The Madison Children’s Museum is nestled right in the heart of our capital city, across the street from the Wisconsin State Capital building. We loved this museum because it’s packed with STEM features. Don’t forget to visit the rooftop space or the Wonderground, the brand new outdoor play space! Both offer great views and exhilarating fun in all seasons. This museum has something for everyone! Who doesn’t love a human-sized gerbil wheel?
Where do we put our stuff?
An unattended coat room with bins is available for coats and strollers. Limited lockers are also available for $.25.
Can we bring in strollers?
The entire Madison Children’s Museum is stroller friendly. Strollers can also be parked in the Coat Room.
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.
Parking
Parking is available at two nearby, walking distance, parking ramps or metered spaces.
- The Capital Square North Garage
- 218 W. Mifflin St.
- $1.20 / hour
- Accepts Visa, MasterCard, and cash.
- ULI Dayton/Pinckney Ramp
- N. Pinckney and East Dayton Street
- Weekday Hourly Rate: $1 per 30 min. / $14 max
Weekday Evening (after 4pm): $3
Weekend: $3 flat fee - Accepts cash and credit.
- Ask for a discounted parking voucher at museum front desk if you visit Monday through Friday.
- Metered Parking Spaces
- Meters are enforced: 8 am – 6 pm, Monday – Saturday
- Short-term parking, max time noted on meters, most are 1-2 hours
- www.cityofmadison.com/parking-utility
Museum Hours
General School Year Hours
Open Thursday – Sunday
9am – 4pm
Spring Break 2022 Hours
Wednesday, March 23rd through Sunday, March 27th 9am – 4pm
Wednesday, March 30th through Sunday, April 3rd 9am – 4pm
Admission
- Children under 1: FREE
- Children (2 & up): $12
- Adults: $12
- Seniors & Grandparents: $11
- Access Admission: $1
If your family qualifies for WIC, BadgerCare Plus, Foodshare/Quest, Free/Reduced Lunch or another qualifying program. Just ask for the Access Admission rate at the front desk. No questions asked.
Be sure to purchase your advanced tickets before your visit to guarantee your spot! Due to covid19 precautions, the museum is still functioning at a decreased capacity. Also, masks are currently required for all visitors ages 2 and up.
Do you have an explorer membership with the Building for Kids? The Association of Science Technology Centers Travel Passport Program offers FREE admission for up to 6 people.
Floor Plan
Museum Highlights
The Rooftop: come on up to enjoy an amazing view of the city, chickens & rabbits (weather permitting), other critters and dino bones in the Clubhouse, and if you’re lucky, even a chance for ice skating in their very own rink in the colder months!
Wonderground: Added to the museum in the fall of 2021, this all-seasons outdoor play space is easily the highlight of the museum! Come enjoy seasonally-themed activities on their playground space all while nestled in the heart of downtown Madison. In winter, you can enjoy sledding and ice sculptures. They’ve also added a lovely log cabin where children can explore pioneer life. If you’re chilly, the cabin is also heated!
Family Friendly Dining Nearby
- Great Dane Pub & Brewery, 123 E. Doty Street
- One of Madison’s favorites! Located just a few blocks from the museum, the whole family can find something to enjoy from this menu! We recommend the chicken pot pie for a win.
- Ian’s Pizza, 100 State Street
- Pizzas by the slice, build your own, signature and classic options including their all-time best seller mac n’ cheese pizza. Make sure to get some puppy chow for the ride home!
- Chick-fil-A, 4212 E Washington Avenue
- Want to get something on the way out of Madison? This option is on the route home, about 15 minutes from the museum. This fast, easy option even has an indoor play area.
Treats in Downtown Madison
Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream, 468 State St
The most amazing ice cream flavors will you ever savor!
Clary’s Gourmet Popcorn, 105 State St
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 St
You have to try a scoop of UW-Madison’s very own Babcock Hall ice cream. The Memorial Union Terrace lake views and relaxing vibes are simply a must!
Sencha Tea Bar, 430 State St
Enjoy a refreshingly delicious bubble tea as you stroll along Madison’s iconic State St.
More Madison Ideas!
Want to make the most of your visit to the Capital City? Check out our Essential Downtown Madison guide for other must-stop family destinations while you are in Badgerland. And, if you’re up for even more adventure in Southern Wisconsin, a trip to the Cave of the Mounds & Blue Mound State Park is definitely worth adding to your itinerary!
We love exploring outside of the Fox Cities at places like this children’s museum. How many Wisconsin Children’s Museums have you visited? Check out our complete list.
Madison Children’s Museum
100 N. Hamilton Street, Madison, Wisconsin
main entrance located at the corner of Hamilton and Pinckney Streets
madisonchildrensmuseum.org
