• Let’s Move! with Abby

    Join us for movement games and activities! From obstacle courses to dance parties, 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 […]

  • Reading on the Rooftop

    Paula Panczenko will read books to kids on the Rooftop. In case of extreme heat or severe weather, the program will take place in the Rooftop Clubhouse.

  • 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.

  • 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. Junko and friends lead the fun this summer in this playful, musical celebration on Thursday afternoons!

  • 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 […]

  • MCM Roadshow @ Concerts on the Shore

    We’re taking MCM on the road! At community events all around Madison, you can stop by our MCM Roadshow station to dive into hands-on maker activities, design a small take-home art project, and experiment with creative fort-building. Our traveling play station sparks curiosity, encourages problem-solving, and brings museum-style learning to local events. ------ Location: San […]

  • Early Explorers Playgroup

    This playgroup is expertly 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 unstructured play that supports various aspects of child development. Parents and caregivers will have the opportunity to connect with one another over […]

  • Imagination Station

    Join Abby in the Down Under every other Friday morning to stretch your creativity with common materials used in unexpected ways. Each program will feature a different activity.

  • 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 play! Music and movement activities promote brain development and connect us to our family and community. Music with Junebug takes place on the Rooftop Ramble, dependent on the day. Please ask […]

  • STEAM Time: Renewable Energy Explorers

    What if the wind and sun could do the work? Discover how renewable energy powers everyday technology as you experiment with solar- and wind-powered toys. Then create a striking sun print using the sun’s natural light. Explore science, engineering, and art in one bright, hands-on STEAM adventure!

  • Clay Day

    Roll, shape, and sculpt with us on Friday afternoons! Join Art Studio staff to explore the magic of clay while creating pots, tiles, and shapes that will find a home here in the museum. It’s a hands-on way to leave your creative mark while learning the basics of ceramic art.

  • Forward Madison FC visits MCM

    Soccer fans, this one's for you! Three Forward Madison FC players and everyone's favorite pink flamingo, Strut, are stopping by Madison Children's Museum for an afternoon of soccer fun. Meet the players, collect autographs, snap photos with Strut, and maybe learn a thing or two about your favorite sport. Whether your child dreams of scoring […]

  • Baby Beach Day – Canceled

    Update: This event has been canceled due to weather conditions. Come to the hottest event in town—Baby Beach Day! Babies and toddlers take over the Wonderground for the evening with special outdoor activities designed just for littles.  Taste-safe sand, water play (don't forget a change of clothes!), footprint craft, and a sing-along! Cool drinks will […]

  • Exploration Station: Flower Presses

    Capture a little piece of nature to use in future art! Build your own flower press and learn how to flatten and preserve colorful blooms. Start pressing flowers, then take your press home to continue collecting and experimenting. Once they're ready, your pressed treasures can become cards, collages, bookmarks, and more.

  • Saturday Art Adventures: Cork Robots

    Dive into an exciting drop-in art experience with Laurie and our Art Studio team. We'll offer projects in a wide variety of art media and art processes for all ages and abilities. Today, we'll use recycled corks to create quirky robot companions.This event is free with general museum admission.