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Visit Explore and More Children's Museum!! 

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Visit Explore and More Children's Museum!! 

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address: 130 Main Street Buffalo, NY 14202

website: https://exploreandmore.org/

hours:

closed Monday + Tuesday

Open Wednesday- Sunday 10am- 4pm

Members can enter 30 minutes before general admission on open days!

admission:

Adults & Kids (ages 1+) -$16

Members- Free

Kids under age 1- Free

For all membership opportunities:

https://exploreandmore.org/visit/membership/

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Learn more about Explore & More as you plan your visit! Purchase tickets, see our exhibits, get directions, preview upcoming events, and more!

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Did you know that the Explore and More Children Museum has CLASSES designed for children ages 1-5 to help support developmental needs of young children through PLAY!

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Did you know that the Explore and More Children Museum has CLASSES designed for children ages 1-5 to help support developmental needs of young children through PLAY!

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We have enhanced safety measures throughout the museum including limited capacity to ensure everyone is staying safe. Space is filling up fast so reserve your seat today.

Toddler Time-

a 1-hour program for our little ones ages 18 months up to three years, giving them and their caregiver the opportunity to play, learn and grow! The program includes museum exploration, circle time (including story time, counting practice, weather identification etc.), fine/gross motor development lessons and a take home art project. Each month there is a focused theme with changing weekly topics that fit within that theme. Some monthly themes include:

Earth Day Fun!

Do the Bunny Hop!

Not-So-Spooky Toddler Time

Jingle Bell Jam Literacy

STEMtastic

Explore Even More- Preschool students (ages 3-5)

a facilitated 1-hour program targeted to develop skills essential for Kindergarten success. The program includes museum exploration, circle time (including story time, counting practice, weather identification, etc.), fine/gross motor development lessons and a make-and-take art project. Each month, there is a focused seasonal theme. Monthly themes will include:

Trick-or-Treat

Family

Holiday Fun

Snowy Day Play

Hibernation

Spring

Planting

Butterflies & Bugs

Sea & Shore

Play & Learn- Pre-K class for diverse learners

This 45-minute class will meet the needs of children who benefit from a multi-sensory, flexible learning approach, and adapted materials.

Children will have the opportunity to play in the museum at a quieter, sensory friendly time. Themed child-centered activities will be provided that focus on social-emotional, pre-academic, communication, and motor skills.

Parents will have the opportunity to connect with each other in a supportive environment. We will also provide follow up activities for home and advocacy resources.

Summer Series-

Registration is now open for some amazing classes led by our education team on Thursdays at 3pm in July and August!

Price includes 1-Hour Class + Museum Admission for 1 Child & 1 Adult (A Value of Over $30!) so come play and then head to class! Museum members can receive a $5 discount

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Explore More Discovery Museum is an interactive museum designed especially for children and famiiles. Voted “Best Museum and Best Kid-Friendly Venue of the Valley ” by readers of the Daily News-Record.

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Did you know that the MISSION of the Explore and More Children's Museum is to provide best-in-class PLAY experiences where all children, families and the community can explore, learn and develop together!

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Did you know that the MISSION of the Explore and More Children's Museum is to provide best-in-class PLAY experiences where all children, families and the community can explore, learn and develop together!

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Vision-

A world where PLAY unlocks the limitless potential in all of us.

Place- based Play:

Built on the historic footprint of the terminus of the Erie Canal, the all-new 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.

Dating back to 2007, Explore & More became the first organization to offer children’s programming at Canalside. The early partnership with the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation (ECHDC) led to Explore & More being selected as the anchor attraction on Buffalo’s revitalized waterfront – a year-round draw for residents and tourists to ignite children’s imagination, economic development and community partnerships.

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The studio spaces at Explore & More offer even more opportunities to learn and play within Buffalo’s award-winning children’s museum.

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Did you know that the Explore and More Children's Museum has educational OUTREACH programs?

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Did you know that the Explore and More Children's Museum has educational OUTREACH programs?

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With hands-on, play based lessons your students, campers and visitors will have so much fun they won’t even realize that our lessons support NYS and Next Generation curriculum standards. You provide the kids, we provide the fun! Explore & More will provide you with all the materials you need.

All of our outreach programs are offered as either in-person or virtual, be sure to indicate which you would prefer on the form below.

Early Learners-

Children will go on an adventure through children’s literature. With each story, we discuss topics such as friendship, community, imagination, sharing and so much more! Each lesson consists of a guided read-aloud from an Explore & More educator and a facilitated extension activity.

Length of Program: 45 minutes
Cost of Program: $275 (For up to 25 participants; includes all materials and an Explore & More Educator)

Early Elementary STEAM Activities-

Choose from a variety of activities that challenge kids to tap into their critical thinking skills!

Length of Program: 60 minutes
Cost of Program: $300 (For up to 25 participants; includes all materials and an Explore & More Educator)

Advanced STEAM Activities and Crafts-

For a greater challenge, we offer even more activities that will engage with developing young minds!

Length of Program: 60 minutes
Cost of Program: $300 (For up to 25 participants; includes all materials and an Explore & More Educator)

Fill out this Outreach Form to apply-

https://exploreandmore.org/education/outreach/

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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)

School Age Camps-

Summer Camps are sold out!

—Single Days: 8:30am-4pm (Choose 1-5 Days)

—1/2 Days: 8:30am-12pm

Explore & More’s school-age day camp programs are offered on select designated school holidays and school break weeks. Our programs are led by our professional Educators. We are licensed and regulated by New York State Office of Child & Family Services. Fun, hands-on experiences will spark creativity, imagination, and exploration. Children will participate in planned STEAM and academic-based activities and venture to play throughout the museum.

Camps fill up quickly and spaces are limited, so reserve your child’s spot today! If a program is full, call us at 716-655-5131 ext. 3 or email education@exploreandmore.org to be added to a waitlist.

Exhibits-

8 different Exhibits to choose from!!

Vehicles

Imaginative Play

Arts & Crafts

Building

Active Play

Music & Dance

Sports

Problem Solving

https://exploreandmore.org/exhibits/

Team Building-

Our team-building experiences are a fun way to reenergize your team.

The 2.5 hour day begins with a customized museum-wide scavenger hunt that will get your team working together to find clues while learning fun facts about WNY in our one-of-a-kind place-based museum of play.  Your team will then move to our Tinkering Tank and Art Studios for hands-on activities guided by our Play-to-Learn Facilitators. Release your inner child at Explore & More!

Food and Beverages – Arranged through our Low Bridge Café

Meeting Space – Reserve our playful conference room or Gathering Hall for a post-teambuilding meeting or workspace

Au-Some Evenings-

Upcoming Au-Some Evenings at Explore & More:

September 12 (5:30pm-7:30pm)

October 10 (5:30pm-7:30pm)

December 12 (5:30pm-7:30pm)

Once a month, Au-Some Evenings give children with autism and sensory processing needs, their friends and family an opportunity to play and learn together in an understanding and supportive environment FOR FREE. In addition to a fun night of play with access to the museum space and exhibits, we have special programming for families!

The evening features themed Art Studio projects, sensory exploration in our Tinkering Tank, therapy animals from the SPCA and student volunteers from SUNY Buffalo State’s Exceptional Education program.

Parent outreach materials including links for social stories, child development resources and play tips are always available. We even provide small giveaways or snacks in the lobby, at the end of the night to help with the transition of leaving the museum. We look forward to having you join us!

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Explore More Discovery Museum engages young minds through interactive, multi-sensory learning experiences that promote greater understanding of themselves and their world.

Exhibits are the heart and soul of the museum! When you enter the museum, you quickly see the connection to our beautiful Shenandoah Valley community. Sponsors are always needed to create new opportunities and keep existing galleries fresh and engaging. If you are interested in learning more about how you can support exhibits, contact Kelly Snow, Development Director at kelly@iexploremore.com. Make a general exhibit donation here!

Construction Zone

Build big, build small with Keva planks. What's the key to a sturdy structure? Find out in this construction mecca.
Sponsored by Ken Scheel and Keva

Friendly City Medical Center

Ever wonder how your body looks inside? How can you keep those organs healthy? Learn more about the exciting world of medicine in this exhibit that features a full-size ambulance courtesy of G&W Ambulance.

Art Smart

Create an original masterpiece with our supplies, try weekly projects or take part in a guest artist workshop.
Sponsored in memory of Dr. Garney Darrin

Over in the Meadow

An area for our under 3 year old visitors: Toddlers will enjoy the soft play environment, rolling hills raceway, fishing dock and little house climb and slide.

Friendly City Dental Exhibit

Kids will be all smiles when they enter the hands-on dental exhibit located in the Friendly City Health Center. With a realistic operatory and plenty of props, aspiring dentists will be equipped to keep cavities away.

This exhibit was spearheaded with support of the local dental community and is dedicated in memory of the late Dr. Joseph Green, a beloved pediatric dentist who was passionate about providing this experience for children. If you like to contribute to the memorial fund to enhance and sustain this exhibit, click HERE.

Discovery Tree

Perched high above the 22 ft. atrium, the tree house is a place for adventure. Look through the periscope, see nature objects up close, read a book in the cocoon chairs, experiment with the Amazing Airways tree or make your way through the rainstorm to chase away the clouds.
Sponsored by Appleseeds Foundation

Imagination Playground

Build anything you can imagine with the big blue blocks! Use ramps, chutes and cylinders to create structures, mazes and more. This loose parts provide open-ended play and hours of fun working independently or collaborating with others!
Sponsored by CarMax

Games Galore

What will you play? Try checkers, golf, giant Jenga, fooseball, tangrams and other brain teasers. A great way to relax and strategize while enjoying family time or meeting new friends.

Maker City Makerspace

Our brand new space designed especially for visitors ages 8+. This room is equipped with everything you'll need to make a variety of projects. Try a laser cutter, sewing machine, or create a woodworking project. Technology meets hands-on creativity. Participants must have parental permission to use the space and training sessions are required to use select equipment.
Sponsored by Bob Wade Autoworld in memory of Bob Wade

Learn More HERE.

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Exhibits - Explore More Discovery Museum

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Exhibits are the heart and soul of the museum! When you enter the museum, you quickly see the connection to our beautiful Shenandoah Valley community. Sponsors are always needed to create new opportunities and keep existing galleries fresh and engaging. If you are interested in learning more about how you can support exhibits, contact Kelly Snow, Development Director at kelly@iexploremore.com.

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Did you know there are many early childhood (ages 3-8) EDUCATIONAL TOPICS & THEMATIC TOPICS that can be explored and extended upon at the Buffalo Zoo?

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Did you know there are many early childhood (ages 3-8) EDUCATIONAL TOPICS & THEMATIC TOPICS that can be explored and extended upon at the Buffalo Zoo?

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PreSchool Class- Explore Even More

Take learning to another level with monthly activities for preschool students (ages 3-5 years old) to participate in a facilitated 1-hour program targeted to develop skills essential for Kindergarten success. The program includes museum exploration, circle time (including story time, counting practice, weather identification, etc.), fine/gross motor development lessons and a make-and-take art project. Each month, there is a focused seasonal theme. Monthly themes will include:

Trick-or-Treat

Family

Holiday Fun

Snowy Day Play

Hibernation

Spring

Planting

Butterflies & Bugs

Sea & Shore

~Can support lessons by engaging activities to further students understanding in a lesson.

Pre-K class for Diverse Learners-

Join us for a free playgroup-style pre-K class for diverse little learners and their parents/caregivers. This 45-minute class will meet the needs of children who benefit from a multi-sensory, flexible learning approach, and adapted materials.

Children will have the opportunity to play in the museum at a quieter, sensory friendly time. Themed child-centered activities will be provided that focus on social-emotional, pre-academic, communication, and motor skills.

Parents will have the opportunity to connect with each other in a supportive environment. We will also provide follow up activities for home and advocacy resources.

~Explore and More Children's Museum, is great for more hands on activities it can help support lessons with all of their diverse activities that are around the building. FUN for all ages.

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Explore & More, The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Children’s Museum | Cultural