Explore & More - The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Children's Museum — Attraction in Buffalo

Explore & More - The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Children's Museum, located in Buffalo, New York, is a unique and engaging destination for children and families. The museum, established on the historic footprint of the terminus of the Erie Canal, is situated at Canalside, a vibrant area where replica canals and bridges have become year-round community attractions. This location enhances the museum's connection to Buffalo’s history as an innovative port, providing an ideal backdrop for hands-on, imaginative play.

The museum has a mission to provide top-notch play experiences that encourage children, families, and the community to explore, learn, and develop together. Their vision is centered on the belief that play can unlock limitless potential in everyone. The museum is committed to racial equity, aiming to provide inclusive resources that cater to every child and family.

Originally started in 1994 in East Aurora, the museum has grown significantly over the years. It began in a 500-square foot basement with a volunteer staff and has now expanded to a 43,000-square foot, four-story building at Canalside. This new location allows the museum to serve a wider audience, including visitors from other parts of the state, Erie, PA, and Ontario, Canada.

The museum offers a variety of exhibits and activities designed for children aged 1-10 years. These include hands-on exhibits that encourage children to play, learn about Western New York’s history, and explore diverse cultures. Additionally, the museum organizes various events, activities, and educational programs throughout the year, catering to different age groups and interests, such as STEM Saturdays, classes, and school-age camps.

Visitors have praised the museum for its fun and thought-provoking activities, cleanliness, and the variety of exhibits that cater to different age groups. The museum also offers facilities like a café and multiple family-style bathrooms across its floors, enhancing the convenience for visitors.

Explore & More operates as a non-profit organization, relying on community support and volunteers. It provides an environment for creative play and learning, and its hands-on exhibits, activities, and programs aim to spark creativity, curiosity, and imagination...

In general, as a children's museum, E&M is a wonderful place to take children. My kids love it. There are plentiful play spaces, it's clean, bright and well maintained. Part of maintaining of course comes from $. This review is regarding the cost of membership. I have been a member for 3 years now. The costs of membership have increased. This year (2025) by $25, to $175 per year. Still worth it for my family at this time, though this is by far the most expensive family membership that we have. There is a 10% renewal discount that used to be if you renewed within your last month. They have changed it so you need to renew within the month following your end of membership. I was told this when I went to renew in December. I also asked the cost and this was when I was informed of the new cost of $158 (10% discount). I balked a bit as that went up by $25. However, I still intended to renew. Planned ahead for this purchase. When I went to renew in person, I was told that I owe $188, I had to specifically mention the 10% discount or it would not have been applied. And then I mentioned it, and was told the cost was $164.59, unless I wanted to pay in cash, as there was a surcharge for using a card payment of $7.09. I was not informed of this in writing via email, nor when I asked in person during my last visit. There has never been a surcharge before. This was presented to me that I could opt to pay in cash. I do not carry that much cash on me, I don't believe many do. So now the discount has been dropped to 6%. This feels like false advertising and price gouging and it doesn't feel great on the customer end. I am disappointed that E&M is not transparent about this, and left it until I show up in person, without a large amount of cash, with my daughter in tow, to tell me how much more money this will be costing me. And that I had to specifically ask for the discount in the first place, that I would have been charged $188. Again, I am happy with E&M as a play space for my family and a nice experience for children. However, the lack of transparency about this cost has left...

LOVED IT HERE! I went with my husband and 2 daughters (ages 2 and 4). We went during preview week and so not ALL of the exhibitions were completely up and running yet however, most were. There were 4 floors of exhibits, each one, more amazing than the next. There was so much to see, do, talk about, learn about, read, play with, color, etc... Because we got there late, we kind of had to rush through and focus only on the areas my kids absolutely loved in order to see everything before they closed. I cannot wait to go back again when we have more time and can actually spend time enjoying each and every part of it! The girls did have a few favorites that I'll mention... 1.) The hospital area (probably one of my favorites as well 💕) I can't even describe the cuteness.... I'll share some pictures but just watching the kids take care of their sick little teddy bears in a hospital like setting, so adorable! #2) The farmers market (4th floor, I believe), the kids got to "pick their own vegetables" "milk a cow" "play with chickens, chicks, eggs and their chicken coop (all pretend of course) and then take their food "home" and prepare it in their kitchen! It was really neat. My big kid (aka my husband) loved the sock rink where you could skate around in your socks 😂 There is just way too much cool stuff to mention so I'll leave it at that. It really is something that everyone should see (and will love!) and there is something there for everyone to enjoy, you won't be...