Open Wed–Sun 9 am–4 pm • Free Thur nights, 4 pm–8 pm • Get tickets
Take storytime to new heights! Join Paula Panczenko on the museum rooftop for a cozy read-aloud surrounded by fresh air, gardens, and views of our Capitol and the lake. Settle in, listen to engaging picture books, and enjoy stories together in one of MCM’s most unique spaces. Bring your imagination and discover where a good […]
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.
Únanse al Madison Children's Museum en nuestra celebración anual de la herencia hispana. ¡Disfrute de una noche de música, comida, actividades artísticas, espectáculos culturales y programas graciosos, todo gratis! ¡Más detalles próximamente! ______________________Join Madison Children's Museum for our annual Hispanic Heritage Celebration. Enjoy a free evening of music, food, arts activities, cultural performances, and playful […]
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 […]
Join Abby in the every other Friday morning to stretch your creativity with common materials used in unexpected ways. Each program will feature a different activity.
Harvest potatoes and taste French fires made from organic potatoes grown in the museum's rooftop gardens. Gain a better understanding of the cycles and processes of food from the gardens to the table.
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 […]
Learn to save seeds from the gardens and plant a seed.
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.
A day of FREE play in the Wonderground! Join us outside for music, programming, and fresh-air fun in the Wonderground — no ticket required. Enter via the gate on Dayton Street. Indoor spaces will be closed for exhibit maintenance.
Join us for movement games and activities! From obstacle courses to dance parties, 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 […]
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.
Illuminate the past and make your own beeswax candle like an early Wisconsin settler. Cabin Life invites you to try crafts and activities from around the time of our historic 1840s log cabin in the Wonderground. This event is free with general museum admission.
Be very, very quiet... we're hunting insects! Join us in the Wonderground, where we'll sharpen our observation skills and search for (fake) bugs hiding in the plants. Gentleness is encouraged—no insects will be harmed in the making of this program. This program is free with general museum admission.
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.
