Open Wed–Sun, 9 am–4 pm • Free Thur nights, 4 pm–8 pm • Get museum tickets
Open Wed–Sun, 9 am–4 pm • Free Thur nights, 4 pm–8 pm • Get museum tickets
Explora el otoño a través de arte con hojas, historias y manualidades familiares. Celebrate fall with leaf crafts, stories, and hands-on family fun. Tendremos actividades bilingües para explorar los colores y sonidos de la temporada. Enjoy bilingual activities inspired by autumn’s colors and sounds.
Back for its eighth year, the ever-popular Science on the Square event offers free science demonstrations and hands-on activities throughout Downtown Madison as part of the Wisconsin Science Festival. Join us for drop-in science fun from 5-8 pm, with activities led by: Wisconsin Center for Origins Research: Exploring Exoplanets UW Chemistry Department—Alpha Chi Sigma Wisconsin […]
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 […]
Little monsters take over the museum at our members-only Halloween bash! Step into your silliest costume and celebrate the spirit of the season with frightfully fun activities and (free!) light refreshments, courtesy of MCM. This event is for current museum members only. Registration is $10 per family (after MCM member discount.)
Unleash your imagination as you build a miniature scene filled with curious creatures and uncanny charm. Our “terrorium” project blends nature, art, and storytelling in a tiny world you create. Kids can build a diorama that’s mysterious or magical—whatever feels just right. All materials provided, and free with admission.
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.
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.
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.
Join MCM art educator Ms. Laurie for a drop-in art experience designed for MCM’s youngest visitors and their caregivers. We’ll use scraping, scratchy “monster claw” tools to create unique textures in our take-home painting projects. Empower your little artist to freely explore materials and art-making with their senses. Come make a beautiful mess with us! […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. During this event, Public Health Madison Dane […]
Scoop, stir, and squish! In this calming, creative activity, kids and caregivers make their own colorful play dough to take home. It’s a great way to explore textures and scents in a low-stimulation space. Offered as part of our Sensory-Friendly Night, designed to support visitors with sensory sensitivities.
Unleash your imagination as you build a miniature scene filled with curious creatures and uncanny charm. Our “terrorium” project blends nature, art, and storytelling in a tiny world you create. Kids can build a diorama that’s mysterious or magical—whatever feels just right. All materials provided, and free with admission.
Join us for the cutest fall event in town: Baby's First Halloween! The museum will be open special hours on Tuesday, October 28 just for this boppin' baby party. Featured activities are slated to include: Magical Creature Bath Time Monster Block Stack "Spooky" Crawler Exploration Box Footprint Ghosties Sensory bins Photo opp in the museum […]
