Explore & More kicks off holiday toy drive with pay-what-you-wish admission

Explore & More – The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Children's Museum announced its open house weekend and toy drive collection Nov. 18-19.

Throughout the open house, presented by State Farm, the museum invites the community to celebrate the unofficial start of winter. On both days, there is pay-what-you-wish admission, meaning guests can choose to play at a price of their choosing, either $5, $7, $9 or $13; as always, members get in free. There will be festive activities for families throughout the museum, plus every child will go home with a free light-up gift.

Explore & More President and CEO Michelle Urbanczyk said, "This is a magical time of year for everyone, especially our children. We want to keep that magic alive – by offering discounted admission families can enjoy a day of fun, safe, hands-on play. The toy drive is our special way of giving back to our wonderful community and ensuring every child has a gift to unwrap this holiday season.”

This event also marks the launch of Explore & More's toy drive, to benefit Resurrection Life Food Pantry, a member of the WNY Holiday Partnership. The public is welcome to drop off new, unwrapped toys at the museum. The site is hoping to collect LEGO sets in honor of Kevin Hays, a longtime friend of the museum. The toy collection will continue through Dec. 12. The public is invited to drop off toys in person or to shop an Amazon Wishlist here, if they prefer.

More information on the open house can be found here.

Located in the heart of Buffalo, at Canalside (130 Main St.), Explore & More offers children and families four floors “to unlock the limitless potential in all of us.” Visit exploreandmore.org or connect on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.