• MCM Roadshow @ Mobile Madison – Brittingham 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: Brittingham […]

  • MCM Roadshow @ Mobile Madison – 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 […]

  • 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.

  • 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.  

  • 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.

  • Drum Club with Tim

    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. […]

  • 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 […]

  • Focus Pocus Photography Class

    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 […]

  • MCM Roadshow @ Mobile Madison – Elver 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: Elver […]

  • 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 […]

  • 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.

  • Grand Tiny Parade

    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!

  • 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 […]

  • 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 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.