Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day; Thursdays until 8 p.m.

Location: MCM is located on the Capitol Square, at 100 N. Hamilton Street. The museum is on the corner of North Hamilton Street, North Pinckney Street, and East Dayton Street.

Admission prices: $6.95, adults and children; $5.95, seniors and grandparents; $1, Family Access admission for adults and children utilizing WIC, Head Start, free or reduced school lunch, Birth to 3, SSDI, Fostercare, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Unemployment Insurance, or other public assistance program; FREE for museum members and children under 1 year old

Join us for Twilight Thursdays on the first Thursday of the month after 5 p.m., when admission for all is free!

Parking: Free bike and paid car parking is available in the museum’s parking lots, with entrances on North Hamilton and East Dayton streets. Overflow car parking is available at the ramp on the corner of North Pinckney and E. Dayton streets. MCM is also on the bus line — visit Madison Metro for route and fare information.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is your phone number?

608.256.6445

What’s going on in the museum today?

Check out our Special Events and Education Programs pages to stay connected with upcoming events.  Plus, don’t forget about our exciting permanent exhibits!

Can I drop off my child for the day and leave? Do I have to be with my child all the time?

We ask that children under the age of 18 be accompanied by an adult at all times.  Any child under 18 found alone will be escorted to the Information Booth to remain there until a parent or caretaker is located.  We take the safety of our visitors seriously, so no child will be allowed to leave until they are accompanied by a guardian.

What age range is appropriate?

Madison Children’s Museum exhibits and events are customized for children from birth to age 12; however, we’re sure the whole family will be entertained!

How long does a visit take?

Every family explores the museum at a different pace, so it can be difficult to give an exact answer.  Typically, families move through the exhibits in about three hours. No matter how long you stay, your time will be filled with plenty of fun activities!

What should we wear on a visit to MCM?

Dress ready to play! We recommend you wear comfortable clothing (i.e., closed-toe shoes) so that you can enjoy all activities like the Gerbil Wheeel.

Can we bring outside food into the museum?  Is there food available?

You are welcome to pack and bring your own lunch.  Bean Sprouts cafe is located on the first floor of the museum, offering kid-friendly meals. More information about Bean Sprouts cafe, including menu  items, can be found here.

Is subsidized admission offered at Madison Children’s Museum?

Yes, subsidized admission of $1 per person is available for families that receive any form of public assistance, such as WIC, food stamps, free/reduced-price hot lunch at school; live in government subsidized housing for low-income families, transitional housing, or emergency shelters; care for foster children; face serious illness or disabilities; or participate in the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program.

To take advantage of this reduced admission price, simply inform the front desk attendant that you qualify.  No documentation or identification is required.

Are reciprocal benefits offered by MCM for members of other museums?

Madison Children’s Museum is a member of the Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC) and the Association of Children’s Museums (ACM).  If you are a member of another museum that is an ASTC or an ACM member, you may qualify for reciprocal benefits!  To find out, you should ask the museum where you hold membership if they are an ASTC or an ACM member. If they are a member, verify that your membership card displays one (or both) of the ASTC or ACM logos on it.  If you have a membership card that qualifies for reciprocal benefits, simply display your card along with a photo ID to gain admittance to MCM.

How can I become a member?

Supporting the museum through a membership provides great benefits for you and your family.  There are several types of memberships, and this information can be found here. To become a member, you can either apply online, download the membership registration form and mail it in, or contact Membership at 608.256.6445, ext. 550.

How can I donate?

To pledge your support to Madison Children’s Museum through a donation, please visit the Support page. A privately funded nonprofit institution, Madison Children’s Museum relies on the generosity of others to continue enriching the lives of families and children.  We appreciate your support!

How can I volunteer?

Madison Children’s Museum has many exciting volunteer opportunities.  Volunteering at MCM offers a great way to have some fun, interact with the community, and put a smile on someone’s face! Detailed information on opportunities along with application materials can be found on MCM’s Volunteer page.  To apply, simply fill out an application form, mail it in, and we will contact you once we receive the form.