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Exploration Station: Golden Egg Art
Exploration Station: Golden Egg Art
Foster your creativity and decorate a golden egg with vibrant colors. This event is free with the price of general admission.
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Programs & Events
MCM is a busy place with hundreds of activities, classes and workshops for every age.
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.
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Calendar of Events
S Sun
M Mon
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T Thu
F Fri
S Sat
2 events,
–
Let’s Make! with Lexie
Let’s Make! with Lexie
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 […]
0 events,
0 events,
3 events,
Early Explorers Playgroup
Early Explorers Playgroup
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 […]
–
Music Time with Tim: I Can Count!
Music Time with Tim: I Can Count!
Explore the world of music and rhythm! Join Tim in the Celebrations room each week to enjoy play-based songs, games, and stories. Today we’ll practice counting with numbers, rhythm, movement, […]
–
Playdough Party with Junko
Playdough Party with Junko
Join Junko each Wednesday to create your own scented playdough that’s a squishy, smush-able sensory delight. This event is free with general museum admission.
6 events,
–
Super Friends Club: Spring Thursdays 2024
Super Friends Club: Spring Thursdays 2024
Drop-off class for preschoolers on Thursdays Come to the museum and practice becoming a Super Friend! Speaking to new people, taking turns, and making friends are new skills for 3 […]
$30
–
Messy Art with Laurie: Tie Dye Flowers
Messy Art with Laurie: Tie Dye Flowers
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 […]
–
Sensory Worlds with Junko
Sensory Worlds with Junko
Join Junko in the Urb Garden as we explore different sensory materials every week! This event is free with general museum admission.
Free Thursday Evenings
Free Thursday Evenings
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 […]
–
Open Art Studio
Open Art Studio
Choose your own art adventure—drawing, sculpting, cartooning, and more! Drop by the Art Studio classroom for open-ended creative opportunities, facilitated by our talented staff. This event is free and open […]
3 events,
–
STEAM Time: Making Fossils
STEAM Time: Making Fossils
Learn how ancient life was preserved over time, and create your own cast fossils out of clay. Join us each week for new STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) […]
–
Clay Day: Ceramic Pinch Pots
Clay Day: Ceramic Pinch Pots
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.
–
MCM Roadshow: Harmony Apartments
MCM Roadshow: Harmony Apartments
Meet up with MCM Roadshow at Harmony Apartments for hands-on activities with our team! Get creative at thearts-and-crafts table and flex your collaborative design skills at our fort-building station. Madison […]
4 events,
–
April Member Morning
April Member Morning
Saturday Member Mornings are back! Enjoy exclusive, members-only time in the museum for a great addition to your weekend family outing. There’s no better way to play before the museum gets […]
–
MCM Roadshow: Common Threads Neurodiversity Fair
MCM Roadshow: Common Threads Neurodiversity Fair
Join MCM Roadshow at the Common Threads Neurodiversity Resource Fair for hands-on activities and much more! We’re inviting families to get creative at our arts-and-crafts table and flex their collaborative […]
–
Aventuras en Español: Pulseras de Países Hispanohablantes
Aventuras en Español: Pulseras de Países Hispanohablantes
Samira y Nisbeth, ambas hispanohablantes de nacimiento, te invitan a crear pulseras de cuentas que representan a países hispanohablantes incluyendo México, Venezuela, España, y más. ¡Habrá música latina y española […]
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Water Exploration & Spring Planting: UW Conservation Biology Society
Water Exploration & Spring Planting: UW Conservation Biology Society
Join our friends from UW’s student chapter of the Conservation Biology Society and find new ways to explore your environment. Dive into the hidden world of teeny tiny microorganisms that […]
2 events,
–
Exploration Station: Whimsical Weather Crafts
Exploration Station: Whimsical Weather Crafts
Rain or shine, we’re making crafts inspired by the day’s weather! Possible crafts include kites, sun paper art, rain art, and other weather-related creative projects. This event is free with […]
–
Let’s Make! with Lexie
Let’s Make! with Lexie
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 […]
0 events,
0 events,
3 events,
Early Explorers Playgroup
Early Explorers Playgroup
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 […]
–
Music Time with Tim: Make & Take Maracas
Music Time with Tim: Make & Take Maracas
Explore the world of music and rhythm! Join Tim in the Celebrations room each week to enjoy play-based songs, games, and stories. Today we’ll make our own maracas, explore percussive […]
–
Playdough Party with Junko
Playdough Party with Junko
Join Junko each Wednesday to create your own scented playdough that’s a squishy, smush-able sensory delight. This event is free with general museum admission.
5 events,
–
Messy Art with Laurie: Dough Nature Mosaics
Messy Art with Laurie: Dough Nature Mosaics
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 […]
–
Sensory Worlds with Junko
Sensory Worlds with Junko
Join Junko in the Urb Garden as we explore different sensory materials every week! This event is free with general museum admission.
Free Thursday Evenings
Free Thursday Evenings
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 […]
–
Open Art Studio
Open Art Studio
Choose your own art adventure—drawing, sculpting, cartooning, and more! Drop by the Art Studio classroom for open-ended creative opportunities, facilitated by our talented staff. This event is free and open […]
–
Wild Wonders: Caterpillar Puppets
Wild Wonders: Caterpillar Puppets
Learn about the caterpillars you’ll see this spring in southern Wisconsin, and create your own wiggly caterpillar puppet! This event is included with general museum admission.
3 events,
–
Adult Swim: Slumber Party
Adult Swim: Slumber Party
Come over for a night of classic sleepover antics! It’s the slumber party of your 10-year-old dreams, dialed up with customized cocktails and (almost) zero adult supervision. Enjoy nostalgic crafts, […]
–
STEAM Time: Rooftop Rockets
STEAM Time: Rooftop Rockets
3… 2… 1… Blast off with some out-of-this-world rocket science! Celebrate International Day of Human Space Flight and launch your very own air-propelled rocket from the Rooftop Ramble. How many […]
–
Clay Day: Textured Shapes
Clay Day: Textured Shapes
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.
3 events,
–
Aventuras en Español: Juegos en Español
Aventuras en Español: Juegos en Español
Samira y Cristina, ambas hispanoparlantes de nacimiento, te invitan a que las acompañes para jugar al bingo y a juegos de adivinanza que motivarán a los asistentes a practicar sus […]
–
Exploration Station: Succulent Planters
Exploration Station: Succulent Planters
Celebrate International Plant Appreciation Day by decorating a custom succulent planter using pots made in the museum’s Art Studio. This event is free with the price of general admission.
–
Saturday Art Adventures: Build-a-Stuffie
Saturday Art Adventures: Build-a-Stuffie
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 […]
3 events,
–
MCM Roadshow: 9 in | 9 out
MCM Roadshow: 9 in | 9 out
Join MCM Roadshow at 9 in | 9 out, an event for expecting and new parents (tickets $10). We’re inviting families to get creative at our arts-and-crafts table, flex their […]
–
Exploration Station: Succulent Planters
Exploration Station: Succulent Planters
Celebrate International Plant Appreciation Day by decorating a custom succulent planter using pots made in the museum’s Art Studio. This event is free with the price of general admission.
–
Let’s Make! with Lexie
Let’s Make! with Lexie
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 […]
0 events,
0 events,
4 events,
Early Explorers Playgroup
Early Explorers Playgroup
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 […]
–
Music Time with Tim: Rock Out!
Music Time with Tim: Rock Out!
Explore the world of music and rhythm! Join Tim in the Celebrations room each week to enjoy play-based songs, games, and stories. Today we’ll explore the electric world of rock […]
–
Playdough Party with Junko
Playdough Party with Junko
Join Junko each Wednesday to create your own scented playdough that’s a squishy, smush-able sensory delight. This event is free with general museum admission.
–
MCM Roadshow: Meadowood Health Partnership Community Supper
MCM Roadshow: Meadowood Health Partnership Community Supper
Join MCM Roadshow at the Meadowood Health Partnership Community Supper, hosted at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. We’re inviting families to get creative at our arts-and-crafts table and flex their collaborative […]
5 events,
–
Messy Art with Laurie: Spaghetti Painting
Messy Art with Laurie: Spaghetti Painting
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 […]
–
Sensory Worlds with Junko
Sensory Worlds with Junko
Join Junko in the Urb Garden as we explore different sensory materials every week! This event is free with general museum admission.
Free Thursday Evenings
Free Thursday Evenings
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 […]
–
Open Art Studio
Open Art Studio
Choose your own art adventure—drawing, sculpting, cartooning, and more! Drop by the Art Studio classroom for open-ended creative opportunities, facilitated by our talented staff. This event is free and open […]
–
Wild Wonders: Water Explorers
Wild Wonders: Water Explorers
Dive into the hidden world of teeny tiny critters that thrive in our local waterways. Give your fine motor skills a workout while sampling lake water and get a reeeeeally […]
2 events,
–
STEAM Time: Water Explorers
STEAM Time: Water Explorers
Dive into the hidden world of teeny tiny critters that thrive in our local waterways. Give your fine motor skills a workout while sampling lake water and get a reeeeeally […]
–
Clay Day: Model Magic Portraits
Clay Day: Model Magic Portraits
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.
4 events,
–
Particle Physics Outreach: IceCube Project
Particle Physics Outreach: IceCube Project
Particle physics is fun! Come learn about what it’s like to work and live in the extreme environment at the South Pole in Antarctica from scientists with the IceCube Neutrino […]
–
Aventuras en Español: Evento Musical en Guaraní y Español
Aventuras en Español: Evento Musical en Guaraní y Español
Acompaña a Samira y Jorge para embarcarnos en un viaje musical que eleva los idiomas, descubre la belleza del guaraní y el español, y promueve las culturas poco representadas – […]
–
Earth Week: Pollinator Seed Paper
Earth Week: Pollinator Seed Paper
Celebrate Earth Week by making seed paper from plants grown in MCM’s rooftop gardens! Seed paper is a great way to start your own pollinator garden and support native wildlife. […]
–
Saturday Art Adventures: Recyclables Mystery Box Challenge
Saturday Art Adventures: Recyclables Mystery Box Challenge
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 […]
2 events,
–
Earth Week: Pollinator Seed Paper
Earth Week: Pollinator Seed Paper
Celebrate Earth Week by making seed paper from plants grown in MCM’s rooftop gardens! Seed paper is a great way to start your own pollinator garden and support native wildlife. […]
–
Let’s Make! with Lexie
Let’s Make! with Lexie
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 […]
0 events,
0 events,
3 events,
Early Explorers Playgroup
Early Explorers Playgroup
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 […]
–
Music Time with Tim: Sing for Spring!
Music Time with Tim: Sing for Spring!
Explore the world of music and rhythm! Join Tim in the Celebrations room each week to enjoy play-based songs, games, and stories. Today we’ll make music with our voices, sing […]
–
Playdough Party with Junko
Playdough Party with Junko
Join Junko each Wednesday to create your own scented playdough that’s a squishy, smush-able sensory delight. This event is free with general museum admission.
7 events,
–
Tales with Teresa
Tales with Teresa
Join us for story time and hear Teresa read some of her favorite books using her DynaVox. With this speech-generating device, Teresa will share stories and help build listening skills, […]
–
Messy Art with Laurie: Pom Pom Painting
Messy Art with Laurie: Pom Pom Painting
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 […]
–
Sensory Worlds with Junko
Sensory Worlds with Junko
Join Junko in the Urb Garden as we explore different sensory materials every week! This event is free with general museum admission.
Free Thursday Evenings
Free Thursday Evenings
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 […]
–
Free Night: Remake Learning Days Celebration
Free Night: Remake Learning Days Celebration
Join us for free admission and hands-on activities throughout the museum, 4–8 pm! Learn about dozens of free family events taking place April 20–28 in southern Wisconsin as part of Remake […]
7 events,
–
Music with Junebug (Morning)
Music with Junebug (Morning)
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 […]
–
STEAM Time: Nature Gelli Prints
STEAM Time: Nature Gelli Prints
Engage your creativity and make vibrant, one-of-a-kind gelli prints using objects found in nature. Join us each week for new STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) activities. These hands-on […]
–
Music with Junebug
Music with Junebug
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 […]
–
Clay Day: Polymer Clay Beads
Clay Day: Polymer Clay Beads
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.
–
Super Friends Club: Spring Fridays 2024
Super Friends Club: Spring Fridays 2024
Drop-off class for preschoolers on Fridays Come to the museum and practice becoming a Super Friend! Speaking to new people, taking turns, and making friends are new skills for 3 […]
$30
5 events,
–
Aventuras en Español: Cuentos en Español
Aventuras en Español: Cuentos en Español
Acompaña a Samira y a su amiga para contar cuentos en español de manera interactiva que motivan a la exploración de las emociones, la respiración consciente, y otros temas socio-emocionales […]
–
MCM Roadshow: Earth Day Sustainability Fair
MCM Roadshow: Earth Day Sustainability Fair
Join MCM Roadshow at Middleton’s Earth Day Sustainability Fair, hosted at Middleton Community Church. We’re inviting families to get creative at our arts-and-crafts table and flex their collaborative design skills […]
–
Exploration Station: Pollinator Seed Balls
Exploration Station: Pollinator Seed Balls
Create seed balls using a native pollinator seed mix grown on the museum’s Rooftop Ramble! Find out what it takes to plant pollinator gardens, and gain a better understanding of […]
–
Saturday Art Adventures: Whimsical Windchimes
Saturday Art Adventures: Whimsical Windchimes
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 […]
–
Suzuki Strings of Madison Performance
Suzuki Strings of Madison Performance
Join our young guest performers from Suzuki Strings of Madison for a concert for all ages. The concert will take place outdoors in the Wonderground (or indoors in the 2nd […]
2 events,
–
Exploration Station: Pollinator Seed Balls
Exploration Station: Pollinator Seed Balls
Create seed balls using a native pollinator seed mix grown on the museum’s Rooftop Ramble! Find out what it takes to plant pollinator gardens, and gain a better understanding of […]
–
Let’s Make! with Lexie
Let’s Make! with Lexie
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 […]
0 events,
0 events,
3 events,
Early Explorers Playgroup
Early Explorers Playgroup
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 […]
–
Music Time with Tim: Spring Has Sprung!
Music Time with Tim: Spring Has Sprung!
Explore the world of music and rhythm! Join Tim in the Celebrations room each week to enjoy play-based songs, games, and stories. Today we’ll make music with our voices, sing […]
–
Playdough Party with Junko
Playdough Party with Junko
Join Junko each Wednesday to create your own scented playdough that’s a squishy, smush-able sensory delight. This event is free with general museum admission.
5 events,
–
Tales with Teresa
Tales with Teresa
Join us for story time and hear Teresa read some of her favorite books using her DynaVox. With this speech-generating device, Teresa will share stories and help build listening skills, […]
–
Messy Art with Laurie: Bubbly Watercolors
Messy Art with Laurie: Bubbly Watercolors
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 […]
–
Sensory Worlds with Junko
Sensory Worlds with Junko
Join Junko in the Urb Garden as we explore different sensory materials every week! This event is free with general museum admission.
Free Thursday Evenings
Free Thursday Evenings
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 […]
–
Wild Wonders: Whimsical Weather Crafts
Wild Wonders: Whimsical Weather Crafts
Rain or shine, we’re making crafts inspired by the day’s weather! Possible crafts include kites, sun paper art, rain art, and other weather-related creative projects. This event is free with […]
5 events,
–
Music with Junebug (Morning)
Music with Junebug (Morning)
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 […]
–
STEAM Time: Beaks, Feathers, & Adaptations
STEAM Time: Beaks, Feathers, & Adaptations
How does a chicken snag snacks off the ground, or a hawk glide through the air? Learn about the ways in which birds have adapted to thrive in their environment–through […]
–
Music with Junebug (Afternoon)
Music with Junebug (Afternoon)
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 […]
–
Live from the Wonderground: Son del Atlantico
Live from the Wonderground: Son del Atlantico
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 […]
2 events,
–
May Member Morning
May Member Morning
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! Not a member […]
–
Exploration Station: Bean Planting
Exploration Station: Bean Planting
Start your own mini-garden by planting beans to take home, and decorate your own one-of-a-kind plant pot! This event is free with the price of general admission.
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.
