• Clay Day

    Roll, shape, and sculpt with us on Friday afternoons! Join Art Studio staff to explore the magic of clay while creating pots, tiles, and shapes that will find a home here in the museum. It’s a hands-on way to leave your creative mark while learning the basics of ceramic art.

  • Exploration Station: Botanical Weaving

    Discover the artistry hidden in nature! Weave flowers, leaves, and fresh plant materials from our rooftop gardens into a colorful keepsake. Explore different textures and patterns while creating a unique design inspired by the natural world. It’s a relaxing, hands-on way to blend creativity with the beauty of the garden.

  • MCM Roadshow @ Summer Cookout

    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: Lussier […]

  • MCM Roadshow @ Northside TownCenter Block Party

    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: 2901 […]

  • Paint Without Hands: Head Strong Art with Stasia

    Anastasia Pierre, whose art is displayed in MCM's second floor art gallery, will visit the museum and demonstrate how she paints... without using hands! Experience the wonders of creating art in a new light. Let creativity flow and imagination soar as Anastasia paints masterpieces with her head. Witness impressionism like never before. Anastasia's artistic journey […]

  • 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.

  • Dairy Air

    What's in the air we breathe every day? Get ready to explore the science of breathing as we learn about Wisconsin air quality and how our lungs help keep us healthy through crafts, games, and interactive activities. Walk through giant lungs, spin a prize wheel, or enjoy a lively puppet show along the way. Come […]

  • Cabin Life: Quill and Ink

    What was it like to write before pencils and ballpoint pens? Dip a quill into ink and try this traditional writing technique once used for letters, journals, and important documents. As you practice your penmanship, create a one-of-a-kind bookmark to bring home. Join us for this hands-on journey into history.

  • MCM Roadshow @ Parks Alive! Aldo Park

    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: Aldo […]

  • Brain Builders with Heather

    Join us for Brain Builders-a summer series of activities that might look like interesting art projects or games, but are secretly designed to foster essential early elementary school skills like pausing, turn-taking, and perseverance.  

  • Let’s Move! with Abby

    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 […]

  • Music Time with Tim

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

  • Fiber Fun with Laurie

    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 […]

  • Super Friends Club: Summer Session B1

    Drop-off class for preschoolers on Wednesday afternoons Come to the museum and practice being a super friend! Super Friends Club offers a preschool-style group experience within the museum. Speaking to new people, taking turns, and making friends are new skills for 3 and 4-year-olds. Led by Heather, MCM’s research and family learning manager, Super Friends […]

  • MCM Roadshow @ Parks Alive! Warner Park

    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: Warner […]