• Member Morning: February

    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.

  • Exploration Station: Milkweed Babies

    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.

  • Scratch Programming Class

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

    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 […]

  • Be My Baby: Valentine’s Party

    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 […]

  • Imagination Station with Abby

    Join Abby in the Art Studio classroom on Wednesdays to stretch your creativity with common materials used in unexpected ways. Each week will feature a different activity.

  • Nice Age Tales

    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.

  • Music Time with Tim

    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.

  • 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.

  • Messy Art with Laurie

    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.

  • Early Explorers Playgroup

    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 […]

  • Music with Junebug

    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.

  • STEAM Time: Lava Lamps

    Ready for a glowing good time? In this hands-on STEAM session, young scientists will mix, pour, and shake up ingredients to create a colorful lava lamp. It’s part art, part chemistry, and all fun as we explore reactions and motion in a bottle. Take it home and keep the magic bubbling!

  • Clay Day!

    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.

  • Exploration Station: Love Bugs

    Build a buddy to bug around with! This playful Valentine’s Day activity invites kids to design their own “Love Bug” using fuzzy materials and plenty of imagination. Will your creature have wings, feet, hearts, or extra eyeballs? There’s no wrong way to love your bug.

  • Saturday Art Adventures: “Stained Glass” Hearts

    Craft a dazzling heart to catch the light! With sparkling paints and colorful materials, kids can create their own “stained glass” masterpiece. Hang it in the window and let your artwork glow. A sweet way to spread joy for Valentine’s Day—or any day!