Plan Your Visit
Madison Children’s Museum is a fun, hands-on place for all ages but there are some things you might want to know before you visit.
Is my child the right age for the museum? The museum serves a primary audience of children between the ages of 6 months and 8 years. Our interdisciplinary approach means the learning is layered, with opportunities for children of all developmental levels, and plenty to delight and engage older children and the young at heart! We find that our offerings are most enjoyed by children up to about age 8. More information about the specific exhibits currently on display at the museum can be found at our Exhibits page here.
How long does a visit take? Our current facility is about 8,000 square feet. Many visitors stay for about two hours, while others take a break for lunch or a snack, then come back for more playtime! To get an idea for the layout, please see the Floor Map here.
When is the best time to visit? That depends on you and your child. Some families prefer to visit when it is less crowded and noisy, while others prefer a more lively museum environment. In general, mornings and weekends are the busiest times for the museum, while the afternoons are fairly quiet. You may also want to check our schedule of Group Visits here if you wish to avoid larger groups of schoolchildren.
What should we do first? Children often surprise us with their interests, so observe your child and follow his or her lead. Review with your child what to do in case he or she gets lost. Consider having a common meeting space in case you get separated, such as Seymore the giant fish in the first floor lobby.
Basic Ground Rules: We want everyone to have a safe visit! For that reason, we ask that everyone make safety a priority and follow a few simple ground rules:
- Grown-ups are responsible for all children in their group. We require at least one adult for every five children visiting the museum.
- The exhibits are designed for adult/child interaction so we encourage you to refrain from using laptops, PDAs or cell phones, so you can play too!
- What is fun for one child might be too risky for another. Please use your judgment when deciding which activities are right for the children in your group.
- Please do not allow children to run or to throw things.
- Please ensure that shoes are worn at all times.
- Please clean up exhibit areas when you are finished playing.
- Adults and children should always stay together!
Special Needs: The Museum’s Common Ground program provides resources to help make your visit more successful. Learn more….
Restrooms: There are restrooms on each floor, with diaper changing tables in each of them. Diapers and wipes are available for purchase at the front desk.
Strollers: We encourage you to allow your child to explore the museum on foot (or hands and knees)! To store your stroller, please collapse it as small as possible.
Food: While we don’t allow food or drink in the exhibit areas, there are several nearby restaurants that serve kid-friendly cuisine. Some even offer discounts to museum members! Ask at the front desk for recommendations.
Elevator: Need to use the elevator? It is key operated, so simply ask a member of the staff to call it for you.
Flu Season: Learn what your family and the museum can do to help fight illness by downloading our brochure on preventing the flu:
