• Clay It Forward!

    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.

  • Sensory-Friendly Halloween and Free Vaccine Clinic

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

    Madison Children’s Museum welcomes children and families with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and sensory challenges to experience the museum during sensory-friendly hours, free of charge. This program aims to bring families together to learn through play in an environment that supports the unique needs of children with ASD. During this event, Public Health Madison Dane […]

  • Dough It Yourself!

    Scoop, stir, and squish! In this calming, creative activity, kids and caregivers make their own colorful play dough to take home. It’s a great way to explore textures and scents in a low-stimulation space. Offered as part of our Sensory-Friendly Night, designed to support visitors with sensory sensitivities.

  • 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: Haunted Leaf Art

    Autumn leaves are more than just pretty—they're full of possibilities! Join us to turn leaves into curious characters, dramatic dioramas, or forest-fantasy scenes. With just a few natural materials, you can build a world where leaves become wings, whiskers, or wild expressions. You decide the story.

  • Art Adventures: Haunted Dioramas

    Unleash your imagination as you build a miniature scene filled with curious creatures and uncanny charm. Our “terrorium” project blends nature, art, and storytelling in a tiny world you create. Kids can build a diorama that’s mysterious or magical—whatever feels just right. All materials provided, and free with admission.

  • Halloween Crafting with Edgewood Smile Club

    Get creative this Halloween season with hands-on crafts led by students from Edgewood High School's Smile Club. You'll make seasonal decorations and festive projects perfect for the season. Whether your style is creepy or cute, there's something for everyone to enjoy. All materials provided, and free with museum admission.

  • Baby’s First Halloween

    Join us for the cutest fall event in town: Baby's First Halloween! The museum will be open special hours on Tuesday, October 28 just for this boppin' baby party. Featured activities are slated to include: Magical Creature Bath Time Monster Block Stack "Spooky" Crawler Exploration Box Footprint Ghosties Sensory bins Photo opp in the museum […]

  • 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.

  • Downtown Madison Family Halloween

    Make MCM the first stop on your trick-or-treat trip around the Capitol Square! Enjoy a free, family-oriented Halloween celebration for kids 12 yrs and younger in downtown Madison. Join us for free playtime and outdoor activities, 3–6 pm in the Wonderground (enter on Dayton St.). This event is free to the public, no ticket required!

  • Let’s Move! Halloween Scavenger Hunt

    Embark on a Halloween scavenger hunt through the museum and discover spooky surprises around every corner. Search for creepy clues, solve mysterious riddles, and collect wins along the way. 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 […]

  • 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.

  • 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 […]