• 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.Every Thursday, Junko and friends lead the fun in this playful, musical celebration.

  • MCM Roadshow: Bayview Bash

    We’re taking the museum on the road! At community events all around Madison, you can stop by our 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.

  • Kids in the Rotunda Season Announcement Party!

    Join Overture's Kids in the Rotunda for a free, fun-filled evening at Madison Children's Museum and their first-ever Season Announcement Party! Participate in a special scavenger hunt and search for performers around the museum before the official season announcement at 5 pm. This event is part of MCM's FREE Thursday evenings, 4 pm–8 pm every […]

  • 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 […]

  • Move, Make, & Celebrate!

    It's a triple treat of creativity, crafts, and community! MOVE with Sara Rohs from Madison Contemporary Dance as she leads multiple sessions of Creative Movement dance classes designed to help kids explore music through movement and playful creative expression. MAKE with Aventuras en Español as we celebrate summer with crafts and games. And CELEBRATE with […]

  • Cereal for Dinner

    As voted by visitors in our kids-only election: the Lunchbox will offer a Cereal-for-Dinner service! Cereals featured will be Frosted Flakes, Honey Nut Cheerios, and granola. Cow's milk and oat milk will also be provided. Crunch to your heart's content, as long as supplies last!

  • Creative Movement with Madison Contemporary Dance

    Session 1: 5:30-6 pm Session 2: 6:30-7 pmMCM welcomes our friends at Madison Contemporary Dance! Artistic director Sara Rohs will teach creative movement dance classes for children of all ages. Caregivers are also welcome to participate. Creative movement is a contemporary form of dance that combines movement and artistic expression without the need for specific […]

  • Aventuras en Español: Sol, Sonrisas y Sorpresas / Sunshine & Smiles

    ¡Celebra el verano con manualidades brillantes y juegos divertidos! Celebrate the final days of summer with sunny crafts and joyful games! Disfruta actividades creativas en español e inglés para toda la familia. Enjoy bilingual, hands-on fun for kids and grown-ups alike.   #DiversiónDeVerano #SunshineCrafts #TallerBilingüe

  • Music with Junebug

    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.

  • MCM Roadshow: Kennedy Heights End of Summer Camp Event Celebration

    We’re taking the museum on the road! At community events all around Madison, you can stop by our 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.

  • MCM Roadshow: Black on State Event

    We’re taking the museum on the road! At community events all around Madison, you can stop by our 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.

  • Open Tuesday (special for August)

    We’re adding an extra day of play throughout August! The museum will be open every Tuesday this month, giving families more opportunities to visit their favorite exhibits, try out activities, and enjoy the last days of summer. Make your plans now for a special Tuesday outing!

  • Cabin Life: Quill and Ink

    Before ballpoint pens and touchscreens, writing meant dipping a feather into ink brewed from walnuts. Visit the cabin to learn how early Wisconsinites recorded their thoughts and letters—and make your own old-time bookmark with quill and ink. Perfect for curious kids and nostalgic grownups alike.