at-home activities

With school wrapping up this month, and summer vacation drawing near, there is a tremendous opportunity to stimulate learning, while summer fun is being had! An uncomplicated pathway to this is cultural education, as there is literally a world of opportunities that can be examined and investigated by your little ones.  Cultural education can be as simple as introducing new cuisines, or new music.

What will be on your summer bucket list?

A noteworthy holiday in June is celebrated on June 23rd, called Women in Engineering Day! This holiday is to recognize all the women who have contributed their efforts in engineering and invention! This holiday also has the intention to raise awareness and hope to attract more females to this amazing career field! Let’s look at some amazing women who deserve a round of applause!

Summer break is right around the corner. As parents, you are likely thinking about season passes to the pool or water park, much-anticipated family vacations and a more relaxed schedule. What you might not be thinking about is how the summer months affect your child’s learning. Often referred to as “summer slide,” there is a real danger in the loss of educational ground your children might experience during the summer months.

This month I want to highlight one of Explore & More’s wonderful volunteer interns, Briona. She has been a familiar face at the museum since September, the beginning of her senior year at St. Mary’s School for the Deaf.

Children’s mental health and social-emotional well-being are an important part of their development. Anxiety has risen among children over the past ten years and parents are often left wondering how to help their children cope.

This month’s Culture Corner will be addressing the one-year anniversary of the Tops Shooting that occurred on May 14th, 2022. While we cannot change the past, we can use this as a catalyst for good.

Ahoy, Maties! May is water safety month and we have a fun craft in store for you that fits in this theme perfectly.

Did you know that May 2st is “Take Your Parents to the Playground” Day?

Although it might just be May of 2023… We are already preparing for a very important event happening April 8th, 2024! We are now less than a year away from the next solar eclipse!

As Mother’s Day is right around the corner, I’d like to share some personal reflections about this celebration.

I hope you’ve been wearing your rainboots and jumping in puddles this April! What kind of spring would it be without wet puddles and oozy mud? I’m so thankful for the rain because it means we will see flowers soon. In this activity we’ll think a little more about rain with an easy do-it-at-home science experiment.

For most Buffalonians April marks the end of winter (although we occasionally get some surprise snow) and brings with it the optimism of spring. Longer days, warmer temperatures and a more hospitable climate draws locals out of their homes and into nature. 

The Autistic Self-Advocacy Network (ASAN) has called April “Autism Acceptance Month” since 2011, stating, “Acceptance of autism as a natural condition in the human experience is necessary for real dialogue to occur.” Autism acceptance highlights autism as a unique part of who an individual is, not something to be treated or fixed. Acceptance emphasizes the importance of society valuing individual differences and not expecting people to change, to fit into a world designed for the non-disabled. Increasingly autistic adults are taking the lead in advocacy, with the motto “Nothing about us, without us.” This changes the conversation, and the goal is for autistic voices to take the lead in shaping policy and change.

Did you know that a visit to Explore & More is not just for elementary school students? The museum has several classes and fun opportunities for even our youngest visitors! We have a Toddler Time class that caters to children ages 18 months through 3 years old, and a PreK class called Explore Even More that is the perfect fit for 3- and 4-year-olds alike.

Did you know that the month of April celebrates National Garden Month, Keep America Beautiful Month, and Earth Day?! These are all wonderful additional reasons why we should look around when we are outdoors and appreciate the natural beauty the world has to offer us!

Play encourages your child to push the limits of the world they know. Unstructured play, like interacting with exhibits and environments at Explore & More – The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr Children’s Museum, where there is no prescribed way to play, is particularly important in helping children foster essential skills for making their way through life: emotional coping, problem-solving and planning. Through creative play and chances to direct their own actions, children learn to solve problems, make decisions, express ideas, and recognize boundaries.

With March here it finally feels like there is some reprieve from the grasp of winter, as warmer temperatures inch ever so close.  This change brings a newfound optimism and draws the people of Western New York out of their homes.  Perhaps the biggest reflection of this is the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations across our community.

March is National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month! Every year, the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD), highlights the many ways in which people with and without disabilities come together to form strong, diverse communities. Their campaign seeks to raise awareness about the inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in all facets of community life, as well as awareness of the barriers that people with disabilities still often face.

A fun way to bond during the muddy month of March is to prepare a rainbow snack platter together. When kids take part in preparing food, they’re more likely to sample the foods! Our kiddos can be part of every process in this preparation. Let’s start!

Did you know March 14th is celebrated as Pi Day because 3.14 are the first few numerals of the mathematical constant π?  That is a math concept some of our younger friends will learn way down the road that you may remember from your time in school! 

By now, I am sure you have at least heard of the acronym, STEM. Which stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics! I have grown to love this subject content, and truly admire the style of learning it brings to children, no matter their age. Here are some fun ways to adapt this way of learning within your own home with your little one! 

How many things do you read in one day? It goes without saying that smartphones have given us access to a wealth of information at our fingertips. You have most likely read a news article on social media within the last day or so. But when did you last read a book… for fun?

This February, it might be a fun idea to bring the snow indoors! Here are some age-appropriate activities to do with your littles during this chilly, chilly month! And of course, we are adding some fundamental STEM learning moments into these experiences! 

Play dates, birthday parties and laughter-there is no better feeling than knowing your child has friends. Making friends isn’t always easy though. It can be especially difficult for children who may be shy or have difficulty with communication or social skills. Parents are often at a loss to know what to do.

As the month of February kicks off hopefully everyone’s new year resolutions are still going strong. If anyone had the goal to become more culturally proficient, the month of February is a great time to do so. February is Black History Month and this month’s ‘Culture Corner’ will dive into its background and explain the history behind the founding of one of the most important culturally relevant celebrations.

It’s only early January and we’ve already had a lot of snow here in WNY haven’t we? That means many kids have suited up in their snow pants, boots and jackets to head outside for some winter play!

Did you know that snow play is not just a fun way to beat the winter blues, but it’s also a great way to practice gross motor skill development? Get your little ones moving by trying these different snow play activities.

Sensory bins are a great way to play with your child! Why are sensory bins so wonderful? They help develop fine motor skill improvement, social skills, emotional skills and cognitive development!

How many things do you read in one day? It goes without saying that smartphones have given us access to a wealth of information at our fingertips. You have most likely read a news article on social media within the last day or so. But when did you last read a book… for fun?

As 2022 has come and gone, the promise and hope of the new year are fresh in our minds. New Year’s resolutions are being crafted and attempts to create new positive habits are plentiful. The same is here at Explore & More, for 2023 it is the goal of the staff here, to create the best possible experience for guests of our space (in any capacity). This new year we will continue to elevate our museum space, programming, and events continuing our quest towards best in class.

January is the month of New Year’s resolutions, making changes and trying new things. I love to read and one of my resolutions is to read more books this year. Diversity in education and learning is of special interest to me, so I was excited to read about Louis Braille in honor of National World Braille Day and Braille Literacy Month.

I have exciting news: I’ll be hosting a pre-K class on January 28th and the theme will be “Pre-K Snowy Day”.

It’s only early January and we’ve already had a lot of snow here in WNY haven’t we? That means many kids have suited up in their snow pants, boots and jackets to head outside for some winter play!

Did you know that snow play is not just a fun way to beat the winter blues, but it’s also a great way to practice gross motor skill development? Get your little ones moving by trying these different snow play activities.

Happy New Year to all! Bringing in the New Year, the Education team has some exciting new camps for 2023 we are in preparation for. The second school-age day camp of the year is Monday, January 16th, Martin Luther King Day, and in honor of this important holiday, I have decided to share some insights about this special day!  

Happy New Year! I hope your holidays were full of friends and family, joy, and laughter. Is there any happier sound in the world than a child’s giggle?

December is the ideal month to teach children about generosity and sharing! It is helpful to remember that teaching social skills will vary by age and cognitive development. Expecting your toddler to share willingly or a 3-year-old to wrap presents for others without wanting to keep something for themselves, is not always realistic. Still, parents can teach sharing and encourage generosity by flipping the focus from receiving to giving this holiday season. Here are some tips!

For many in our Explore & More community, December means it’s time for the holiday season. However, no matter which holiday is being celebrated, everyone not only in our community but across the globe has their own unique traditions that bring a sense of joy and nostalgia. This month, the ‘Culture Corner’ write-up sheds some light on some fun international holiday customs, to showcase the variety of cultural practices, and perhaps lead your family to start a new holiday tradition! 

Playdough is an invaluable tool for creative, open-ended play. Children can engage in sensory play with playdough, building nerve connections in the brain, developing language and fine motor skills during the process. You and your child can make December themed playdough together with this special no bake playdough recipe. What makes this recipe special? For extra sensory play, we’ll be adding cinnamon, peppermint extract, or cocoa powder for a winter-scent sensory experience.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, so take time to PLAY! Research shows that play helps relieve stress for both kids and adults, which is why making time to play together as a family is so important. In addition to spending quality time together, family play helps to reduce stress, strengthen relationships, and encourage creativity and imagination. If you’re not sure how to get started, here are some easy ways that you can incorporate play into the time your family spends together and eliminate your kids using that dreaded ‘b’ word – I’m bored!

Happy November to all! Did you know Explore and More offers educational Outreach Programs? This month I will explain what our Outreach Programs are and highlight a new STEM opportunity in the program I have planned and am particularly excited about!

Holidays are right around the corner which means students have some upcoming breaks from school. Did you know that Explore & More has just the solution for families balancing work and break schedules for their kiddos?

I Love the colors of Fall- red, orange, yellow and brown! In our “Explore even More” class we discuss the changing leaves, and how they fall from the trees. One activity we all love is to pull out our parachute and place leaves on it (felt, plastic, or real!) When we move the parachute up and down, the leaves follow. You can do the same thing at home, even if you don’t have a parachute. You can have a lot of fun with a simple bed sheet. We like to name the colors of the leaves, count them, then watch them fall up and down as we play and sing. Here’s a fun song to include in your activity if you’d like:

November is the start to a busy season of celebrations and gatherings for many. Holidays with extended family or participating in community events can be joyful as well as stressful. Planning and being flexible can go a long way to help ease the stress, for everyone! Families with children with special needs may find it even more challenging if their children struggle with changes in routine, sensory issues or becoming overstimulated in large groups.

As we near closer and closer to winter, and colder temperatures and shorter days become the norm. Few activities feel as perfect in the late fall as cozying up to a good book. The same can be said to those visiting here at Explore & More. A central focus of our organization is to highlight and emphasize the importance of literacy. Walking through our museum space you will notice that there are books accompanying nearly every exhibit. These have been curated to match the theme of the exhibit they have been placed within.

The holiday season is upon us, and most parents and caregivers find themselves dreaming of family gatherings filled with warmth and generosity, surrounded by children who are well behaved, polite and most of all, happy.

With Halloween approaching, thoughts turn toward costumes, trick-or-treating, and other holiday-related activities. For some children, however, Halloween becomes more than just an opportunity to dress up and get candy. Something deeper may be going on.

You can feel it when you walk into the museum. The building buzzes with the energy of eager children and adults playing and having fun. That buzz is an indicator that there’s a whole lot of learning going on.

Explore & More recognizes the important role people with disabilities play in a diverse and inclusive American workforce, this year’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month theme is “Disability: Part of the Equity Equation.”

As summer turns to fall, and October begins it is important to remember that October is not just a time for changing leaves and costumes, but another month that important histories and lessons can be learned.

What is STEM in education exactly? STEM is the new advanced way Educators are looking at “science class.”

Have you and your kiddos noticed the chill in the air? What other things have you been noticing this time of year? Pumpkins? Scarecrows? In my classes this time of year we do a scavenger hunt around the museum looking for the signs of fall. Maybe you and your family can do a nature walk around your neighborhood and look for falling leaves, acorns, and crows!

Is your little one aged 18 months up to 3 years? Try out our new Toddler Time class on October 29th at 9 am for some “Not So Spooky” Halloween fun including story time, spider craft making, and even trick or treating!

This DIY back-to-school photo frame is a perfect way to bring some back-to-school cheer into your home. Display those beautiful first day of school photos in a creative way, letting the memories last a little longer.

For the majority of our Explore & More families, September is synonymous with change. Change in weather, change in routine, change in grade for our kiddos, change in season; this September is bringing change for myself as well, as I will be transitioning to a new position here at Explore & More, Cultural Program Educator.

Summer is over and it’s time to add back to school routines to the household schedule.

The goal for this activity for our kids 4 and up is to create a working ramp.

Summer is the best time to make a family bucket list of things that you don’t want to miss doing together. Making a summer bucket list will help you avoid looking back in August and wondering where the time went!

Meet the team with ABLE Summer Learning AmeriCorps

Summer is a perfect time to get active in one’s community, as there is a plethora of events and festivals that celebrate, diversity and community.

We are sad to say that June saw Dan Walsh’s last day with us at the museum! Dan has been the brains and fun behind all of our STEM-tastic events and experiments and we wish him nothing but the best in his next endeavor. Take a peep at some of the fun we’ve had behind the scenes.

Summer is a perfect time to get active in one’s community, as there is a plethora of events and festivals that celebrate, diversity and community.

What’s your favorite way to cool off in a hot month like July? My favorite way is with an ice cream cone.

Summer is the best time to make a family bucket list of things that you don’t want to miss doing together. Making a summer bucket list will help you avoid looking back in August and wondering where the time went!

This June our Culture Corner will be focusing on the Juneteenth holiday; the reasons behind celebrating it, and what Explore & More, will be doing to join in the celebration.

Happy Pride Month! This month we will celebrate the LGBTQ+ community, especially by taking a look at the STEM field.

Meet the team with Laura Barcomb!

Explore Even More: Rainbow Paper Chain

Summer break is right around the corner. As parents, you are likely thinking about season passes to the pool or water park, much-anticipated family vacations and a more relaxed schedule. What you might not be thinking about is how the summer months affect your child’s learning. Often referred to as “summer slide,” there is a real danger in the loss of educational ground your children might experience during the summer months.

May 1st marked the opening day of the Pan American Exposition, which opened in Buffalo, NY in 1901. The exposition was a world’s fair that highlighted advancements in science. There are a few really cool scientific advancements that stick out.

With Spring in full swing in Western New York, the Education Team at Explore & More is excited to offer a multitude of programming centered around both our home region and the world as a whole! Aside from our typical playful and fun-centered art, science, and history projects and lessons, our education team will be focusing on recognizing the cultures of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.

Let’s make a splash with this month’s activity because May is national water safety month!

Play encourages your child to push the limits of the world they know. Unstructured play, like interacting with exhibits and environments at Explore & More – The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr Children’s Museum, where there is no prescribed way to play, is particularly important in helping children foster essential skills for making their way through life: emotional coping, problem-solving, and planning.

Meet the team with Dylan Urshel!

Although Spring may officially start in March, Spring in Buffalo does not really get rolling until April. This change in season is a perfect time to take a closer look at our environment and the role we play in it. In April, holidays such as Earth Day, and Arbor Day, are observed (on a yearly basis), in order to inform, educate, and encourage positive change to our environment, both locally and globally.

Explore Even More: Biodegradable Planting Craft

Did you know that Earth Day began in 1970, as Senator Gaylord Nelson hoped to raise public awareness of air and water pollution? 

Play encourages your child to push the limits of the world they know. Unstructured play, like interacting with exhibits and environments at Explore & More – The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr Children’s Museum, where there is no prescribed way to play, is particularly important in helping children foster essential skills for making their way through life: emotional coping, problem-solving, and planning.

Is there any happier sound in the world than a child’s giggle? Nothing entertains me more than hearing children playing in the museum, let out a good laugh (especially if I’m the reason for it). Playing a little “peek-a-boo”—occasionally hiding a simple object, instead of my face—is always good for a laugh or two.

As the new year continues to roll on, February brings with it events such as Groundhog Day, Presidents Day, Valentine’s Day, and Super Bowl Sunday; all of which will be celebrated here at Explore & More. It is also, of course, the month-long celebration of Black History Month.

Did you know that Explore & More has a dedicated free event each month to serve children with autism spectrum disorder and sensory processing disorders along with family and friends?

Get ready for the winter solstice by making a paper lantern!

As the new year continues to roll on, February brings with it events such as Groundhog Day, Presidents Day, Valentine’s Day, and Super Bowl Sunday; all of which will be celebrated here at Explore & More. It is also, of course, the month-long celebration of Black History Month.

Meet the team with Linsey Daniels!

Did you know that Explore & More has a dedicated free event each month to serve children with autism spectrum disorder and sensory processing disorders along with family and friends?

Did you know that Explore & More has a dedicated free event each month to serve children with autism spectrum disorder and sensory processing disorders along with family and friends?

Is there any happier sound in the world than a child’s giggle? Nothing entertains me more than hearing children playing in the museum, let out a good laugh (especially if I’m the reason for it). Playing a little “peek-a-boo”—occasionally hiding a simple object, instead of my face—is always good for a laugh or two.

With the start of January comes a new year, and new opportunities to advance our minds, bodies, and brains. For many, January can be a time that brings renewed hope, as many create resolutions hoping to positively impact themselves and those around them. This optimism is shared by the Education Team here at Explore & More, as we are cautiously optimistic that 2022 will be the best year yet for our organization.

Is there any happier sound in the world than a child’s giggle? Nothing entertains me more than hearing children playing in the museum, let out a good laugh (especially if I’m the reason for it). Playing a little “peek-a-boo”—occasionally hiding a simple object, instead of my face—is always good for a laugh or two.

Did you know there are four different types of learning in Education?  Every child has a learning style that suits them the best and can help them blossom as they discover all educational subject areas. 

Meet the team with Anna Kelly!

Get ready for the winter solstice by making a paper lantern!

With the holiday season officially kicked off, the Explore & More Education Team has worked to put together exciting and intellectual programming to share with our WNY community.

Catherine is thrilled to join the team at Explore & More and share her love of play with the children of Buffalo.

Did you know that camps at Explore & More aren’t just for the summer break? 

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, so take time to PLAY! Research shows that play helps relieve stress for both kids and adults, which is why making time to play together as a family is so important. In addition to spending quality time together, family play helps to reduce stress, strengthen relationships and encourage creativity and imagination.

Robin is excited to join the Explore & More team after 15 years in outreach education at the Buffalo Zoo, where she taught audiences all over WNY about wildlife and conservation.

Did you know that September 6th is National Read A Book Day? Have you ever wondered the impact reading to a child has at an early age? From the time your child is born, reading out loud to them has a positive influence in beginning their language development.

Here we go! Summer is over and it’s time to add back to school routines to the household schedule.

October will also celebrate and highlight Indigenous People as we celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Monday, October 11th.

Craig Donatelli started his role at Explore & More one year ago as a Play to Learn Facilitator. He always arrives with a smile on his face and a coffee in hand.

This Super STEM Saturday video is powered by National Grid! Join us as we explore what life is like for a relay technician, followed by a super cool activity where Mr. Dan reads us Oscar and the Bird by Geoff Waring!

October will also celebrate and highlight Indigenous People as we celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Monday, October 11th.

Did you know that September 6th is National Read A Book Day? Have you ever wondered the impact reading to a child has at an early age? From the time your child is born, reading out loud to them has a positive influence in beginning their language development.

Beginning in mid-September our cultural focus will be focused on National Hispanic Heritage Month (which runs two weeks into October). Visitors can expect to participate in lessons that emphasize Hispanic heritage, from creating colorful luchador masks, to painting portraits like Frida Kahlo did, these lessons will immerse participants in Hispanic culture.

Here we go! Summer is over and it’s time to add back to school routines to the household schedule.

This Super STEM Saturday video is powered by National Grid! Join us as we explore what life is like for a fleet technician, followed by a super cool activity where Mr. Dan teaches us how to build our very own flashlight!

September 5th, 1977 marks the launch date for the space probe Voyager 1. This space probe has been exploring space for over 40 years.

STEM Educator Dan Walsh started his role at Explore & More back in the East Aurora days as the membership and bookings coordinator. Watching the museum grow from a one floor museum in East Aurora to a four-floor museum at Canalside was an amazing experience! During this time, Dan would fill in to teach Explore Even More, Culture Days at schools and libraries, and Read more about Meet the Team: Dan Walsh »

Attention Self-Directed Care Providers! Did you know, New York State will reimburse you for your Explore & More membership?

Join us August 21st for STEM Saturday for our very special guests Penn Dixie Fossil Park. I’m a huge fan of Penn Dixie and I love to go fossil hunting there. Imagine stepping into the past to search for fossils from an ancient undersea environment that existed 380 million years ago. Located just south of Buffalo, the Penn Dixie Fossil Park Read more about Dan’s STEM Corner: August 2021 »

Believe it, or not it’s already August, and Explore & More is continuing our plethora of summer programming.

Lead Play to Learn Facilitator Will has been a member of the Explore & More team since the museum opened on Canalside. As an educator, Will has many roles throughout the museum working both with guests on the floor and behind the scenes creating lessons and activities for visitors. Will often leads outreach efforts, visiting schools, libraries, summer camps, and Read more about Meet the Team: Wall Kawalec »

This Super STEM Saturday video is powered by National Grid! Join us as we explore the exciting world of Communications Testers, followed by storytime where Mr. Dan reads us When Charlie McButton Lost Power by Suzanne Collins & Mike Lester.

Did you know that the first Sunday in August is National Friendship Day?

It’s almost school time again! Starting a new school year is always full of emotions, especially during a pandemic. You’re probably feeling excited and maybe a little sad that summer is winding down. Some kids (and parents) feel nervous or a little scared on the first day of school because of all the new things: new teachers, new friends, and maybe even a new school. Luckily, these “new” worries only stick around for a little while.