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

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  • 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 […]

  • Indigenous Heritage Celebration

    Join us for a FREE celebration with our Indigenous community, featuring food, music, art, and dance representing Indigenous traditions across the world.  Featured Guests:  EVAN “BLUE SKY” LOGAN & Group:A tribal Bear/Thunder (Warrior) clan member of the Ho-Chunk Nation of Wisconsin. Through his lifetime he was raised and taught by some of the most key […]

  • Gallery Night: Free Admission

    Join us for Madison's fall Gallery Night! Enjoy an evening of creativity for adults and kids alike, featuring a new Sidewalk Surprise installation by Michelle Martin; Up-Sky Down, a new interactive sculpture by the MCM exhibits team; artwork by MCM staff and community members; and hands-on crafting. Cash bar and light refreshments available.

  • Exploration Station: Build Your Own Biome

    Design and build a pocket-sized ecosystem using materials from the museum’s gardens and natural collections. As you build, you’ll explore what living things need to survive—and how ecosystems interact. This open-ended STEM project lets young naturalists and artists combine science, design, and imagination.

  • Kamishibai & Play: Japanese Storytime and Games

    Step into the world of kamishibai—a traditional form of Japanese picture storytelling! Enjoy lively tales, sing along to simple songs, and play group games that bring the stories to life. Join us for a magical cultural experience perfect for young learners and curious imaginations. Included with museum admission.

  • 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.

  • 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 […]

  • Aventuras en Español – Gracias a la Vida / Giving Thanks Together

    Expresa tu gratitud creando un mural familiar de agradecimientos. Create a family mural of thankfulness, together in Spanish and English. Canta, dibuja, y comparte mensajes de amor y comunidad. Sing, draw, and share joyful notes of connection. #GratitudEnFamilia #Gracias #BilingualJoy

  • STEAM Time: Ball Run Challenge

    Join forces to create a giant, collaborative ball run, winding its way across the Clubhouse! This hands-on activity lets kids explore physics, engineering, and creative problem-solving while building and testing their own section of the run. It’s an exciting way to experiment with energy, motion, and cause and effect.

  • 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 in celebration of Indigenous Heritage Month.

  • 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, brushwork, and self-expression as they exercise their fine motor skills. Take your artwork home or gift it to someone special—it’s creativity you can hold in […]

  • 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, they will explore the challenges this tree faces today and discover how traditional practices honor and preserve its legacy. Guided step by step, each participant […]

  • 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.

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