• Saturday Art Adventures: Sculpt your Dream House

    Turn imagination into architecture! Use wood blocks, fabric, buttons, beads, and more to build your own whimsical, mixed-media house sculpture. Whether it’s a fairy cottage, robot apartment, or treehouse with a twist, this open-ended art adventure encourages creativity through construction and storytelling.

  • Kamishibai & Play: Japanese Storytime and Games

    Step into the world of kamishibai—a traditional form of Japanese picture storytelling! Enjoy lively tales, sing along to simple songs, and play group games that bring the stories to life. Join us for a magical cultural experience perfect for young learners and curious imaginations. Included with museum admission.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Games and Movement Challenges

    Through fun, movement-based games and challenges, children strengthen hand-eye coordination, balance, and core muscles without even noticing—they’re too busy playing! With new activities each session, this playful program supports physical development and joyful learning through active exploration. Let’s get moving!

  • Clay Day

    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.

  • Saturday Art Adventures: Marbled Ink Tiles

    Watch ink swirl and dance as you create a mini tile masterpiece using vibrant alcohol inks. With a few drops and a swirl, you’ll reveal mesmerizing patterns that are totally your own. It’s color-mixing meets chemistry, with results that are part science, part magic, and all you!

  • Open 10 am Sunday

    The museum will open at 10 am Sunday to allow for snow removal and staff travel delays. Thank you for your understanding.

  • 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.

  • Tales with Teresa

    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.

  • 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.

  • 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 […]

  • Braaains! with UW Neuroscience Outreach

    Braaains! with UW Neuroscience Outreach

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

    Join our friends from the UW Neuroscience Training Program outreach team for brain-building activities and interact with REAL neurological specimens. Come learn how we think!This program is part of our Free Thursday Evenings, 4 pm to 8 pm each week.