Madison Children's Museum

Get creative this Halloween season with hands-on crafts led by students from Edgewood High School's Smile Club. You'll make seasonal decorations and festive projects perfect for the season. Whether your style is creepy or cute, there's something for everyone to enjoy. All materials provided, and free with museum admission.

Join us for the cutest fall event in town: Baby's First Halloween! The museum will be open special hours on Tuesday, October 28 just for this boppin' baby party. Featured activities are slated to include: Magical Creature Bath Time Monster Block Stack "Spooky" Crawler Exploration Box Footprint Ghosties Sensory bins Photo opp in the 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.

Make MCM the first stop on your trick-or-treat trip around the Capitol Square! Enjoy a free, family-oriented Halloween celebration for kids 12 yrs and younger in downtown Madison. Join us for free playtime and outdoor activities, 3–6 pm in the Wonderground (enter on Dayton St.). This event is free to the public, no ticket required!

Embark on a Halloween scavenger hunt through the museum and discover spooky surprises around every corner. Search for creepy clues, solve mysterious riddles, and collect wins along the way. 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 […]

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.

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.

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.

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.

Something wicked this way comes... it's Adult Swim: Wicked Fun! Start your Halloween night off with some wicked good fun! It’s a bewitching night of ghoulish glamor, uncanny crafts, and magical mischief as the adults take over the museum. Whether you're giving full Glinda or just wearing your resting witch face, all levels of costume […]

Enjoy exclusive, members-only playtime in the museum before things get busy! Enjoy complimentary coffee to accompany the calm, crisp morning (while supplies last.) Not a member yet? Become one today! Membership starts immediately, so you can visit for free anytime the museum is open. Learn more about membership.

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 tissue paper marigolds to decorate a shared ofrenda (altar) as we celebrate Día de los Muertos. This vibrant tradition honors those who have passed with beauty and joy. Whether you're remembering someone special or simply learning something new, join us for a hands-on activity that invites reflection, creativity, and connection.