Open Wed–Sun 9 am–4 pm • Free Thur nights, 4 pm–8 pm • Get tickets
Get moving and grooving with your li'l one! Do you have a dancing baby? Discover Junko's weekly music class where babies and toddlers can explore their natural love of rhythm. Together, you and your tiny dancer will bounce, sway, and rock with the music while learning simple rhythm patterns. They'll build critical social skills over […]
Music and movement for preschoolers! Is your 3–5 year old ready to jam? Join Junko for a dynamic weekly class designed especially for preschool-aged kids. In this class, your child will experience storytelling through songs and actions, practice responding to what they hear, and discover how their body naturally reacts to music. Over the weeks, […]
As voted by visitors in our kids-only election: the Lunchbox will offer a Cereal-for-Dinner service every third Thursday of the month! Cereals featured will be Frosted Flakes, Cheerios, and granola. Cow's milk and oat milk will also be provided. Crunch to your heart's content, as long as supplies last!
Explora el otoño a través de arte con hojas, historias y manualidades familiares. Celebrate fall with leaf crafts, stories, and hands-on family fun. Tendremos actividades bilingües para explorar los colores y sonidos de la temporada. Enjoy bilingual activities inspired by autumn’s colors and sounds.
Back for its eighth year, the ever-popular Science on the Square event offers free science demonstrations and hands-on activities throughout Downtown Madison as part of the Wisconsin Science Festival. Join us for drop-in science fun from 5-8 pm, with activities led by: Wisconsin Center for Origins Research: Exploring Exoplanets UW Chemistry Department—Alpha Chi Sigma Wisconsin […]
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 […]
Little monsters take over the museum at our members-only Halloween bash! Step into your silliest costume and celebrate the spirit of the season with frightfully fun activities and (free!) light refreshments, courtesy of MCM. This event is for current museum members only. Registration is $10 per family (after MCM member discount.)
Unleash your imagination as you build a miniature scene filled with curious creatures and uncanny charm. Our “terrorium” project blends nature, art, and storytelling in a tiny world you create. Kids can build a diorama that’s mysterious or magical—whatever feels just right. All materials provided, and free with admission.
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 drop-in art experience designed for MCM’s youngest visitors and their caregivers. We’ll use scraping, scratchy “monster claw” tools to create unique textures in our take-home painting projects. Empower your little artist to freely explore materials and art-making with their senses. Come make a beautiful mess with us! […]
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 […]
Madison Children’s Museum welcomes children and families with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and sensory challenges to experience the museum during sensory-friendly hours, free of charge. This program aims to bring families together to learn through play in an environment that supports the unique needs of children with ASD. During this event, Public Health Madison Dane […]
Scoop, stir, and squish! In this calming, creative activity, kids and caregivers make their own colorful play dough to take home. It’s a great way to explore textures and scents in a low-stimulation space. Offered as part of our Sensory-Friendly Night, designed to support visitors with sensory sensitivities.
