Madison Children's Museum

Camp Kindergarten is designed to playfully foster social and behavioral skills useful for school readiness in children preparing to start kindergarten in the fall. Kids will get to run like a gerbil, create like an artist, and think like a scientist, all while practicing important social skills. Each morning begins with free play time. Making […]

We’re taking the museum on the road! At community events all around Madison, you can stop by our station to dive into hands-on maker activities, design a small take-home art project, and experiment with creative fort-building. Our traveling play station sparks curiosity, encourages problem-solving, and brings museum-style learning to local events.

We’re adding an extra day of play throughout August! The museum will be open every Tuesday this month, giving families more opportunities to visit their favorite exhibits, try out activities, and enjoy the last days of summer. Make your plans now for a special Tuesday outing!

Create your own bookmark using dried flowers! Decorate your bookmark to your liking and then take it home to use for your next book.

Design and build your own miniature nature scene.

We’re taking the museum on the road! At community events all around Madison, you can stop by our station to dive into hands-on maker activities, design a small take-home art project, and experiment with creative fort-building. Our traveling play station sparks curiosity, encourages problem-solving, and brings museum-style learning to local events.

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.

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.

Before refrigeration, families had to get creative to keep food all winter long. Let's explore how people in the past dried herbs and fruit to prepare for the cold months ahead—and then sample some sweet pears from our rooftop orchard! This tasty, hands-on program blends science, storytelling, and seasonal fun for the whole family.

We’re taking the museum on the road! At community events all around Madison, you can stop by our station to dive into hands-on maker activities, design a small take-home art project, and experiment with creative fort-building. Our traveling play station sparks curiosity, encourages problem-solving, and brings museum-style learning to local events.

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 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.

We’re taking the museum on the road! At community events all around Madison, you can stop by our station to dive into hands-on maker activities, design a small take-home art project, and experiment with creative fort-building. Our traveling play station sparks curiosity, encourages problem-solving, and brings museum-style learning to local events.

It's a triple treat of creativity, crafts, and community! MOVE with Sara Rohs from Madison Contemporary Dance as she leads multiple sessions of Creative Movement dance classes designed to help kids explore music through movement and playful creative expression. MAKE with Aventuras en Español as we celebrate summer with crafts and games. And CELEBRATE with […]

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 Overture's Kids in the Rotunda for a free, fun-filled evening at Madison Children's Museum and their first-ever Season Announcement Party! Participate in a special scavenger hunt and search for performers around the museum before the official season announcement at 5 pm. This event is part of MCM's FREE Thursday evenings, 4 pm–8 pm every […]

Session 1: 5:30-6 pm Session 2: 6:30-7 pmMCM welcomes our friends at Madison Contemporary Dance! Artistic director Sara Rohs will teach creative movement dance classes for children of all ages. Caregivers are also welcome to participate. Creative movement is a contemporary form of dance that combines movement and artistic expression without the need for specific […]

As voted by visitors in our kids-only election: the Lunchbox will offer a Cereal-for-Dinner service! Cereals featured will be Frosted Flakes, Honey Nut Cheerios, and granola. Cow's milk and oat milk will also be provided. Crunch to your heart's content, as long as supplies last!

¡Celebra el verano con manualidades brillantes y juegos divertidos! Celebrate the final days of summer with sunny crafts and joyful games! Disfruta actividades creativas en español e inglés para toda la familia. Enjoy bilingual, hands-on fun for kids and grown-ups alike.   #DiversiónDeVerano #SunshineCrafts #TallerBilingüe

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.

Make a wind toy and gain a better understanding of wind energy.

We’re taking the museum on the road! At community events all around Madison, you can stop by our station to dive into hands-on maker activities, design a small take-home art project, and experiment with creative fort-building. Our traveling play station sparks curiosity, encourages problem-solving, and brings museum-style learning to local events.

Help us use human energy to make salsa with vegetables grown in the rooftop garden and taste the salsa when it is done.

We’re taking the museum on the road! At community events all around Madison, you can stop by our station to dive into hands-on maker activities, design a small take-home art project, and experiment with creative fort-building. Our traveling play station sparks curiosity, encourages problem-solving, and brings museum-style learning to local events.