• Early Explorers Playgroup

    This playgroup is expertly designed for our earliest visitors. We will provide a space for infants and toddlers (2 years and under) and their caregivers to explore and play together, and engage in unstructured play that supports various aspects of child development. Parents and caregivers will have the opportunity to connect with one another over […]

  • Music with Junebug

    Join us for Music with Junebug led by Junko Yamauchi. This program gives toddlers and preschoolers the opportunity to sing, dance, explore instruments, and play! Music and movement activities promote brain development and connect us to our family and community. This event is free with general museum admission.

  • Clay Day

    Squish it, shape it, roll it, and build with it! Each week, Laurie and museum staff lead a new hands-on project featuring air-dry, polymer, or ceramic clay. Learn techniques for shaping and decorating while giving yourself plenty of room to experiment. Whether you're making something practical, playful, or completely unexpected, Clay Day is a chance […]

  • Adult Swim: Scarewolves & Glampires

    Madison Children's Museum 100 N. Hamilton Street, Madison, WI, United States

    Adult Swim: Scarewolves and Glampires Bare your fangs, share your fit, and howl your way through the museum for a night where monsters serve looks, not just scares. Whether you're more full moon or full glam, there's a creature of the night waiting inside you. Join us for a night of shapeshifting style, creepy crafting, […]

  • Exploration Station: Halloween Lanterns

    Make a Halloween lantern and take it trick-or-treating with you to light your way.   Staff dress-up theme for the day: Halloween! Wear your costume!  Costumes are welcome but never mandatory! 

  • Stories Across Generations

    Settle in for a special storytime that brings generations together. Eleanor Dougherty shares beloved picture books with young listeners in a warm, welcoming setting. This gentle program invites children ages 0–8 and their caregivers to connect through stories, imagination, and the simple joy of reading together.

  • Let’s Move! with Abby

    Join us for movement games and activities! From obstacle courses to dances, group games and balance activities, we’ll enjoy different opportunities to move our bodies every day. Program location is subject to change, depending on the weather. Please check our Welcome Wall for the most up-to-date location information. This event is free with general museum […]

  • Nice Age Tales

    A puppet show, a song, and a story—what a wonderful way to learn through play! Join us for an engaging experience where young children can listen, sing, watch, and wonder. From entertaining puppet characters to the rhythm of music and the magic of books, there's something to delight every little storyteller.

  • Music Time with Tim

    Explore the world of music and rhythm! Each week, Tim leads children in singing and other musical activities that inspire creativity and connection. It’s an engaging experience for kids and families—free with admission.

  • Li’l Music with Junko

    Do you have a dancing baby? Discover Junko's weekly music session where babies and toddlers can explore their natural love of rhythm. Together, you and your tiny dancer will bounce, sway, and rock with the music while learning simple rhythm patterns. They'll build critical social skills over the weeks as they interact with new faces […]

  • Let’s Move! with Abby

    Join us for movement games and activities! From obstacle courses to dances, group games and balance activities, we’ll enjoy different opportunities to move our bodies every day. Program location is subject to change, depending on the weather. Please check our Welcome Wall for the most up-to-date location information. This event is free with general museum […]

  • Reading on the Rooftop

    Take storytime to new heights! Join Paula Panczenko on the museum rooftop for a cozy read-aloud surrounded by fresh air, gardens, and views of our Capitol and the lake. Settle in, listen to engaging picture books, and enjoy stories together in one of MCM’s most unique spaces. Bring your imagination and discover where a good […]

  • Messy Art with Laurie

    Join MCM art educator Ms. Laurie for a weekly burst of color, texture, and joyful experimentation. Young children can freely explore art materials in a welcoming space designed especially for our youngest artists. It’s creativity without limits—or cleanup. Come make a beautiful mess with us! Free with general admission.

  • Early Explorers Playgroup

    This playgroup is expertly designed for our earliest visitors. We will provide a space for infants and toddlers (2 years and under) and their caregivers to explore and play together, and engage in unstructured play that supports various aspects of child development. Parents and caregivers will have the opportunity to connect with one another over […]

  • STEAM Time: Owl Pellets

    What did an owl have for dinner? Become a wildlife detective as you carefully dissect an owl pellet and uncover tiny bones hidden inside. Examine your discoveries under a microscope, then use an identification chart to figure out which bones belong to which small animals. Follow the clues and discover what owl pellets can teach […]