• 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.

  • Dairy Air

    What's in the air we breathe every day? Get ready to explore the science of breathing as we learn about Wisconsin air quality and how our lungs help keep us healthy through crafts, games, and interactive activities. Walk through giant lungs, spin a prize wheel, or enjoy a lively puppet show along the way. Come […]

  • Brain Builders with Heather

    Join us for Brain Builders-a summer series of activities that might look like interesting art projects or games, but are secretly designed to foster essential early elementary school skills like pausing, turn-taking, and perseverance.  

  • 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 […]

  • Music Time with Tim

    Explore the world of music and rhythm! Each week, Tim leads children in singing, playing, games, and movement that inspire creativity and connection. It’s an engaging experience for kids and families—free with admission.

  • 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 […]

  • 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 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!

  • Book it with Bucky’s Pals: UW-Madison Women’s Hockey

    Read books with players from the UW-Madison women's hockey team, collect a Bucky Badger READ poster, and move your body to traverse an obstacle course. Healthy minds in healthy bodies! Note: Bucky Badger himself will not be present. This event is part of the Book It With Bucky literacy program.

  • 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.

  • MCM Roadshow @ Butterfly Action Day

    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: Olbrich […]