions, museum memberships and sales from its gift shop. The foundation also provides oversight and support for any additional needs. The children's museum offers multiple immersive exhibits for children up to eight years old, Martinez said.

“We try our best to be a screen-free place, so it's a lot of pretending, exploring and using your imagination,” Martinez said.


The museum's newest exhibit, which was added to the museum's outdoor area in June 2024, is an outdoor water table featuring New Braunfels landmarks like the water tower in Gruene and the Comal River's tube shoot.

McKenna Children’s Museum also features other exhibits such as the Hill Country Campground, Lend-A-Hand Ranch, an aquarium, the Tot Spot, Destination Space, Amazing Airways, the Town Square and the Kids Clinic. The flying saucer and space module in the Destination Space exhibit teaches children about science and space travel. Children can pretend to shop at the Grocery Store exhibit which has a cashier and bagging section.

One of the museum's most popular exhibits are a grocery store where children can "shop" for groceries and use a cashier system while learning about nutrition. Another popular exhibit is the Wonder Shop, which is an art studio with paint and drawing supplies.

Aside from interactive exhibits, the McKenna Children's Museum also hosts events throughout the year like move nights, paint and play classes and more.


“We are always ready to inspire kids and help the parents engage with their little ones,” Martinez said.