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

This year, Explore & More - The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Children’s Museum is focusing its ‘Give 716’ campaign efforts on rebuilding the Community Treehouse and programming.

There have been so many Western New Yorkers, community leaders, and local businesses who have asked us how they can support the museum since flood damage forced us to close the Treehouse in May.

Now is the time!

Insurance will cover a percentage of the costs, but with the planned upgrades and improvements, we will have a shortfall. Therefore…We need your help!

During the ‘Give 716’ fundraising campaign, anyone who donates $100 or more to Explore & More will be recognized within the Treehouse exhibit.

Over the past few months, we have been hard at work developing the next phase of the Community Treehouse so that when it reopens, it will be better than ever.

We are excited to share some concept sketches of the new Treehouse, designed by Buffalo Treehouse, that showcase a few of the proposed upgrades and special features. Ideas include a campfire site, a bear cave, an interactive projection waterfall and pond, and firefly effects, among other fun design elements.

When the Person Centered Services Community Treehouse first opened in February 2020, it quickly became one of Explore & More’s most beloved exhibits.

The first indoor play area of its kind in the area, the Treehouse immerses visitors in a breathtaking Western New York woodland scene, taking the concept of an inclusive outdoor playground and transporting it indoors with a whimsical twist. The Treehouse structure is accessible to everyone, including guests in wheeled mobility devices.

The Treehouse exhibit in 2020

This past May, however, the sprinkler system on the fourth floor of the museum malfunctioned, causing significant water damage to the structure. We were forced to close the exhibit immediately and our cleanup efforts are still ongoing. 

Flood damage to the Treehouse in May 2024

Thank you for your support!

The mission of Explore & More - The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Children's Museum is to provide best-in-class PLAY experiences where all children, families and the community can explore, learn and develop together.