Steps to staying safe

We all have a part to play!

Updated: February 10, 2022

We have been carefully developing a safe and prudent safety plan for our visitors and our staff so we can remain a safe space for families to have hands-on play.  In addition to the advice and recommendations from state and local government, we received guidance and best practices from the Association of Children’s Museums (ACM), Museum Association of NY (MANY), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA), along with several business and cultural partners, museum sponsors, and our advisory task force.

Please note – rules are subject to change, please check prior to your visit for any updates.

Your part to play

  • Timed ticketing with advance online ticket purchase
  • Limited capacity with staggered start times
  • Social distancing reminders throughout the museum
  • Handwashing facilities and hand sanitizer dispensers throughout the museum
  • Bring your own waterbottles as water fountains will not be available
  • Same day re-entry is not permitted
  • Please check your temperature before visiting, and stay home if you feel sick

We are an inclusive Museum.  We understand that some families may have a medical or physical concern that makes wearing a mask difficult. Please contact the museum and we will work with you to figure out a solution.  We are all learning together, this is a great resource for families to familiarize themselves with why it’s important to wear a mask!

Thank you to our Hand Sanitizing Station sponsor, Highmark

Our part to play

Team members will be required to complete health screenings including temperature checks, health forms and a stay home if you feel sick policy.  All team members will be wearing face masks.

Please check here for our most updated hours, as they are changing.  We are currently operating at a reduced capacity for the safety of everyone.

Our cleaning and sanitizing procedures include hospital-grade cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting solutions.  Additionally, we’ve added bags at each exhibit where families can place toys that were played with, so the staff can easily collect and sanitize the toys for our next guest.  Manipulatives will be washed in our washing machine and/or our dishwasher to be fully sanitized.  Surfaces of the exhibits and high traffic areas will also be cleaned throughout the day and deeply during closed hours.

Throughout the pandemic, the staff has been busy working to re-imagine our programming and come up with new and fun ways to teach and delight our children and families.  We intend to continue the virtual fun, even while we re-open to in-person play!  If you’re not comfortable playing in person, please enjoy our virtual programming, At-Home Activities and Storytime series.

If your family has special circumstances or questions please email us at [email protected] or call us at 716-655-5131 and we will work with you to figure out how to make the play happen. 

We’re in this and learning together! If you have a suggestion while you’re at the museum please make sure you speak to a team member or feel free to email us at [email protected] because it matters to us!

We are confident that if everyone follows these steps, Explore & More remain a safe, fun, and joyful space that we pride ourselves on being.

 We need play now more than ever and we cannot wait to play with our friends again!

Field trips are back! Please be aware that it will be busier than usual.