• Sustainability Fall Festival: Saturday

    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 […]

  • Saturday Art Adventures: Mini Haunted Houses

    Unleash your imagination as you build a miniature haunted house filled with curious creatures and uncanny charm. This project blends nature, art, and storytelling in a tiny world you create. Build a house that’s mysterious, magical, creepy, or outlandish. There’s no single right answer—just plenty of room to imagine, explore, and create.   Staff dress-up […]

  • Supernatural Slime with Junko

    Drop in to this program and make some science-defying slime with Junko! A sensory spectacular for kids of all ages, you'll be able to squish, splat and squeeze this supernatural substance. Staff dress-up theme for the day: Monster Mash Costumes are welcome but never mandatory! 

  • Baby’s First Halloween

    Join us for a morning of special Halloween activities for babies and toddlers: footprint craft, photo op, sensory play, tummy time, Music with Junebug and more!   Staff dress-up theme for the day: Flora & Fauna (Dress like a plant or an animal!)  Costumes are welcome but never mandatory!  Contributing support for MCM's membership programs […]

  • Stories Across Generations

    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.

  • Let’s Move! with Abby

    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.

  • Nice Age Tales

    Join us for an interactive circle time that includes songs, a puppet show, and a book reading that connect children to nature and kindness.

  • Nice Age Tales

    Join us for a circle time that includes songs, stories, mindfulness, and a puppet show.

  • Music Time with Tim

    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.

  • Li’l Music with Junko

    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 […]

  • Downtown Madison Family Halloween

    Make MCM the first stop on your trick-or-treat trip around the Capitol Square during the Downtown Madison Family Halloween celebration! Enjoy a free, family-oriented Halloween celebration for kids 12 years and younger in downtown Madison. Join us for free playtime and outdoor activities, 3–6 pm in the Wonderground (enter on Dayton St.). This event is […]

  • 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.

  • Let’s Move! with Abby

    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.

  • Reading on the Rooftop

    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 […]

  • Messy Art with Laurie: Monster Claws

    Join Miss Laurie and our Art Studio staff 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. Free with general admission.   Staff […]