plan your visit

Built on the historic footprint of the terminus of the Erie Canal, Explore & More – The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Children’s Museum sits at the crossroads between canals and bridges that have become year-round community destinations on the city’s waterfront at Canalside.

This totally unique location makes it the perfect place to learn about the region’s roots as an innovative port at the turn of the century, while using hands-on play to spark the imagination of the next generation of great minds. Click here to learn more about each of our exhibits.

Now serving children birth-12 years of age, we have expanded our footprint as we also expand our reach.

The museum moved to the city center in 2019, increasing our accessibility to visitors from across the state, Erie, PA and Ontario, Canada as we strive to be a welcoming community center that invites all families to play, wonder, discover, learn, and grow together.

hours

Museum Hours:
Open For Play: Wednesday-Sunday: 10am-4pm
Members Only: Wednesday-Sunday: 9:30am-10am
Closed: Monday and Tuesday

holidays

Open: Martin Luther King Jr. Day, President’s Day, February Break Week, April 8 for Total Solar Eclipse (9:30am-1pm), Spring Break Week (April 1-5), Juneteenth, Indigenous People’s Day, and Veterans Day.

Closed: New Year’s Day, Easter Sunday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day (Monday and Tuesday), Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.

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 & children (ages 1 & up): $13
children under age 1: free
explore & more members: free

Questions? Call us at 716-655-5131

tickets and memberships

Advance ticket purchases are encouraged but not required. You can purchase tickets here.

Interested in becoming a member? Check out our great membership packages here.

location

explore & more
130 main street
buffalo, ny 14202

(716) 655-5131

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 away from KeyBank Center, two blocks away from the Bisons’ Sahlen Field, and adjacent to the Erie Canal Harbor Station of the Main Street NFTA Metro Rail.

With the new, centrally located facility, Explore & More is now accessible to over 225,000 children under the age of 15, and more than 1.3 million total people in the 50 miles surrounding the museum. Just a 3.5 mile drive on the I-190 from the Peace Bridge or a 38 minute train ride from Niagara Falls, Explore & More is easily accessible. Find your way via car, bus, metro-rail or train and let the fun begin!

Source: Alteryx, 2019. Population figures include Southern Ontario

map

click on map to enlarge image

our exhibits

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.

The 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.

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.

These exhibits are located on the second, third and fourth floors.

where to park

accessible parking

There is handicap accessible parking located on Lloyd Street, across from the museum between the Canalside boardwalk and Marine Drive, as well as in the parking ramps at KeyBank Center and LECOM Harborcenter. There is a pull in/drop off area at our loading dock on the corner Marine Drive and Commercial Street.

street & lot parking within 2 blocks

There are ample parking opportunities available around the museum.  Parking spaces can be found in surface lots, ramps, and on-street along Washington Street or Michigan Avenue indicated in purple.  There is a multi-level parking ramp one block away at LECOM Harborcenter (typically $5 per day), with parking ramp entrances located on both Washington Street and Perry Street. There are also multiple local surface lots near Sahlen Field and KeyBank Center, and additional parking further north on Pearl Street. Furthermore, hundreds of spots can be found throughout the historic Cobblestone District, only a short 2 block walk away.

metered parking

If you do plan to park on-street, be sure to download the Buffalo Roam App, to ensure an easy parking experience.  Click here for more information and download instructions.

know before you go

Just about everything you might want to know while planning your visit! Click on any of the titles below to learn more. If you’re wondering about something specific that’s not listed here, please get in touch.

additional policies

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.

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 pizza from Sports City Pizza or a yummy snack from Braymiller Market – while supplies last!

No outside food is permitted (unless your child has food sensitivity or allergies)

Café Hours:
Wednesday-Sunday: 10:30am-3:30pm
Monday and Tuesday:  Closed

hotel partners

discounts

ACM Reciprocal

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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.

arts access

artsaccess

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!

buffalo & erie county public library

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 Cafe!

David A. Howe Library

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We are proud to offer David A. Library cardholders a special discount of $4 off regular-priced General Admission tickets, simply show your library card at the Admissions Desk.

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