Madison Children's Museum

Explore the world of poetry through creative art and writing projects. Learn about poetry devices and while working with a variety of mediums including bookmaking, cartooning, collage, and sculpture.Recommended for school-age kids through adult visitors, with modifications available for younger children.

Does laundry cause friction in your family? Wait until the kids find out about old-fashioned washing days! Doing chores is great for hand-eye coordination, integrating the senses, social emotional development, and appreciation for modern technology. Get scrubbin' and experience tasks kids would have done in the mid-1800s. Learn how laundry used to get done with […]

Join us for story time and hear Teresa read some of her favorite books using her DynaVox. With this speech-generating device, Teresa will share stories and help build listening skills, develop early literacy, and celebrate each other’s differences. This event is free with general museum admission.

Explore the world of music and rhythm. Join Tim in the Wonderground to play instruments and enjoy play-based songs, games, and stories.

Take chances, make mistakes, get messy! Join us for sensory art projects designed especially for preschoolers and caregivers. We will make all kinds of art involving touch, smell, sound and more!

The whole museum is open until 8 pm on Thursdays. Twilight Thursday evening hours are included free, with general museum admission. See admission prices and get tickets. Special events: On December 8 We welcome Autism Society of South Central Wisconsin for a family night gathering. Families affected by autism may register for free tickets at Autism […]

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. Music with Junebug takes place in the Celebrations Room on floor 2.

Dive into the hidden world of teeny tiny things that thrive in our local waterways. Give your fine motor skills a workout while sampling lake water and get a reeeeeally close look at microorganisms with our microscope. Learn through observation, test your theories, and get your feet wet (metaphorically!) with the scientific method. This event […]

Our art studio staff will lead visitors in a weekly assortment of creative clay sculpture activities.
We will create all kinds of collaborative projects- plant pots, jewelry, ornaments, tiles and more.
All ages are welcome to join us and experiment with clay.

Join MCM for a night of soulful music, dancing, food, and drink for all ages in our outdoor Wonderground. Soak in a sensational blend of Northern soul, classic R&B, and pub rock from local British American group, The Periodicals. The Periodicals will be joined this evening by young musicians from Music Con Brio, an immersive, […]

Enjoy exclusive, members-only time in the museum. Grown-ups can enjoy a free cup of coffee and pastries while supplies last. Member Morning is a great addition to your weekend Dane County Farmers' Market trip, and a wonderful way to play before the museum gets busy. Not a member yet? Become one today! Membership starts immediately, so you can visit […]

Art meets craft on Saturday afternoons at MCM. Uncover the practice of 'making' through new themed projects every week. Learn alongside Art Studio Manager Laurie and her staff to use new tools, discover crafts from around the world, and create an art project to take home. This event is free with general museum admission.