Open Wed–Sun, 9 am–4 pm • Free Thur nights, 4 pm–8 pm • Get museum tickets
Open Wed–Sun, 9 am–4 pm • Free Thur nights, 4 pm–8 pm • Get museum tickets
Join Art Studio Manager Laurie for a playful project that blends sculpture, craft, and character design. Visitors will use wooden spoons and a variety of materials to craft their own puppet pals. Whether it’s wild or whimsical, every puppet has a story to tell. Great for school-age kids and curious creators of all kinds.
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.
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.
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 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.
Join staff from The City of Madison Planning Division to make a Madison flag button and share your big ideas for the future of Downtown Madison.
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 […]
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.
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.
Make New Friends & Keep the Old at Adult Swim! New in town? Looking for a group of lovable slackers who will keep you company at the coffee shop? Head down to Madison Children’s Museum and connect with fellow friendship-seekers IRL. Take your search offline while you enjoy friendship-sparking activities guided by our expertly nerdy […]
Enjoy exclusive, members-only playtime in the museum before things get busy! Enjoy complimentary coffee to accompany the calm, crisp 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.
Transform a milkweed pod into a tiny cradle and gently swaddle a soft wool baby to rest inside. This sweet, sensory activity blends fine motor practice with imaginative caregiving. Take your “milkweed baby” home for continued play, nurturing, and storytelling. A gentle invitation into the worlds of nature, art, and empathy.
Spring 2026 Session Exercise your creativity and have fun learning computer programming! Class participants will learn computer programming fundamentals while making their own interactive art, animated stories, or games using Scratch, a programming language specially designed for teaching. For kids aged 9–13 interested in problem-solving/figuring out how to do stuff—no prior programming experience necessary. Parents […]
Join MCM for the most adorable Valentine's-week party in town, where everyone is just as sleep-deprived as you! Enjoy baby-and-toddler exclusive playtime, social time for adults, a footprint keepsake craft, lovey-dovey Music with Junebug, and more! Bring your significant other, or come with just you and your cherub (ages 0-3). Sorry, no older kids allowed […]
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.
