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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Drop-off class for preschoolers on Thursdays Come to the museum and practice being a super friend! Super Friends Club offers a preschool-style group experience within the museum. Speaking to new people, taking turns, and making friends are new skills for 3 and 4-year-olds. Led by Heather, MCM’s research and family learning manager, Super Friends Club […]

Get moving and grooving with your li'l one! Today's session is a free sample session of a registered class that will run this fall. Do you have a dancing baby? Discover Junko's weekly music class where babies and toddlers can explore their natural love of rhythm. Together, you and your tiny dancer will bounce, sway, […]

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.

Music and movement for preschoolers! Today's session is a free sample session of a registered class that will run this fall. Is your 3–5 year old ready to jam? Join Junko for a dynamic weekly class designed especially for preschool-aged kids. In this class, your child will experience storytelling through songs and actions, practice responding […]

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 […]

¡Regresamos a clases con alegría y creatividad! We’re heading back to school with creativity and joy! Haz etiquetas para mochilas, juega en estaciones bilingües, y prepárate para un gran año. Make backpack tags, explore fun stations, and get ready for a new school year—bilingually!

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 to connect with one another over a […]

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.

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.

Design, build, test, repeat! Use everyday materials to build a race car, then launch it down the ramp. What works? What doesn’t? Kids will explore the engineering design cycle as they fine-tune their creations. A hands-on STEAM activity full of motion, momentum, and imaginative problem-solving.

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.

Join us for a special fall Saturday edition of our Early Explorers playgroup.  Get out of the house, play with some different toys, see new faces and meet new people! Best for ages under 2. 

Mark International Kids for Peace Day with a celebration of creativity and connection. A half-hour Suzuki violin performance kicks off the morning, followed by a community art-making experience where kids can arrange garden cuttings into a beautiful, large-scale mandala on our garden rooftop. You can also search for peace in the Wonderground, and make peace […]

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.

Celebrate Kids For Peace Day by designing a playful, peace-themed mobile in this hands-on art and engineering challenge! Using wood, string, metal, and recycled plastics, explore how shapes, weight, and motion interact. Laurie and the Art Studio crew will guide you through the creative process, helping visitors of all ages build something unique to take […]