Madison Children's Museum

Step into the world of kamishibai—a traditional form of Japanese picture storytelling! Enjoy lively tales, sing along to simple songs, and play group games that bring the stories to life.Join us for a magical cultural experience perfect for young learners and curious imaginations. Included with museum admission.

Enjoy exclusive, members-only time in the museum each Tuesday in July for Member Appreciation Month! There's no better way to play at MCM, especially for our young visitors who are easily overwhelmed by crowds. Stretch out, enjoy the exhibits at your own pace, and enjoy a chilled-out morning together in the museum. Not a member […]

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.

Fabric, yarn, and imagination unite! Join Laurie from 1–3 pm for a drop-in workshop full of fiber arts projects like sewing, weaving, and more. Perfect for curious creators of all ages—make something delightful to take home.

No screens, no batteries — just classic fun! Today's program relocates from the Log Cabin to the Celebrations Room due to weather. Try out classic games from many time periods and cultures.  Families are welcome to join in. Ideal for kids ages 3–12.

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 the tiniest parade with the biggest heart! Kids and grown-ups alike can grab a shaker or drum and jump into the rhythm as we parade through the Wonderground’s Down Under. Every Thursday, Junko and friends lead the fun in this playful, musical celebration.

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 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.

Scoop, sprinkle, and sift! In the Urb Garden, children discover earthy textures, soft petals, and fragrant plants from our Rooftop Ramble. These sensory garden bins invite open-ended play, giving little hands a chance to explore nature’s shapes, colors, and scents up close. It’s a calm, tactile experience that builds observation skills and introduces the joy […]

MCM Roadshow will be featured at Butterfly Action Day at Olbrich Garden: https://isthmus.com/events/butterfly-action-day/?occ_dtstart=2025-08-01T10:00

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.

This STEM program helps visitors build a catapult and test force and motion as they see how far different weight objects can fly.

Stop by the Celebrations Room to learn about photography and take photos on digital cameras or phones. Drop in any time during the hour. Free with admission, no registration required. Recommended for ages 6 and up.

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.

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 space like no other! Tonight we're welcoming three superb samba groups to the MCM stage: Grupo Balança, The Handphibians, and […]

Start your weekend with a quiet hour of members-only playtime before the museum opens to the public! Sip complimentary coffee (while supplies last) and enjoy exploring exhibits in a relaxed setting without the crowds.Not a member yet? Join today—your membership starts immediately and gives your family unlimited free visits all year.

Join us for a special summer Saturday edition of our Early Explorers playgroup.Parenting a little one can feel isolating sometimes—come connect with others who understand! This special summer Saturday edition of our Early Explorers playgroup offers time for babies and toddlers under 2 to play with new toys while caregivers share conversation, stories, and support. […]

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.

Make a flower press and press some flowers to use in various projects.