• 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.

  • Science on the Square: Free Family Night

      It's a FREE night of museum fun from 4–8 pm as the Wisconsin Science Festival presents Science on the Square: Madison Night Market Fusion. Check out all MCM has to offer in addition to an exciting line-up of hands-on science activities. Stop by to check out these hands-on science stations plus MORE activities throughout […]

  • 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 […]

  • 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.

  • 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. This event is free with general museum admission.

  • STEAM Time: 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. Staff dress-up theme for the day: Bug Bash (Dress […]

  • Clay Day

    Squish it, shape it, roll it, and build with it! Each week, Laurie and museum staff lead a new hands-on project featuring air-dry, polymer, or ceramic clay. Learn techniques for shaping and decorating while giving yourself plenty of room to experiment. Whether you're making something practical, playful, or completely unexpected, Clay Day is a chance […]

  • Halloween Dance Party with Abby

    Calling all dinosaurs, princesses, monsters, bumble bees, skeletons, and kitty-cats: it's time to boogie! Join Abby for a Halloween-themed dance party that welcomes dancing of all kinds, from the monster mash to the zombie jamboree!    Staff dress-up theme for the day: The Leftovers (Dress as food!)  Costumes are welcome but never mandatory! 

  • Saturday Art Adventures: Handmade Books

    Spend your Saturday making something unexpected! School-age kids and older visitors can explore a changing mix of art materials, techniques, and creative challenges. Experiment with new ways to make art, solve problems as your ideas develop, and find inspiration alongside other artists. There’s no single right answer—just plenty of room to imagine, explore, and create.

  • 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.

  • 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

    Join us for an interactive circle time that includes songs, a puppet show, and a book reading that connect children to nature and kindness.

  • Music Time with Tim: Halloween Songs

    Explore the world of music and rhythm! Each week, Tim leads children in singing and other musical activities that inspire creativity and connection. It’s an engaging experience for kids and families—free with admission. This week, we'll bop along to seasonal songs in celebration of autumn and Halloween!  Staff dress-up theme for the day: PJ Day […]

  • Li’l Music with Junko

    Do you have a dancing baby? Discover Junko's weekly music session where babies and toddlers can explore their natural love of rhythm. Together, you and your tiny dancer will bounce, sway, and rock with the music while learning simple rhythm patterns. They'll build critical social skills over the weeks as they interact with new faces […]

  • 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.