What Explore & More A Childrens Museum does

Explore & More - The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Children's Museum is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization operating a 43,000 sq ft, four-story interactive children's museum at 130 Main Street in Buffalo's Canalside waterfront district, the historic terminus of the Erie Canal. Founded in 1994 as a 500 sq ft basement schoolroom in East Aurora, NY, the museum has scaled through two prior facilities before opening its current anchor-tenanted Canalside location in 2019. It serves families with children from toddlers through third grade (approximately ages 1-9), supplemented by Pre-K through 5th grade school groups, children with autism and sensory processing needs, corporate clients, and tourists within a 50-mile radius covering Western New York, Erie PA, and Southern Ontario.

The institution's product surface is built around 15+ permanent exhibits across three floors plus a rooftop terrace, including the Delta Sonic Car Wash (first of its kind), West Herr-sponsored Driving Buffalo's Dreams virtual car customization, the NYPA-sponsored Moving Water 30-foot waterfall, the fully accessible Community Treehouse and indoor playground, the Wegmans Cooking Galley, the Fisher-Price/Mattel Tinkering Tank, and the Learning Caring Healing child-run medical exhibit. Programming layers on top include school-age day camps licensed through NYS Office of Child and Family Services, Toddler Time and Explore Even More classes, Au-Some Evenings sensory-friendly programming co-developed with SUNY Buffalo State, professional development courses, team-building experiences, field trips, outreach programming, and signature annual events (Touch A Truck, Halloween Spooktacular, Family Mini-Golf Day, Adult Scavenger Hunt). The Low Bridge Café and gift shop round out the amenity mix.

Revenue mechanics span general admission ($16 adults/children 1-59, $15 seniors, free under 1), annual membership tiers (Household, Duo, Trio, Grandparents, Self-Directed), birthday party packages, whole-museum and individual room rentals for corporate and private events, school group field trips, food service, and retail. Distribution is direct-to-consumer via the physical facility and the Roller app online ticketing platform, augmented by ACM Reciprocal Network access (200+ children's museums) and Stay & Play hotel partnerships. The organization states it is over 95% self-funded, relying on a dense portfolio of corporate presenting sponsors (M&T Bank, Modern, Delta Sonic, West Herr, Wegmans, NYPA, Fisher-Price, Mattel Foundation, Perry's Ice Cream, the Paul A. Saffrin Foundation), individual donations, and endowment contributions.

Name

Explore & More A Childrens Museum

Legal name

Explore & More - The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Children's Museum

Website

https://exploreandmore.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1994

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Explore & More is a non-profit 43,000 sq ft interactive children's museum at Buffalo's Canalside, serving families with children ages 1-9 and school groups through hands-on exhibits, educational programs, memberships, camps, and event rentals.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Children's Museum and Educational Family Entertainment

NAICS

Museums (712110), Museums, Historical Sites, and Similar Institutions (712)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900), Services-Miscellaneous Amusement & Recreation (7990)

akta.pro primary industry

Children’s Museums (THAJADAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Kids & Family Learning Workshops (Family Crafts, Junior Maker Classes) (THAJAKAO), Museum & Landmark Guided Tours (Skip-the-line/Docent-led) (THAJAAAC), History, Heritage & Museum-Focused Study Tours (THAKAGAN)

Keywords

• Children's museum
• Interactive exhibits
• Educational programs
• Family entertainment
• Play-based learning

Headquarters

HQ city

Buffalo

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations

Revenue model

1. Admission Fees: General admission fees for adults and children ages 1-59 at $16, seniors 60+ at $15. Children under 1 and members admitted free.
2. Membership Subscriptions: Annual household, duo, trio, grandparents, and self-directed membership packages providing free admission, ACM reciprocity, and member-only perks.
3. Birthday Party Rentals: Private party room rental including museum admission for up to 20 guests (10 children, 10 adults), with optional add-ons like facilitated activities.
4. Museum Event Rentals: Whole museum, rooftop terrace, conference room, gathering hall, and celebration room rentals for corporate events, meetings, and celebrations.
5. Camps and Classes: School-age day camps ($75/day), specialty classes like Toddler Time ($20), and summer camp programming licensed through NYS Office of Child & Family Services.
6. Food Service and Retail: Low Bridge Café on first floor serving snacks, meals, and Perry's Ice Cream. Gift shop on second floor selling toys, merchandise, and Buffalo-themed products.
7. Donations and Sponsorships: 95% self-funded organization relying on individual donations, corporate sponsorships, and endowment contributions. Major sponsors fund specific programs and exhibits.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Explore & More is a nonprofit children's museum operating a 43,000 sq. ft., four-story facility at Canalside in Buffalo, NY, providing hands-on interactive exhibits, educational programs, and play-based learning experiences for children ages 1-9 and their families. Core offerings include general admission, annual memberships, field trips, day camps, classes, birthday party rentals, corporate event rentals, and sensory-friendly programming such as Au-Some Evenings. The museum also operates an on-site cafe (Low Bridge Cafe) and gift shop as supporting amenities.

Product overview

Explore & More – The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Children's Museum is a 43,000 sq. ft., four-story children's museum at Canalside in Buffalo, NY, offering a unified portfolio of hands-on play experiences and educational programming. The museum's core offerings center on General Admission and Membership packages (Household, Duo, Trio, Grandparents, and Self-Directed), providing access to 15+ permanent exhibits across three floors including immersive zones like Driving Buffalo's Dreams, Car Wash, Moving Water, Building Buffalo, Farm to Fork, and the Community Treehouse. The museum complements these exhibits with fee-based programs including School Age Day Camps (summer and school break), Toddler Time and Explore Even More classes, Birthday Party Packages, Museum/Whole-Museum Rentals, Field Trips, Au-Some Evenings (sensory-friendly), Professional Development courses, Team-Building Experiences, and Outreach Programming. Studio spaces including the Cooking Galley (presented by Wegmans), Tinkering Tank (presented by Fisher-Price and Mattel Foundation), and Art Studio offer daily hands-on activities. The museum hosts recurring events including Touch A Truck, Halloween Spooktacular, Family Mini-Golf Day, and Sustainable Saturdays. Amenities include the Low Bridge Café restaurant and Gift Shop. The museum serves as an anchor tenant at Canalside, positioned at the historic terminus of the Erie Canal.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Au-Some Evenings: A monthly sensory-friendly evening program for children with autism and sensory processing needs, offering free admission and special programming including art projects, sensory exploration, therapy animals, and family resources.
• Toddler Time
• School Age Day Camps
• Low Bridge Cafe

Products and services

• General Admission Entry tickets to the 43,000 sq. ft. four-story children's museum at Canalside, Buffalo. Standard admission is $16 for adults and children ages 1-59, $15 for seniors 60+, free for members and children under 1 year old.
• Annual Memberships Annual membership packages including Household, Duo, Trio, Grandparents, and Self-Directed options providing free admission, ACM reciprocity with 50% off admission to 200+ children's museums, and member-only perks and programs.
• Birthday Party Packages Private party room rental including 1.5 hours exclusive use, museum admission for up to 20 guests (10 children, 10 adults), setup and cleanup. Optional add-ons include guided activities by Play-to-Learn Facilitators.
• Museum and Whole-Museum Rentals Dynamic room, floor, and whole-museum rentals for corporate events, team building, meetings, cocktail receptions, reunions, graduation parties, educational programs, and cultural programs. Whole museum rental accommodates up to 200 guests for up to four hours with access to all floors and rooftop terrace.
• Field Trips Immersive educational field trip experiences with two hours of play in seven fully interactive play zones. Group rate admission of $10 per person (one free adult per five children), with sensory support options and optional lunch accommodations.
• School Age Day Camps Licensed day camp programs offered year-round on designated school holidays and break weeks including summer vacation. Led by professional Educators with themed academic and STEAM activities, museum play, and exclusive exhibit access for children entering Kindergarten through 3rd Grade. Priced at $75/day.
• Toddler Time and Explore Even More Classes Toddler Time classes for ages 18 months to 3 years at $20 per class include museum exploration, circle time, fine/gross motor development lessons, and take-home art project. Explore Even More classes are monthly activities for preschool students ages 3-5 targeted at developing skills for Kindergarten success.
• Au-Some Evenings Monthly sensory-friendly evenings for children with autism and sensory processing needs, their friends and families. Features themed art projects, sensory exploration in Tinkering Tank, therapy animals from SPCA, student volunteers, and parent outreach materials. Offered free of charge.
• Team-Building Experiences 2.5-hour team-building programs including customized museum-wide scavenger hunt around Canalside and hands-on activities in Tinkering Tank and Art Studios. Optional add-ons include food/beverages from Low Bridge Cafe and meeting space reservations.
• Professional Development Courses Courses for early childhood education professionals covering STEM Foundation (inspiring little scientists), Social Emotional Development in Preschool Children, and The Power of Play. Available for teams and individuals.
• Outreach Programming Hands-on play-based lessons brought to schools, camps, and organizations. Programs include Early Learners (children's literature adventures), Early Elementary STEAM Activities, and Advanced STEAM Activities and Crafts. Available in-person or virtual for PreK through 5th Grade.
• Touch A Truck Event Annual premier summer event at Canalside bringing 50+ trucks, construction vehicles, and vendors for hands-on kid experiences. All outdoor activities are free. Features horn-free time, noisy time, Family Fun Tent, and free museum admission sponsorship options.
• Low Bridge Cafe On-site restaurant on first floor offering pizza, hot dogs, tacos, Perry's Ice Cream novelties, and kids meals. Licensed with New York State and Erie County Department of Health.
• Gift Shop Retail space on second floor offering kid-friendly toys, exclusive Explore & More merchandise, Buffalo-themed products, and Perry's Ice Cream novelty bars. Open to public without museum admission.

Quantifiable outcome

• Serving over 60,000 children and families annually at previous 6,000 sq. ft. facility; now positioned to serve significantly more at 43,000 sq. ft. Canalside location

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

35 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• ModerncoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 26 July 2025Presenting sponsor of Touch A Truck, the premier summer event bringing 50+ trucks and construction vehicles to Canalside for hands-on kids' experiences.
• M&T BankcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor of Fifth Friday free admission events with special programming including math games, block building, and music activities in the Tinkering Tank and Celebration Room. Multi-year partnership supporting community access initiatives.
• Savarino Properties / Savarino DL&W Development LLCminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsored reduced museum admission ($6) for Touch A Truck event attendees.
• National FuelminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsored $7.16 discounted admission for Touch A Truck event using code TRUCK.
• Construction Industry Education FoundationminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCo-sponsor of Family Fun Tent at Touch A Truck event with activities programmed by Explore & More.
• GallagherminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsored 716 Day discounted admission ($7.16) celebrating Western New York's special day.
• Reimer Heating, Cooling & PlumbingminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor of Family Mini-Golf Day and Fore & More adult mini-golf event.
• Erie Canal Harbor Development CorporationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing partnership dating to 2007 when Explore & More became first organization to offer children's programming at Canalside. Co-hosting adult scavenger hunt events around Canalside.
• Turner Construction CompanyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartner for adult scavenger hunt event at Canalside.
• Resurgence Brewing CompanyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHost venue for after-party following adult scavenger hunt, providing free beverage and food items to participants. Also offers 10% discount to museum members.
• Western New York Immediate CareminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of Halloween Spooktacular event.
• Buffalo Construction ConsultantsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of Halloween Spooktacular event.
• Perry's Ice CreamcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerOfficial Ice Cream of Explore & More. Provides ice cream novelty bars for café and special events including Truck Tire Desserts during Touch A Truck and Halloween Spooktacular pumpkin cup sundaes.
• Fisher-PricecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenter of Tinkering Tank makerspace and donor of Thomas & Friends toys for train tables in Building Buffalo exhibit. Provides free Little People toy vehicles at Touch A Truck events.
• Mattel FoundationcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCo-presenter of Tinkering Tank makerspace and donor of Thomas & Friends toys for Building Buffalo exhibit.
• WegmanscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenter of Cooking Galley where local chefs partner with museum staff for cooking classes focused on nutrition and family-friendly recipes.
• Alice Ever After BooksminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborative partner for Story Walk exhibit bringing adventure and literacy through stories combined with play and movement.
• Chinese Club of WNYminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCollaborated with Rainbow Bridge Culture Center to create and donate The Big Spring Ox painting to the museum, featuring contributions from children ages 6-15.
• Delta SoniccoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor of groundbreaking Car Wash exhibit, the first and only car wash exhibit of its kind featuring interactive elements including liquid floors and color-changing vehicle.
• West HerrcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor of Driving Buffalo's Dreams exhibit featuring virtual car design and mechanics experience.
• New York Power AuthoritycoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor of Moving Water exhibit featuring two-story waterfall and water-powered activities.
• East Hill FoundationminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenter of Feel the Falls feature within Moving Water exhibit showcasing 30-foot waterfall.
• The Community Foundation of Greater BuffalominorGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenter of Canal Works within Moving Water exhibit teaching about Erie Canal navigation and locks.
• The Paul A. Saffrin FoundationcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor of Being Good Neighbors cultural diversity exhibit featuring child-sized neighborhood exploring Buffalo's diverse cultures.
• BankOnBuffalominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-hosting Coats & Cans donation drives to benefit local community organizations including Gerard Place, Little Portion Friary, and Family Promise of WNY.
• SUNY Buffalo State - Exceptional Education DepartmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCreated Au-Some Evenings program in 2010 by Professor Kathy Doody and Certified Autism Specialist Jana Mertz. Graduate candidates facilitate child development and social interaction through play. Provides financial and volunteer support.
• Trusted GivesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCharitable arm of Trusted Talent supporting Au-Some Evenings free sensory-friendly programming.
• Courtyard by Marriott Buffalo Downtown/CanalsideminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHotel partner offering Stay & Play Package for museum visitors.
• Hampton Inn by Hilton BuffalominorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHotel partner with discounted rates for museum visitors.
• Hyatt Place Buffalo AmherstminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHotel partner with discounted rates for museum visitors.
• Baymont by Wyndham BuffalominorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHotel partner with discounted rates for museum visitors.
• SPCA of Erie CountyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides therapy animals for Au-Some Evenings sensory-friendly programming.
• Strong National Museum of PlayminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorACM Reciprocal Network member museum offering 50% off admission for Explore & More members.
• Buffalo Museum of ScienceminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorReciprocal membership discount partner - 10% off each other's memberships.
• Buffalo ZoominorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorReciprocal membership discount partner - $5 off each other's memberships.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Direct peers

• The Strong National Museum of Play: One of the largest play-focused children's museums in the U.S., located in Rochester, NY. Direct peer of Explore & More as a play-based interactive museum for young children; also a confirmed ACM Reciprocal Network partner offering 50% off admission to Explore & More members.
• expERIEnce Children's Museum: Children's museum in Erie, PA, serving a similar regional catchment across the NY/PA border. Direct peer given shared audience with Explore & More's 1.3M-people-within-50-miles reach and confirmed ACM reciprocal partnership.
• Children's Museum of Pittsburgh: Two-building children's museum in Pittsburgh with hands-on interactive exhibits, maker spaces, and outdoor play areas. Direct peer in size and exhibit philosophy, operating at a similar Northeast U.S. scale.
• Please Touch Museum: Children's museum in Philadelphia focused on hands-on learning for children ages 3-10. Direct peer in target age range (toddler through third grade) and membership/education-driven operating model.
• Boston Children's Museum: One of the oldest and largest children's museums in the U.S., with comparable exhibit-based, education-aligned programming for young children and families. Direct peer in mission and operating model.
• The Children's Museum of Indianapolis: The largest children's museum in the world, with hands-on exhibits spanning science, culture, and history. Direct peer at the upper end of the same operational category, providing a benchmark for scaled visitor programming.
• Madison Children's Museum: Single-location children's museum on a downtown waterfront (Lake Mendota) with hands-on exhibits and education programs. Direct peer in footprint, exhibit philosophy, and community anchor role.
• Port Discovery Children's Museum: Baltimore-based children's museum with three floors of interactive exhibits and similar target demographic (children 0-10). Direct peer in scale and exhibit-based learning approach.

Regional players

• Buffalo Museum of Science: Adjacent family attraction in Buffalo with a science focus and reciprocal membership offering 10% off each other's memberships. Comparable regional family-visit destination but with a different subject-matter focus.
• Buffalo Zoo: Regional family attraction in Buffalo with confirmed reciprocal partnership offering $5 off each other's memberships. Comparable audience and museum-membership ecosystem but distinct operating model (living collection vs. interactive exhibits).

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/exploremore716
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UC3x8_4duyTqcqfF8-lpOzNw
• Facebookfacebook.com/ExploreAndMore
• Instagraminstagram.com/exploremorewny
• Pinterestpinterest.com/exploreandmore716

Compliance5 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Explore & More A Childrens Museum