Open Tue–Sun 9 am–4 pm • Free Thur nights, 4 pm–8 pm • Get tickets
3... 2... 1... Blast off with some out-of-this-world rocket science! Launch your very own air-propelled rocket from the Rooftop Ramble. How many fins fly the farthest? Does your rocket need a nose cone? Test out different features and see how high your designs can fly. This event is free with general museum admission.
Join the hottest party in town—MCM's Baby Beach Party! Babies and toddlers take over the Wonderground for an evening of fun in the setting sun. Enjoy summertime activities just for littles, including taste-safe sand, splashin' in the water (don't forget a change of clothes!), adorable footprint craft, and a sing-along! Cool drinks will be available, but […]
Drop by for hands-on fun at the museum’s favorite maker station! Each session features a new activity designed to spark curiosity and creativity—ranging from art projects and nature crafts to beginner-friendly STEM explorations.Perfect for ages 3–12, with plenty of room for grown-ups to join in. No two visits are the same!
Drop by for hands-on fun at the museum’s favorite maker station! Each session features a new activity designed to spark curiosity and creativity—ranging from art projects and nature crafts to beginner-friendly STEM explorations. Perfect for ages 3–12, with plenty of room for grown-ups to join in. No two visits are the same!
No screens, no batteries — just classic fun! Today's program relocates from the Log Cabin to the Celebrations Room due to weather. Try out classic games from many time periods and cultures. Families are welcome to join in. Ideal for kids ages 3–12.
Before refrigeration, families had to get creative to keep food all winter long. Let's explore how people in the past dried herbs and fruit to prepare for the cold months ahead—and then sample some sweet pears from our rooftop orchard! This tasty, hands-on program blends science, storytelling, and seasonal fun for the whole family.
Before ballpoint pens and touchscreens, writing meant dipping a feather into ink brewed from walnuts. Visit the cabin to learn how early Wisconsinites recorded their thoughts and letters—and make your own old-time bookmark with quill and ink. Perfect for curious kids and nostalgic grownups alike.
Turn pedal power into tasty salsa! Hop on our bike blender and help whirl together garden-fresh veggies grown on the museum’s rooftop. When the salsa’s ready, stick around for a sample and taste the results of your hard work. It’s science, fitness, and flavor rolled into one delicious Exploration Station experience!
Mark International Kids for Peace Day with a celebration of creativity and connection. A half-hour Suzuki violin performance kicks off the morning, followed by a community art-making experience where kids can arrange garden cuttings into a beautiful, large-scale mandala on our garden rooftop. You can also search for peace in the Wonderground, and make peace […]
Celebrate Worldwide Day of Play at Madison Children's Museum on Saturday, September 27, 2025. Find brand new ways to play in the Wonderground, bring your crawler and connect with other parents, and let your creativity flow in the Art Studio! Featured Activities Early Explorers Playgroup: Saturday Special, 10:30 am–12:00 pm on the Rooftop Ramble Saturday […]
Create your very own pet rock! Customize your pet by giving it their own name, personality, and style! Then take your pet home to live with you!
3... 2... 1... Blast off with some out-of-this-world rocket science! Launch your very own air-propelled rocket from the Rooftop Ramble. How many fins fly the farthest? Does your rocket need a nose cone? Test out different features and see how high your designs can fly. Join us each week for new STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, […]
Ready to get your hands in the soil? Discover how plants grow as you plant seeds to take home and care for. Learn what happens beneath the surface and what helps seeds sprout into something green and thriving. Will your plant live in a pot or the ground? Come explore and start your garden! Today's […]
Take a closer look at lake life! Examine real Madison lake water and discover the tiny organisms that call it home. Use microscopes and identification guides to uncover what you’ve found—and what it says about water health. What surprises are hiding beneath the surface? Join us to investigate!
What makes something fly farther? Build a catapult and experiment with force, angles, and motion to find out. Test your design, make adjustments, and try again. Each launch teaches you something new. Bring your curiosity and see how far your ideas can go!
