Play like a grown-up—crawling, sliding, crafting, and dancing their way through the museum. Count on plenty of arts & crafts, music, and a specially-themed drink or two. Adult Swim parties occur several times a year, each with its own unique, photo-worthy theme. From Steampunk to Prohibition, Science Soirees to Prom, the topics and fun are endless.

Adult Swim is ONLY for adults age 21+. ID must be shown at the door. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 on the day of the event. Tickets are available usually 2 months ahead of time and frequently sell out.

Learn more about Adult Swim.

Please note, there is no pool or literal swimming at Adult Swim. Also, it’s not at all affiliated with ADULT SWIM, the television and entertainment network.

Live from the Wonderground brings music, dancing, food, and drinks for all ages to downtown Madison’s most creative play space, the Wonderground.

This free first-Friday concert series features local bands, drinks, light snacks, and fresh air fun. Events take place from 5 to 8 pm, with bands performing two sets from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. In between sets, “A Drop in the Bucket” features a unique mini-set performed in the Wonderground’s iconic Giant Bucket.

Kids are welcome at Live from the Wonderground, but not required! Enjoy a cash bar with grown-up beverages and non-alcoholic options, and munch on crowd-favorite snacks available for purchase.

Admission for Live from the Wonderground is free. You may choose to provide a donation at the door, but donations are not required. Proceeds benefit the work of Madison Children’s Museum and allow us to bring more accessible programming to our community. All tickets are at the door, no advance registration is needed.

Learn more about Live from the Wonderground.

Madison Children’s Museum’s epic outdoor climbing sculpture takes center stage as the venue for magical dramatic performances.

For the 2024 Summer Season, 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 taking center stage—literally. It might not exactly be the set envisioned by the infamous playwright, poet, spy, and member of The School of Night, but Elizabethan London lacked our exhibits team.

Owing to the content of this play this event is suggested for adults and mature teens. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 on the day of the show.

Learn more about Drama in the Wonderground.