• Exploration Station: Birch Bark Art

    Craft something beautiful with birch bark and sinew while exploring the cultural significance of these materials in Indigenous traditions. This hands-on art activity invites kids to make, reflect, and learn—all […]

  • Saturday Art Adventures: Pocket-sized Paintings

    Paint your own mini artwork on a canvas the size of your palm! Whether it’s detailed tiny scenes or abstract squiggles, kids of all ages can enjoy experimenting with color, […]

  • Girl Scout Workshop: Black Ash Basket Weaving

    In this special program for already-enrolled Girl Scouts, participants will join Indigenous artists to learn the cultural significance of the black ash tree and its connection to the environment. Together, […]

  • 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, […]

  • 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 […]

  • 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, […]

  • 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 […]

  • 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 […]

  • Cereal for Dinner

    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. […]

  • 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, […]

  • STEAM Time: Wheatgrass—From Seed to Smoothie

    Get your hands dirty as we plant wheatgrass and learn about how plants grow. Kids will explore the magic of roots, soil, and sprouts, then take their wheatgrass home to […]

  • Girl Scouts Night at the Museum

    When the doors close to the public, the Girl Scouts' fun begins! Spend an exclusive evening exploring every corner of the Madison Children's Museum—from the underground wonders of Down Under […]

  • Exploration Station: Yarn People, Fiber Friends

    Transform a simple stick into a one-of-a-kind yarn-wrapped figure. Choose your colors and personality—will your figure be a superhero, a sprite, or a stylish nature explorer? This creative challenge builds […]

  • Saturday Art Adventures: Sculpt your Dream House

    Turn imagination into architecture! Use wood blocks, fabric, buttons, beads, and more to build your own whimsical, mixed-media house sculpture. Whether it’s a fairy cottage, robot apartment, or treehouse with […]