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

April Chan-Tsui

I really liked this children's museum! I saw some people compare it to the one in Rochester (which we've also visited), and while this one in Buffalo is smaller and more geared toward younger children (I'd say 6 and under would be the best age range), it was still really fun to visit!

Each level has something different, with lots to see and do, including train tables, an interactive car wash, lots of pretend play, science stations, indoor and outdoor (rooftop) play areas, etc. Both our toddler and older child enjoyed themselves.

The location is also nice; after the museum, we walked along the water, visited the nearby carousel, and grabbed lunch at a local brewery.

kawai cheung

We had a wonderful time here with my 7 and 3 years old. The place is very well maintained. Toys are clean and tidy. Foods offer are reasonable prices.

Nicholas Wong

Visited the museum during weekday with 4 kids ranging from 4 to 8 years old. There is an all day parking right outside the museum for $5 but require app to pay (no machine) so if you are non-US visitor with no data plan, you will have a hard time paying for parking. There were 3 floors with many different themes in each floors. We spent about 2 hours there but certainly could be longer as we opt in to go to another locations to maximize our visit to Buffalo. Everything is interactive and hands-on. Highly recommended to bring your children here. It is very different & unique to the usual kids attractions like zoo, aquarium, museums, etc

Candice Shubbuck

We brought our 3 year old and 5 year old here, they had a wonderful time. The price is good, I do believe adults should be way cheaper than a normal admission price (my opinion). The admissions floor was really cool, our favorite was the real life car wash. Very cool and interesting, never seen anything like it. Overall, great children's museum.

Danielle Doty

Really fun. My kids all had a blast. We have ages 4-13 and everyone found stuff to do to keep them busy. A little bummed they closed early so we didn’t get as much time there as we wanted but we had fun. I also wish adults were like 1/2 price bc we don’t do anything.

James Carney

Took a group of developmentally disabled individuals here, and we had a blast. The exhibits were incredible, and the staff went out of their way to make sure our visit was fun and memorable. I highly recommend!

Caitlin Kingston

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 a bad taste.

Dorian Volsch

So great for kiddos! With tickets at only $11, I can say that I went in skeptical that it would live up to the hype. I was pleasantly surprised, and would recommend this place for anyone 7 and under. An older kiddo might have a good time if they have younger siblings to play with, but the activities are definitely aimed more toward “imagination and pretend.”

We spent a good 2 hours here going up all of the floors, and with food accessible on the ground floor, this place is a slam dunk. Plenty of seating for parents, and lots of opportunities to get involved and play with your child. Glad to have a place like this here in Buffalo!