130 Main St, Buffalo,
NY 14202
Plan Your Visit
Explore & More — The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Children’s Museum is located at Canalside, where the Erie Canal ends. This historic spot is a year-round community hub on Buffalo’s waterfront.
Museum Hours
Members can enter at 9:30am on open days!
Special Sunday Hours: 10am-3pm
Closed Sunday, May 25
There may be additional closures due to severe weather.
Check Explore & More’s social media channels and your local news for updates on delays and closings.
Admission
Adults & Kids
(ages 1+)
$15
Members
Free
Kids under age 1
Free
Special Admission Days
May 3-4: $5 courtesy of Wendel Companies and the Construction Industry Education Foundation
May 10-11: $5 courtesy of Trusted Talent PLUS nurses will receive FREE admission with proof of work ID and a valid email address (in-person redemption only at our Guest Services Desk upon entry)
May 14-16: $10
An additional fee will be applied to credit card purchases.
Memberships
Interested in becoming a member? Check out our membership packages and join today!
Discounts
Discounts cannot be stacked
Members of ACM’s Reciprocal Network receive 50% off regular admission for up to 6 people – including the cardholder, who must be present. For discount to be valid, present your membership card with the red RN logo upon admission. Click here to view a list of participating Children’s Museums, or visit our Membership page for information on how to become part of the ACM Reciprocal Network. Call (716) 655-5131 ext. 7077 to reserve your tickets in advance.
On weekdays the museum is open from April 2-June 20, 2025 (excluding April 14-18, April 21, and June 19), guests can enjoy reduced admission of just $11 per person after 1pm. Not to be combined with any other discounts or promotions.
Members of AAA WCNY will receive $3 off General Admission OR 10% off an Explore & More membership.
Arts Access is a program that opens the door to arts and culture for all Western New Yorkers by connecting them to free and low-cost cultural opportunities in their communities. Click here to learn more about signing up for Arts Access. Already an Arts Access card holder? Please call (716) 655-5131 ext. 7077 to reserve your tickets. $2 admission per person is due upon check-in. Thanks to Erie County for their support of this program!
Museums on Us is available to Bank of America, Merrill or Bank of America Private Bank credit or debit cardholders during the first full weekend of every month. One free general admission is limited to the individual cardholder. Click here for details.
Members of the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens can receive 10% off general admission to Explore & More with proof of membership.
We are proud to offer Buffalo & Erie County Library cardholders a special discount, as part of their VIP Program! Simply show your library card and receive $2 off regular general admission & 5% off in the Low Bridge Café!
We are proud to offer David A. Howe Public Library cardholders a special discount of $4 off regular-priced General Admission tickets, simply show your library card at the Admissions Desk.
Active Session Participants of Rolly Pollies will receive 5% off general admission with proof of season receipt.
Members of the TR Inaugural Site will receive 10% off general admission with proof of membership.
Featured Events
Recent Awards
#1 Place to Take Kids In and Around Buffalo – 2024 (KidsOutAndAbout.com)
Best Family Fun in Winter – 2024 (Buffalo Spree Magazine)
Best Customer Service – 2024 (Best of 716)
Favorite Destination for a Child’s Birthday – 2024 (Best of 716)
Our Exhibits & Play Zones
Explore & More is filled with things to see and do.
Let us highlight exhibits and content specifically designed for your little ones.
Educational Play Zones
Our educational play zones offer hands-on exhibits that tell the unique story of Buffalo and what makes us proud to be from Western New York. These zones reveal stories of our region’s history, geography, culture, agriculture, architecture, athletics, commerce, and innovation through exhibits that celebrate the power and benefits of play.
Exhibit Locations
Explore & More is the perfect place to learn about the region’s past roots with child-led and family-friendly play that helps develop the whole child.
2
Second Floor Exhibits
Being Good Neighbors
Moving Water
Driving Buffalo’s Dreams
Car Wash
3
Third Floor Exhibits
Building Buffalo
Indoor Playground
Learning, Caring, Healing
Recycling Truck
Playing Together
Lighting Buffalo’s Imagination
4
Fourth Floor Exhibits
Community Treehouse (Now open for play again!)
Rooftop Terrace
Farm to Fork
Betty Lou Moo
Play & Learn Hive
Location
Explore & More is located at Canalside, just across Marine Drive from the boardwalk. We are kitty-corner from the Naval Park and LECOM Harborcenter, one block from KeyBank Center, two blocks from Sahlen Field, and adjacent to the Erie Canal Harbor Station of the Main Street NFTA Metro Rail.
With our new, centrally located facility, Explore & More is accessible to over 225,000 children under the age of 15 and more than 1.3 million people within 50 miles.* We are just a 3.5-mile drive on the I-190 from the Peace Bridge or a 38-minute train ride from Niagara Falls. Arrive by car, bus, metro-rail, or train and let the fun begin!
*Source: Alteryx, 2019. Population figures include Southern Ontario.
Accessibility
Explore & More Children’s Museum is very excited to welcome everyone to our new home at Canalside. To help make your visit as enjoyable and engaging as possible, we have developed customized visual, social, communicative, sensory, and behavioral supports.
Low Bridge Café
The Low Bridge Café is a lunch area located on our 1st Floor where families can access a quick and easy bite, whether it’s a slice of pizza, a hot dog, or a Perry’s Ice Cream novelty bar. Be sure to try one of our new Kids Meals!
No outside food is permitted (unless your child has food sensitivity or allergies).
Please note: The Low Bridge Café is only open to museum guests.
Café Hours
Wednesday-Saturday
Sunday
10:30am-3:30pm
10:30am-3pm
Birthdays & Rentals
Make memories at our museum! Explore & More is perfect for parties, events, and celebrations of all kinds, featuring unique spaces for all occasions.
Large Family Groups
Groups of 10 or more paying visitors with two weeks advance reservation will receive a group rate. Reservations can be made online or call 716-655-5131 for more information.
Field Trips
Bring your students to Explore & More for an unforgettable educational experience! Our field trip programs offer hands-on exhibits and interactive activities that align with curriculum standards, making learning fun and engaging. Perfect for children of all ages, these trips encourage exploration, discovery, and critical thinking.
- Aligned with Curriculum Standards
- Interactive and Hands-On Learning
- Engaging and Fun for All Ages
Hotel Partners
Courtyard by Marriott Buffalo Downtown/Canalside
125 Main St, Buffalo
Ask about the Stay & Play Package
The Holiday Inn Express & Suites
601 Main St., Buffalo
Policies & Additional Info
Explore & More – The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Children’s Museum seeks to create a safe, healthy and welcoming environment with exhibits and activities designed for the benefit and enjoyment of children and their families, friends and caregivers. The following policies have been developed to ensure the safety and enjoyment of our guests while visiting the museum.
