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Year-Long Gift Memberships
Quick Navigation
Why a gift membership? What are the benefits of membership? How much does a membership cost? How do I purchase? What will my gift recipient receive? What can I give along with membership as a physical gift? Policies
Why a gift membership?
Giving a Madison Children’s Museum membership means giving a year of fun, joy, and learning for the whole family. Play is so much more than fun. Pediatricians tell us that play is essential to child development, including cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-being. Families engage and bond with each other as they play together in the museum.
A membership to Madison Children’s Museum is a gift that the whole family can enjoy. Each child finds their own path here, a part of the museum that they can call their own. They discover interests that can last a lifetime and fuel a career. For a parent or caregiver, watching their child discover a passion—learning and growing—and sharing in the experience is a gift in itself.
What are the benefits of membership?
Every membership level gets…
Unlimited free admission
- Every person (child or adult) named on the membership can visit for free for a whole year
- Members can reserve free tickets in advance for guaranteed entry (recommended for peace of mind during busier holiday times or special events) OR drop in and visit for free any time the museum isn’t at capacity (which is the vast majority of open hours)
Exclusive access & special events
- Member Mornings: On the first Saturday of each month, the museum opens an hour early, just for members (Pro-tip, Member Morning matches up well with a trip to the popular Dane County Farmers’ Market on the Capitol Square during the warmer months)
- Invitations to member-only parties and special celebrations
- Sneak peeks at new exhibits
Discounts inside the museum & in the community
- 10% discount on all museum purchases, including snacks, books, toys and souvenirs from our gift shop; purchases of additional tickets for guests and friends; and other museum purchases
- Discounts at local partners, including Overture Center and CTM (Children’s Theater of Madison)
Family and Family Plus level members get…
Reciprocal admission benefits
- Free general admission to hundreds of science & technology museums
- 50% off admission at children’s museums around the country
Guest passes to bring extra friends/family for free
- Family: 6 passes
- Family Plus: 10 passes
How much does a membership cost?
| Level & Price | Includes | Bonus Benefits |
| Wonder Maker $350+ | 6+ Members | Free admission to select science centers, 50% off admission to select children’s museums, 10+ guest passes Tax-Deductible* |
| Family Plus $200 | 6 Members | Free admission to select science centers, 50% off admission to select children’s museums, 10 guest passes |
| Family $165 | 4 Members | Free admission to select science centers, 50% off admission to select children’s museums, 6 guest passes |
| Dual $120 | 2 Members | 2 guest passes |
| Family Access $15+ Need-Based | All Family Members Terms Apply | Standard Benefits Only |
How do I purchase?
Over the phone — Call our membership manager at (608) 354-0550
In person — Download the registration form and bring it to the front desk on your next visit or fill out a registration form at the front desk
By mail — Download the registration form and mail it to 100 N. Hamilton St., Madison, WI 53703
Membership registration forms:
Member registration form
What will my gift recipient receive?
- Welcome message & membership card email — Every gift recipient receives an emailed welcome letter within two weeks of purchase. The message includes a summary of the many ways the membership can be used and a digital membership card. The card can be printed or displayed on their phone to visit MCM immediately and (for Family membership level and greater) for admission discounts at participating reciprocal museums.
- Downloadable membership cards — An additional, downloadable digital membership card will be emailed to the new member within four weeks of purchase. This card can be saved on their smartphone using applicable digital wallet apps for easy access.
What can I give along with membership as a physical gift?
Printable gift certificate
- All online purchases will receive a confirmation email that has a link to a writable PDF that you can print and give as a gift
- If you don’t purchase online, email the membership manager to get a PDF that you can print and give as a gift
Come browse our gift shop
- The museum has a small gift shop with books, crafts, toys, and a selection of souvenirs featuring the Madison Children’s Museum logo. A gift from our shop makes an apt present to go along with your printed gift certificate. And your purchase also helps support the work of the museum.
- You are welcome to browse the gift shop during our regular open hours without paying the cost of admission. Just tell our front desk staff that you’re here to see the gift shop. The shop is located to the right of the front desk.
Policies
- Renewing an active membership will add 12 months to the current expiration date, so there will be no lost time for renewing early
- Memberships are active immediately upon payment and giftees can attend the museum using an ID until their digital membership cards arrive
