Play San Antonio: McKenna Children's Museum

Location: 801 W San Antonio St, New Braunfels, TX 78130

Hours: Monday-Saturday 10-5; closed on Sundays

Cost: $5.50 (increases to $7.50 in the summer) Memberships available; frequently deals on Groupon

Amenities: pretend play, art, crafts, gift shop, climbing

McKenna Children's Museum is awesome. We have so much fun there every time we go. I think the new space exhibit is amazing, but my two year old is terrified of it (so that's why there aren't really pictures of it!). However, there are so many other parts that she loves. My first impression was that it seemed small for a children's museum. However, the space is very effectively used. There's plenty to do and it is certainly worth the $5.50! I have come to love the fact that we can do everything in one visit, and I never feel like I am rushing to get through all the exhibits. Plus, the small size makes it very easy to split up while still keeping an eye on your kids, if they didn't all agree on what to do. At the time of our last visit, they were renovating a few exhibits and I am so excited to see what they will be like when finished. Also, we didn't visit the Wonder Shop but it looks like there are crafts available there daily (the website has as calendar of activities http://www.mckennakids.org/) In short, you definitely have to see this place (but don't be surprised when your kids don't want to leave!).

This is always the first stop when we come here. There are giant teeth to brush in the background and other activities relating to health and exercise, but we never make it past this light up pad that she loves to dance on.

In the center of the museum is the baby/toddler area. It is completely enclosed, so they can't escape! There are trains, a pretend play kitchen, wood puzzles, and all sorts of toys to keep little ones entertained.

The exhibits are located around the perimeter. Look at those little labcoats!

Inside the Kids' Clinic is a nursery complete with babies, bottles, a scale, and a baby bathtub.

Next to it is the emergency department. The ambulance lights up when a button is pushed, and there are toy medical supplies and a built in bed in back. Inside the emergency departments are more beds, a skeleton, sample x-rays and more.

Next is the space section!

We didn't do the space walk this time (because someone can't handle it!) but you should really see it. Plus, you can wear astronaut gear.

This is inside the rocket.

The next area is the art studio. I'd recommend going there first so the paintings have time to dry (for some reason I never remember to do this). In addition to paints there are crayons, markers, and face paints.

The grocery store is on the right side, next to the bank.

Here is a glimpse inside the grocery store. It's a popular place, so I wasn't able to get any other pictures without a lot of kids (and I just feel funny taking pictures of a lot of strangers and putting them on the internet). There are shopping carts, plenty of play food, and cash registers. The store is divided into dry goods, produce, meat, bakery, and frozen, just like a real store. There's also a very impressive brick oven for pizza!

This is inside the bank.

Next to the bank is the ranch, complete with livestock

More from the outside.

And inside. Little toddler sized everything!

Can you tell this is my favorite part? I could live in this little house...

The closet has dress up clothes.

This is new. It was a big hit.

There is a camping area

And a house under construction. Kids can attach the siding

And install the PVC plumbing

I may have to retract my earlier statement about the house being my favorite, because I really love the outside area too. This is the biggest water table I've ever seen. There are magnetic fishing poles, rubber ducks with the alphabet on them, and buttons to push that cause water to squirt and wheels to turn. I recommend bringing a spare shirt just in case someone winds up soaked.