Explore & More Closed Feb. 3rd-7th, Reopening Feb. 8th with 3 new exhibits

Since opening at Canalside last June, Explore & More has seen over 98,000 visitors representing 2,000 zip codes from around the world – but the work is not yet done! Explore & More will be closed February 3rd – February 7th to install three brand new play exhibits. These exhibits will be ready and open for play on Saturday, February 8th.

The first exhibit being installed is a Super Service Auto Center in the Driving Buffalo’s Dreams area. Designed by the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum in Wisconsin, and brought to Explore & More in collaboration with West Herr Automotive, the new exhibit aims to introduce little ones to jobs in the auto service industry through hands-on play. Little mechanics can step into a pretend auto shop equipped with all the tools they need to perform maintenance on a kid-sized car mounted on a lift. The exhibit’s interactive activities encourage cooperative play and stimulate the development of fundamental skills in young children.

The second exhibit premiering will be a replica of the West Side Bazaar Market in our Being Good Neighbors Play Zone. This space will create a pretend-play environment where a local marketplace representing Buffalo’s diverse West Side can share it’s story. The goals of this exhibit are to highlight diverse local cultures, establish Explore & More as a strong community partner, expose Museum guests to new products, aesthetics and materials, and to build social, linguistic, and mathematical skills.

Finally, the new indoor and inclusive Community Treehouse exhibit sponsored by Person Centered Services will open. This exhibit’s unique layout will be able to accommodate all visitors, regardless of any physical or developmental challenges. It has been thoughtfully designed and constructed by Buffalo Treehouse to provide a safe environment where children of differing levels and abilities can play together in a developmentally appropriate space.

The Person Centered Services Treehouse immerses visitors in a breathtaking Western New York woodland scene, taking the concept of an inclusive outdoor playground and transporting it indoors with a whimsical twist. Inclusive playgrounds break down physical and social barriers to play, providing a sensory-rich and fun experience for all while promoting opportunities for physical, cognitive, visual and auditory learning. The Treehouse structure will be accessible to everyone, including guests in wheeled mobility devices. Such features will ensure that no visitor feels unable to participate due to mobility constraints.

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