• 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 […]

  • Free Night: Badgerland Learning Days Celebration

    Join us for free admission and hands-on activities throughout the museum, 4–8 pm! Learn about dozens of free family events taking place May 2–10 in southern Wisconsin as part of Badgerland Learning Days. Admission is free, registration not required. Free activities provided by: • Wisconsin Historical Society• BadgerBots• Lussier Family Heritage Center• Wisconsin National Primate […]

  • STEAM Time: Fossils

    Step into the role of a paleontologist! Explore different types of fossils and what they reveal about life long ago. Then create your own mold fossil to take home. This hands-on STEAM activity combines science, history, and creativity—perfect for curious kids who love digging into the past. Today's program is offered in collaboration with Badgerland […]

  • Exploration Station: Plant, Sprout, Grow!

    Ready to get your hands in the soil? Discover how plants grow as you plant seeds to take home and care for. Learn what happens beneath the surface and what helps seeds sprout into something green and thriving. Will your plant live in a pot or the ground? Come explore and start your garden! Today's […]

  • Saturday Art Adventures: Art Flowers

    Gather your supplies and let creativity blossom! Craft a colorful bouquet of art flowers from paper, beads, ribbon, and unexpected materials. Twist, layer, and decorate each bloom to make something uniquely yours. Perfect for gifting or brightening your day. Come create a garden of handmade beauty! Today's program is offered in collaboration with Badgerland Learning […]

  • Imagination Station: Cardboard Roll Watering Cans

    Join Abby in the Art Studio classroom on Wednesdays to stretch your creativity with common materials used in unexpected ways. Each week will feature a different activity.

  • 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.

  • 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 […]

  • STEM Sparks: The Blubber Glove

    Dive into the icy depths of the Arctic without ever catching a chill! The Blubber Glove challenge invites you to test the incredible science of thermal insulation by mimicking the thick layers of fat that keep whales and polar bears cozy in freezing seas. Come discover the secrets of survival in the world’s harshest environments […]

  • Rhythms of Ryukyu: Dance from Okinawa

    Travel back to the Ryukyu Kingdom of Japan through dance! Yasumi Hanabusa, visiting dance master from Japan, brings Okinawan traditions to life with movements once performed for royal celebrations. Watch for details like martial arts-inspired gestures, beautiful kimonos, and unique styling. It’s a window into history, culture, and artistry—join us for this memorable experience.

  • STEAM Time: Bean Planting

     Start your own mini-garden by planting beans to take home, and decorate your own one-of-a-kind plant pot! This event is free with the price of general admission.

  • Dairy Air

    Moo-ve over—there’s science in the air! Join us for hands-on games and puppet fun as we explore air quality and how it connects to farming and daily life. Kids will discover how air travels, what affects it, and how we can all help keep it fresh and clean. “Sharing Our Dairy Air” program is funded by Sanofi as […]

  • Exploration Station: What’s Alive in Lake Water?

    Take a closer look at lake life! Examine real Madison lake water and discover the tiny organisms that call it home. Use microscopes and identification guides to uncover what you’ve found—and what it says about water health. What surprises are hiding beneath the surface? Join us to investigate!