• Dairy Air

    What's in the air we breathe every day? Get ready to explore the science of breathing as we learn about Wisconsin air quality and how our lungs help keep us healthy through crafts, games, and interactive activities. Walk through giant lungs, spin a prize wheel, or enjoy a lively puppet show along the way. Come […]

  • Cabin Life: Quill and Ink

    What was it like to write before pencils and ballpoint pens? Dip a quill into ink and try this traditional writing technique once used for letters, journals, and important documents. As you practice your penmanship, create a one-of-a-kind bookmark to bring home. Join us for this hands-on journey into history.

  • MCM Roadshow @ Parks Alive! Aldo Park

    We’re taking MCM on the road! At community events all around Madison, you can stop by our MCM Roadshow station to dive into hands-on maker activities, design a small take-home art project, and experiment with creative fort-building. Our traveling play station sparks curiosity, encourages problem-solving, and brings museum-style learning to local events. ------ Location: Aldo […]

  • Brain Builders with Heather

    Join us for Brain Builders-a summer series of activities that might look like interesting art projects or games, but are secretly designed to foster essential early elementary school skills like pausing, turn-taking, and perseverance.  

  • Let’s Move! with Abby

    Join us for movement games and activities! From obstacle courses to dance parties, group games and balance activities, we’ll enjoy different opportunities to move our bodies every day. Program location is subject to change, depending on the weather. Please check our Welcome Wall for the most up-to-date location information. This event is free with general […]

  • Music Time with Tim

    Explore the world of music and rhythm! Each week, Tim leads children in singing, playing, games, and movement that inspire creativity and connection. It’s an engaging experience for kids and families—free with admission.

  • Super Friends Club: Summer Session B1

    Drop-off class for preschoolers on Wednesday afternoons Come to the museum and practice being a super friend! Super Friends Club offers a preschool-style group experience within the museum. Speaking to new people, taking turns, and making friends are new skills for 3 and 4-year-olds. Led by Heather, MCM’s research and family learning manager, Super Friends […]

  • MCM Roadshow @ Parks Alive! Warner Park

    We’re taking MCM on the road! At community events all around Madison, you can stop by our MCM Roadshow station to dive into hands-on maker activities, design a small take-home art project, and experiment with creative fort-building. Our traveling play station sparks curiosity, encourages problem-solving, and brings museum-style learning to local events. ------ Location: Warner […]

  • Super Friends Club: Summer Session B2

    Drop-off class for preschoolers on Thursdays Come to the museum and practice being a super friend! Super Friends Club offers a preschool-style group experience within the museum. Speaking to new people, taking turns, and making friends are new skills for 3 and 4-year-olds. Led by Heather, MCM’s research and family learning manager, Super Friends Club […]

  • Let’s Move! with Abby

    Join us for movement games and activities! From obstacle courses to dance parties, group games and balance activities, we’ll enjoy different opportunities to move our bodies every day. Program location is subject to change, depending on the weather. Please check our Welcome Wall for the most up-to-date location information. This event is free with general […]

  • Grand Tiny Parade

    Join the tiniest parade with the biggest heart! Kids and grown-ups alike can grab a shaker or drum and jump into the rhythm as we parade through the Wonderground’s Down Under. Junko and friends lead the fun this summer in this playful, musical celebration on Thursday afternoons!

  • 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 […]

  • MCM Roadshow @ Concerts on the Shore

    We’re taking MCM on the road! At community events all around Madison, you can stop by our MCM Roadshow station to dive into hands-on maker activities, design a small take-home art project, and experiment with creative fort-building. Our traveling play station sparks curiosity, encourages problem-solving, and brings museum-style learning to local events. ------ Location: San […]

  • 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 […]

  • Imagination Station

    Join Abby in the Down Under every other Friday morning to stretch your creativity with common materials used in unexpected ways. Each program will feature a different activity.