Open Wed–Sun 9 am–4 pm • Free Thur nights, 4 pm–8 pm • Get tickets
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 […]
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 in this playful, musical celebration.
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.
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: Penn […]
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 […]
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.
Sing, stomp, and hop to the beat with Junko "Junebug" Yamauchi. These energetic, interactive sessions blend lively music, playful rhythms, and storytelling elements that spark imagination. Junko’s joyful energy builds connection, confidence, and community—all through the magic of music and movement. Perfect for toddlers and preschoolers.
What makes a bubble strong enough to drift through the breeze? Experiment with giant bubbles and learn how air, soap, and movement work together to create them. Catch bubbles, chase them, and observe how they change shape in the wind. Join us for a playful exploration of bubble science!
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.
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: Brittingham […]
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: Warner […]
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.
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.
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.
1-1:45 pm, June 17–August 5Ages: 5-12 Join MCM Drumming Club and learn the basics of hand drumming including making sounds on the drum, technique, rhythms, and improvisation, careful listening, and drumming successfully with a group. The club meets weekly for 8 weeks—come as often as you can! Bring a hand drum if you have one. […]
