Madison Children's Museum

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.

Get moving and grooving with your li'l one! 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, and rock with the music while learning simple rhythm patterns. They'll build critical social skills over […]

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.

Get moving and grooving with your li'l one! 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, and rock with the music while learning simple rhythm patterns. They'll build critical social skills over […]

Music and movement for preschoolers! 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 to what they hear, and discover how their body naturally reacts to music. Over the weeks, […]

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 […]

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

Explora el otoño a través de arte con hojas, historias y manualidades familiares. Celebrate fall with leaf crafts, stories, and hands-on family fun. Tendremos actividades bilingües para explorar los colores y sonidos de la temporada. Enjoy bilingual activities inspired by autumn’s colors and sounds.

Back for its eighth year, the ever-popular Science on the Square event offers free science demonstrations and hands-on activities throughout Downtown Madison as part of the Wisconsin Science Festival. Join us for drop-in science fun from 5-8 pm, with activities led by: Wisconsin Center for Origins Research: Exploring Exoplanets UW Chemistry Department—Alpha Chi Sigma Wisconsin […]

This playgroup is expertly 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 unstructured play that supports various aspects of child development. Parents and caregivers will have the opportunity to connect with one another over […]

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.

Turn craft sticks and rubberbands into musical magic! In this STEAM-forward activity, kids will build their own instrument and explore how vibrations turn into sound. It’s all part of the Wisconsin Science Festival’s “Rock and Roll” theme—linking the science of Earth and the science of music in one joyful noise.

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.

Little monsters take over the museum at our members-only Halloween bash! Step into your silliest costume and celebrate the spirit of the season with frightfully fun activities and (free!) light refreshments, courtesy of MCM. This event is for current museum members only. Registration is $10 per family (after MCM member discount.)

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.

Unearth ancient mysteries in this spine-tingling science adventure! Kids will create their own fossil impression while discovering how rocks preserve creatures from millions of years ago. Plus, meet the trilobite—Wisconsin’s state fossil and a real-life prehistoric critter! This activity is part of the Wisconsin Science Festival, celebrating the wonders of geology and deep time.