• Exploration Station: Pi Day Art Party

    Celebrate the famous pi—approximately 3.14—on March 14 with art that goes round and round! Explore circles of all sizes as you create colorful designs inspired by the mathematical magic of pi. Experiment with radius, repetition, and pattern to make a masterpiece that proves math and art are a perfect pair.

  • Saturday Art Adventures: Mini Banners, Big Voices

    Say it loud—say it in color! Create your own mini fabric banner using paint, symbols, and words that matter to you. Whether it’s a message of kindness, celebration, or imagination, this hands-on art adventure helps young makers express themselves in bold, creative ways.

  • Imagination Station with Abby

    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.

  • 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.

  • STEM Sparks: Thirsty Powders

    How much water can a “thirsty” powder drink? Make your prediction, then put it to the test! In this hands-on STEM experiment, kids will measure, pour, and observe as powders absorb surprising amounts of liquid. It’s messy, magical, and packed with real science about absorption and materials.

  • Women in Aviation

    Join the women from the Four Lakes Chapter of Women in Aviation International as they bring the excitement of flight to the Madison Children’s Museum! They will be here with flight simulators and other activities such as paper airplanes and learning the phonetic alphabet. Kids will learn what it takes to fly a plane, how […]

  • Learn About Lungs with UW-Madison Biomedical Engineering Students

    Children will explore how the human respiratory system works by building a simple model of lungs using household materials. Through hands-on construction and observation, participants will learn how the diaphragm helps move air into and out of the lungs. This activity encourages curiosity, problem-solving, and an understanding of basic human physiology.

  • 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: Welcome Spring Concert

    Celebrate warmer days with a joyful music gathering led by Junko “Junebug” Yamauchi and special musical guests from our MCM team. This interactive spring concert blends singing, movement, and community spirit in a way that’s perfect for young children and families ready to bloom.

  • STEAM Time: Kites

    Ready to catch the wind? Design and build your own kite, then head outside to see how it flies! Experiment with shape, balance, and tail length as you test and tweak your creation. This hands-on STEAM adventure explores aerodynamics in the most exhilarating way—by launching your ideas into the sky.

  • 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.

  • Hungry Caterpillar Day

    Spring is on its way! Join us for a cheerful craft inspired by everyone’s favorite hungry caterpillar. Little hands will create colorful, caterpillar-themed art while celebrating growth, change, and the joy of stories. A sweet, simple way to welcome the season of blossoms and butterflies.