Access for Everyone

Access for Everyone programs serve our community by taking down economic and social barriers so that all children and families can enjoy the brain-building, creative play that Madison Children’s Museum offers. These programs are made possible by the generous support of individuals, companies, and organizations who give to Madison Children’s Museum.

Donate to Access for Everyone

All Access for Everyone Programs

Free & Reduced Price Admissions & Membership Programs

Qualifying programs for Access Admission & Family Access Membership:

Foodshare / Quest	SSI	IEP/504
Childcare Subsidy	W2	MMSD Play & Learn
BadgerCare Plus	SSDI	Big Brothers/Big Sisters
Free/Reduced School Lunch	Unemployment	SAPAR
Medicaid	Section 8	YWCA
WIC	Head Start	Foster Care
WHEAP	Birth to 3	VA Disability Status

Access Admission

Families who qualify can visit the museum for the discounted ticket rate of $2 per person.

This admission rate is available every day the museum is open to the general public.

To use this benefit, ask for the Access Admission rate at the admission desk of the museum when you check in. We do not require documentation for Access Admissions, but the staff member checking you in will ask you which program(s) you qualify for. See the list of qualifying programs above.

Access Memberships

Families who qualify can purchase a discounted membership to Madison Children’s Museum. You choose how much you can afford to pay, with a minimum of $20 and a maximum of $250.

Membership covers all members of a single household, and provides free admission for all named members, admission to member-only events at MCM, and other standard membership benefits.

We do not require documentation for Access Membership, but please list your qualifying program(s) on your registration form. See the list of qualifying programs.

Buy a Family Access Membership

First-Time Parent Membership

Wisconsin families with a first child under 18 months old can register for a free membership to Madison Children’s Museum. The membership covers 2 adults and infant(s) until the child turns 18 months old.

The First-Time Parent Membership program helps new families and babies benefit from museum visits right from the start. Through exploration and play, these babies are learning, growing, and developing into healthy kids.

More information, including registration here.

Sign Up for FTP Membership

Free Admission Events

Check our calendar for upcoming free admission events.

Other Access Programs

Access for School Kids

The Access for School Kids (ASK) program supports school field trips to Madison Children’s Museum. Discounted group rates are available for schools and other educational groups, based on the number of children enrolled in free- or reduced-lunch programs. Last year, ASK helped more than 6,400 kids explore the museum together at reduced rates!

School Age Parent Program (SAPAR)

In collaboration with Madison Metro School District, SAPAR provides tools teenage mothers need to become self-sufficient, independent members of the community—all while learning how to parent and play.

Teen Workforce

In partnership with Common Wealth Development, Madison Children’s Museum’s Teen Workforce program is a youth employment initiative dedicated to supporting underserved youth during their first job. Teen Workforce participants receive valuable and transferrable employment skills through a summer of support and training by MCM staff and local partners. By giving Teen Workforce participants a supportive and equitable first-time job, they gain the skills and expertise they need to enter the workforce confidently, while also helping them set a higher standard for what to expect out of an inclusive workplace. To participate in our summer Teen Workforce program, connect with the Common Wealth Development program at your school or through their website.

_{Support for the 2025 Teen Workforce program is provided by The Cap Times Kids Fund.}