Open Tue–Sun , 9 am–4 pm • Free Thur nights, 4 pm–8 pm • Get tickets
1-1:45 pm, June 17–August 5Ages: 5-12 Join MCM Drumming Club and learn the basics of hand drumming including making sounds on the drum, technique, rhythms, and improvisation, careful listening, and drumming successfully with a group. The club meets weekly for 8 weeks—come as often as you can! Bring a hand drum if you have one. […]
Get hands-on with the colorful world of fiber arts! Join Laurie each week to explore sewing, weaving, stitching, and other creative techniques through open-ended art projects. Experiment with textures and materials while building fine motor skills and problem-solving abilities. Whether you’re trying fiber art for the first time or already love to create, there’s always […]
Join us as we learn photography skills including composition, lighting, portraiture and basic editing. Emphasis will be on using your magical vision to encourage expression, observe details, and think critically. Great language and motor skills development. Participants will select one of their photos to be printed and framed for a group art exhibition in the […]
We’re taking MCM on the road! At community events all around Madison, you can stop by our MCM Roadshow station to dive into hands-on maker activities, design a small take-home art project, and experiment with creative fort-building. Our traveling play station sparks curiosity, encourages problem-solving, and brings museum-style learning to local events. ------ Location: Elver […]
Join us for movement games and activities! From obstacle courses to dance parties, 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 […]
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.
Join the tiniest parade with the biggest heart! Kids and grown-ups alike can grab a shaker or drum and jump into the rhythm as we parade through the Wonderground’s Down Under. Junko and friends lead the fun this summer in this playful, musical celebration on Thursday afternoons!
Visit MCM for free every Thursday evening, 4–8 pm! Enjoy extended hours each Thursday, completely free of charge. Please check in at the admissions desk when you visit during free hours. Looking for more affordable ways to visit? During the rest of the week, MCM offers reduced cost admission and memberships every day to families […]
Join us for movement games and activities! From obstacle courses to dance parties, 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 […]
Sing, stomp, and hop to the beat with Junko "Junebug" Yamauchi. These energetic, interactive sessions blend lively music, playful rhythms, and storytelling elements that spark imagination. Junko’s joyful energy builds connection, confidence, and community—all through the magic of music and movement. Perfect for toddlers and preschoolers.
Madison Children's Museum's epic outdoor climbing sculpture takes center stage as the venue for magical dramatic performances. Madison Shakespeare Company presents: Edward the Fourth As part of our Drama in the Wonderground series, Madison Shakespeare Company returns to MCM to stage five evenings of Thomas Heywood's Edward the Fourth. The Wonderground climber takes center stage—literally—as […]
Hop on the bike blender and help make a refreshing batch of gooseberry lemonade! Use your own pedal power to blend a cool summer drink made with gooseberries grown in our rooftop gardens. Learn how human energy can power simple machines, then enjoy a tasty cup to cool off and hydrate. Don’t miss this delicious […]
Bring butterflies, bats, moths, and other pollinators to life through puppetry and creativity! Use recycled materials to design simple rod puppets inspired by the helpful animals that keep plants growing and blooming. Experiment with colors, textures, and movement as you create your own fluttering or flying character. Join us to celebrate pollinators through hands-on art […]
Madison Children's Museum's epic outdoor climbing sculpture takes center stage as the venue for magical dramatic performances. Madison Shakespeare Company presents: Edward the Fourth Madison Shakespeare Company returns to MCM to stage five evenings of Thomas Heywood's Edward the Fourth, with the Wonderground climber taking center stage—literally. It might not exactly be the set envisioned […]
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.
