Explore & More named nation’s 5th Best Children’s Museum by USA Today

Explore & More – The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Children’s Museum is proud to announce that the museum has finished fifth in voting for the nation’s best children’s museum in a poll conducted by USA Today.

The museum would like to thank the public and the Western New York community for their support. Without their votes each day, a Top 5 showing in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards would not have been possible.

This recognition is a great honor for the museum and we hope it helps put a spotlight on all of the world-class cultural organizations in our region.

The USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards is USA Today’s flagship awards program, highlighting the best of the best in various travel and lifestyle categories, including destinations, food and drink, and attractions.

Other recent awards the museum has earned include:

• Best Programming for Kids – 2025 (Buffalo Spree Magazine)
• #1 Place to Take Kids In and Around Buffalo – 2024, 2025 (KidsOutAndAbout.com)
• Best Destination for a Child’s Birthday Party – 2025 (Best of 716)
• Favorite Museum – 2025 (Best of 716)
• Favorite Indoor Attraction – 2025 (Best of 716)
• Best Family Fun in Winter – 2024 (Buffalo Spree Magazine)
• Best Customer Service – 2024 (Best of 716)
• Favorite Destination for a Child’s Birthday Party – 2024 (Best of 716)

Explore & More has been the local leader in child-led and family-friendly play that helps develop the whole child since 1994. The museum opened its brand-new four-story location in the heart of Canalside in 2019, featuring three jaw-dropping exhibit floors that tell the unique story of Buffalo and what makes us proud to be from Western New York in fun and educational ways. Throughout the year, Explore & More offers camps, classes, rental spaces for birthday parties and other gatherings, professional development opportunities, outreach initiatives, sensory-friendly events, nights just for grown-ups…& more.