Regular hours: Open Weds–Sun, 9 am–4 pm • Free Thurs nights, 4 pm–8 pm • Get museum tickets
Regular hours: Open Weds–Sun, 9 am–4 pm • Free Thurs nights, 4 pm–8 pm • Get museum tickets
Drop-off class for preschoolers on Wednesdays Come to the museum and practice becoming a Super Friend! Speaking to new people, taking turns, and making friends are new skills for 3 and 4-year-olds. Super Friends Club offers a preschool-style group experience within the museum. Guided by MCM's early education team, Super Friends Club gives kids a […]
Illuminate the past and make your own beeswax candle like an early Wisconsinite. Cabin Life invites you each week to try crafts and activities from around the time of our historic 1840s log cabin. This event is free with general museum admission.
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.
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.
Hot diggity dog! Beloved hometown hero the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile and its drivers—the Hotdoggers—will be visiting MCM on Thursday morning to ketchup with their fans. If you relish the idea of seeing the Wienermobile up close, meat us down in the Wonderground between 10 am and 2 pm. This event is free with general museum […]
Drop-off class for preschoolers on Thursdays Come to the museum and practice becoming a Super Friend! Speaking to new people, taking turns, and making friends are new skills for 3 and 4-year-olds. Super Friends Club offers a preschool-style group experience within the museum. Guided by MCM's early education team, Super Friends Club gives kids a […]
Social time for babies and their grown-ups! This playgroup is thoughtfully 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 activities that support various aspects of child development. Parents and caregivers will have the opportunity […]
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.
Explore the teeny, teeming ecosystem hiding in our compost bucket! Examine living organisms in compost samples under the microscope, and make-and-take vermaculture compost "tea" to bring home a special nutrient blend for your houseplants.Join us each week for new STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) activities. These hands-on programs foster creativity, ignite curiosity, encourage […]
Enjoy exclusive, members-only playtime in the museum before things get busy! Enjoy complimentary coffee and free treats to accompany the brisk, spring morning (while supplies last.) Not a member yet? Become one today! Membership starts immediately, so you can visit for free anytime the museum is open. Learn more about membership.
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.
April showers bring May flowers! Celebrate the rain that helps everything grow and create your very own raindrop mobile. This event is free with general museum admission.
Each Sunday, join Art Studio staff and your fellow crafters for a collaborative art experience! Help generate large-scale puppets and costumes for use at special MCM festivities (Summerpalooza and beyond!) This event is free with general museum admission. Image credit: Eleanor Ford
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.
Join us for a story and circle time that connects children to kindness and nature. Sing songs, interact with puppets, listen to a story, and move your body in this interactive weekly program. This event will be held in the Nice Age Trail exhibit and is free with general museum admission.
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.
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.
Get moving and grooving with your li'l one! Do you have a dancing baby? Discover Junko's 8-week music class where babies and toddlers can explore their natural love of rhythm. Together, you and your tiny dancer will bounce, sway, and rock with the music while learning simple rhythm patterns. They'll build critical social skills as […]
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.
It's a timestream mashup at Adult Swim! Take a jump to the left and drive your DeLorean into the TARDIS as we slingshot around the sun for Adult Swim: Time Warp. The patient among you can stay tuned for more details; the rest of you can jump into the future to learn them now (and […]
Social time for babies and their grown-ups! This playgroup is thoughtfully 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 activities that support various aspects of child development. Parents and caregivers will have the opportunity […]
Join us for Music with Junebug, led by Junko Yamauchi! This program gives toddlers and preschoolers the opportunity to sing, dance, explore instruments, and play. Music and movement activities promote brain development and connect us to our family and community. For today's Music with Junebug location, please ask at the admissions desk or check the […]
Help staff inoculate mycelium into wooden logs to grow shiitake mushrooms, and learn how to plant edible fungi at home! Please note, this activity may include supervised and closely guided use of a hammer. This event is free with general museum admission. Image credit: Distant Hill Farms
Dive into an exciting drop-in art experience each week with Laurie and our Art Studio team. We'll offer projects in a wide variety of art media and art processes for all ages and abilities. Today, celebrate spring and decorate delightfully vibrant eggs. This event is free with general museum admission.
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.
Create your own mixed-media bird nests and celebrate the return of migratory birds to Wisconsin this spring! This event is free with general museum admission. Image credit: Heather MacNeil
Join Art Studio staff and your fellow crafters for a collaborative art experience! Help generate large-scale puppets and costumes for use at special MCM festivities (Summerpalooza and beyond!) This event is free with general museum admission. Image credit: Eleanor Ford
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.
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.
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.
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.
Join Ms. Laurie and our Art Studio staff for a weekly drop-in art experience designed for MCM's youngest visitors and their caregivers. Through open-ended & process-based projects, empower your little artist to freely explore materials and art-making with their senses. And the best part? We take care of cleanup! This event is free with general […]
Social time for babies and their grown-ups! This playgroup is thoughtfully 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 activities that support various aspects of child development. Parents and caregivers will have the opportunity […]
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.
Join us for Music with Junebug, led by Junko Yamauchi! This program gives toddlers and preschoolers the opportunity to sing, dance, explore instruments, and play. Music and movement activities promote brain development and connect us to our family and community. For today's Music with Junebug location, please ask at the admissions desk or check the […]
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.
Start your own mini-garden by planting seeds to take home, and decorate your own paper plant pot! This event is free with the price of general admission.
Start your own mini-garden by planting seeds to take home, and decorate your own paper plant pot! This event is free with the price of general admission.
Explore new materials and creative techniques through facilitated art activities and bring home hand-made treasures. Projects vary each week and may include sculpture, painting, comics, printmaking, and more! In celebration of Earth Day on April 22nd, we'll create art from re-used or recycledmaterials. This event is free with general museum admission.
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.
Join us for a story and circle time that connects children to kindness and nature. Sing songs, interact with puppets, listen to a story, and move your body in this interactive weekly program. This event will be held in the Nice Age Trail exhibit and is free with general museum admission.
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.
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.
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.
Join Ms. Laurie and our Art Studio staff for a weekly drop-in art experience designed for MCM's youngest visitors and their caregivers. Through open-ended & process-based projects, empower your little artist to freely explore materials and art-making with their senses. And the best part? We take care of cleanup! This event is free with general […]
Social time for babies and their grown-ups! This playgroup is thoughtfully 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 activities that support various aspects of child development. Parents and caregivers will have the opportunity […]
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.
Join us for Music with Junebug, led by Junko Yamauchi! This program gives toddlers and preschoolers the opportunity to sing, dance, explore instruments, and play. Music and movement activities promote brain development and connect us to our family and community.Today, we'll enjoy seasonal spring ballads and musical storytelling activities alongside special MCM musicians playing flute […]
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.
Meet up with MCM Roadshow at Earth Day Every Day 2025: Sustainability Fair and Electric Vehicle Show. This family-friendly event includes free admission, free popcorn, free drawings, live music, and activities for families, along with exhibitors from environmental organizations and eco-friendly businesses, and owner-shown electric cars. Madison Children’s Museum Roadshow brings mobile exhibits and maker […]
Use recycled materials and native prairie seeds to craft handmade seed paper. Once the paper dries, spread the joy by creating special greeting cards or start your own pollinator garden at home. This event is free with the price of general admission.
Use recycled materials and native prairie seeds to craft handmade seed paper. Once the paper dries, spread the joy by creating special greeting cards or start your own pollinator garden at home. This event is free with the price of general admission.
Join Art Studio staff and your fellow crafters for a collaborative art experience! Help generate large-scale puppets and costumes for use at special MCM festivities (Summerpalooza and beyond!) This event is free with general museum admission. Image credit: Eleanor Ford
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.
Join us for a story and circle time that connects children to kindness and nature. Sing songs, interact with puppets, listen to a story, and move your body in this interactive weekly program. This event will be held in the Nice Age Trail exhibit and is free with general museum admission.
Join us for a story and circle time that connects children to kindness and nature. Sing songs, interact with puppets, listen to a story, and move your body in this interactive weekly program. This event will be held in the Nice Age Trail exhibit and is free with general museum admission.
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 […]
Join MCM for a free celebration 4-8 pm featuring a performance from Beni Daiko, hands-on cultural activities, crafty interactives, special scavenger hunt, refreshments, and more! Snacks and beverages are also available from MCM's pay-what-you-cafe, the Lunchbox, while supplies last.
Every month this summer, enjoy free concerts at MCM featuring an eclectic mix of Madison bands. Adults get to dance and chat, kids climb and play, and caregivers enjoy low-stress social time in an outdoor play space like no other! Tonight we're welcoming Christo's Novelty Combo, an ensemble led by award-winning instrumentalist Christo Ruppenthal. Christo's […]
May the fourth be with you! Join us as we celebrate the galaxy's geekiest holiday with a weekend of intergalactic programming and events, including an out-of-this-world display of intricate Star Wars-themed LEGO sculptures courtesy of our creative friends at WisLUG.This event is free with general museum admission.
