Open Wed–Sun 9 am–4 pm • Free Thur nights, 4 pm–8 pm • Get tickets
Dive into an exciting drop-in art experience each week with Laurie and our Art Studio team. Embark on projects with a wide variety of art media and processes for all ages and abilities. Materials are included—and the best part? We take care of cleanup.Today, we'll craft our own creepy mini ecosystems in a jar, also known as […]
Explore the world of music and rhythm! Join Tim each week to enjoy play-based songs, games, and stories. Today, we'll experiment with eerie and unusual sounds we can make with a theremin! 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!Today we'll use scrapey, scratchy "monster claw" […]
Stories Across Generations, but make it Halloween. This week, Eleanor shares favorite stories of autumn and Halloween—nothing scary, she promises! *** Settle in for a special storytime that brings generations together. Eleanor Dougherty shares beloved picture books with young listeners in a warm, welcoming setting. This gentle program invites children ages 0–8 and their caregivers […]
It's a FREE night of museum fun from 4–8 pm as the Wisconsin Science Festival presents Science on the Square: Madison Night Market Fusion. Check out all MCM has to offer in addition to an exciting line-up of hands-on science activities. Stop by to check out these hands-on science stations plus MORE activities throughout […]
Autumn leaves are more than just pretty—they’re full of possibilities! Join us to turn leaves into curious characters, dramatic dioramas, or forest-fantasy scenes. With just a few natural materials, you can build a world where leaves become wings, whiskers, or wild expressions. You decide the story. Staff dress-up theme for the day: Bug Bash (Dress […]
Calling all dinosaurs, princesses, monsters, bumble bees, skeletons, and kitty-cats: it's time to boogie! Join Abby for a Halloween-themed dance party that welcomes dancing of all kinds, from the monster mash to the zombie jamboree! Staff dress-up theme for the day: The Leftovers (Dress as food!) Costumes are welcome but never mandatory!
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. This week, we'll bop along to seasonal songs in celebration of autumn and Halloween! Staff dress-up theme for the day: PJ Day […]
Celebrate creative ways to care for our planet at MCM’s Sustainability Fall Festival! Explore hands-on activities, meet community partners working toward a more sustainable future, and discover how everyday choices can make a difference. Across three days of playful programs, families can create, investigate, experiment, and find new ways to connect with the world around […]
Madison Children’s Museum welcomes children and families with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and sensory challenges to experience the museum during sensory-friendly hours, free of charge. This program aims to bring families together to learn through play in an environment that supports the unique needs of children with ASD. This program is free to all attendees! […]
Unleash your imagination as you build a miniature haunted house filled with curious creatures and uncanny charm. This project blends nature, art, and storytelling in a tiny world you create. Build a house that’s mysterious, magical, creepy, or outlandish. There’s no single right answer—just plenty of room to imagine, explore, and create. Staff dress-up […]
Drop in to this program and make some science-defying slime with Junko! A sensory spectacular for kids of all ages, you'll be able to squish, splat and squeeze this supernatural substance. Staff dress-up theme for the day: Monster Mash Costumes are welcome but never mandatory!
Join us for a morning of special Halloween activities for babies and toddlers: footprint craft, photo op, sensory play, tummy time, Music with Junebug and more! Staff dress-up theme for the day: Flora & Fauna (Dress like a plant or an animal!) Costumes are welcome but never mandatory! Contributing support for MCM's membership programs […]
Make MCM the first stop on your trick-or-treat trip around the Capitol Square during the Downtown Madison Family Halloween celebration! Enjoy a free, family-oriented Halloween celebration for kids 12 years and younger in downtown Madison. Join us for free playtime and outdoor activities, 3–6 pm in the Wonderground (enter on Dayton St.). This event is […]
Join Miss Laurie and our Art Studio staff for a drop-in art experience designed for MCM’s youngest visitors and their caregivers. We’ll use scraping, scratchy “monster claw” tools to create unique textures in our take-home painting projects. Empower your little artist to freely explore materials and art-making with their senses. Free with general admission. Staff […]
