• Early Explorers Playgroup (Saturday special)

    Join us for a special fall Saturday edition of our Early Explorers playgroup.  Get out of the house, play with some different toys, see new faces and meet new people! Best for ages under 2. 

  • Art Adventures: Wood Scrap Sculptures

    Turn a pile of wood scraps into something extraordinary! Experiment with balance, shape, and color as you build a one-of-a-kind sculpture. With guidance from Laurie and our Art Studio staff, kids and grownups alike can dive into hands-on, open-ended art making. No experience needed—just bring your imagination and a willingness to play.

  • 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 and families—free with admission.

  • 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, develop early literacy, and celebrate each other’s differences. This event is free with general museum admission.

  • 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 our youngest artists. It’s creativity without limits—or cleanup. Come make a beautiful mess with us! Free with general admission.

  • 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 […]

  • Exploration Station: Pet Rocks

    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!

  • 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, too—this is a peaceful pause for the whole family.

  • 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 and families—free with admission.

  • 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, develop early literacy, and celebrate each other’s differences. This event is free with general museum admission.

  • Noche Gratuita en Celebración de la Herencia Hispana / Free Night: Hispanic Heritage Celebration

    Únanse al Madison Children's Museum en nuestra celebración anual de la herencia hispana el jueves 9 de octubre, de 5 a 8 pm. ¡Disfrute de una noche de música, comida, actividades artísticas, espectáculos culturales y programas graciosos, todo gratis!   Actuaciones: Wisconsin Mashikuna, música de Ecuador, 5:30 pm, Wonderground* Ballet Folklórico María Díaz, 6:30 pm, […]

  • 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 […]

  • Exploration Station: Plant a Bean, Grow a Scientist

    Calling all young botanists! Discover how seeds are saved for next season and plant your own bean to bring home. This STEM-forward activity encourages observation, nurturing, and wonder at how something so small can grow into something big. Great for all ages and green thumbs alike.

  • 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, too—this is a peaceful pause for the whole family.

  • 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 and families—free with admission.