• Tuesday Member Morning

    Enjoy exclusive, members-only time in the museum each Tuesday in July for Member Appreciation Month! There's no better way to play at MCM, especially for our young visitors who are easily overwhelmed by crowds. Stretch out, enjoy the exhibits at your own pace, and enjoy a chilled-out morning together in the museum. Not a member […]

  • Early Explorers Playgroup

    Social time for babies and their grown-ups! This playgroup is thoughtfully 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 activities that support various aspects of child development. Parents and caregivers will have the opportunity […]

  • 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.

  • Music Time with Tim

    Explore the world of music and rhythm! Join Tim each week to enjoy play-based songs, games, and stories. This event is free with general museum admission.

  • Cabin Life: Butter Making

    Shake, churn, and spread! Kids help turn cream into butter just like early settlers did—then taste the results on a crunchy cracker. A perfect blend of history, movement, and taste—and a delicious way to get hands moving and minds curious. Ideal for kids ages 2–12.

  • 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.

  • Grand Tiny Parade!

    Join the tiniest parade with the biggest heart! Kids and grown-ups alike can grab a shaker or drum and jump into the rhythm as we parade through the Wonderground’s Down Under. Every Thursday, Junko and friends lead the fun in this playful, musical celebration.

  • 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 […]

  • Good Green Fun: 1-Day Workshop

    This single-day STEM workshop invites kids to explore sustainability solutions and work together to design a city from their imaginations. They will embark on a sustainability scavenger hunt around the museum and use hands-on investigation to gain a better understanding of solar and wind power. They will build structures from an assortment of upcycled materials […]

    $50
  • Sensory Garden Bins

    Join us in the Urb Garden, where littles will get to explore organic textures and plants from our Rooftop Ramble gardens.

  • Music with Junebug

    Join us for Music with Junebug, led by Junko Yamauchi! This program gives toddlers and preschoolers the opportunity to sing, dance, explore instruments, and engage with interactive storytelling. Music and movement activities promote brain development and connect us to our family and community. For today's Music with Junebug location, please ask at the admissions desk […]

  • UPDATE: Live from the Wonderground indoors, free admission

    Every month this summer, enjoy free concerts at MCM featuring an eclectic mix of Madison bands. Adults get to dance and chat, kids climb and play, and caregivers enjoy low-stress social time in an outdoor space like no other! Updates for Friday, July 11: The event will take place indoors due to inclement weather. Tonight […]

  • Exploration Station: Botanical Weavings

    Breathe in the scent of fresh herbs and feel the textures of petals and stems as you weave a one-of-a-kind botanical creation. This nature-based activity encourages fine motor skills and close observation. Ideal for ages 3–12 and anyone who loves mixing art with the outdoors.

  • Kamishibai & Play: Japanese Storytime

    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.