• 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.

  • Cabin Life: Beads and Baubles

    Practice patience, coordination, and creativity as you build your own beaded bracelet or necklace—just like kids might’ve done long ago. This calming, hands-on activity is ideal for children ages 3–12. Come string a little history together!

  • 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 […]

  • 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!

  • Aventuras en Español: Piedras de Paz / Rocking Calm

    Conéctate contigo mismo pintando piedras con mensajes positivos. Connect with yourself through calming rock painting and creative quiet. Tendremos cuentos tranquilos, juegos suaves, y espacio para relajarte en familia. We’ll share peaceful stories, soft games, and space to relax together. #ArteParaElAlma #GroundingTogether #TallerCreativo

  • Puppet Factory: Drop-in Workshop

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

    Build it, stitch it, bring it to life! Stop in any time during this four-hour workshop to become puppet designers and performers. Using basic tools and materials, practice basic sewing, puppet-building, and collaborative construction techniques. Free with museum admission; no registration required.

  • 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.

  • STEAM Time: Rooftop Rockets

    3... 2... 1... Blast off with some out-of-this-world rocket science! Launch your very own air-propelled rocket from the Rooftop Ramble. How many fins fly the farthest? Does your rocket need a nose cone? Test out different features and see how high your designs can fly. This event is free with general museum admission.

  • Baby Beach Party!

    Join the hottest party in town—MCM's Baby Beach Party! Babies and toddlers take over the Wonderground for an evening of fun in the setting sun. Enjoy summertime activities just for littles, including taste-safe sand, splashin' in the water (don't forget a change of clothes!), adorable footprint craft, and a sing-along! Cool drinks will be available, but […]