Open Wed–Sun 9 am–4 pm • Free Thur nights, 4 pm–8 pm • Get tickets
Spend your Saturday making something unexpected! School-age kids and older visitors can explore a changing mix of art materials, techniques, and creative challenges. Experiment with new ways to make art, solve problems as your ideas develop, and find inspiration alongside other artists. There’s no single right answer—just plenty of room to imagine, explore, and create.
Settle in for a special storytime that brings generations together. Eleanor Dougherty shares beloved picture books with young listeners in a warm, welcoming setting. This gentle program invites children ages 0–8 and their caregivers to connect through stories, imagination, and the simple joy of reading together.
Join us for movement games and activities! From obstacle courses to dances, 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 museum admission.
Join us for an interactive circle time that includes songs, a puppet show, and a book reading that connect children to nature and kindness.
Explore the world of music and rhythm! Each week, Tim leads children in singing and other musical activities that inspire creativity and connection. It’s an engaging experience for kids and families—free with admission. This week, we'll bop along to seasonal songs in celebration of autumn and Halloween! Staff dress-up theme for the day: PJ Day […]
Do you have a dancing baby? Discover Junko's weekly music session 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 the weeks as they interact with new faces […]
Join us for movement games and activities! From obstacle courses to dances, 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 museum admission.
Take storytime to new heights! Join Paula Panczenko on the museum rooftop for a cozy read-aloud surrounded by fresh air, gardens, and views of our Capitol and the lake. Settle in, listen to engaging picture books, and enjoy stories together in one of MCM’s most unique spaces. Bring your imagination and discover where a good […]
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.
Launch into the world of creative engineering by designing and building your very own working pinball machine! Using simple materials like cardboard, clothespins, and cups, young inventors will craft custom ramps, launchers, and obstacles. They will test their machines, tweak the physics, and problem-solve to create high-scoring arcade action. Step right up and watch imagination […]
Celebrate creative ways to care for our planet at MCM’s Sustainability Fall Festival! Explore hands-on activities, meet community partners working toward a more sustainable future, and discover how everyday choices can make a difference. Across three days of playful programs, families can create, investigate, experiment, and find new ways to connect with the world around […]
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 creative ways to care for our planet at MCM’s Sustainability Fall Festival! Explore hands-on activities, meet community partners working toward a more sustainable future, and discover how everyday choices can make a difference. Across three days of playful programs, families can create, investigate, experiment, and find new ways to connect with the world around […]
Create a planter for a succulent using upcycled materials. Plant a succulent to bring home and care for.
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. This program is free to all attendees! […]
