• Early Explorers Playgroup (Saturday special)

    Join us for a special fall Saturday edition of our Early Explorers playgroup.  Get out of the house, play with some different toys, see new faces and meet new people! Best for ages under 2. 

  • 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.

  • Exploration Station: Pedal-Powered Salsa

    Turn pedal power into tasty salsa! Hop on our bike blender and help whirl together garden-fresh veggies grown on the museum’s rooftop. When the salsa’s ready, stick around for a sample and taste the results of your hard work. It’s science, fitness, and flavor rolled into one delicious Exploration Station experience!

  • 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.

  • 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

    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.

  • Super Friends Club: Fall 2025

    Drop-off class for preschoolers on Thursdays Come to the museum and practice being a super friend! Super Friends Club offers a preschool-style group experience within the museum. Speaking to new people, taking turns, and making friends are new skills for 3 and 4-year-olds. Led by Heather, MCM’s research and family learning manager, Super Friends Club […]

  • 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.

  • Li’l Music with Junko: Open Preview

    Madison Children's Museum 100 N. Hamilton Street, Madison, WI, United States

    Get moving and grooving with your li'l one! Today's session is a free sample session of a registered class that will run this fall. Do you have a dancing baby? Discover Junko's weekly music class where babies and toddlers can explore their natural love of rhythm. Together, you and your tiny dancer will bounce, sway, […]

  • Messy Art with Laurie

    Join MCM art educator Ms. Laurie for a weekly burst of color, texture, and joyful experimentation. Young children can freely explore art materials in a welcoming space designed especially for our youngest artists. It’s creativity without limits—or cleanup. Come make a beautiful mess with us! Free with general admission.

  • Music Sprouts: Open Preview

    Madison Children's Museum 100 N. Hamilton Street, Madison, WI, United States

    Music and movement for preschoolers! Today's session is a free sample session of a registered class that will run this fall. Is your 3–5 year old ready to jam? Join Junko for a dynamic weekly class designed especially for preschool-aged kids. In this class, your child will experience storytelling through songs and actions, practice responding […]

  • 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 – Listos para Aprender / Ready to Learn

    ¡Regresamos a clases con alegría y creatividad! We’re heading back to school with creativity and joy! Haz etiquetas para mochilas, juega en estaciones bilingües, y prepárate para un gran año. Make backpack tags, explore fun stations, and get ready for a new school year—bilingually!