The Building For Kids Children’s Museum
The Building for Kids
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays noon to 5 p.m. Sundays.
Cost: $7.25 per person $6.25 for seniors children under 1 are free.
Highlight: This month, the museum opened the Everybody Play! exhibit, which encourages children to develop socially and work cooperatively to build things, said Bobbie Schmidt, the museums executive director. The exhibit is designed to promote inclusion of all children and sensory awareness.
- The Building for Kids
Ticket Exchanges & Refunds
No refunds on museum tickets will be issued.
Please try to select your ticket time carefully, however, if you discover that you cannot make your selected ticket time, you may request a ticket exchange up to 24 hours ahead of your scheduled visit. The procedure is different for member and public tickets. Please see below.
Slideshow: Your Guide To Wisconsin Children’s Museums
Madison Childrens Museum
Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays closed Mondays during the school year.
Cost: $7.95 for adults and children $6.95 for senior citizens and grandparents children under 1 are free.
Highlight: This national award-winning museum has two new exhibits that are likely to promote some inter-generational fun: a pinball machine and an oversized Pong game. A lot of kids have never seen a pinball machine, said Cathy Christensen, museum spokeswoman. And the Pong video game has been remastered so its oversized and huge, she said. That will definitely bring back some memories for some of the parents. If video games arent your thing, head up to the rooftop garden to ice skate and visit the chickens.
- Madison Childrens Museum
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Family Friendly Dining Nearby
Stop in for freshly popped gourmet popcorn with a variety of exciting flavors! You can also bring home kernels to pop at home.
Daily Scoop, UW-Madison Memorial Union Terrace, 800 Langdon StYou have to try a scoop of UW-Madisons very own Babcock Hall ice cream. The Memorial Union Terrace lake views and relaxing vibes are simply a must!
Sencha Tea Bar, 430 State StEnjoy a refreshingly delicious bubble tea as you stroll along Madisons iconic State St.
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Museum president and CEO Deb Gilpin reminded supporters of how uncertain the museums future has been, not only due to the pandemic. In the last two years, the museum has seen its windows boarded up following destructive protests Downtown, revamped its HVAC system and close its Sparkler Café.
The campaign was named Our Future in Play: A promise to survive, thrive, and play outside, Gilpin said. With the help of so many generous people, weve done all that.
The museum also took the opportunity to update other offerings, adding a pathway that runs through the cabin gardens and orchard, a noise-maker inside the museums giant wooden bucket dedicated to a staff member named Kia called a Kiakophony, and gutters to the 1850s-era log cabin made of tree trunk.
The Madison Childrens Museum is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday through Sunday.
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Central Wisconsin Childrens Museum Stevens Point
Each childrens museum offers unique learning opportunities for your child, and the Central Wisconsin Childrens Museum is no different! Come join in the fun in the dental clinic, learn all about simple machines, or put on your best performance in the Lights, Camera, Action! exhibit. Families with babies will find an exceptional baby care area here complete with a comfy rocker for nursing mothers, a changing table, and other soft toys and baby-friendly books. This quiet nook is a perfect place for baby to nod off during your visit to the museum.
The Childrens Play Gallery Oconomowoc
The Childrens Play Gallery is a perfect place to play if your child enjoys ships & pirates, a play stage, and art & science discovery. Make sure to check out their rotating exhibits in the Tree House, such as Santas Workshops, Easter House, Mexican Restaurant, Post Office, Vet Clinic, and more!
- 126 E Wisconsin Ave, Oconomowoc
- thechildrensplaygallery.com
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Childrens Museum Of Rock County Janesville
The Childrens Museum of Rock County is coming soon to uptown Janesville. Were keeping our eyes peeled to see what all this new museum has to offer!
- 2500 Milton Avenue Suite 104
- kidsatplayrc.com
Insider Tip: Purchase an Explorer Membership for $140 at the Building for Kids in Appleton. This membership includes 2 adults and their children under 18 and ASTC/ACM reciprocal membership. This membership includes 50% off or FREE admission to participating Childrens Museums.
Association Of Science And Technology Travel Passport
Members of participating museums located 90 miles* or more from the Childrens Museum to receive reciprocal free admission for up to 6 people. To receive this discount an adult must present a valid membership card with ASTC logo cardholders photo ID. *Discovery World members are able to receive this ASTC reciprocal discount. See the complete list of participating museums and guidelines.
For more information about reciprocal benefit networks here is a helpful guide.
Madison Childrens Museum members also receive ACM and ASTC reciprocal admission benefits at hundreds of museums around the country. Find out about all the benefits of an MCM membership here.
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Free Admission With Membership
Members receive unlimited admission all year round. Learn about all the benefits and levels of membership by visiting our membership page.
| Membership Type | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual, Family, Family Plus and Donor Levels | Unlimited admission for all individuals named on the membership. | |
| Unlimited admission for all individuals named on the membership. | Free for any parent of a first child/children. Apply online. | |
| Family Access | Unlimited admission for all named individuals. | Purchase a family access membership, . Families must qualify. Check the list of qualifying programs here. |
| Childcare Provider Members | Unlimited admission on weekdays only for named adults and a group of children. | Purchase a childcare membership. Check the membership page for registration forms and details. |
Children’s Museum Of Eau Claire For Web
Children play amid outdoor-themed exhibits at the Children’s Museum of Eau Claire, one of 10 children’s museums around the state that reflect regional culture.
- Children’s Museum of Eau Claire
Fire trucks will be on parade and on display this Sunday in Downtown Madison.
- Above & Beyond Childrens Museum
Madison Childrens Museum
Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays closed Mondays during the school year.
Cost: $7.95 for adults and children $6.95 for senior citizens and grandparents children under 1 are free.
Highlight: This national award-winning museum has two new exhibits that are likely to promote some inter-generational fun: a pinball machine and an oversized Pong game. A lot of kids have never seen a pinball machine, said Cathy Christensen, museum spokeswoman. And the Pong video game has been remastered so its oversized and huge, she said. That will definitely bring back some memories for some of the parents. If video games arent your thing, head up to the rooftop garden to ice skate and visit the chickens.
- Madison Childrens Museum
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Changing Tables & Nursing Areas
Changing tables are available in all restrooms. Restrooms are located on every floor near the elevator. If you are in a pinch the front desk has diapers and wipes! Family restrooms are available in the community concourse and in the Wildernest.
Nursing can be done anywhere in the museum but if you are looking for a more private area to nurse, ask the front desk to use an available comfort room, or you can use the Cozy Cottage in the Wildernest.
Veterans Day Free Admission
On Veterans Day, we are pleased to offer all veterans and active-duty military personnel free admission to MCM all day. If the active-duty family member is currently deployed, the free admission can be enjoyed by another family member.
When Veterans Day falls on a day when the museum is closed, free admission will be available on the next open day.
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Acm Reciprocal Network As Of April 2022
50% off general admission for up to six people including the cardholder.
The Building for Kids, Appleton, Above and Beyond Childrens Museum, Betty Brinn Childrens Museum, Milwaukee, Childrens Museum of Eau Claire, Childrens Museum of Fond du Lac, Childrens Museum of La Crosse, Madison Childrens Museum, Northwoods Childrens Museum, Greater Wausau Childrens Museum
FREE or reduced general admission
- Building for Kids Up to six people get 50% off general admission.
- Madison Childrens Museum Up to six individuals listed on the membership. Photo ID required for cardholder.
Which is your favorite Wisconsin Childrens Museum? Have tips? Pictures to share? Comment below or email us at govalleykids@gmail.com.
Children’s Museum Of Fond Du Lac
Childrens Museum of Fond du Lac
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays 9 a.m. to 7 p.m Fridays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Closed Mondays.
Cost: $6 per person children under 1 are free.
Highlight: Theres a lot more to see at this museum since it reopened its doors in August in a new location that almost quadrupled its space. All the exhibits from the old building have been relocated, plus the museum added new exhibits, including Winneplaygo, a new outdoor exhibit based on activities popular in the Lake Winnebago area. Here, ice fishing shanties have been constructed and each has a different interactive learning theme, such as gardening or quilting, said Heather Biro, development and communications manager for the museum. The exhibit is open year-round, weather permitting.
- Childrens Museum of Fond du Lac
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Children’s Museum Of La Crosse
Childrens Museum of La Crosse
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays noon to 5 p.m. Sundays.
Cost: $6 per person children under 1 are free.
Highlight: The museum will host the Blue Man Group Making Waves traveling exhibit, about the science of sound and light, from Jan. 25 to mid-June, said Leanne Poellinger, the museums marketing and development director. The museum also recently installed EyePlay, which allows visitors to interact with virtual images and games projected on the floor, such as popping bubbles and playing the piano.
- Childrens Museum of La Crosse
Betty Brinn Children’s Museum
Betty Brinn Childrens Museum
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays noon to 5 p.m. Sundays.
Cost: $8 per person $7 for adults 55 and older children under 1 are free.
Highlight: The museum is highlighting its new Be A Maker program, which focuses on hands-on activities and projects that let childrens creativity shine, said Michele Duranso, the museums communications manager. The museum also has its Pizza Factory & Café open through March 30 as part of its Home Town exhibit. There, children can pretend to run a business and make and order pizzas.
- Betty Brinn Childrens MuseumBetty Brinn Childrens Museum
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Masks Required Sundays Recommended All Other Days
- Thursday, Friday, & Saturday:Face masks are recommended but not required. MCM staff will continue to wear masks.
- Sundays only: Everyone ages 3 and up must wear a face mask that covers the nose and mouth. Masks may be removed in our dining area and outside spaces.
Additionally, masks are required at all times for anyone showing symptoms of a respiratory illness such as cough, congestion, or runny nose. Any visitor who refuses to comply with mask requirements may be asked to leave the premises.
Please stay home if you or a family member have been exposed to the Covid-19 virus. Help model good hygiene for kids by washing hands frequently and using the many hand-sanitizer dispensers throughout the building.
policy updated 9/13/2022
100 N. Hamilton St.Madison, WI 53703
There are metered spaces on the streets surrounding the museum. There are also two parking ramps located within easy walking distance of the museum. Find more information about parking.
Children’s Museum Of Eau Claire
Childrens Museum of Eau Claire
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursdays and noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays during the school year.
Cost: $5 per person children under 1 are free.
Highlight: This museum recently opened its second level with two new exhibits, the agriculture-themed exhibit Welcome to My Family Farm, and the camping exhibit Under Wisconsin Skies. The idea behind our second floor is how Wisconsin looks through childrens eyes, said Phil Rechek, the museums director of finance and administration. The museum also features a miniature city on its main level.
- Childrens Museum of Eau Claire
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Blue Star Museum Admission For Active
From Memorial Day through Labor Day active-duty military personnel and their families, including National Guard and Reserve, can enjoy free admission to MCM. Blue Star Museums is a collaboration among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense and more than 2,000 museums across the U.S. See the full list of participating museums here.
What Transportation And Access Is Available
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Wonderful Experience from Start to Finish!!!
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Childrens Museum Of Eau Claire*
Exploring in a moon rover and playing lifesize games of chess are just some of the fun to be had while learning at the Childrens Museum of Eau Claire! Be sure to check their website before you visit as theyve moved some exhibits into temporary Play Spaces throughout the region while their main museum is remodeled.
- 220 S Barstow St, Eau Claire
- childrensmuseumec.com
Holidays School Breaks And Special Hours
MCM often has alternative schedules around holidays and school breaks. Review this list of upcoming holidays and school breaks to see if the museum will be open or closed. We recommend reserving advance tickets to guarantee entry during busier seasons, such as holidays and school breaks.
- OPEN Wednesdays beginning November 23
- CLOSED Thanksgiving Day 2022
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Top Tips For Finding Hotel Deals Near Madison Children’s Museum
- If youre looking for a cheap hotel close to Madison Children’s Museum in Madison, you should consider going during the low season. Youll generally find lower-priced Madison Children’s Museum hotels in December and April.
- Hotel room prices vary depending on many factors but youll likely find the best hotel deals in Madison Madison Children’s Museum if you stay on a Saturday. The opposite is true for Thursday, which is usually the most expensive day.
- If you want to ensure you grab a bargain, try to book more than 90 days before your stay to get the best price for a Madison Madison Children’s Museum hotel.
- The cheapest 3-star hotel close to Madison Children’s Museum found on KAYAK in the last 2 weeks was $70, while the most expensive was $732.
- Dont know how much time you need to see all the sights? KAYAK users usually book their hotel near Madison Children’s Museum for 2 days.
What Is A Childrens Museum
According to the Association of Childrens Museums, childrens museums are unique community institutions where
- Children are valued citizens with the right to developmentally appropriate and high-quality learning experiences.
- Play is learning, and it is critical to the healthy social, emotional, and cognitive development of children.
- Family, culture, environment, and society are recognized as critical factors in all childrens lives to effectively serve them.
- Pursuing equity and inclusion is a best practice that reflects a commitment to serving all children and families and advancing the growth of our field.
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Black Earth Childrens Museum
Small town charm and Wisconsins natural history & resources shine at the Black Earth Childrens Museum! Come play in the Driftless Den where you can learn all about Wisconsins glacial history or enjoy the toddler farmyard with your littlest visitors. The Forest Tree House and Wetland Wonders exhibits are also well worth the visit!
- 1131 Mills Street, Black Earth
- blackearthchildrensmuseum.org
Museums To Visit In The Madison Wi Area
The Madison Childrens Museum is likely the most thought of museum that comes to mind for those who have children in the Madison area. But did you know there are lots of great museums to explore? Including two more childrens museums right here in the area and others that are also family-friendly.
Madison Childrens Museum | 100 N Hamilton St, Madison, WI
A museum that contains exhibits on the arts, sciences, history, culture, health, and civic engagement. In addition, they have a Wonderground area or rooftop playground which is fun year-round!
Explore Childrens Museum | 1433 W Main St, Sun Prairie, WI
Explore Childrens Museum offers guided play, where the child directs the play in a setting that is carefully constructed with educational goals in mind.
Black Earth Childrens Museum | 1131 Mills St, Black Earth, WI
One of the only small-town childrens museums in the nation, the Black Earth Childrens Museum is a unique and enriching place that inspires discovery, creativity and community!
Madison Museum of Contemporary Art MMoCA | 227 State St, Madison, WI
MMoCA is dedicated to exhibiting, collecting, and preserving modern and contemporary art.
Wisconsin Veterans Museum | 30 W Mifflin St, Madison, WI
The Wisconsin Veterans Museum, located on Capitol Square, is dedicated to telling the stories of the veterans of the state of Wisconsin.
Wisconsin Historical Museum | 30 N Carroll St, Madison, WI
University of Wisconsin Geology Museum | 1215 W Dayton St, Madison, WI
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