Open Wed–Sun 9am–4pm, plus late on Thur til 8pm. • Get tickets.
All of our museum programs are designed to foster healthy growth, development, learning, trying something unfamiliar, and, well, just having fun! Dive into offerings and check out our calendar. We’re sure there is something for you to do in our amazing learning playground.
Somebody burst your bubble? No worries—we can make new ones! Explore the shiny, pearlescent world of bubble science and learn how these squeaky-clean beauties are formed. This event is free […]
Explore new materials and creative techniques through facilitated art activities and bring home hand-made treasures. Projects vary each week and may include sculpture, painting, comics, printmaking, and more! This event […]
All performances are sold out. Madison Shakespeare Company returns to MCM to stage three evenings of Christopher Marlowe’s first play, the tragedy Dido, Queen of Carthage, with the Wonderground climber […]
Enjoy exclusive, members-only time in the museum each Tuesday for Member Appreciation Month! There’s no better way to play at MCM, especially for our young visitors who are easily overwhelmed by […]
Choose your own art adventure through exploration of materials. Create robots, cars, houses, and more. Drop by the Art Studio classroom for open-ended creative opportunities, facilitated by our talented staff. […]
Social time for babies and their grown-ups! This playgroup is thoughtfully designed for our earliest visitors. We will provide a space for infants and toddlers (2 years and under) and […]
Learn about liquids and solids as we make soap using fragrant flowers and vibrant botanicals from our Rooftop Ramble garden. This event is free with general museum admission.
Explore the world of music and rhythm! Join Tim in the Celebrations room each week to enjoy play-based songs, games, and stories. This event is free with general museum admission.
Be very, very quiet… we’re hunting insects! Join us in the Urb Garden, where we’ll sharpen our observation skills and search for bugs hiding in the plants. Gentleness is encouraged—no insects […]
Join Junko in the Art Studio Classroom each Wednesday to create your own scented playdough that’s a squishy, smush-able sensory delight. This event is free with general museum admission.
Enjoy a sunny Fourth of July with MCM! The museum will be open today for our typical Thursday hours, 9 am to 8 pm, with free admission 4 pm to […]
Be very, very quiet… we’re hunting insects! Join us in the Urb Garden, where we’ll sharpen our observation skills and search for bugs hiding in the plants. Gentleness is encouraged—no insects […]
Join Junko in the Urb Garden as we explore different sensory materials every week! This event is free with general museum 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 […]
Let your twig flag fly! Create colorful banners of your own design, mounted on sticks gathered from the museum’s gardens. This event is part of our free admission Thursday evenings, […]
Science, technology, engineering, and math—they’re a critical part of nearly everything and you can use them to make amazing things! In this workshop, kids become architects and engineers as they […]
Join us for Music with Junebug led by Junko Yamauchi. This program gives toddlers and preschoolers the opportunity to sing, dance, explore instruments, and play! Music and movement activities promote […]
Our art studio staff will lead visitors in a weekly assortment of creative clay sculpture activities.
We will create all kinds of collaborative projects- plant pots, jewelry, ornaments, tiles and more.
All ages are welcome to join us and experiment with clay.
Join Junko each Friday for interactive storytelling with Japanese kamishibai cards! This event is free with general museum admission.
Be very, very quiet… we’re hunting insects! Join us in the Urb Garden, where we’ll sharpen our observation skills and search for bugs hiding in the plants. Gentleness is encouraged—no insects […]
Enjoy exclusive, members-only time in the museum for a great addition to your Farmers Market family outing. There’s no better way to play before the museum gets busy! Enjoy complimentary coffee […]
All hands on deck! Channel your creativity and engineering skills to build your fastest and float-iest vessel. Test your boat in the pond and don’t be afraid to cast away […]
Dive into an exciting drop-in art experience each week with Laurie and our Art Studio team. Embark on projects with a wide variety of art media and processes for all ages and […]
Be very, very quiet… we’re hunting insects! Join us in the Urb Garden, where we’ll sharpen our observation skills and search for bugs hiding in the plants. Gentleness is encouraged—no insects […]
All hands on deck! Channel your creativity and engineering skills to build your fastest and float-iest vessel. Test your boat in the pond and don’t be afraid to cast away […]
Explore new materials and creative techniques through facilitated art activities and bring home hand-made treasures. Projects vary each week and may include sculpture, painting, comics, printmaking, and more! This event […]
Enjoy exclusive, members-only time in the museum each Tuesday for Member Appreciation Month! There’s no better way to play at MCM, especially for our young visitors who are easily overwhelmed by […]
Celebrate the Nice Age Trail and deepen our connection to nature with Isthmus Dance Collective! Each Tuesday, these imaginative, immersive, and active classes will allow kids and their grownups to […]
Join MCM Roadshow and other local favorite organizations at Aldo Leopold Park, starting at 5 pm. Parks Alive builds stronger neighborhoods and connects neighbors to their parks through fun, family-friendly […]
Social time for babies and their grown-ups! This playgroup is thoughtfully designed for our earliest visitors. We will provide a space for infants and toddlers (2 years and under) and […]
3… 2… 1… Launch! Make your own catapult and see how far pom poms and other projectiles can fly. Learn about the physics of force and motion while launching objects […]
Explore the world of music and rhythm! Join Tim in the Celebrations room each week to enjoy play-based songs, games, and stories. This event is free with general museum admission.
Be very, very quiet… we’re hunting insects! Join us in the Urb Garden, where we’ll sharpen our observation skills and search for bugs hiding in the plants. Gentleness is encouraged—no insects […]
Join Junko in the Art Studio Classroom each Wednesday to create your own scented playdough that’s a squishy, smush-able sensory delight. This event is free with general museum admission.
Join MCM for four days of prehistoric play! Enjoy dino dances, raptor rhythms, cretaceous crafts, and more from July 11 through July 14. Thursday, July 11:- Messy Art with Laurie: […]
Join Laurie and our Art Studio staff for a weekly drop-in art experience designed for MCM’s youngest visitors and their caregivers. Through open-ended & process-based projects, empower your little artist […]
Be very, very quiet… we’re hunting dinos! Join us in the Urb Garden, where we’ll sharpen our observation skills and search for little dinosaurs hiding in the plants. Gentleness is encouraged—no […]
Join Junko in the Urb Garden as we explore different sensory materials every week! This event is free with general museum 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 […]
Explore various practical and artful fiber arts projects like embroidery, weaving, mending, and sewing with our friend Lexie in the Art Studio! This event is free during our extended Thursday […]
From soaring structures to delicate sculptures, humans have been making amazing things out of wood for 90,000 years. Now it’s your kid’s turn! In this workshop, kids will learn to […]
Join us for Music with Junebug led by Junko Yamauchi. This program gives toddlers and preschoolers the opportunity to sing, dance, explore instruments, and play! Music and movement activities promote […]
Create mini habitats for our prehistoric friends during Dino Days! Join us each week for new STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) activities. These hands-on programs foster creativity, ignite […]
Our art studio staff will lead visitors in a weekly assortment of creative clay sculpture activities.
We will create all kinds of collaborative projects- plant pots, jewelry, ornaments, tiles and more.
All ages are welcome to join us and experiment with clay.
Meet up with MCM Roadshow at Harmony Apartments for hands-on activities with our team! Get creative at the arts-and-crafts table and flex your collaborative design skills at our fort-building station. […]
Learn how ancient life was preserved over time and create your own dinosaur fossils out of clay. This event is free with general museum admission.
Dive into an exciting drop-in art experience each week with Laurie and our Art Studio team. Embark on projects with a wide variety of art media and processes for all ages and […]
Be very, very quiet… we’re hunting dinos! Join us in the Urb Garden, where we’ll sharpen our observation skills and search for little dinosaurs hiding in the plants. Gentleness is encouraged—no […]
Learn how ancient life was preserved over time and create your own dinosaur fossils out of clay. This event is free with general museum admission.
Explore new materials and creative techniques through facilitated art activities and bring home hand-made treasures. Projects vary each week and may include sculpture, painting, comics, printmaking, and more! This event […]
Join MCM Roadshow at the Dane County Parks Environmental Fun Fair, located at the Lussier Family Heritage Center facility. This FREE fun afternoon will be full of hands-on, sensory activities […]
Enjoy exclusive, members-only time in the museum each Tuesday for Member Appreciation Month! There’s no better way to play at MCM, especially for our young visitors who are easily overwhelmed by […]
Celebrate the Nice Age Trail and deepen our connection to nature with Isthmus Dance Collective! Each Tuesday, these imaginative, immersive, and active classes will allow kids and their grownups to […]
Choose your own art adventure through exploration of materials. Create robots, cars, houses, and more. Drop by the Art Studio classroom for open-ended creative opportunities, facilitated by our talented staff. […]
Social time for babies and their grown-ups! This playgroup is thoughtfully designed for our earliest visitors. We will provide a space for infants and toddlers (2 years and under) and […]
Create your own insect hotel using natural materials to attract and observe local insects right at home! This event is free with general museum admission.
Explore the world of music and rhythm! Join Tim in the Celebrations room each week to enjoy play-based songs, games, and stories. This event is free with general museum admission.
Be very, very quiet… we’re hunting insects! Join us in the Urb Garden, where we’ll sharpen our observation skills and search for bugs hiding in the plants. Gentleness is encouraged—no insects […]
Join Junko in the Art Studio Classroom each Wednesday to create your own scented playdough that’s a squishy, smush-able sensory delight. This event is free with general museum admission.
Join Laurie and our Art Studio staff for a weekly drop-in art experience designed for MCM’s younger visitors and their caregivers. Through open-ended & process-based projects, empower your little artist […]
Be very, very quiet… we’re hunting insects! Join us in the Urb Garden, where we’ll sharpen our observation skills and search for bugs hiding in the plants. Gentleness is encouraged—no insects […]
Join Junko in the Urb Garden as we explore different sensory materials every week! This event is free with general museum 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 […]
Explore various practical and artful fiber arts projects like embroidery, weaving, mending, and sewing with our friend Lexie in the Art Studio! This event is free during our extended Thursday […]
Is your child happiest with dirt under their nails and seeds in their hair? Does it take at least five minutes for them to list all of their favorite animals? […]
Join us for Music with Junebug led by Junko Yamauchi. This program gives toddlers and preschoolers the opportunity to sing, dance, explore instruments, and play! Music and movement activities promote […]
Our art studio staff will lead visitors in a weekly assortment of creative clay sculpture activities.
We will create all kinds of collaborative projects- plant pots, jewelry, ornaments, tiles and more.
All ages are welcome to join us and experiment with clay.
Join Junko each Friday for interactive storytelling with Japanese kamishibai cards! This event is free with general museum admission.
Be very, very quiet… we’re hunting insects! Join us in the Urb Garden, where we’ll sharpen our observation skills and search for bugs hiding in the plants. Gentleness is encouraged—no insects […]
Weave a one-of-a-kind botanical tapestry with plants from our verdant Rooftop Ramble garden. This event is free with general museum admission, and open to all ages.
Drop into a new art experience with Laurie and the Art Studio team! Explore art through a variety of creative media and processes meant for all ages and abilities. We’ll take […]
Be very, very quiet… we’re hunting insects! Join us in the Urb Garden, where we’ll sharpen our observation skills and search for bugs hiding in the plants. Gentleness is encouraged—no insects […]
Join MCM Roadshow at Urban Triage’s 2024 Summer Kickback on July 20th at Penn Park. Enjoy a DJ battle, field activities, friendly family-centered competitions, entertainment tent for cooling, golf carts […]
Weave a one-of-a-kind botanical tapestry with plants from our verdant Rooftop Ramble garden. This event is free with general museum admission, and open to all ages.
Explore new materials and creative techniques through facilitated art activities and bring home hand-made treasures. Projects vary each week and may include sculpture, painting, comics, printmaking, and more! This event […]
Join MCM Roadshow and other local favorite organizations at Allied Park, starting at 5 pm. Parks Alive builds stronger neighborhoods and connects neighbors to their parks through fun, family-friendly activities, […]
Enjoy exclusive, members-only time in the museum each Tuesday for Member Appreciation Month! There’s no better way to play at MCM, especially for our young visitors who are easily overwhelmed by […]
Celebrate the Nice Age Trail and deepen our connection to nature with Isthmus Dance Collective! Each Tuesday, these imaginative, immersive, and active classes will allow kids and their grownups to […]
Choose your own art adventure through exploration of materials. Create robots, cars, houses, and more. Drop by the Art Studio classroom for open-ended creative opportunities, facilitated by our talented staff. […]
Join MCM Roadshow and other local favorite organizations at Aldo Leopold Park, starting at 5 pm. Parks Alive builds stronger neighborhoods and connects neighbors to their parks through fun, family-friendly […]
Social time for babies and their grown-ups! This playgroup is thoughtfully designed for our earliest visitors. We will provide a space for infants and toddlers (2 years and under) and […]
Create your very own plant press with recycled materials. Embark on a color scavenger hunt through the Rooftop Ramble gardens and preserve your choice of fresh, organic blooms.
Explore the world of music and rhythm! Join Tim in the Celebrations room each week to enjoy play-based songs, games, and stories. This event is free with general museum admission.
Be very, very quiet… we’re hunting insects! Join us in the Urb Garden, where we’ll sharpen our observation skills and search for bugs hiding in the plants. Gentleness is encouraged—no insects […]
Join Junko in the Art Studio Classroom each Wednesday to create your own scented playdough that’s a squishy, smush-able sensory delight. This event is free with general museum admission.
Join our Peace Runner friends for songs and stories as their US-Canada route brings them through Madison! The Sri Chinmoy Oneness-Home Peace Run is a global torch relay that offers […]
Join Laurie and our Art Studio staff for a weekly drop-in art experience designed for MCM’s younger visitors and their caregivers. Through open-ended & process-based projects, empower your little artist […]
Be very, very quiet… we’re hunting insects! Join us in the Urb Garden, where we’ll sharpen our observation skills and search for bugs hiding in the plants. Gentleness is encouraged—no insects […]
Join Junko in the Urb Garden as we explore different sensory materials every week! This event is free with general museum 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 […]
This workshop is totally metal! Perfect for any aspiring artist who wants to take their work 3D, metalworking allows for limitless creativity and experimentation. (Don’t worry, this workshop introduces metal […]
Join us for Music with Junebug led by Junko Yamauchi. This program gives toddlers and preschoolers the opportunity to sing, dance, explore instruments, and play! Music and movement activities promote […]
Join Junko each Friday for interactive storytelling with Japanese kamishibai cards! This event is free with general museum admission.
Be very, very quiet… we’re hunting insects! Join us in the Urb Garden, where we’ll sharpen our observation skills and search for bugs hiding in the plants. Gentleness is encouraged—no insects […]
Be very, very quiet… we’re hunting insects! Join us in the Urb Garden, where we’ll sharpen our observation skills and search for bugs hiding in the plants. Gentleness is encouraged—no insects […]
Join MCM Roadshow and other local organizations at Madison’s Disability Pride Festival, a joyful gathering of the disability community and allies. Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals are welcome. Browse […]
Plant your own wheatgrass buddy to grow at home! When your plant soon sprouts, add wheatgrass cuttings to your smoothies or give them to family pets as a nutritious snack. […]
Join MCM Roadshow and other local favorite organizations at Elver Park, starting at 5 pm. Parks Alive builds stronger neighborhoods and connects neighbors to their parks through fun, family-friendly activities, […]
Enjoy exclusive, members-only time in the museum each Tuesday for Member Appreciation Month! There’s no better way to play at MCM, especially for our young visitors who are easily overwhelmed by […]
Celebrate the Nice Age Trail and deepen our connection to nature with Isthmus Dance Collective! Each Tuesday, these imaginative, immersive, and active classes will allow kids and their grownups to […]
Choose your own art adventure through exploration of materials. Create robots, cars, houses, and more. Drop by the Art Studio classroom for open-ended creative opportunities, facilitated by our talented staff. […]
Join MCM Roadshow and other local favorite organizations at Worthington Park, starting at 5 pm. Parks Alive builds stronger neighborhoods and connects neighbors to their parks through fun, family-friendly activities, […]
Social time for babies and their grown-ups! This playgroup is thoughtfully designed for our earliest visitors. We will provide a space for infants and toddlers (2 years and under) and […]
Somebody burst your bubble? No worries—we can make new ones! Explore the shiny, pearlescent world of bubble science and learn how these squeaky-clean beauties are formed. This event is free […]
Explore the world of music and rhythm! Join Tim in the Celebrations room each week to enjoy play-based songs, games, and stories. This event is free with general museum admission.
Be very, very quiet… we’re hunting insects! Join us in the Urb Garden, where we’ll sharpen our observation skills and search for bugs hiding in the plants. Gentleness is encouraged—no insects […]
Join Junko in the Art Studio Classroom each Wednesday to create your own scented playdough that’s a squishy, smush-able sensory delight. This event is free with general museum admission.
Be very, very quiet… we’re hunting insects! Join us in the Urb Garden, where we’ll sharpen our observation skills and search for bugs hiding in the plants. Gentleness is encouraged—no insects […]
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 […]
Explore various practical and artful fiber arts projects like embroidery, weaving, mending, and sewing with our friend Lexie in the Art Studio! This event is free during our extended Thursday […]
Be very, very quiet… we’re hunting insects! Join us in the Urb Garden, where we’ll sharpen our observation skills and search for bugs hiding in the plants. Gentleness is encouraged—no insects […]
Every first Friday this summer, enjoy free concerts at MCM featuring an eclectic mix of Madison bands. Adults get to dance and chat, kids climb and play, and caregivers enjoy […]
Be very, very quiet… we’re hunting insects! Join us in the Urb Garden, where we’ll sharpen our observation skills and search for bugs hiding in the plants. Gentleness is encouraged—no insects […]
While at Madison Children’s Museum, visitors may be photographed by museum photographers. These images may be used to publicize the museum in print, online, and display materials, and may also be distributed to the media. If you do not wish your photograph to be used by the museum, please speak to our staff at the front desk.
