• July Sensory-Friendly Night

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

    Madison Children’s Museum welcomes children and families with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and sensory challenges to experience the museum during sensory-friendly hours, free of charge. This program aims to bring families together to learn through play in an environment that supports the unique needs of children with ASD. This program is free to all attendees! […]

  • Early Explorers Playgroup (Saturday special)

    Join us for a special summer Saturday edition of our Early Explorers playgroup. Get out of the house, play with some different toys, see new faces and meet new people! Best for ages under 2.

  • Exploration Station: Clothespin Butterflies

    Drop by for hands-on fun at the museum’s favorite maker station! Each session features a new activity designed to spark curiosity and creativity—ranging from art projects and nature crafts to beginner-friendly STEM explorations. Perfect for ages 3–12, with plenty of room for grown-ups to join in. No two visits are the same!

  • Kamishibai & Play: Japanese Storytime

    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.

  • Tuesday Member Morning

    Enjoy exclusive, members-only time in the museum each Tuesday in July for Member Appreciation Month! There's no better way to play at MCM, especially for our young visitors who are easily overwhelmed by crowds. Stretch out, enjoy the exhibits at your own pace, and enjoy a chilled-out morning together in the museum. Not a member […]

  • 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 Time with Tim

    Explore the world of music and rhythm! Join Tim each week to enjoy play-based songs, games, and stories. This event is free with general museum admission.

  • Fiber Arts Adventure

    Fabric, yarn, and imagination unite! Join Laurie from 1–3 pm for a drop-in workshop full of fiber arts projects like sewing, weaving, and more. Perfect for curious creators of all ages—make something delightful to take home.

  • Cabin Fever Games

    No screens, no batteries — just classic fun! Today's program relocates from the Log Cabin to the Celebrations Room due to weather. Try out classic games from many time periods and cultures.  Families are welcome to join in. Ideal for kids ages 3–12.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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 […]

  • Urb Garden Sensory Station

    Scoop, sprinkle, and sift! In the Urb Garden, children discover earthy textures, soft petals, and fragrant plants from our Rooftop Ramble. These sensory garden bins invite open-ended play, giving little hands a chance to explore nature’s shapes, colors, and scents up close. It’s a calm, tactile experience that builds observation skills and introduces the joy […]

  • 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.