• 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.

  • Imagination Station: Cardboard Roll Watering Cans

    Join Abby in the Art Studio classroom on Wednesdays to stretch your creativity with common materials used in unexpected ways. Each week will feature a different activity.

  • Nice Age Tales

    Snuggle in for a delightful mix of stories, puppets, and songs! This trail-side program invites young children to explore emotions, rhythm, and imagination through movement and mindful moments. Grown-ups welcome, too—this is a peaceful pause for the whole family.

  • Music Time with Tim

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

  • 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 admission.

  • 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.

  • Free Thursday Evenings

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

    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 […]

  • STEM Sparks: The Blubber Glove

    Dive into the icy depths of the Arctic without ever catching a chill! The Blubber Glove challenge invites you to test the incredible science of thermal insulation by mimicking the thick layers of fat that keep whales and polar bears cozy in freezing seas. Come discover the secrets of survival in the world’s harshest environments […]

  • Rhythms of Ryukyu: Dance from Okinawa

    Travel back to the Ryukyu Kingdom of Japan through dance! Yasumi Hanabusa, visiting dance master from Japan, brings Okinawan traditions to life with movements once performed for royal celebrations. Watch for details like martial arts-inspired gestures, beautiful kimonos, and unique styling. It’s a window into history, culture, and artistry—join us for this memorable experience.

  • 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 […]

  • 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 admission.

  • Music with Junebug

    Music with Junebug

    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.

  • STEAM Time: Bean Planting

     Start your own mini-garden by planting beans to take home, and decorate your own one-of-a-kind plant pot! This event is free with the price of general admission.

  • Dairy Air

    Moo-ve over—there’s science in the air! Join us for hands-on games and puppet fun as we explore air quality and how it connects to farming and daily life. Kids will discover how air travels, what affects it, and how we can all help keep it fresh and clean. “Sharing Our Dairy Air” program is funded by Sanofi as […]

  • 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.