Skip to the page content
Your donations
Passes our checks

The Woodlands Childrens Museum

EIN 76-0678400 · The Woodlands, TX

Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthFair58 out of 100GovernanceFair65 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

The Woodlands Children's Museum creates opportunities that educate, empower, and excite children and families through play while inspiring a life-long sense of wonder and discovery..

Income
$1.1 million
Spending
$1.1 million
Spent on programs
87%
Reserves
0.8 months of spending
Largest source of income
fees for its services, 65%
Employees
57
Volunteers
700
Highest pay
$68,393, president

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Fair: 58 out of 100. Higher than 30% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    4 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 0.8 months of spending.

  • Debt

    16 of 20

    It owes 27% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    8 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 2% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 3% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    87% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 11 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Fair: 65 out of 100. Higher than 15% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $1m to $10m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    4 of 5 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    8 of 8

    Has a written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    7 of 7

    Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.

  • Board minutes

    0 of 5

    Reports that it does not keep minutes of board meetings.

  • Board sees the tax return

    0 of 10

    Did not give the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • Pay set independently

    0 of 5

    Reports no independent review process for its chief executive's pay.

  • Independent check of accounts

    0 of 15

    Its accounts were not audited or reviewed by an independent accountant.

  • No reported misuse

    10 of 10

    Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Impact evidence

Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.

Programs described in its return (4)
  1. $481,318 spent. Exhibits: The museum features hands-on, interactive exhibits, specifically designed, for children aged seven and under, making it an ideal destination for families and field trips. These exhibits promote early childhood development through engaging learning experiences that emphasize art, imagination, and discovery. Many of the educational exhibits are rooted in themes of science, art, and culture, providing a rich foundation for young learners. Additionally, annual membership opportunities are available, providing guests with more ways to enjoy the museum's offerings throughout the year. The museum provides a valuable resource for young children, offering opportunities for learning and exploration in a fun and engaging environment.
  2. $269,723 spent. Education Programs: The museum hosts a variety of educational programs, designed for children aged two to ten, with fees covering enrollment in carefully crafted workshops. These workshops are available during spring, summer, and fall sessions, offering a diverse range of topics. Children can explore their creativity and interests through theater, construction, movement, science, robotics, and art workshops. These engaging programs not only foster learning but, also, provide a fun and interactive environment for young learners, allowing them to explore various interests and develop new skills.
  3. $174,320 spent. Events: The museum offers a vibrant array of events, often, including performances by musicians and theater groups, captivating magic shows, lively book readings, character appearances, engaging art projects, as well as other special offerings. These activities take place, both, within the museum and in the wider community, creating a festive atmosphere. Special occasions and holidays are celebrated with themed events, adding to the excitement throughout the year. Additionally, the museum is a great venue for birthday parties, providing a dedicated party room where guests can enjoy the exhibits and celebrate in a fun, creative environment. Overall, these offerings foster community engagement and establish the museum as a favorite destination for families and children.
  4. $35,518 spent. Gift Shop: The museum's gift shop offers a carefully curated selection of toys and books designed for young children.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Legitimacy checks

  1. Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.

    Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  2. Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.

    Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.

    Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  3. Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.

    On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.

    Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  4. Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.

    Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2025.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since October 2001.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  6. Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.

    Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.

    Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 21, 2026.

Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.