130 Main St, Buffalo,
NY 14202Plan 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
Open Wednesday-Sunday! Special Monday Hours through August 31!
Members can enter 30 minutes before general admission on open day (excluding August 23)
Explore & More will be closed September 7-10 due to construction.
Upcoming Sunday Hours
August 23: 10am-2pm
August 30: 11am-3pm
September 6: 10am-3pm
September 13: Closed
September 20: 10am-3pm
September 27: 10am-1:30pm
Check Explore & More’s social media channels and your local news for updates on delays and closings.
As construction of Heritage Point resumes next door, the stretch of road in front of Explore & More between Lloyd and Hanover may be temporarily closed during your visit. The cobblestone streets on both ends of Marine Drive will be accessible for parking. Commercial St. will also open to traffic. Guests will still be able to enter the museum from either side of the building. Our loading dock is open for deliveries. Please be mindful that some sidewalks may also be closed.
On days of special events at Canalside like sporting event watch parties or the Sunday Social series, the cobblestone streets around the museum may be closed to the public. Please visit BuffaloWaterfront.com for a full list of events at Canalside.
Admission
Adults & Kids
(ages 1-59)
$16
Seniors
(ages 60+)
$15
Members
Free
Kids under age 1
Free
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.
All 4th Grade Students and 1 Family Member who reside in the 44 Greater Buffalo Zip Codes (14201-14280) can visit Explore & More for free on the fourth Saturday of each month through March 2026 (January 24, February 28 and March 28). A limited number of admission tickets are available each month. For more information, please contact Explore & More Guest Services at 716-655-5131. The 4by4 Initiative is presented by IMAGINE Greater Buffalo and C-SAAHN. Please bring a report card of other proof of grade at check in.
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. $5 admission for Arts Access pass holder with photo ID and up to 4 guests is due upon check-in. Only one Arts Access pass visit per household per month. 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. Please note: April’s Museums On Us Weekend will be held April 11-12.
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
#5 Children’s Museum in the Country – 2026 (USA Today 10Best Reader’s Choice Awards)
Best Family Activity – Buffalo Spree 2026 Best of WNY Winner
Best Programming for Kids – Buffalo Spree 2025 Best of WNY Winner)
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)
#1 Place to Take Kids In and Around Buffalo – 2024, 2025 (KidsOutAndAbout.com)
Best Family Fun in Winter – Buffalo Spree 2024 Best of WNY Winner
Best Customer Service – 2024 (Best of 716)
Favorite Destination for a Child’s Birthday Party – 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 – Converting to a brand-new Temporary Exhibit Gallery in September 2026
Driving Buffalo’s Dreams
Car Wash
A Voyage To The Stage
3
Third Floor Exhibits
Building Buffalo
Indoor Playground
Learning, Caring, Healing
Pipes, Pumps, & Power
Recycling Truck
Discover Zone Soft Play
Lighting Buffalo’s Imagination
4
Fourth Floor Exhibits
Community Treehouse
Moo-ve The Milk
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.
Where to Park
- Accessible Parking: On Lloyd Street, and KeyBank Center and LECOM Harborcenter ramps. Drop-off area at Marine Drive and Commercial Street.
- Street & Lot Parking: Surface lots, ramps, and on-street parking within 2 blocks. Nearby multi-level ramp at LECOM Harborcenter, and spots in the Cobblestone District.
- Metered Parking: Use the Buffalo Roam App for convenient on-street parking.
Construction Updates
As construction of Heritage Point resumes next door, the stretch of road in front of Explore & More between Lloyd and Hanover may be temporarily closed during your visit. The cobblestone streets on both ends of Marine Drive will be accessible for parking. Commercial St. will also open to traffic.
Guests will still be able to enter the museum from either side of the building. Our loading dock is open for deliveries. Please keep in mind that sidewalks may also be closed to foot traffic.
Stay tuned to our website and social media channels for updates on construction and museum hours.
On days of special events at Canalside like sporting event watch parties or the Sunday Social series, the cobblestone streets around the museum may be closed to the public. Please visit BuffaloWaterfront.com for a full list of events at Canalside.
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, a taco in a bag or a Perry’s Ice Cream novelty bar. Be sure to try one of our new Kids Meals!
Introducing our new Rewards Program!
When guests sign up for our brand-new Rewards Program, you will be able to earn 1 points for every $1 spent at the Explore & More Gift Shop and the Low Bridge Café.
You will be able to use these points to receive discounts throughout the museum!
During your next visit, check with a staff member at the Gift Shop, the Low Bridge Café or when you check in at Guest Services about signing up for the Rewards Program!
*Reward points earned will be available to redeem the next day, with the exception of the Welcome Reward.*
The Low Bridge Café is a licensed restaurant with New York State and the Erie County Department of Health.
For health, safety, and operational reasons, OUTSIDE FOOD AND BEVERAGES ARE NOT PERMITTED in the museum or Café seating area. Please enjoy the snacks, drinks, and prepared food available for purchase.
Explore & More is NOT responsible for incidents involving outside food being eaten in our Café.
If someone in your party has a food allergy, please notify Guest Services upon arrival.
Café SUMMER Hours
Monday, Wednesday-Saturday
10:30am-3:30pm
Sunday
11am-2:30pm
Gift Shop
The Gift Shop at Explore & More is a brand-new retail space located on the 2nd floor of the museum near Guest Services. Shop kid-friendly toys and items, exclusive Explore & More merchandise, and other Buffalo-themed products and souvenirs.
We are also now offering Perry’s Ice Cream novelty bars. Perry’s is the Official Ice Cream of Explore & More.
Museum admission is not required! The Gift Shop is open to the public!
GIFT SHOP Hours
Wednesday-Sunday + Special Museum Open Days
Open during General Admission Museum Hours
Introducing our new Rewards Program!
When guests sign up for our brand-new Rewards Program, you will be able to earn 1 point for every $1 spent at the Explore & More Gift Shop and the Low Bridge Café.
You will be able to use these points to receive discounts throughout the museum!
During your next visit, check with a staff member at the Gift Shop, the Low Bridge Café or when you check in at Guest Services about signing up for the Rewards Program!
*Reward points earned will be available to redeem the next day, with the exception of the Welcome Reward.*
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
1 Canalside, Buffalo, NY 14203
Ask about the Stay & Play Package
Hampton Inn by Hilton Buffalo
1601 Amherst Manor Drive, Williamsville, NY 14221
Amherst Hospitality Campus – Hyatt Place Buffalo Amherst
5020 Main St, Buffalo, NY 14226
Baymont by Wyndham Buffalo
3475 Union Road, Buffalo, NY 14225
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.
