Open Wed–Sun, 9 am–4 pm • Free Thur nights, 4 pm–8 pm • Get museum tickets
Open Wed–Sun, 9 am–4 pm • Free Thur nights, 4 pm–8 pm • Get museum tickets
Ready for a glowing good time? In this hands-on STEAM session, young scientists will mix, pour, and shake up ingredients to create a colorful lava lamp. It’s part art, part chemistry, and all fun as we explore reactions and motion in a bottle. Take it home and keep the magic bubbling!
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.
Build a buddy to bug around with! This playful Valentine’s Day activity invites kids to design their own “Love Bug” using fuzzy materials and plenty of imagination. Will your creature have wings, feet, hearts, or extra eyeballs? There’s no wrong way to love your bug.
Craft a dazzling heart to catch the light! With sparkling paints and colorful materials, kids can create their own “stained glass” masterpiece. Hang it in the window and let your artwork glow. A sweet way to spread joy for Valentine’s Day—or any day!
Join Abby in the Art Studio classroom on Wednesdays to stretch your creativity with common materials used in unexpected ways. Each week will feature a different activity.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Join Madison Children's Museum on February 19, 5–8 pm, as we honor the contributions of Black people in our community with a celebration featuring Black artists, musicians, and leaders. Free admission begins at 4 pm, and activities continue from 5 to 8 pm. No event tickets required! Acompáñennos al Madison Children’s Museum para honrar las […]
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 […]
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.
Bright lights, squishy fun! Explore the world of electricity by making your own soft circuit using play dough and LEDs. Kids will shape conductive materials into silly forms while learning how power moves through a circuit. It's a perfect combo of creativity, science, and glowing hands-on discovery.
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.
Celebrate the Chinese New Year by making a paper lantern to take home or share with someone you love. Inspired by age-old traditions, this activity invites children to welcome the Year of the Horse with color, light, and stories of celebration. A perfect blend of hands-on art and cultural exploration.
