• MCM Roadshow @ Last Day of Summer Camp Party

    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: Kennedy […]

  • 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.

  • Adult Swim: Dog Days

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

    Adult Swim: Dog Days Adult Swim is going to the dogs! Relish the dog days of summer with us as we celebrate dogs of all kinds: hot dogs, rescue dogs, hound dogs, wiener dogs, and more. We double dog dare you not to have a tail-waggingly good time.    This event is for humans! Please […]

  • MCM Roadshow @ Parks Alive! Galaxy Park

    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: Galaxy […]

  • 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.

  • Cabin Life: Make a Sun Dial

    Step back in time and explore one of the world's oldest clocks. Build your own sundial and discover how sunlight and shadows work together to measure the passing hours. Take your sundial home to continue experimenting and see how the changing seasons affect its shadow. It's a sunny blend of history, science, and hands-on fun.

  • Fiber Fun with Laurie

    Get hands-on with the colorful world of fiber arts! Join Laurie each week to explore sewing, weaving, stitching, and other creative techniques through open-ended art projects. Experiment with textures and materials while building fine motor skills and problem-solving abilities. Whether you’re trying fiber art for the first time or already love to create, there’s always […]

  • 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

    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.

  • MCM Roadshow @ Rooted: Garden Nights

    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: Troy […]

  • 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: Kinetic Sand

    What makes kinetic sand flow through your fingers but hold its shape when squeezed? Dig in, build, squish, and experiment with this unusual material. Explore how its tiny grains interact, test what kinds of structures you can create, and discover the science that gives kinetic sand its surprising texture and movement.

  • 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.

  • Members-Only Hours After Dark: Summer Blast in the Wonderground

    Celebrate the last blast of summer with an evening just for members! Join us for exclusive access to the Wonderground. Climb, explore, and enjoy one more carefree summer evening before school and fall routines begin. We'll provide popsicles and cold drinks while supplies last—just bring your family and get ready to play. It's the perfect […]

  • Exploration Station: Bike Blender Salsa

    Blend, baby, blend! Use the power of body movement and our bike blender to make organic salsa from MCM's Rooftop Ramble gardens. This event is is part of our free Thursday evenings, 4 pm-8 pm every week.