Open Wed–Sun, 9 am–4 pm • Free Thur nights, 4 pm–8 pm • Get museum tickets
Open Wed–Sun, 9 am–4 pm • Free Thur nights, 4 pm–8 pm • Get museum tickets
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Join our friends from the UW Neuroscience Training Program outreach team for brain-building activities and interact with REAL neurological specimens. Come learn how we think!This program is part of our Free Thursday Evenings, 4 pm to 8 pm each week.
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 […]
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.
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 […]
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.
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.
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.
