• 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.

  • Tales with Teresa

    Join us for story time and hear Teresa read some of her favorite books using her DynaVox. With this speech-generating device, Teresa shares stories that help us build listening skills, develop early literacy, and celebrate each other’s differences. 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 […]

  • 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 Winter Concert

    It’s a winter concert like no other: Junko “Junebug” Yamauchi leads the fun with music, movement, and story-driven songs that spark joy and connection. And as a special treat, don’t miss a one-of-a-kind performance by MCM’s own Bell Choir. Designed for our littlest guests and their grownups—come ready to wiggle, sing, and shine!

  • Holiday Concert with McFarland High BlueNotes Choir

    What's better than holiday melodies floating through the museum on a chilly Friday morning? Enjoy a seasonal choir performance with students from McFarland High School's BlueNotes Choir.

  • Baby New Year Party

    Madison's cutest New Years celebration kicks off bright and early this morning! Meant for littles aged 0-3 years, this party will feature a Baby New Year photo op, a toddler dance mix led by Erica Pinigis of Isthmus Dance Collective, and three countdowns (toddlers love repetition!) at 9:30, 10, and 10:30 am. This event is […]

  • New Year’s Eve Wonderground Dance Party

    Are your little ones not quite ready to stay up until midnight? Bid farewell to 2025 with the most bedtime-friendly New Year's Eve party in Madison! This dance party begins at 1:30 pm, with early New Year's countdowns at 2 pm and 3 pm. Bundle up and boogie down in the Wonderground with family-friendly DJ […]

  • Museum Open: New Year’s Day

    Come join MCM for the very first day of 2026! The museum is open 9 am-4 pm today. Please note that we will not hold extended evening hours today. This event is free with general museum admission.

  • Adult Swim: How to Make Friends in Madison

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

    Make New Friends & Keep the Old at Adult Swim! New in town? Looking for that group of besties you've always wanted? Head down to Madison Children's Museum and connect with fellow friendship-seekers IRL. Take your search offline while you enjoy special, friendship-sparking activities guided by our expertly nerdy staff. Meet new pals over special […]

  • Girl Scouts Night at the Museum

    When the doors close to the public, the Girl Scouts' fun begins! Spend an exclusive evening exploring every corner of the Madison Children's Museum—from the underground wonders of Down Under to the fresh-air views atop the Rooftop Ramble. Get hands-on in favorite exhibits like the Wildernest, Possible-opolis, the Art Studio, Wonderground, and the icy-cool Nice […]