130 Main St, Buffalo, NY 14202play into
possibilities
#5 Children’s Museum in the Country (USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, 2026)
Best Family Activity (Buffalo Spree 2026 Best of WNY Winner)
Best Destination for a Child’s Birthday Party (Best of 716, 2025)
“LAST SPLASH”
Our Moving Water exhibit as we know it will be leaving at the end of this summer. Join us for a “Last Splash” event on August 29 and 30 during regular museum hours as we celebrate everything we love about the Exhibit for the final time!
What’s next? A Temporary Exhibit Gallery! Our first exhibit is Science + You, which will open September 26, 2026 and run through January 9, 2027!
FREE FAMILY ACTIVITY – EXTENDED THROUGH SEPTEMBER 27!
Starting your Scavenger Hunt journey at the Explore & More Gift Shop?
Upcoming Events
Teacher Tools
Find out how you can bring your class to Explore & More for a field trip and more about our other great educational offerings!
Support our mission
Every donation—including those of time, services or money—makes a difference in the museum’s programs, exhibits and activities.
Become a member
Experience the power of play all-year long with annual membership plans!
Birthdays & Rentals
Make memories at our museum! Perfect for parties and events. Unique spaces for all occasions.
Plan your visit
Whether you’re coming for the 1st time or the 100th, here is what you need to know about your trip to Explore & More!
About Explore & More
A world-class children’s museum that celebrates the power of child-led play, Explore & More – The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Children’s Museum features 43,000 sq. feet of fun in downtown Buffalo. The museum, which opened in its new location in 2019, sits at the crossroads of replica canals and bridges that have become year-round community destinations at Canalside.
Frequently asked questions
Yes! Explore & More was named the #5 children’s museum in the country in USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Poll in 2026.
Explore & More was also awarded 2026’s Best Family Activity and 2025’s Best Programming for Kids in Western New York by Buffalo Spree.
The museum has ranked #1 on KidsOutAndAbout.com’s list of Places to Take Kids in Buffalo in 2024 and 2025, was named Buffalo Spree’s Best Family Destination in Winter in 2024, and won Best Customer Service in 2024’s Best of 716 voting. Explore & More was also named a favorite museum and a favorite indoor attraction in 2025’s Best of 716 readers’ poll.
The 43,000 sq. ft. museum features three floors of exhibits that showcase the history, innovation and wonder of Buffalo and Western New York. At our Canalside location, we are accessible to over 225,000 children under the age of 15, and more than 1.3 million total people in the 50 miles surrounding the museum. While kids (and adults) of all ages will find fun things to see and do, toddlers through third graders tend to engage the most with our exhibits.
Yes! Admission is just $16 for adults and kids ages 1 & up. Admission is free for children under 1.
Members get in free, too! Our Guest Services staff can help find the perfect membership plan for you and your family. Just give us a call at 716-655-5131.
The Low Bridge Café, located on the museum’s first floor, offers tasty and affordable snack options and ice cream bars. No outside food or drink is allowed inside the museum (unless your child has food sensitivity or allergies).
Yes! Explore & More was founded on the belief that every child deserves the right to play, laugh, and learn.
Through exhibits that highlight neighbors from all over the world, bilingual signage, cultural activities, Au-Some Evenings, and opportunities for children who might not otherwise be able to visit, we are continually considering ways to be more inclusive.
Explore & More in invested in creating a museum that delights children with all abilities. We have developed customized visual, social, communicative, sensory and behavioral supports throughout the museum. We invite our guests to check out our sensory-friendly backpacks, utilize in-museum universal changing tables, or take a break in one of our sensory-friendly rooms.
We sure do! All activities within our Tinkering Tank, Art Studio and Cooking Galley are free with the price of admission during museum hours.
Explore & More is licensed through the New York State Office of Child and Family Services as a child care center so the museum is able to offer a variety of day camps all year long, from select days off from school to summer vacation. Members receive a special discount. Specialty classes like Toddler Time are also available for an additional fee.
And don’t forget about events like Grown Up Night of Play for adults that are scheduled throughout the year.
You bet! Explore & More is an awesome place to host a birthday party or any other special event. We were named Best Destination for a Child’s Birthday in the 2025 Best of 716 readers’ poll. Our new Celebration Room provides a great space to host parties, professional development, or teambuilding exercises. You can also rent out the Gathering Hall, Rooftop Terrace or even the entire museum! Email bookings@exploreandmore.org for more information.
Explore & More is over 95% self-funded so the support of the community is critical to the museum’s survival. Please consider making a donation to the museum today. Every dollar is appreciated.
Sponsorship opportunities are available as well – please email info@exploreandmore.org for details.
We are also always looking for volunteers to assist us in fulfilling our mission. Please click here for details.
